FARGO, N.D. (Valley News Live) -Tattoo artists from across the country gathered in Fargo this weekend for the Black Web Ink Tour, a three-day event centered on art, entertainment and culture. As the industry grows, artists say new technology, including artificial intelligence, is beginning to shape their work.
Tattooing, once often hidden, has become more publicly embraced.
“Everything has moved from hiding your tattoos to everything outside of your clothing,” said tattoo artist Jordan Ross, noting tattoos are now far more visible than they were two decades ago.
Cultural shift expands client base
Artists say the cultural perception of tattooing has shifted, expanding who gets tattooed.
Osi Cruz said he now tattoos a much broader range of clients than when he started, including people in fields like medicine and law, as well as pastors.
AI becomes creative tool
Artists say artificial intelligence is increasingly being used as a tool in their workflow.
Cruz said he uses AI to review his work and generate technical feedback and ideas, saying it helps him improve his craft rather than replace it.
“I see AI as a positive thing… I upload all my work and tell AI to critique me,” Cruz said. “You can get private, technical feedback. I’d rather use it for criticism and ideas rather than creating full artwork.”
Other artists say AI can help spark concepts but shouldn’t replace artistic skill.
Glen Wallis said AI works best as a starting point for ideas.
“A lot of people have shifted to AI, but as far as the art part, AI is a great starter base concept,” Wallis said, adding he prefers when clients bring AI-generated references rather than widely used images from sites like Pinterest.
He said artists often combine multiple references to create original designs.
“People bring me four different images, and we pick apart pieces from all four and come up with one design,” Wallis said, adding that relying too heavily on AI can take away from the artistry.
Industry continues to grow
Ross said the tattoo industry is expanding rapidly.
“The amount of artists that have entered this space is not just adding, it’s multiplying,” Ross said.
He said the rise of AI raises questions about the future of the industry.
“We’ll see what impact AI has over time,” Ross said.
Artists also noted that tools like ChatGPT are becoming more common in creative workflows for brainstorming and feedback.
Copyright 2026 KVLY. All rights reserved.