Dokhwa (@lookatthe_dokhwa) creates incredible pet portraits at 369ink.studio in South Korea.We chatted to the artist about her journey into the tattoo world, inspirations and future plans…
DokhwaDog tattoo by Dokhwa
How long have you been tattooing and how did you get started in the industry? I’ve been tattooing for five years. It all started with a friend who had a lot of tattoos on his body, that’s how I became interested in them. Also when I got my first tattoo, the artist who gave me the tattoo looked really cool, that piqued my interest so much so that I decided to become a tattoo artist!
To see paintings on a body rather than paper was really cool. So I decided to become a tattoo artist.
What inspired you to become an artist? It was painting and my love for finding a variety of paintings and artistic styles. Hyperrealism in particular inspired me a lot and made me fall into tattooing and the art world even more.
Do you have a background in art? No, I have no experience in art. So while I was working, I would draw and paint as much as I could – whenever I had time.
How would you describe your style? My tattoo style is realism, my tattoos show almost every detail of the subject. They’re like a picture. In fact I try my best to make them exactly like the pictures I see or the ones my clients bring to me.
What drew you to colour tattoos? I was doing black work tattooing when I started. However I soon became interested in the work of an artist who does colour tattoos. It felt so different to black ink tattoos, so I started to do colour tattoos too.
You tattoo a lot of pet tattoos, can you tell us about these? I like pets! That’s why I do a lot of pet tattoos. When I finish the tattoo my customers feel like they always have their pets with them I like to see my clients happily looking at their pet tattoos.
What inspires your designs? I take inspiration from a lot of things – movies, books, other artists’ work, etc. I think I get the most inspiration from seeing a lot of paintings.
What do you like to tattoo and what would you like to do more of? I like to make pet tattoos, but I also like portrait tattoos. So I want to do more portrait style tattoos, as I like to create the details of the person I am turning into a portrait tattoo.
How do you see your tattoos evolving in the future? I think my tattoos will evolve naturally as I start to focus on more portrait tattoos. I want to make a design by mixing various themes such as portraits, collages and pop art. So I can add even more details.
What was the first tattoo you did? My first tattoo was a whale. It was a very simple black whale, but it took a long time. It’s a tattoo I never forget about and I won’t forget the experience of making it either.
Do you still like your first tattoo? How has your tattooing style developed since then? Yes, I like it! It was my first tattoo and it’s still really meaningful. Since then, I have practiced a lot more and tried various styles of tattooing – old school, black and grey and colour realism. After a lot of trial and error I found I was interested in colour reaslism, which is what I’ve been doing.
Where’s been your favourite place to travel and tattoo? I think it’s Amsterdam. When I worked in Amsterdam, there were so many customers who liked my style and my tattoos. And I love to see works of art, so I really loved it when I went to the art museum.
Do you have any travels or guest spots planned? Not yet. But I want to go to Istanbul in the future. The tattoo studio I want to go to the most is in Istanbulm it’s filled with so many talented artists. I look forward to going there as soon as I can.
What’s the tattoo scene like where you are? There are so many talented artists in Korea. So everyone tries really hard on their craft. Tattoos are still illegal in South Korea, so we’re not legally protected. There are, however, artists in Korea who are campaigning for legalisation.
What do you do when you’re not tattooing/drawing? I recharge and regain my energy by watching movies and exercising or spending my own time. I think maintaining my health is important, especially for my work, so I try and keep looking after myself.
What moment in your career are you most proud of? I participated in a tattoo convention with the artists who work in the same studio as me. That was when I felt really proud. Especially as it was my first tattoo convention and a lot of people were interested in and liked my work. I got a lot of experience and learnt a lot.
Arirang (@tattooist_arirang) works in his own tattoo studio in Seoul, South Korea where he makes beautiful painting-like tattoos. We caught up with the tattoo artist to find out more about his aesthetic, journey into the tattoo world and beautiful brush work tattoos..
How long have you been tattooing and how did you get started in the industry? My journey to becoming a tattoo artist has been marked by a series of twists and turns, fueled by a deep and abiding curiosity about the world and a persistent search for my own true passion. As a young person, I struggled to find my footing and often felt adrift, unsure of what direction to take in life.
Despite the uncertainty, I remained determined to explore my options, taking on a variety of different jobs and experiences in an effort to discover my true calling. However, my physical and financial health began to suffer, and I knew that I needed to make a change.
It was during this challenging time that I began to reflect deeply on what truly sparked joy and fulfillment in my life, and I came to the realisation that tattooing was a craft that held a special allure for me. With a sense of newfound purpose, I made the decision to pursue my passion, saving up money by working at a construction site and enrolling in tattooing classes to hone my skills.
