jakub pollág's personal tattoo machine lets you complete your own body art

jakub pollág’s personal tattoo machine lets you complete your own body art
all images courtesy of jakub pollág

designer jakub pollág has devised a personal tattoo machine that intends to democratize the body art industry. pollág, who alongside václav mlynář is one half of studio deFORM, completed the project as part of his studies at the royal college of art in london. presented at this year’s edition of designblok, prague’s annual design and fashion week, the tool allows individuals to permanently mark their own skin, or that of a friend. this DIY approach circumvents the need for a professional tattoo artist.

‘the aim is to enhance tattoos that are not about aesthetics, instead their main function is to reflect meaningful memories,’ explains pollág. ‘due to their permanent nature, it is important that they are honest and exclusive.’ the simple mechanism remains affordable through its utilization of standard components, such as sterile needles and tubes.

the tool allows individuals to permanently mark their own skin, or that of a friend

pollág states that the project’s primary goal is to give the user a quality tool that is both safe and affordable. the set contains all necessary parts, permitting its users to create their chosen image immediately. as well as outlining various types of imagery, the machine can also shade, allowing DIY-tattooists to fill in relatively large areas of ink.

the simple mechanism remains affordable through its utilization of standard components

rubber gloves and antiseptic lotion are provided

the machine can also shade, allowing tattooists to fill in relatively large areas of ink

the final result spells out bold initials

the DIY approach circumvents the need for a professional tattoo artist

the project’s primary goal is to give the user a quality tool that is both safe and affordable

a royal ceremonial sword once given tohigh ranking warriors in benin

a collection of handmade tattoos

the set contains all necessary parts, permitting its users to create their chosen image immediately

the text reads as ‘do it’ in korean

this tattoo is a simple line leading from index finger to thumb

ilona from illustrators tomski & polanski designed a bespoke exhibition piece using the machine

ilona’s sketchbook, detailing her drawings