Phase One
.artforme is an all-inclusive, portfolio-driven platform for tattoo artists and tattoo studios. Dedicated to showcasing tattoo flash and body art specifically for tattooers.
.artforme intends on solving one major problem that trickles down to additional frustrations — to save artists time and streamline client management.
.artforme - Phase One
Problems
Tattoo artists spend majority of their time using multiple platforms to communicate with clients in order to discuss tattoo design, fees, and bookings.
Solutions
Consolidate all of these platforms to be integrated into one space so that artists can spend more valued time on client drawings and flash art.
Web editors such as Squarespace and Wix offer generalized, customizable templates and limited ecommerce options specific to the tattoo booking process.
A drag-and-drop web editor that has templates specifically designed for tattoo artists (and studios), that also offers a relevant ecommerce option for flash designs and prints.
Below is a concept map summarizing some of .artforme’s key features.
.artforme’s primary users
Artists were asked questions like:
Do you have your own website? If so, did you create it or did you pay a professional?
Which web platform do you use?
How was your experience with the design process of your website?
Do clients book in their own appointment times or do you book the appointments?
How do you accept payment?
What is your process for accepting payment for a custom design and booking in your client?
What is your process for accepting payment for a flash design and booking in your client?
User Interview Takeaways
Booking process can rarely be automated and constantly requires changes and updates
It’s time consuming to constantly answer emails but also unavoidable
Many artists use e-transfer for deposits, for one because of manually booking in clients, especially if multiple session clients.
This poses an issue in waiting for payment for the client to secure an appointment
Making updates to my website isn’t always “quick and easy”
I’m not a “computer person” - limited to iPad drawing app knowledge and Instagram, that’s where it usually ends
Current web platforms still require lots of customization, specifically for how Flash artwork is showcased and “sold”
.artforme as an all-in-one platform
Design Templates
Simple and ready-to-publish templates catered to the tattoo artist.
Goal: To avoid spending time on customization, artists can just upload their artwork and use the provided content templates for FAQs, Skin Preparation, etc.
Document Templates + Email Marketing
Industry specific content and language templates that can be customized
Goal: To save artists time in writing up FAQs, policies, waiver forms, auto-responders, confirmation emails, etc.
Tattoo Flash Bookings
Streamline booking process of a flash art and allow for deposit or full amount payments.
Goal: To allow instant access to bookings and alleviate the manual booking process for both the primary users, the artists, and secondary users, their clients.
Client Profiles + Storage
Storage for client accounts and booking information all located in one place
Goal: Make it easier to convert one-time clients into returning clients by providing opportunities to earn rewards, discounts, opt-in for emails and have options for making payments.
Booking Calendar
Use the booking calendar or synch the one artists already use.
Goal: Artists have the options synch their current booking calendar and view it within .artforme, or book clients using the built-in calendar.
Integrations
Provide app plugin options for artists to maximize their ecommerce avenues.
Goal: Streamline integration for additional sales channels so artists can create and sell art and additional merch easily and efficiently.
Exploring the experience of “claiming” tattoo flash art
Photography by James Discombe via Unsplash
Why TATTOO FLASH is important for the artist
Tattoo flash is pre-designed artwork, typically drawn in the tattoo artist’s style. It is available for anyone to purchase and book in. Flash art allows artists to exercise their creative freedom, and depending on how well-known their art is, excellent additional revenue potentials.
Flash art could be available as unique one-time pieces, can be repeated, can be turned into prints, clothing, etc. Essentially it has great potential to elevate not only an artist’s brand and exposure, but also financial opportunity.
Instagram is a great marketing tool for tattoo flash art. Artists are able to share their work with their following as well as turn it into a paid advertisement. Those with a significant following can also link their flash to its corresponding landing page on their website.
This all may sound quite simple and straight forward. So what’s the next step should a client show interest in a design?
Well, this process, has the potential to be much, much more efficient.
The start-to-end booking process of flash art
DISCOVER
1. Client sees the flash design
Usually, the client comes across artist flash art on Instagram, sometimes directly on the website, if the artist has one.
LEARN
2. Client inquires about design
This is typically done via email or Instagram DM. This also usually involves a back-and-forth in correspondence with questions regarding how to book, price, dates, etc.
USE
3. Client "claims” the design
The artist usually requires a deposit fee, typically via email transfer or PayPal, etc. to secure an appointment.
GOAL
4. Client books tattoo appointment
After deposit is received, the artist sends a private link or emails date options. The client pays the remaining fee at the appointment, after their tattoo is completed.
Pain Points for Secondary User:
Too many steps to get to the appointment booking part of the process.
Pain Points for Primary User:
Booking a flash design can also be viewed as a “spontaneous” purchase and depend on time-sensitive replies.
Requires the artist having knowledge of how to embed booking link in confirmation email
This may only be an option with certain booking platforms
Requires manual involvement at nearly each step for the artist and may not be time-efficient
For multiple inquiries, artist usually has to set “response” deadline
Since process is usually first-come, first-serve, when there are multiple inquiries, the artist has to wait on official receipt of deposit fee before replying to other clients (in order to avoid returning deposit fees)
Solutions for Secondary User:
Instant visual access to typical FAQs, booking process information, pricing, etc.
Eliminates the back-and-forth process of correspondence in email threads
Instant booking calendar access once deposit fee is paid
Doesn’t have to wait for artist’s response or miss out on a “response deadline”
Solutions for Primary User:
Streamlined communication and providing instant access alleviates the pressure of responding
Client profile is automatically created in booking calendar with saved appointment and payment details (does not save payment method information)
Automatic confirmation email contains digital waiver form, automatically added to client appointment profile
Client has option to create account (allows for email opt-in, additional payment options, and can allow for completing payments at appointment session)
Coming Soon.
User Task Flows - Desktop
This will be a desktop primary platform, with a light version to complete smaller scale tasks on a mobile app, such as book and manage client appointments.
User Task Flows - iPad/Tablet
Artists use their iPad over there phone for admin purposes. The goal is to create a platform that can also operate on tablets and iPads.
Wireframes
For desktop, tablet and mobile versions.
Prototype
Desktop use will be prioritized, followed by iPad/tablet, then mobile.