Since embarking on this journey, I have discovered a deep and abiding love for the art of tattooing, finding fulfillment and satisfaction in the act of creating unique, meaningful designs that carry a deep personal resonance for my clients.
Through my work as a tattoo artist, I have found a sense of direction and purpose that has allowed me to thrive both creatively and personally, and I look forward to continuing to explore the endless possibilities of this incredible craft in the years to come.
What inspired you to become an artist? My artistic journey has been a dynamic and ever-evolving process, fueled by a complex interplay of personal passion and a deep fascination with the inner workings of the human psyche. At its core, my inspiration to become an artist can be traced back to my abiding interest in the mysteries of the human mind and the emotional complexities that drive our thoughts and behaviors.
My path to becoming an artist began with a simple passion for drawing, which eventually led me to pursue a career in tattooing. However, it was not until I began interacting with the diverse array of people who sought out my services that I truly began to understand the power of art to touch people’s lives in profound and meaningful ways.
Through countless conversations and interactions with my clients, I came to realise the deep-seated emotions and personal stories that underlie the decision to get a tattoo, from the light-hearted and whimsical to the deeply personal and sometimes painful.
In response, I sought to create art that not only captured the individuality and uniqueness of each client’s vision but also served as a means of healing and transformation. As I continued on my artistic path, I discovered that the process of creating and sharing my art had a profound effect on me as well as my clients, imbuing me with a sense of purpose and strength that carried me forward in my career. In this way, my artistic inspiration has become a mutually reinforcing cycle of creativity and connection, driven by a deep commitment to the transformative power of art and the human experience.
Do you have a background in art? Despite my early affinity for art, I was regrettably forced to relinquish my passion during my high school years due to familial financial constraints. This decision was not an easy one, as my artistic inclinations had been evident since my formative years, having been encouraged by supportive instructors from kindergarten through elementary school.
During my time in middle school, a teacher recognised my potential and suggested that I pursue gifted education, which would have been a significant stepping stone in my artistic development. Alas, the financial burden of such a program was too great for my family to bear, and I was unable to pursue this opportunity.
As a result, I never had the privilege of receiving formal art education, which has often been a source of frustration for me. However, this did not deter my passion for artistic expression, and I continued to nurture my creative inclinations through self-study, experimentation, and a commitment to honing my craft through practice and hard work.
My journey as an artist has been unconventional, to say the least, and it has required a great deal of determination and resilience. Despite the lack of formal training, I have remained steadfast in my pursuit of artistic excellence, drawing inspiration from a diverse range of sources and using every opportunity to refine my skills and deepen my understanding of art and design.
While the absence of professional art education has presented its share of challenges, it has also given me a unique perspective and approach to my work, and has ultimately served as a source of motivation to push myself further and achieve my artistic goals through perseverance and dedication.
How would you describe your style? My aesthetic sensibilities are centered around a profound appreciation for the beauty of softness. There is something particularly alluring and captivating about the delicate and subtle elements of design that are often overlooked by others. In my creative process, I am constantly seeking to imbue my work with a sense of tenderness, a quality that speaks to the human spirit and taps into our shared humanity.
One of the key motivations behind my work is the desire to create garments that not only make individuals look their best, but also have a therapeutic effect on the wearer. I strongly believe that clothing has the power to transform our moods and emotions, and as such, I strive to create pieces that can uplift and inspire the people who wear them.
Moreover, my approach to design is informed by a deep respect for the human form and a keen understanding of how different materials can accentuate its contours and features. I am particularly drawn to the use of tattoos, which I believe can be harnessed to create an aesthetic that is both elegant and striking. My aim is to leverage the inherent beauty of tattoos to create a sense of quiet strength and poise in the wearer, as opposed to the more traditional, confrontational approach to body art.
My style is defined by a sensitivity to the nuances of design, a commitment to therapeutic principles, and a unique perspective on the role of tattoos in fashion.
You tattoo a lot of brush stroke tattoos, can you tell us about these? My artistic style is deeply rooted in my love for the tactile sensation of the brush, which I find to be an incredibly versatile and expressive medium. From a young age, I was captivated by the raw energy and intensity of the brush, which allowed me to create bold, dynamic strokes that conveyed a sense of power and emotion.
However, my attraction to the brush is not solely based on its forceful nature. In fact, one of the things that draws me to this medium is the subtle nuances and delicacies that can be conveyed through a single curve or line. With the brush, even the slightest variation in pressure or angle can produce a dramatically different effect, imbuing each stroke with a unique sense of character and depth.
