Tattoo artist Ehyang adores putting her art on people’s bodies. “I think it’s a proud and rewarding thing that someone likes my paintings and keeps them on their body for the rest of their lives,” she enthuses. “There‘s nothing more glorious as an artist than that.”We caught up with her to find out more…
What’s your earliest memory of tattoos? Did you always want to get tattooed? “When I was young, I just liked getting tattoos because they looked cool… then I started to just fall in love more and more, so I thought what could be better than to make them my job?”
How long have you been tattooing for? How did you train to become a tattoo artist? “This year marks my third year. For my sanitation education, I took theoretical classes on machines and needles After that, I practiced with a rubber board.”
How would you describe your style of tattooing? “My style is fine line ornamental. To differentiate myself from other tattooists, I draw animals with an ornamental twist. That’s the characteristic of my tattoos. I love fine lines and decorative tattoos.”
Do you tattoo lots of tourists who’ve travelled for your work? “Half of my guests are foreigners and some of them visit Korea just to get a tattoo from me.”
How long is your wait list? How do customers book in? “I’m taking reservations by e-mail, I used a Korean chat app, but I think e-mail is easier. I usually tattoo one person a day.”
What are the rules for tattooing in South Korea? Is tattooing more underground or becoming more mainstream nowadays? “I think Korea is still a little conservative about tattoos. Most young people get tattoos, and they like to get small tattoos. But I think there are more people getting tattoos than before.”
“I love that a client’s idea can take me somewhere I never thought I would go. “
What’s the best way for customers to come up with an idea for you? Do you offer flash or prefer custom work? “Customised work is more fun. I love that a client’s idea can take me somewhere I never thought I would go. The design that I and the customer made is new and interesting…”
What is the address of your studio? “It’s 61-1, Donggyo-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul. It’s my private studio.”
Any interesting hotels / shops / cafes nearby? “There are many cute and pretty cafes near Mangwon-dong, Korea. There is a famous street called Mangridan-gil, and there are many cute shops there. Mangwon Market is also famous. It’s hard to walk around on weekends because there are so many people.”
Do you ever do guest spots? If so, when / where? “I did in Singapore, Australia, Canada, and the U.S.”
What are your hopes and plans for the future? “Now I want to settle down somewhere. I’d love that to be in America because I think I can do something fun and big with more diverse materials than in Korea. I’d love to create a unique style tattoo that only I can do…”
What do you love most about tattoos? “Tattoos are attractive, there are so many styles and it’s fun to be able to express our individuality. And as an artist, I’m proud to be able to create my own creation with tattoos, and I don’t think there’s anything more interesting and attractive than that.”
Tattooist Inno, who’s based in Seoul in Korea, realised that tattoos can be art when he saw a tattoo of a small, beautiful flower. That tattoo set him on a journey to becoming an artist himself. Here we catch up with him to find out more about tattooing in Korea, guest spots and what motivates and inspires him…
How long have you been tattooing for? How did you train to become a tattoo artist?
“I started learning how to tattoo in 2019. I took classes at STUDIO BY SOL, one of the most famous tattoo academies in Korea at the time. In Korea, tattoos were illegal, so there were few places that taught hygiene education and technology properly, but I chose this place because it was the best place to train.”
How would you describe your style of tattooing?
“I live near the beach, so whenever I was frustrated or couldn’t think of an idea, I used to look out at the sea – it cleared my mind, it gave me room to think. It’s what made me realise I wanted to draw pictures of the waves and the sea. And turn other objects into waves too. Water is flexible and permeates almost anything. I guess that’s how it works with my clients too, their bodies become covered in my wave style.”
Do you tattoo lots of tourists who’ve travelled for your work?
“Most of the guests who visit me in Korea are foreign tourists. They come to visit me during their trip. Customers usually contact me through email before their holiday.”
What are the rules for tattooing in South Korea? Is tattooing more underground or becoming more mainstream nowadays?
“Tattoos are illegal in Korea, you need a special medical license to practice. However, in recent years, many celebrities are getting tattoos, and they are becoming more and more popular. I think Korean tattoos will become more and more famous around the world.”
How should customers contact you? If someone is travelling over from the UK, how much notice would you need?
“Customers come from various countries, as well as England. It is enough if you tell me the picture, location, and size of the tattoo you want. Please contact us via email at inno.waves.tt@gmail.com, with dates that you will be in Seoul.”
What’s the best way for customers to come up with an idea for you? Do you offer flash or prefer custom work?
“I don’t like doing Flash because the number of copycats has been increasing recently. I don’t like my paintings to be done by anyone other than myself. Now I prefer custom work because I want to draw a special picture for only one person.”
