23/01/2026
Let's dive into how we can use AI to respectfully revive a piece of cultural heritage and create a template, like the intricate face tattoos of the Kivori women from Central Province. .
Here's the straightforward workflow, blending history with modern tools like Photoshop and AI generators (Stable Diffusion and Google Gemini).
1. Start with a Symmetrical Reference: We had to use A.I to generate a front-facing shot of the subject’s face, making sure the tattoos stay true to form.
2. Restore for Clarity: We then asked A.I again to restore the old photograph, adding details and colour to the subject. The goal? Make those tattoos shine as if they were inked yesterday, pulling out every line and pattern.
3. Extract as a Vector Template: This is the core move. A.I was asked to generate a vector format of the face tattoo. Vectors keep everything scalable and editable, so you can adapt them perfectly without losing quality.
4. Build or Select a Model: We then Generated a neutral (PNG Woman) face model via AI.
5. Apply the Template: We then Layered the vector template onto the model's face in Photoshop. Warp it to fit the contours, blend with skin textures, and adjust for natural shadows. It should look seamlessly integrated, like it's part of the skin.
6. Refine with AI for Realism: Finally we ran the final composite through A.I again to add depth and give it lifelike details.
This approach not only preserves cultural elements like Kivori tattoos but also shows how AI can make history accessible and engaging.