As a tattoo artist, I have found that the feel of the brush is particularly well-suited to the art of body ink, as the flow and movement of the design can be shaped and molded to fit the curves and contours of the human form. The soft, flowing feel of the brush allows me to create designs that feel organic and natural, seamlessly integrating with the lines and curves of the body.
My passion for the feel of the brush is born out of a deep appreciation for its versatility, expressiveness, and ability to convey a broad range of emotions and sensations through the delicate interplay of strokes and curves. It is a medium that continues to inspire and challenge me in my work as a tattoo artist, and I look forward to exploring its endless possibilities in the years to come.
How do you create the paint like texture in your work? Creating paint-like texture in artwork requires a thorough understanding of how to use various paint textures, densities, and techniques to achieve the desired effect. By experimenting with different brush strokes, paint densities, and the amount of water used, artists can create a wide range of paint textures that can be used to add depth, dimension, and character to their work.
One technique for creating texture is to use a dry brush or a brush with less ink, which can produce a rough, grainy texture that is perfect for creating a variety of effects. Alternatively, using a lot of water in the brush can produce a smooth and fluid texture, which can be ideal for blending colours together seamlessly or creating a soft, misty effect.
What inspires your designs? As an artist, the sources of inspiration for my designs are numerous and varied. I draw creative influence from a wide range of people, experiences, and cultural artifacts, as well as from my own internal emotional landscape. My designs are informed by everything from the mundane details of daily life to the grandest and most profound moments of human experience.
Does your heritage influence your art? As an artist of Korean heritage, my cultural background has certainly had a significant influence on my creative process and artistic output. Korean culture is known for its rich history and unique artistic traditions, including intricate patterns, bold colours and stylised depictions of nature and everyday life.
Korean culture is known for its use of specific colours, including vibrant red, blue, and yellow hues. These colours have particular cultural significance and are often used to convey a sense of energy, vitality, and passion. I find myself drawn to the rich, bold qualities of these colours, and often use them in my own work to create a sense of dynamism and intensity.
My Korean heritage has also influenced the subject matter of my work. Korean art often depicts elements of nature, such as birds, flowers, and landscapes, and these themes have become an important part of my own artistic vision. Whether through tattoo designs or other visual mediums, I find myself drawn to the beauty and complexity of the natural world, and seek to capture its essence in my work.
I believe that my Korean heritage has had a profound influence on my artistic vision, creative process, and visual output. By drawing on the rich artistic traditions of my culture and blending them with my own unique perspectives and experiences, I am able to produce work that is both culturally specific and universally resonant.
Can you tell us about the process behind your tattoos? As a tattoo artist, I believe that collaboration with clients is crucial to creating truly unique and meaningful body art. During the initial consultation, I make a point to discuss the client’s vision for their tattoo, exploring their creative preferences, stylistic influences, and personal history to ensure that the final design is a reflection of their unique personality and style.
To bring these visions to life, I work with clients to experiment with different designs, colour schemes, and placement options, carefully considering their individual characteristics and artistic preferences. Once the design is finalised, I use a stencil or transfer to carefully apply the design to the skin, taking care to ensure that it is aligned and proportional to the client’s body.
During the tattooing process, I use a range of specialised techniques and tools to meticulously apply ink to the skin, creating a highly detailed and precise design that fulfills the client’s expectations. This process can involve everything from shading and colour blending to line work and specialist equipment to achieve certain effects.
After the tattoo is complete, I provide clients with detailed aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing and maintenance of their body art. This can include advice on cleaning, moisturising, and protecting the tattooed area, as well as guidance on avoiding certain activities or exposures that could damage the tattoo.
Overall, each tattoo that I create is highly individualised, taking into account the unique characteristics and preferences of each client. By working collaboratively and creatively with my clients, I am able to create highly personalised and meaningful works of body art that reflect their unique personalities, histories, and styles.
What do you like to tattoo and what would you like to do more of? I get inspiration from a variety of subjects. Tattoo art allows me to interpret and bring to life objects, people, and even intangible concepts. I love working with clients to create custom tattoos that reflect their style and personality. I adore using bold colours, precise line work, subtle shading, and tonal variations to bring these drawings to life. I love working with clients on fresh and challenging projects, but certain topics inspire me. I like designs with animals, plants, and landscapes, as well as abstract or intellectual subjects.
I want to try new tattoo art challenges that push the limits. I love trying various colour palettes, shading techniques, and cultural and historical design influences. I believe tattoo art is a deeply personal and expressive form of creative expression, and I feel honoured to help clients realise their artistic aspirations.