What is the address of your studio?
“It is located in Seoul, Korea. Please contact us via email for detailed addresses.”
Any interestinghotels / shops / cafes nearby?
“The place where my studio is located is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Korea. Therefore, there are so many foreigners and it is a place where anyone can enjoy. Perhaps that’s why I think the tattoo scene has developed a lot here.”
Do you ever do guest spots? If so, when / where?
“I have been to Australia, Canada, and the United States – so far. My drawing style is unique and rare all over the world, so I want to visit lots of different countries.”
What are your hopes and plans for the future?
“I believe my paintings will develop further. I haven’t done a lot of large-scale work yet, but I want to draw bigger pieces.”
“When asked if a tattooist is an artist or a job, I would say artist.”
Inno
What do you think about the tattoo world itself?
“Tattoos are one of the most basic acts of expressing oneself. Also, I think it is very noble work that expresses and communicates each person’s life. Therefore, I hope that all artists will be more careful and work passionately in their work. This is because many people now think of it as just a job to make money. When asked if a tattooist is an artist or a job, I would say artist.”
We last chatted to Owen Paulls (@owenpaulls) in 2017 (read his first interview) when he was tattooing on the road. We caught up with the black and grey tattoo artist, who now works out of his private studio (Owen Paulls Tattoo) in Brighton, to find out what he’s been up to for the last six years...
How have you been since we chatted in 2017?
Great thank you! Hope you have all been good too. I’ve been traveling all over and seen some cool things…and ink!
You’ve been tattooing for almost 10 years, how does it feel to look back on where you started?
I don’t really know to be honest! I’m certainly more involved with the industry than I imagined was possible when I started, and there’s so much to learn along the way. The perimeters are always shifting and evolving in the tattoo world, so I guess I feel humbled to think of surviving it for 10 years!
Where do you hope to be in another 10 years?
I hope to be in the same creative mind space and to be focused on how I can keep improving. I really hope I never lose the drive to improve my artwork, in tattooing or painting!
What tattoo projects have you been working on?
There’s been more larger scale work in my diary as of late. I think the last time we spoke I was on the road, so I was mostly doing tattoos that had to be completed in one or two days max! Since then I’ve been able to play the role of a resident artist in a few studios and take on larger pieces over a wider time scale.
It’s been really challenging but a great push in learning how to construct legible sleeves, front and back pieces.
What’s really been getting you excited?
Well firstly, the progression of our industries artistic side over the past, I think three years or so? It’s amazing to watch such rapid evolution of an ancient thing. On a more personal note, I’m so excited and thankful for the trust in creating more surrealism and Disney mashup tattoos.
You mentioned in our last catch up that you were going into a more surrealism style, has this been the case?
I always wanted to do a little more realism that wasn’t so routed in real life or just a copy from a photo. I really enjoy being asked for portraits too, don’t get me wrong, but I love sci-fi or adding a little element of whimsy, flow and direction where I can. I’m still developing this style and trying to learn from other artists, who do this mix really well. At the moment I’m working on a few Disney projects which will see the characters collide with the real world in some way. So super excited for that!
You also mentioned you would ‘probably make the move to colour work’, how has this gone? What changed?
Honestly nothing really changed, apart from the brief pause we all took in 2020! I’m still interested in adding some colour elements but I’d have to stay somewhere long term to really polish this aspect of my work. Right now with traveling and shows, black and grey is the better choice for me and allows me to showcase the desaturated Disney work that has helped me carve a bit more of a tattoo identity over the years.
You were on the road, where’s been your favourite place to travel and tattoo?
It’s hard to pick just one place! I spent nearly two years traveling full time on the road and saw so many amazing places. I really love Italy and Florence especially. It’s so beautiful and relaxing there and in the same breath, I love Colorado for the mountains and nature. Probably because it’s a wilder, more rugged version of where I grew up! NYC and LA of course are beasts of their own, and I do love the busy hustle of city life. I’m tattooing in Germany later this year so maybe that will be added to the favourites list too! Who knows!
Any experiences or stories that stand out?
I remember being in literally the coldest weather I have ever experienced in Ottawa, Canada a few years ago. I thought I liked snow until then! There was a storm and snow stacked against the buildings around four feet. Every pavement and road was pure ice! I was there working a tattoo show and spent nearly the whole thing inside a set of three interlocking buildings with sky bridges, to escape the cold! You’d have to be tough to live there I think!
