South Korea Archives

March 17, 2024March 17, 2024

“Tattooing is based on mutual respect, so It’s important to find the middle point between what the customer wants and what I want,” tattoo artist Isle

Tattoo artist Isle (@1sle_tattoo) works in Korea and has been honing her craft for the past five years. We sat down for a chat about her journey, her inspiration and what’s next for her beautiful botanical tattoos…

What first made you fall in love with tattoos? Do you have a strong first memory?

I’d always wanted to get a tattoo since I was a college student. But Korea was a very conservative society at the time, and the various styles of tattoos didn’t exist like they do today. I just thought that people with the tattoos looked so cool. After college, I switched my thinking, I started to think about what I actually wanted for myself and my life.

My body is mine, and I thought I should do what I want no matter what others think.

So I got my first tattoo, and two years later, I started learning the craft. The reason I started was not because I liked tattoos, but the more I did it, the more difficult it became, and the more fun and rewarding it was. It’s the same now, five years after I started tattooing.

What made you want to become a tattoo artist?

I’ve been doing painting whole my life since I was kid. So I’ve been thinking about how I can use my paintings commercially – other than exhibiting. And I wanted to learn a technique that will never disappear.

How long have you been tattooing for and how did you practice?

I started tattooing in 2019, so it’s heading to five years now. At first, I learned tattooing from my teacher. He thought me basic skills and then I practiced on a silicon pad. I repeated it until I drew the line straight, practised with my drawing, and I got confirmation from my teacher. I did it many times, and I finally did it on the human body. It became my graduation work and my first work.

We absolutely adore your beautiful botanical style, how would you describe it?

Thank you for the compliment. In fact, I don’t just stick to botanical tattoos, I can draw anything interesting. But most interests come from nature. That’s why I’m drawing a lot of things related to nature. When I draw for tattoos, I use an iPad and a coloured pencil brush the most. Sometimes I use a watercolour brush when I want to express it in a different way. My style is hard to describe in one word, but I think it’s a mixture of asian and western paintings. Since I majored in oriental painting, I think that kind of atmosphere naturally manifests itself.

Where does your inspiration come from?

Art work, films, landscapes, everything visual. Most of the subjects are nature, and the way of expression and colour are inspired by many things such as paintings and the scenery made by light.

You’re currently based in Korea, what’s the tattoo scene like there? Do you often tattoo tourists or mostly locals?

Mostly local. Korea’s tattoo scene has grown so quickly. As I said, Korea was a very conservative about tattoos but suddenly it became a trend. A lot of tattoo artists in Korea have good skills and a unique style.

How do you like to work with your customers to bring designs to life? Is it a collaboration, or do you prefer to have full control of your work?

Normally I prefer to have full control of my work. Clients come to me believing in my paintings and abilities so I want them to trust my aesthetic. Tattooing is based on mutual respect. So It’s important to find the middle point between what the customer wants and what I want.

Do you tattoo flash pieces or mostly custom?

Mostly custom I think. I’d love to do more flash works, but it takes a lot of time. Flash designs are good because I can present more in the direction I want.

What are your hopes and dreams for the future?

I want meet a lot of clients who can make a bond with me. I want to do more big pieces and develop my skills and style. And I want to draw many paintings and maybe even put on an exhibition.

Any other thoughts on the tattoo world itself?

It’s getting more competitive. With different styles emerging and blurring the boundaries between tattooing, painting and illustration, more artists seem to be entering the field.

It’s a good thing for the clients, but I’m not sure if it’s a good thing for an artist. Tattooing is not a must, so it’s also an industry that is badly hit by the economic situation. I think it’s been tough worldwide since COVID-19. Still, I love this job and I don’t think I’m going to quit art, so I try to survive.

Do you have any plans to travel for guest spots?

Maybe Europe. Since I started this work, I have become more brave. To live in a place I don’t know well, meet various people, experience culture, etc. After going through it, it’s not as difficult as worrying about it, but I think it’s a good experience to expand my world.

Make sure to follow Isle on Instagram for more stunning botanical tattoos.

We’re always talking to amazing tattoo artists, check out our latest interviews.

December 21, 2023December 21, 2023

“Understatement and neatness are what I’m all about,” interview with tattoo artist, Foret

Tattoo artist, Foret (@foret_tattoo on Insta) is based in Itaewon in Seoul, Korea, and has been tattooing for six years now. She works out of Nandostudio. On her own body, she has just one secret hidden tattoo, and she loves creating miniature works of art for collectors who love fine line tattoos. We sat down to have a chat with her…

How did you become a tattoo artist?

When I was in college, some friends had tattoos and I was fascinated with them. My interest just grew from there…

What made you want to become a tattoo artist?