I love taking on new challenges and creating unique and inspired body art, whether it’s portraying nature’s beauty or exploring abstract and conceptual topics.
How do you see your tattoos evolving in the future? As a tattoo artist, my work is always evolving and changing, reflecting my own artistic growth and the shifting trends and influences within the wider tattooing community. I believe that as I continue to develop my own artistic vision, my tattoos will become increasingly nuanced and refined, incorporating new techniques and styles that allow me to express my ideas in complex and intricate ways.
Additionally, I am excited to see how the wider tattooing community will continue to evolve, and I am committed to staying current and up-to-date on the latest trends and techniques. As I continue to develop my artistic style and technique, my tattoos have taken on a distinct character that reflects my own creative vision and personal interests. At the same time, I am always attentive to the needs and visions of each client, ensuring that every tattoo is a truly unique and exceptional piece of body art.
What was your first tattoo? My first tattoo is a very sloppy cartwheel.
Do you still like it? Yes, I still love my first tattoo. While I understand that to some, these types of tattoos may not look very impressive, to me, this particular design holds a special place in my heart. In fact, I put a lot of time and effort into perfecting this design, even though it may not look like it at first glance. There are a total of 19 lines inside the round tyre, and each one was an experiment in different techniques, which I carefully recorded in a notebook and observed. Despite the imperfections in the final design, I love the earnestness and passion that I poured into this tattoo. It represents an important moment in my artistic journey, and serves as a reminder of the hard work and dedication that goes into every tattoo that I create.
How has your tattoo collection developed since then? Since my first tattoo, my collection has continued to develop and evolve, with many of the tattoos on my body being self-tattoos that were the result of my experimentation with new needles and inks. I have also traded tattoos with friends, further expanding my collection and providing me with new opportunities to experiment with different designs and techniques.
In the future, I am eager to continue exploring new and exciting tattoo designs, whether through experimentation or by finding tattoos that I particularly admire and want to add to my collection.
For me, tattoos are not just about the final product, but about the journey of creative exploration and self-expression that goes into each and every piece.
Ultimately, my tattoo collection is a reflection of my own artistic journey and personal interests, and I look forward to continuing to add to it over time, exploring new designs and techniques and pushing the boundaries of what is possible with tattoo art.
Where’s been your favourite place to travel and tattoo? My favourites are USA and Australia. I felt a lot of emotions there and it is a thankful space that has helped me grow.
Do you have any travel or guest spots planned? Yes, I would like to travel to the U.S. and I am planning on working there.
What’s the tattoo scene like where you are? It seems normal here. I think it’s somewhere in between, neither bad nor good.
What do you do when you’re not tattooing/drawing? I meet friends or go camping. After working non-stop for a long time, I sometimes travel. It’s so nice to have a relaxed mind because I think it’s the most important thing.
What moment in your career are you most proud of? One particular moment in my career as a tattoo artist is etched in my memory as the most meaningful and rewarding. It was when a dear friend of mine, who had endured the pain of a suicide attempt, came to me with a wound. Instead of concealing the wound, I decided to use my art to create a staircase tattoo on it. My intent was to symbolise his journey of recovery, growth, and transformation, with the staircase as a powerful metaphor for the steps he would take towards healing.
To witness the impact of the tattoo on my friend’s life was beyond what I could have ever imagined. It went beyond just being a work of art, but it became a symbol of hope, resilience, and determination. He was no longer ashamed of his wound, but instead, he took pride in it and wore it as a badge of honor.
For me, this experience was a defining moment in my career, as it reminded me of the power and responsibility of art to inspire, heal, and transform people’s lives. It reaffirmed my belief that tattooing is not just skin deep, but it can penetrate to the soul and help people navigate the darkest of moments. It’s moments like these that make me feel proud to be a tattoo artist, and it gives me a sense of purpose to continue using my art for the greater good.
27-year-old tattoo artist Sion works at Vism studio in L.A. We chatted to the artist about herinfluences, beautiful knot tattoos and desire to follow the natural curve of the body with her tattoos…
How long have you been tattooing and how did you get started in the industry? I was based in Seoul when I first started tattooing, now I’m in LA. It’s been around 10 years. Growing up, I was exposed to tattoo culture through the influence of my tattooist mother. I believe this naturally inspiredd me to start my career as a tattoo artist. Before this, I was a student.
What inspired you to become an artist? Do you have a background in art? Although I didn’t have any art related career or background in art before I got into tattooing, I gained interest in the world of tattoo thanks to my mother. Ever since then, I’ve worked hard to become a tattooist with a unique style.