Oh and almost getting hit by lightning in Florida! I was walking to the shop in the rain when it struck the traffic lights two metres in front of me, taking out the whole block. The loudest sound I’ve ever heard in my life, I’m very lucky to not have been crispified!
How’s the tattoo scene changed since we spoke in 2017?
Change wise, aside from the rapid artistic boost that 2020 seemed to inspire, I’m thankful to see the industry start to become more inclusive. I know there’s still a way to go just like every industry, but we have started the journey and it’s nice to see artists becoming more comfortable to express themselves in their art and/or tattooing.
What’s been your proudest moment in the last six years?
One of my proudest moments has been recently, when I was asked to attend a few tattoo shows, based on my paintings alone. I’ve been working hard on my paintings for a few years on my days off and it’s very validating to be recognised for this. I’ve also had the chance to be part of some really progressive and highly talented teams, like the Empire Inks crew and the FYT artist line up. Not trying to push anything when I say they have the best approach to artist sponsorships and give back at every opportunity. I’m very grateful to be involved with them!
How did you find the lockdowns, were you able to be creative?
I was still in Hollywood during the lockdown, so we really only had one long one over there. It was tough to be taken away from my career plans, mid stride but I understand this was the same for so many creatives and I do appreciate the safety aspect involved there.
I set myself up with a painting and designing schedule, working 10-7, like a regular tattoo day, four or five days a week. I’d just finished a set of classes at LAFFA (LA institute of fine art) and was really keen to get to practice more. Obviously this was more paint time than I had anticipated but I believe it kept me sane and kept the wolf from the door bill wise! I’m aware I have been very lucky though and know this wasn’t the case for everyone around the world.
On a final note I want to say thank you to everyone who supports my art and tattooing. I’m always looking to expand my skill set and learn what I can to improve. I’m thankful to have done a catch up with you and hopefully we can do another in a few years!
Tattoo artist Olesia (@lescrowtattoo) creates large-scale gloomy tattoos consisting of clear lines, contours and shading, which she coins ‘Gravure’ tattoo. We chatted to the Ukraine artist based in Los Angeles about her love of mythology, tattooing style and more…
“I create a drawing in an engraving style based on Greek mythology, and then I transfer it not to wood or metal in order to make an impression, but to the skin of a person to keep it there forever. From my perspective this is synthesis of the arts which is timeless”
What’s your earliest memory of tattoos or tattooing?
My first tattoo was a gift for my first girlfriend. It was first letter of mine and the name. Veeeeery trivial I know…but it’s a warm memory.
How long have you been a tattoo artist and how did you become one?
I’ve been tattooing for 12 years now. Since I was a girl I loved drawing and contemplating nature, but my mother and teachers said my art was strange and gloomy, which stopped me from pursuing my art.
After school, I entered the Art Academy at the Faculty of Design and Architecture. I didn’t want to become an architect, but studying helped me with the basics of compositions. I eventually got a job at my friend’s tattoo studio.
Can you tell us about Gravure tattoos?
Gravure tattoos have become my own niche. It’s characterised by large-scale pieces, often inspired by Greek Mythology, which are gloomy in nature expressed lines and shading.
As I learnt to tattoo I found an audience who revered my style and trusted what I was creating. After several years of experimenting and tattooing in Barcelona and Europe I honed my skills and what made me unique, that’s when I moved to LA.
What in particular draws you to Greek mythology?
In Greek mythology I am attracted to how perfect the image of a person can be. In general, they knew a lot about the beauty, mind and earthly pleasures.
Do you have a favorite story or a Greek God?
I like all the stories about Hades and Persephone. For me they are like a movie- «only lovers will survive».
How do you see your tattoos evolving in the future?
I don’t know, maybe I’ll be in slavery to AI, like all of us! Most likely I will remain just an artist and it doesn’t matter where my drawings are whether they’re used for illustrations, bodies or some kind of engraving on robot panels.
I hope one day I will write a book about my inner travels and will illustrate it too, it’s the dream of my life.
You describe your work as gloomy, do you have a gloomy personality?
I’m definitely the queen of darkness inside , but in society I am a very cheerful and sociable person, the one who will make everyone laugh, unite and gather for a party (I can’t live without the fun of sarcasm and nightlife). But yes with myself I’m blue and gloomy.
How do you feel when you’re tattooing?
For me, this is a moment of concentration, meditation and also a time when I can combine work with knowledge (during the sessions I always listen to audio books or lectures on history) just imagine those feelings! Your body’s here creating a world on another person’s body and your mind is separately traveling through the pages of novels or the past! This amazing sensation is disturbed only by pain in the neck or back.
