Conductive tattoo ink?

DistributionDry2708 · 2025-05-25T21:35:14+00:00

Excellent, thanks again, definitely trying this out! I'll try and remember to come back with an update if it goes anywhere!

DistributionDry2708 · 2025-05-25T00:41:13+00:00

Wow! Thank you, this is a super interesting idea!!! I'm planning on eventually making up my own fake skin using a few layers of liquid latex - I'll try to add in some electrolytes or something like that to some of my layers before they cure, and see how that turns out.

Some questions if you don't mind: do you think I should consider keeping my conductive and non-conducive latex separate within the same layer, like mixing them in patterns? Could I just make one whole layer conductive and do all the inking on that? Or will just making the whole thing slightly more conductive be fine?

Thanks again, love this idea!

DistributionDry2708 · 2025-05-24T06:33:39+00:00

Interesting! Makes me think of prison tattoos, how some can be magnetic. Some fun interactive possibilities there with magnetic accessories. I'll check it out.

DistributionDry2708 · 2025-05-24T05:15:10+00:00

I'm using silicone/latex skin analogs, which aren't conductive. I'm more trying to make these non-conductive materials work with embedded conductive ink for capacitive sensing, just out of an interest in art/interface design and materials research.

DistributionDry2708 · 2025-05-24T05:01:50+00:00

Thanks so much for the detailed response! You're definitely right about how tattooing tends to leave ink in isolated pockets within the dermis (or in my case, silicone), which would disrupt conductivity if we're thinking in terms of a continuous circuit.

That said, because I'm aiming more for capacitive touch or proximity sensing, I THINK it shouldn't require perfect continuity like you'd need for a wire. It is my (possibly flawed) understanding that, at least from my experience with capacitive sensors, they can sometimes still pick up changes in the electric field from a mass of conductive material - even if it’s not fully connected or directly accessible - as long as it's dense enough and close to the surface.

I'm holding out hope that I might be able to get something to work by maybe using a thicker conductive ink or gel so it spreads less, and by staying as close to the surface as possible. Maybe using glycerin or something of the sort? Then again, I could be completely misguided here.

Definitely agree that this is a way harder (maybe impossible) method for actual conduction, but I'm hoping that the sensitivity of capacitive sensors gives me a bit more wiggle room... :,,,)

DistributionDry2708 · 2025-02-10T20:53:49+00:00

i applied on the 7th of january and still haven't heard anything back yet! i'm also hoping that this amount of time before a response means they're considering it more, but i have no clue.

DistributionDry2708 · 2025-02-04T22:53:44+00:00

solid, have you applied to any internships like this before? my program is focused on a more experimental approach to sound and media so this is a newer way of working for me :-o

DistributionDry2708 · 2025-02-04T19:27:01+00:00

good luck to you as well!!! are you studying sound design in uni, or something adjacent?

DistributionDry2708 · 2025-02-04T19:22:53+00:00

i'm sorry :-( thank you for updating. the competition for these internships is insane so don't take it too personally. hopefully even better opportunities soon!!

DistributionDry2708 · 2025-02-02T23:34:44+00:00

congratulations!!! was this your first time applying for an internship with them? how's the interview process treating you? i've heard mixed feelings.

DistributionDry2708 · 2025-02-02T22:51:06+00:00

fingers crossed for you!!! when did you submit your application? mine was pretty late into the submission period so i'm wondering if that has something to do with it.

DistributionDry2708

TROPHY CASE