How would you describe your style? What drew you to colour tattoos? My tattoos hold the story of our daily lives, fond memories, and relationship between individuals. These are all expressed through my work in the style of Korean traditional elements – main being the ‘norigae’. I believe creating the most natural flow that suits each individual’s body and its curves is important.
Each colour holds a different symbolic meaning in Asian culture and as I put a lot of emphasis into the significance, colour tattoos became my signature style as well.
You tattoo a lot of knot tattoos, can you tell us about these? The main elements that I use in my design are traditional knots and strings. Korean traditional knot symbolizes Korea’s native spirit of relationship between individuals (Yinyeon, 인연).
I think knots that are intertwined with flowing strings resemble our lives and their unique stories. I want to express each and every story my clients bring to me by intertwining their special memories and elements that they are fond of with the knots.
What inspires your designs? Does your heritage influence your art? Of course! I grew up very close to Korean culture and its stories, architecture and clothing (Hanbok). I believe this has influenced my style a lot.
Can you tell us about the process behind your tattoos Although it’s important for the tattoo to be made with my own artistic insights (designs, composition and elements etc), it’s equally important for my clients to be fully satisfied with the end result.
To achieve this, I make sure to deep dive into my client’s needs through thorough discussion and also make revisions on the day of the appointment after adjusting the size and the flow of the design on the client’s body.
Precision and hygiene is also key in terms of the actual tattooing, which I believe all tattoo artists also put extra effort into.
What do you like to tattoo and what would you like to do more of? I like tattoos that naturally flow with the placement while maintaining the significance of each element. For this reason, I am working hard on creating designs that are more tailored to the structure of the body and I will continue to do this in the future.
How do you see your tattoos evolving in the future? I want to continue to listen to all my client’s stories and express them in my designs, learn from each other’s experiences, and gain understanding of various cultures.
Where’s your favourite place to travel and tattoo? I personally love traveling to places where there are strong and unique natural and architectural characteristics. One of my goals is to travel to various places around the world as much as possible.
Do you have any travels or guest spots planned? Traveling to various places is a joy of my life! As I’ve recently moved to LA, I don’t have plans for the guest work at the moment but it would be great if I can get the opportunity in the near future.
What was your first tattoo? Do you still like it? How has your tattoo collection developed since then? My first tattoo is from my mother and it’s a word tattoo that includes a phrase of my favourite poem. It’s not in a place where it’s visible but it’s good to be reminded of the poem that I like from time to time! After this tattoo, I have been getting tattoos that encompass the memories I wanted to capture at a certain time, or from artists that I like.
What do you do when you’re not tattooing/drawing? Since I was a child, I have been fascinated by traditional culture. So I watch a lot of historical dramas and movies. I also deep dive into and study the field that I get hooked on. Besides this, I also like playing games to chill my brain!
What moment in your career are you most proud of? Though each and every moment is special, I am most proud of myself when my loved ones, especially my parents who show endless support, are also proud of me and the work I’ve done.
Korean tattooist Sodam has 17 years of experience and operates a private studio in Seoul and Anyang. We chatted to the artist about his journey into the industry, creating tattoos that fit his personality and inspirations…
How long have you been a tattoo artist, and how did you start in the industry? With 17 years of experience in the field and reflecting on my journey, I realise I have dedicated half of my life to this profession. Prior to delving into tattooing, I served as an instructor at an art preparatory school where I guided students in the intricacies of pencil sketching. It was during this time that I developed an interest in creating sculptures of Greek and Roman mythology, which has since evolved into a passion for designing realistic statue tattoos.
Balancing my studies and work proved challenging, prompting me to seek an activity that I could pursue solely on weekends. This lead me to explore the world of tattooing. However, at the time, the Korean tattoo market was nascent and lacked educational institutions and supply shops. Undeterred, I serendipitously acquired equipment and embarked on a path of self-study.
Like many of my peers who started around the same time, I gained knowledge and skills by scouring internet communities, and we progressed together. Over time, we persevered and our passion for tattooing has endured to this day.
What inspired you to become an artist? Do you have a background in art? Since my childhood, I have been enamored with drawing, which was initially sparked by my passion for Japanese comics. I recall spending all of my pocket money from my parents on comic books, attesting to the intensity of my love for them.
During high school, I attended a comic academy and discovered the possibility of studying fine arts as a profession. I then pursued a major in visual design at university, initially intending to specialise in 3D animation or motion graphic design. It was not until my third year of college that my interest in tattooing burgeoned, prompting me to take it up as a minor. I became increasingly engrossed in drawing, ultimately leading me to embrace a career as a professional tattoo artist 17 years ago. Moving forward, my aspiration is to continue pursuing this fascinating profession.
