Bang bang magic ink is a unique type of ink that has gained popularity due to its special properties. This ink is often used in magic tricks and performances to create stunning visual effects and surprise the audience. One of the main features of bang bang magic ink is its ability to change color or disappear entirely when exposed to heat or other external factors. This property allows magicians to create illusions and perform mind-boggling tricks that leave the audience amazed and wondering how it was done. The ink is typically used to write or draw on special paper or objects. The magician can then manipulate the ink by applying heat, using a special tool, or using other techniques to make it change color or disappear entirely.

How This Celebrity Tattoo Artist Created a Tattoo You Can Turn On and Off At Will

Bang Bang—who has inked the likes of Rihanna and LeBron—teamed up with research scientists to develop a new kind of light-sensitive ink.

Nearly everybody I know has at least one tattoo except me. But I am apparently not the only person without ink, because a day does not go by where my inbox does not host at least one press email declaring how to get the look, peddling tattoo stickers in the form of Hailey Bieber’s delicate hand tattoos or Pete Davidson’s more in-your-face styles. They’re meant to cater to people like me—blank canvases who still want to play along—or people who aren’t averse to tattoos, but just haven’t found one they’d be willing to commit to permanently yet.

And that’s what makes Keith “Bang Bang” McCurdy, owner of Bang Bang Tattoo Studios and very famous tattoo artist, very excited to talk to me about his latest innovation in ink. It’s so much cooler than a sticker—it's real tattoo ink that you can “turn on” or off using different wavelengths of UV and white light. He showed me on himself with a small red heart tattoo on his wrist—a few seconds of a white light flashlight and it was gone, and a few seconds in front of a UV flashlight and there it was again. Just like a spell, hence its name: Magic Ink.

Lots of tattoos here—but only the heart is Magic Ink.

Courtesy of Matt Cooney

Bang (as he's known to his friends and associates) has been quiet about Magic Ink thus far, teasing hints of it on his Instagram, showing only few VIP clients—and now me, in the literal flesh. We met at his glossy Manhattan studio—there's digital screen-wrapped entrance hall, a hovering fish tank above the staircase, poured concrete floors below. Also, lots and lots of abs. Every patron on the Tuesday afternoon of my visit appeared to be a model, or at least a music video extra. (“We get a lot of pretty people in here,” as he put it.)

Bang may be most notable for inking celebrities: Miley Cyrus, Adele, LeBron, Katy Perry, Selena Gomez, Justin Bieber. It started with Rihanna. “I met this girl who wanted a tattoo. She wanted a little word on her hip,” he said. It was during his early days working downtown. (“It was like tattoo shop, sex shop, tattoo shop, pizza shop, Papaya Dog—grimy”). It was also around the time “Umbrella” dropped, but he just knew that she was a singer, like so many people who move to NY to pursue their dreams. Rihanna liked the tattoo enough to return several times, and they became friends, which opened more doors. Naturally she was one of the first people he showed Magic Ink. Her reaction was apparently similar to mine: “What the fuck?!”

“Tattooing hasn't changed for the most part. Some of the tools have, but the particles are just essentially soot in skin,” he explained. Magic Ink changes the particles. When they are exposed to certain wavelengths of UV light, they activate. And when exposed to other wavelengths of visual field light (like white light), they deactivate. The idea came by way of a team of scientists in the Atlas Institute at University of Colorado. Doctors Carson Bruns and Jesse Butterfield had been laying the groundwork for “tech tattoos,” a way to incorporate their love of ink with biomedical benefits. The original idea behind Magic Ink was to create a “solar freckle,” something that could alert the wearer to the presence of UV light on their skin (and when it’s time to reapply SPF). “They were trying to solve this issue [that] we can't see ultraviolet—insects can—but we can't, and it's dangerous to us,” Bang explained. He immediately realized how much more there was to do with that technology creatively.

Of course, we are living in a time when tech implants and micro-chipping have gotten some bad PR. (“I hear Black Mirror a lot,” he laughed at one point.) Bang is a believer of skin being the bridge between biology and tech—skin-tech, if you will. When you hear him talk about using an AmEx tattoo to pay for things in the future, it doesn't sound too far off. But as Bang sees it, a tattoo that you can turn on and off isn't so different from regular ink. “Hundreds of millions of people in the world line up for tattoos. We already put things in the body. They just don't have abilities yet.” Bang imagines Magic Ink being used primarily for creative expression, at least for now. But he's looking into how it can be incorporated into cosmetic tattooing: microblading eyebrows you can erase or change shape, freckles you can turn on or off, eyeliner you can “put on” or “take off,” all with light-responsive encapsulated nanotech particles.