How does the LA tattoo scene compare to other places you have tattooed?
I moved to LA half a year ago, so I haven’t fully felt the difference yet. But if we talk about the public itself, the clients here are very grateful and open to everything new more than, for example in Spain, despite the fact that my style here is something new because America is the founder of traditional and realistic tattoos, especially in colour. And of course, the scale of the country doesn’t allow you to stay without work for a long time.
Where’s been your favourite place and inspired you the most?
My favourite city, no matter how trite it may sound, is Paris. But it’s just for my soul cause my lovely poets are buried there. If you mean tattoos – New York is the best city for work and spending money. I’m a fan of the big city vibe!
Can you tell us about the tattoos you have on your own body?
My tattoos look more like a diary of small disconnected stories, each one belongs to a certain period. I dream of a big project for the whole of my back, but ideas change every year, so my back is still waiting for the right idea.
Follow Olesia @lescrowtattoo on Insta for more gloomy Gravure tattoos.
Tattooist EQ creates incredible miniature tattoos that are packed with colour and life in a studio near Hongdae in Seoul, Korea. We chatted to the tattoo artist about her journey into the tattoo world and how traditional paintings inspire her work…
How long have you been tattooing and how did you get started in the industry? It’s been almost four years since I started tattooing and getting tattooed. I started because the people around me encouraged me to become a tattoo artist. Even when I was younger people said I would grow up to be a tattoo artist as I was so good at drawing.
What inspired you to become an artist? Do you have a background in art? I majored in design in college and after graduation I worked as an art teacher. Then I became a tattooist on the recommendations of those around me. I started creating work that was based on the traditional art that I liked and was interested in.
How would you describe your style? What drew you to colour tattoos? The tattoos I create are small and detailed. I like to fill my designs and client’s skin in detailed, elaborate and vivid colours. In this sense, the art of oriental paintings with their traditional colours that perfectly represent Korea inspire me a lot.
What inspires your designs? I’m usually inspired by natural and traditional things. I think traditional art has great power. Because I base my work on this I think each piece I make has a message and it’s own power.
Can you tell us about the process behind your tattoos? I express traditional oriental paintings by depicting various materials, landscapes and oriental animals such as cranes and tigers. Using the genre of frame tattoos I create the scene of looking into a world through a window. Through the window anyone can obtain the beauty of an oriental painting. My client’s stories are expressed in the frame in various colours and details.
I condense the beauty of oriental painting into a small rectangular space.
We love the miniature details in your tattoos, are there any challenges with these? For me, there’s nothing particularly difficult about tattooing in this way. However I set a minimum size because my designs are drawn on skin rather than paper. Dragons and tigers are difficult to create in such detail when the frame is too small. So when possible I set the size to 10-15cm, then there are no difficulties.
What do you like to tattoo and what would you like to do more of? I like to express my customers’ stories with my tattoos. Of course, I like my designs to be based on traditional art, but it’s also interesting when I can convey the stories of my customers.
My clients will tell me their stories and experiences and I then transform these into my style. I think there’s no limit when it comes to my art. Although, I want to draw more diverse stories and a variety of subject matter.
How do you see your tattoos evolving in the future? I usually do small and detailed tattoos but I’d like to work on tattoos that are larger. Even if these take a long time I want to draw a person’s life on a big canvas. Also I think the day will come when I’ll make merchandise, prints and original paintings to sell rather than just tattoos.
Where’s your favourite place to travel and tattoo? I like to work abroad, I’ve found there are a lot of people who like my tattoos or have seen them on one of my clients and now want one. There are so many countries I haven’t been to yet, but if I get the chance I want to go to more countries and meet new people.
Do you have any travels or guest spots planned? I don’t have any places planned right now. But I’m ready to leave whenever I get the chance!
What was your first tattoo? My first tattoo was a plant. I drew a lot of plants at first because I’m interested in the natural world. My first tattoo was from a friend and to this day it looks good. My tattoos are all connected to nature and animals like oriental tigers and dragons.
What’s the tattoo scene like where you are? Tattoos are still illegal in Korea, despite this I think Korean tattooists are very talented, recognised for their work and popular the world over. – it’s very ironic to me. There is a movement for legalisation in Korea and I think tattoos will be legal soon.
What do you do when you’re not tattooing/drawing? I tend to go out of town on my day off to get some fresh air and see exhibitions.
What moment in your career are you most proud of? I feel the most proud during the moments when I finish a tattoo and show it to my client. I feel like I’m giving my clients their stories as a gift.
Make sure to follow @tattooist_eq for more incredible miniature tattoo-scapes.