How would you describe your style? What lead you to making colour tattoos? In general, I have a lyrical painting style. I like illustrations of pets, flowers, and butterflies that are cute but not intense. In the past, I used to create works with intense graphics such as black and grey, traditional, neo-traditional, and Irezumi styles.
However, the newer styles of tattoos that I hadn’t seen before began to stand out to me as social media developed. These tattoos felt fresh and new to me, so I started to try them out and I realised that they fit well with my personality. I express tattoos not only in black but also in colour. The feeling is very different between black and colour.
Black gives a calm and subtle feeling, while colour gives a flashy and dynamic feeling to the designs. I make tattoos following the direction that the customer wants, so there is no big reason or motivation behind making these tattoos. It just happened naturally.
What inspires your designs? Does your heritage have an impact on your art? My creative inspiration draws from an eclectic range of sources, such as natural elements, man-made objects, photographs, paintings, and other items that could be beautifully translated onto the skin. Whenever I encounter a striking image online or during my travels, I instinctively save it, contemplating its potential as a tattoo design. By gathering a diverse array of visuals, I am able to generate fresh and varied tattoos, transcending any particular style.
Consequently, I have no singular style that can neatly define my portfolio.
Rather, it is a compendium of diverse images, reflecting my passion for designing personalised tattoos. Engaging in meaningful dialogue with my clients is critical in transforming their vision into a beautiful and unique tattoo.
When fellow artists ask me about my style, I simply respond that my style is what looks stunning on the body.
Can you tell me about your tattooing process? When my clients approach me for a consultation, they usually present their preferred tattoo design, often drawing it themselves and offering a detailed explanation. I engage in an extensive conversation with my clients to fully comprehend their vision and make the design as stunning as possible. This exchange often sparks new ideas, providing me with inspiration to create a distinctive design. Following our conversation, I commence working on the design.
To ensure optimal results, I prefer to separate the design process from the tattoo work. Combining both in a single day can be demanding and compromising my concentration. Thus, I focus on designing the tattoo first, allowing the client to review and provide feedback, and then schedule a different day to commence the tattoo work. This approach offers comfort and convenience for both me and my clients.
What kind of tattoos do you like and what would you like to do more of? While it’s difficult to choose just one, my current favourite tattoo style is frame tattoos. This distinctive style involves creating unique designs within shapes such as squares or circular hearts, resulting in striking and dynamic images. During my recent European tour, I noticed that it was the most popular style amongst my clients. Inspired by this, I have been actively developing this style further.
In addition, I particularly enjoy designing tattoos featuring dogs and cats. As a pet owner myself, the process of drawing animals brings me a sense of tranquility and fulfillment. I’m delighted that many of my clients also request this style of tattoo.
Moving forward, I hope to explore and experiment with landscape frame tattoos. I believe that the exquisite beauty of landscapes and illustrations can be conveyed through tattoos, particularly with the use of vibrant and captivating colours.
What do you think will be the future of your tattooing? In the future, I aspire to participate in numerous conventions and guest spots, both in Korea and internationally, to meet with admirers of my work. Through these events, I aim to establish connections with fellow artists and clients, while further refining and advancing my tattooing skills. By persevering with my hard work and dedication, I am confident that I will create more sophisticated and exceptional tattoos.
With every opportunity that comes my way, I will continue to push the boundaries of my creativity, producing tattoos that resonate with my clients and myself.
What’s your favourite place to travel and to make tattoos? During my travels, I have been fortunate to have visited a range of destinations, including Paris, Lyon, Montpellier, Geneva, Lausanne, Zurich, Karlsruhe, Liege, London, and Melbourne. Each location has left me with fond memories, from the diverse landscapes and friendly artists at guest spots to the amiable customers encountered.
Of all the places visited, Zurich stands out as a particularly impressive location. The guest spot in Zurich was exceptionally well-maintained, surpassing that of all other locations. The captivating view of the lake and the snow-capped mountains of the Alps, visible from a distance, never failed to bring a sense of joy. However, given the high cost of living in Zurich, it is my opinion that visiting for a short period would be preferable to residing there permanently.
Do you have any future travel plans? Since the COVID-19 pandemic subsided, I have been fortunate enough to travel to various locations, where my tattoos have been well-received and I have had the pleasure of meeting new acquaintances. This has opened up new opportunities for me, resulting in an increasing number of shops inviting me to work with them.
While I plan to stay in Korea for some time, I have not seen my family in a while and miss them dearly. If given the chance, I would love to travel with them and showcase my tattooing skills. I hope to provide my children with a broader perspective on the world and demonstrate the excitement and coolness of my profession in the process. In addition to expanding my network, these trips have been valuable experiences, allowing me to connect with people who appreciate my craft and spend time with like-minded colleagues in different settings.