True to future-forward philosophy, Magic Ink debuted via NFT auction (sold for 100 ETH, roughly $164,00 at press time). The highest bidder is the owner of the world’s first rewriteable tattoo. Bang is now rolling out the technique with a research set of Magic Ink tattoos on different skin tones and types, mostly comprised of the studio’s artists and VIP clients, and looking to go wider in 2023.

“People love tattoos, even if they don't have tattoos. Everyone has skin; everyone has this relationship to an idea—like ‘how would I externalize what I internally feel, you know what I mean? ‘How do I do that visually that represents my style, my shape, who I am?’” And while that's always been permanent, now there's a way to make it change.

ARTISTS

Owner/ operator Keith “Bang Bang” McCurdy, named by Vogue “the most famous tattoo artist in the world”. Responsible for iconic tattoos on Rihanna, Lebron James, Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus, Cara Delevingne, Adele, Selena Gomez and countless others has recently announced the worlds first reprogrammable, rewritable, erasable tattoo nanotechnology “Magic Ink” and is positioned to reinvent the modern tattoo… again.

The magician can then manipulate the ink by applying heat, using a special tool, or using other techniques to make it change color or disappear entirely. This creates a visual spectacle that captivates the audience and adds an element of mystery and wonder to the performance. In addition to the color-changing or disappearing properties, bang bang magic ink can also be used to reveal hidden messages or drawings.

JAY SHIN

Specializes in illustrative color, fine line and single needle.

Originally from Seoul, Korea Jay became a tattoo artist six years ago after learning from his brother. Shin says, “Previously I did a lot of different jobs, but none satisfied me. I’m much happier as a tattoo artist.”

By applying heat or using other techniques, previously invisible ink can become visible, surprising the audience with unexpected revelations. Bang bang magic ink is often used in conjunction with other magic tricks and props to create a cohesive and mesmerizing performance. It can be used in conjunction with cards, coins, or other magic props to enhance the overall effect and create a sense of wonder and amazement. Overall, bang bang magic ink is a fascinating tool in the world of magic. Its ability to change color, disappear, and reveal hidden messages adds an extra layer of intrigue and astonishment to magic performances. Whether used by professional magicians or amateur enthusiasts, bang bang magic ink is sure to captivate audiences and leave them in awe of the magician's skills..

Reviews for "The Role of Color in Bang Bang Magic Ink Tattoos: Beyond Black and Grey"

- **Julie** - ★★☆☆☆

I was really excited to try "Bang bang magic ink" after all the hype surrounding it, but I was ultimately disappointed. The colors were not as vivid as I expected, and the ink tended to fade quickly, even with minimal washing. The application process was also messy and time-consuming. I found the pen to be clogged frequently, and it was frustrating to constantly have to clean and unclog it. Overall, I don't think this product is worth the price.

- **Mark** - ★☆☆☆☆

I had high hopes for "Bang bang magic ink," but it turned out to be a complete letdown. The colors were extremely dull and lacked vibrancy. Additionally, the ink smudged easily and was difficult to control during application. The pen was also uncomfortable to hold, and I found it difficult to create precise designs. The worst part was that the ink washed off after a couple of hours, so there wasn't even any longevity to the tattoos. I would not recommend this product.

- **Sarah** - ★★☆☆☆

I was unimpressed with "Bang bang magic ink" and wouldn't purchase it again. The colors appeared much lighter on my skin than they did on the packaging, and they didn't have the same popping effect as advertised. The ink also had a tendency to bleed and create blurry lines, which made the designs look messy and unprofessional. I also experienced sensitivity and irritation after using this product, which was quite bothersome. Overall, it didn't live up to my expectations in terms of color payoff and quality.

- **Alex** - ★☆☆☆☆

"Bang bang magic ink" was a waste of my money. The colors were extremely patchy and uneven when applied, and they didn't dry down properly. This led to constant smudging and smearing, which made the tattoos look messy and unattractive. The ink also had a strong chemical smell, which was quite off-putting. I had hoped for vibrant, long-lasting tattoos, but all I got was disappointment. I would advise against purchasing this product if you want quality and durability.

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