When I saw my friend’s old tattoo, I had a cheeky thought, ‘I’d do better than that’.
It was such a small curiosity, but it’s what made me start tattooing.

Did you have a background in art?

I studied art for around two years at art college.

Do you have any tattoos? Can you tell us about them…

I have a small heart-shaped tattoo on my collarbone, it sort of looks like a little dot. I got this tattoo before I learned how to tattoo. I wanted to know what it would feel like. But I also just wanted to have a small, cute tattoo – it’s like a secret tattoo that others don’t necessarily notice. I love that, like it’s something just for me.

What was the first tattoo you did on someone else?

It’s a tattoo of three small and cute people holding hands. I remember being so nervous that my hands were shaking.

How would you describe your style?

My own design, understatement and neatness are the things that represent me. When drawing, I pay attention to the each tiny part.

Would you call yourself a fine line tattooer?

I’m ashamed of the name, but I admit it.

What drew you to small, delicate tattoos?

There are many people who like small and delicate tattoos in Korea. It’s like that in any country. So I’m continuing to do a lot of small tattoos. Originally, I liked big tattoos too, but of course, I need to meet the needs of my customers. That’s what tattooing is all about.

What do you like to tattoo? Do you prefer colour or black and grey?

I like both. But if I get more tattoos on my own body, I think I’ll get them in colour. I like the vintage colour and how it looks when it becomes one with my skin after time.

What inspires you and do you have any artists you admire?

One of the tattoo artists I’m interested in these days is Cheon moon (@moon.cheon). There’s an authenticity to his work. I actually met someone with one of his tattoos and I was so jealous. You can see how much he cares about doing tattoos.

Do you have any guest spots planned?

Yes. Next year, I have guest spot plans in Hong Kong, New York, Singapore and Japan. I’m already happy and looking forward to meeting guests from each country.

What’s been your proudest moment so far?

When I felt like I was ready to teach others the craft of tattooing. I was very proud of myself when I shared with them what I’ve learnt over the years. I want to continue to help many people – without forgetting the joy of such a magical job.

Give Foret a follow on Insta @foret_tattoo

We’re always talking to amazing tattoo artists, check out our latest interviews.

December 9, 2023December 9, 2023

“I make very well-tailored custom suits and dresses and my customers wear them,” interview with tattoo artist Ogi

Tattoo artist of seven years, Ogi (@ogitattooer) currently works at Bk.ink studio in Seoul, Korea. We caught up with him to find out about his journey into the tattoo world and unique take on tattoo design…

How did you become a tattoo artist?

Korea doesn’t have any educational institutions related to tattoo education because tattooing used to be illegal. That’s why I reached out to tattooists on Facebook, I was interested to see if they could give me a tattoo masterclass. Among them was @bk_tattooer. I was able to learn tattoo from them and it was this opportunity that enabled me to become a tattooist.

What made you want to become a tattooer?

From a very young age, I loved drawing and it just came naturally to me. Due to the obligation of Korean men to join the military, I had to join when I was 20 years old. It was a time when tattoos were illegal and people with tattoos were not common. But, the military was a place where a variety of people came together and I was able to see many people with tattoos.

It was the first time I was able to see a tattoo up close. I found it really interesting that the canvas was not paper, but the human body. I was instantly fascinated by the uniqueness of the art, which was different from the art I’d seen before. At the same time, I thought, “Oh, I think I can do it better if I could do it.” From then on, I dreamed of becoming a tattoo artist.

Did you have a background in art?

I graduated from art school and majored in video design at a prestigious university. At that time, I also worked as a lecturer at an art academy for college entrance exams.

Do you have any tattoos – can you tell us about them?

I have a tattoo with a harmonious design of a statue shedding tears and a rose. It’s my first tattoo. It’s meaningful to me because it is my first tattoo, but the meaning behind this design also has a lot of meaning.

When I was in high school, I practiced drawing sculptures for 10 hours a day in order to get into the art college of my choice. This was very difficult for me. However, I endured this difficult time and was eventually able to go to the university of my choice. This tattoo expresses these things. The statue in the tattoo design represents the statue that I used to practice my drawing from. The image of the statue shedding tears represents the hard work I have done to prepare for college entrance exams and, finally, the rose represents me achieving my goal.

What was the first tattoo you did on someone else?

The first tattoo I did was for a friend of mine, a tattoo of the artwork ‘Cow’ by Korean artist Lee Jung-seob. I made the tattoo with the intention of transferring the work of a very famous Korean artist to my friend’s skin. Although I did not have a high level of skill in tattooing as I had only practiced tattooing on my leg before then, I am still satisfied with the result even now.

How would you describe your style?

