The JS Disrupt 2025 event was a hub of innovation and unexpected surprises. Senior producer Maggie Nye and JS’s Becca Szkutak decided to commemorate their friendship with matching tech-themed tattoos, while Theresa Loconsolo opted for a smiling moon design. What made this even more unique was that they didn’t venture off to a tattoo shop in San Francisco, but instead got inked right on the convention floor at the Moscone Center during the event.
Amidst the showcasing of hundreds of startups in the Expo Hall, Tattd, a platform connecting tattoo seekers with suitable artists, set up a mini tattoo shop at their booth. Using generative AI, Tattd creates mock-up designs for clients, which are then matched with actual tattoo artists based on their portfolios. This innovative approach ensures that clients and artists collaborate on creating original designs that suit their preferences.
Founder Laura Schaack, with a background in leading successful startups and a passion for the arts, emphasized the importance of understanding the tattoo industry from both the client and artist perspectives. With over 900 artists on board, Tattd also provides support services like healthcare and financial advice through third-party partnerships.
The event saw JS deputy managing editor Karyne Levy getting an escape key tattooed on her arm, adding to the unique tattoo collection inspired by the tech world. Schaack highlighted the significance of having a genuine interest and experience in the tattoo industry, emphasizing the need for founders to be invested in the art form.
Throughout the three days of JS Disrupt, around 30 people decided to get inked, with a variety of designs gracing their bodies. While there was a JS logo on the flash sheet, it seems that no one took the plunge to permanently ink their love for the brand. The event was a testament to the intersection of technology, art, and creativity, showcasing how innovation can manifest in unexpected ways.