What was your first tattoo? Do you still like it? How has your tattoo collection developed since then? My initial experience with tattoos involved a black and gray angel design, which I personally created and my friend turned into a tattoo during their apprenticeship. It was a generous gesture on their part, as they did not charge me for their services. We carried out the procedure at my home and this occurred 18 years ago, making the tattoo considerably aged. Nonetheless, I have chosen not to conceal it as it was a cherished gift from my friend.
Subsequently, I obtained an old school snake tattoo on one leg, with a sword and skull flower incorporated into the design. On my other leg, an owl tattoo was inked. Although my desire is not for old school tattoos, I intend to accumulate more of this particular style, aiming for a comprehensive coverage of my body with such designs.
What’s the tattoo scene like where you are? The tattoo industry in Korea is undeniably competitive, with a vast number of talented artists showcasing their work. This stiff competition has led to the emergence of numerous exceptional tattooists, and despite the relatively brief history of tattoos in Korea, the status of Korean tattoo artists continues to ascend.
When I first began my career, there were no formal institutions dedicated to tattoo education. However, nowadays, many shops are offering training programmes, making it much easier for new and aspiring tattoo artists to find and develop their skills. I am constantly inspired by these emerging talents, and I continue to work diligently to refine my craft.
What do you do when you’re not drawing tattoos/graphics? During my free time, I enjoy spending quality moments with my family and pursuing my personal hobbies. I particularly relish engaging in active pursuits, but I also savour the occasional relaxation of watching dramas or movies, playing games, and even practicing my DJing skills.
Though I’m a novice DJ, I still feel a bit bashful performing in front of others. Nonetheless, I occasionally yearn for the thrill of being on stage, and I plan to take on this challenge once I feel more confident in my DJing abilities. When it comes to music, I have a wide range of preferences beyond the tattoo style that I specialise in, including hard techno, hard core, hip hop, and other fast and intense genres like trap.
What has been your proudest moment in your career so far? Winning first runner-up in the blackwork category at the second Sabah International Tattoo Convention was a defining moment for me. It was a tremendous honour to be recognised for my work. Winning an award validated the effort and dedication I’ve put into my craft, and it served as a turning point in my career.
Shortly after, I began receiving numerous invitations to guest work at various tattoo shops overseas, something that was more challenging for me in the past. In the past, I used to send emails to various shops, hoping to secure guest work, but I often didn’t receive a response. But now, with more recognition and exposure, I have several shops eager to have me work with them, with some even offering assistance in sorting out visa issues. It’s rewarding to see that my unique tattoo style is not only appreciated in Korea but also overseas, and I’m excited about the prospects of traveling to new places to showcase my work. I’m always ready to explore new destinations that appreciate my style and artistry.
Follow @tattooist_sodam for more incredible tattoos and travel updates.
Tattooist Swani (@swanissober) tattoos at @mizangwon in Seoul, South Korea. We chatted to the artist about his impresive tattoo collection, one tone tattoos and where he draws his inspiration…
How long have you been a tattoo artist and how did you get into the industry? I’ve been tattooing since 2015. I studied at a french art school until 2014, then I decided to go back to Korea to learn the tattooing techniques there. I asked a studio if they could teach and they did, I started learning the skills I needed to tattoo.
The first four years were a very difficult time, but now there are customers who want my tattoos and I think I’m completely indulged in this industry.
Do you have a background in art? My background is in ceramics and patterns as well as oreintal painting. It’s important to know about my background for my art but it’s more important that I studied the basics to develop my own style and perception.
What inspires you? I’m more inspired by the colour combination of real ceramic patterns than by any painting or photograph. I also like tile art and my favorite artist is Owen Jones. In fact, I get a lot of inspiration from real life objects rather than just getting inspiration from pictures.
I often refer to oriental paintings of the past and try to get more inspiration from traditional art rather than modern art. Saying that I’m trying not to get too swept away by the typical representatives of Asian cultures, like Chinese and Japanese art, because I identity as a Korean national.
Why did you want to become a tattooist? In my early 20s, I went to art school in France. It was during that time that I started to get interested in tattoo culture.
There are so many methods to express art. Among the many ways to express art, I was very interested in how art could be expressed on our skin.
But, also I was very attracted to the fact that it can be alive and also perish with the person. If I get to see my own art somewhere on someone again someday then I will feel such an indescribable feeling – it’s why I started tattooing.