For my tattoos, the most important thing is a design that flows along the muscle line of the area of the body that it’s being tattooed on. At the same time, geometric elements are used to create the beauty of blank space.

I wanted to differentiate my work from the existing traditional black and grey tattoos, with dense colouring on the skin – a style that I sometimes feel is too much for me. In this way, my customer’s unique skin colour can be brought out and harmonises well with the tattoo. It’s a style of black and grey tattooing with an understated richness and sexiness.

What do you like to tattoo?

I like tattoos of any theme. Rather than saying what motifs I like to work on, instead I like doing huge-sized tattoos that can be designed to suit each customer’s different muscle lines and body shape. To put it simply, I make very well-tailored custom suits and dresses and my customers wear them.

What inspires you. Do you have any artists you admire?

I respect a tattoo artist named Oscar Akermo. I think he is the first artist to express tattoos that are understated yet rich. They follow the flow of the human body, which I think is the most important thing when creating a design. I have been greatly inspired by him.

How can clients book in with you?

They can access my work through social media – Instagram and Facebook, and they can contact me through my email (ogitattooer@gmail.com).

Do you have any guest spots planned?

Currently I have guest spots scheduled in Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Düsseldorf and Munich in Germany.

Is tattooing underground or becoming more mainstream nowadays in South Korea?

The number of people who have an open mind about tattoos is gradually increasing, and many people are getting tattoos. More and more current Korean celebrities are seen with tattoos, too. Originally in Korea, hair dye, body exposure, and especially tattoos were regulated even for celebrities. However, these things gradually began to change one by one as public perception changed, and the same goes for tattoos. So, I think tattoos will become more and more mainstream.

What’s been your proudest moment so far?

The answer to this question comes to my mind immediately without me even having to think about it. The moment is when I see my clients happy after getting a tattoo from me. All of these moments are precious and the proudest ones for me.

Make sure you follow @ogitattooer for more amazing black and grey tattoos.

We’re always talking to amazing tattoo artists, check out our latest interviews.

November 12, 2023November 12, 2023

“Leaving a lifelong mark on someone’s body is intriguing, but it comes with a significant sense of responsibility,” interview with tattoo artist, Arar

Tattoo artist Chulwoo – AKA Arar (@tattooist_arar) – is based in Seoul, South Korea. He’s been tattooing since 2017, and has become known for his teeny tiny, super delicate tattoos with fine lines and a watercolour wash. Here the tattoo artist tells us his story about how he found tattooing in a country that hasn’t always been accepting of them…

Tell us about what made you fall in love with tattoos?

I loved illustration and aspired to work in that field. But, while browsing online one day, I stumbled upon some photos of tattoos created by a Korean tattoo artist – it was a profound revelation for me. The tattoos were incredibly small and intricately detailed, shattering my preconceived notions about tattoos.

Seeing that work made me realise the significant similarities between tattoos and illustrations. From that point on, I delved deeper into the world of tattoos, and it ultimately led me to decide to pursue a career in tattooing.

What’s your earliest memory of tattoos? Did you want them as a child?

No, I wasn’t interested in tattoos when I was young. At that time, tattoos were not yet commonplace among Koreans, so I had a bias, thinking they would only be large and somewhat intimidating. That was until I saw small and intricately detailed mini tattoos.

How long have you been tattooing for? How did you train to become a tattoo artist?

Next year marks the eighth year since I started tattooing. When I first began, I didn’t have a defined drawing style, so I spent a lot of time honing my skills. I believed that – even as a less experienced tattoo artist – if I could create uniquely creative designs that others couldn’t find elsewhere, clients would reach out after seeing my work.

Back then, I was in a situation where nothing was guaranteed, and it made me quite anxious, but drawing became a way to alleviate that anxiety. I spent roughly 10 to 12 hours drawing each day. I learned tattooing from a Korean tattoo artist. It was a three-month learning period, with one month dedicated to receiving feedback on my drawings and the remaining two months practicing on rubber sheets with a tattoo machine.

How would you describe your style of tattooing?

My tattoo style revolves around drawing small and cute elements in my own way. I cover a wide range of themes, with a focus on subjects related to family, animated characters and pets. Using thin fine lines, I create clean outlines, and I enhance the drawings with light washes of pastel watercolours.

What’s been your favourite tattoo you’ve done?

I remember the first tattoo I ever did for a client. It was a tattoo featuring geometric elements, a rabbit and flowers. Because it was my first time tattooing someone else, it held special significance for me. Additionally, she’d chosen to book with me solely because she liked my design, despite my lack of experience in tattooing. So, it carries a great deal of meaning for me.

Do you tattoo lots of tourists who’ve travelled for your work?

Yes! A large number of foreigners are visiting, especially after the end of the pandemic, as travel restrictions have eased. Guests from a variety of countries are coming in now that travel restrictions due to Covid have relaxed.

How long is your wait list? How do customers book in?

It varies depending on the timing, but I generally reply promptly when I receive a message. I don’t keep a waiting list, so if you send a message through Instagram DM @tattooist_arar that works.

What are the rules for tattooing in South Korea? Is tattooing underground or becoming more mainstream nowadays?

Back when I started tattooing, it wasn’t popular in Korea. However, now it has become so widespread and mainstream that there are even TV programs dedicated to tattoos. With the increasing fame of Korean tattoos, I’ve come to realise the impact as people from around the world are coming to Korea to get tattoos.

What’s the best way for customers to come up with an idea for you? Do you offer flash or prefer custom work?

I mostly work on custom designs. I ask clients to provide reference images or rough sketches that I can use as a starting point. Requesting visual references is essential because written descriptions might lead to a significant difference in the design direction between what I envision and what they have in mind. Therefore, I insist on detailed explanations through images.

Do you ever do guest spots?

Yes. In 2023, I travelled to several countries for the first time. In January, I visited Singapore, followed by Hong Kong in March. After that, I spent two months in Paris, Frankfurt, Berlin and London. It was truly an amazing experience.

What are your hopes and plans for the future?

I want to travel to more diverse countries for guest tattooing, and I also aspire to create new styles of designs. I hope to continually draw pictures that people will like and designs that captivate my own interest.

What’s been your proudest moment so far?

It brings me great joy to have people from abroad, who have been following me for years on Instagram, come to Korea and get tattoos from me.

What do you think about the tattoo world itself?

Tattooing is a highly captivating profession. Leaving a lifelong mark on someone’s body is intriguing, but it comes with a significant sense of responsibility.

With the growing number of talented and unique tattoo artists, I feel the need to work even harder to stand out in the field.

Make sure you follow @tattooist_arar for more miniature tattoos

We’re always talking to amazing tattoo artists, check out our latest interviews.

June 15, 2023June 15, 2023

Interview with tattoo artist Gigi

Tattoo artist Gigi (Heaji Choi) tattoos beautiful fine line tattoos from Monday Island, Seoul, South Korea. We love her one-liner tattoos and chatted to the artist about her style, journey into the tattoo world and inspirations…

How long have you been a tattoo artist?

I started tattooing in 2020, so three years now.

How did you become a tattoo artist?

I happened to see a video on YouTube where Doy, a Korean tattooist, was being interviewed about his job and life as a tattooer. Afterwards I did loads of research, searching for more information around this career. I thought it looked like an interesting career and so I began learning to tattoo.

What made you want to become one?

The act of leaving a meaningful and long-lasting piece of art on a person’s body was an attractive concept to me, it still is. That’s why I have always been respectful of tattooing and responsible.

What’s the best thing about your job?

I think meeting different people is the best thing. It is a wonderful and enjoyable experience when I meet not only Koreans but also guests from other countries

How would you describe your work?

I find the characteristics of a subject be it an object or person and express these using a flow of lines.

How do you do your one-line tattoos?

Sometimes the lines are quite complicated and the area and size of the tattoo is small, so I can’t exactly see the lines when I place a stencil. If I draw a line wrong even once, the drawing and tattoo might look a bit different. So I am often checking the design and tattoo while I work on it.

What inspires your designs?

I like to take a walk and listen to music. It seems I am inspired by seeing and feeling nature, observing objects and animals around me. Of course, I try to get inspiration by going to art galleries and exhibitions as well.

What do you like to tattoo? What would you like to do more of?

I like to make tattoos of nature, natural subjects and animals. This is what I usually do now, and I want to work on various topics in the future.

Do you have tattoos? Can you tell us about them?

I have a few small tattoos. Most of them are flowers and animals. I got some of them because they were made by my favourite artists, and I got some because I happened to see the design and I liked it so much. I love my tattoos so much!

What do you do when you’re not tattooing?

I like to do yoga. At first, I started doing it just for the physical benefit because I work a lot. But the more I did it, it seemed to help me mentally too, so it suits me really well.

What’s been your proudest career moment?

There’s one client I remember. She got a very meaningful phrase and image on her wrist. It was her first tattoo. She couldn’t take her eyes off it for a while after getting it tattooe. She was very moved and started crying, saying thank me so much.

That’s when I felt once again that this kind of work really does provide a really meaningful moment for people. Since then, I have become more serious about my work – I’m very proud to have this job.

Follow @gigi_tattooer for more adorable tattoos.

We’re always talking to amazing tattoo artists, check out our latest interviews.