How would you describe your style of work? Personally I wouldn’t say that what I’m doing right now is my definite style. I’m just a tattooist who’s inspired by and uses oriental styles as my material to create my own art pieces, because they’re beautiful to me.
Being inspired by this art form got me thinking about putting blue patterns onto skin, just like those asian ceramic pieces. When I was starting to use blue ink, some of my customers were a bit afraid to get them all in blue, because it wasn’t the standard for oriental tattoos.
Currently, I’m thinking a lot and studying how I can express this art style in my own way and I want to work on bigger pieces with larger scales.
Has your work evolved since you started tattooing? I’ve tried so many tattoo genres, at one point I thought it was important to only do what I liked and I could design myself. So, I thought long and hard about what I liked, and when I found it, I’m able to express my identity through it. I studied ceramics at college and I want to get deeper into this area at the moment and incorporate it into my tattoos.
In terms of tattoo skills, I have been using the basic skills and techniques I’ve learnt in my career so far. However, I want to create more colour combinations and use skills that can show more of my potential and creativity.
What attracted you to creating tattoos in one colour? Actually, I don’t think tattoos are beautiful if the colour combination feels wrong. So I started using blue tones because my art is based on ceramic arts and sometimes I think one tone gives more of a clean and better look. But I want to continue to create more of my own colour combinations.
Can you tell us about the process behind your pieces? First of all, I usually work with a custom design. In some cases, customers bring me designs, but usually I change the design to fit with my own style while maintaining the original design that they requested.
If the sessions are too long and there will be too many, I think I get tired and the customers tend to get tired too. Therefore, in the case of large pieces I try to shorten the sessions as much as possible and have them on different days.
Usually, the design is prepared before we begin the tattoo session. But, sometimes it is fun and spontaneous both for me and the customer to suddenly change it or add extra details.
What’s your favourite subject to tattoo and what would you like to do more of? I like to tattoo things that present balance in an artistic form and I like things that are symmetrical. Sometimes clients come to me with good ideas that I didn’t even think of before which I love.
In addition to these predetermined materials, I like to draw oriental style women. I also like to paint especially when it’s not for a tattoo design.
What’s the tattoo scene like where you are? This is a very sensitive subject, as there are no laws about tattoos in Korea. So, we are virtually unemployed. In fact, there aren’t many problems these days, but I am always anxious because I work without any legal protection.
I hope that Korea will legalise tattoos and appreciate the art form as soon as possible.
Do you have any guest spots or travel planned? This year I’m going to work in Paris and London for a while. I have good friends who I met while working as there and I plan to visit them regularly.
Can you tell us about your own tattoo collection? Are you a collector and do you have any future tattoo plans? Actually, I really like getting tattoos and I have a lot of tattoos on my body. It’s hard to mention all of them, but some of my favourite works are by @ssamu_tt_, which is a tattoo based on Buddhist tatu. I also have blackwork by my good friends @delphinmusquet, @mattchaos_tt and @jaffawane.
I have a handpoke tattoo by @git__b as well as my right arm sleeve by @brownpeanut. I got my whole back handpoked with the help of @imgonnahurtyoubaby. I’ve also got some work by @pittakkm on my arm and my neck is by @sou.ttt.
The list is too long for me to mention all the amazing artists that I have had the pleasure to get their art, but I am extremely grateful for them. I plan to get my next tattoos from @ogitattooer, @rodrigosalcedo.v, @lifo_art and@n.o.u.v.e.a.u.
It hurts a lot to get a tattoo, but I’m going to get more as a historical record.
What’s been your proudest moment in your career so far? I got to meet so many good people at the end of last year, as I had the chance to participate in a seminar hosted by @q_tattoos. It was an opportunity to talk about tattoos and get deeper in the art form itself in front of 80 people who were also tattoo artists. I personally think it was the best way to end the year.
I was under a lot of stress and I was able to finish it with a lot of hard work. I was extremely proud of myself and our team at that moment and I hope to get more chances to share my experience with new tattoo artists in the future .
What do you do when you’re not tattooing? Usually, when I’m not tattooing I draw and finish things I don’t always get time to do, like answering emails. Sometimes I meet my friends or girlfriend but usually I prefer to stay at home on my days off. I want to fully rest on my days off because I spend a lot of my energy working and tattooing.
Where do you see yourself in five years? I think I’ll become an artist who does art with more depth. And in five years, I think I can combine other areas of my art with tattoos. Whether I achieve my goals or not I will always be satisfied with my career and the fact that my art is loved and wanted by people all around the world. That is the ultimate goal which I have already accomplished.
Follow Swani for more amazing tattoos and travel plans.
