Tag: interview with a tattoo artist

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“I am still working on perfecting the tattoo style I want to be known for. It’s a journey,” interview with tattoo artist JayHan

Tattoo artist Jay Han (@jayhan_tattoo) works at Goodvibes Gooddays tattoo studio in Ulsan, South Korea, where he creates tattoos mixing realism, brush strokes and oriental motifs. Here we chat to the artist about…

How long have you been tattooing?

I’ve been tattooing for around nine years. I came to tattooing quite late compared to a lot of tattooers. Before that, I ran a hot dog restaurant in Daegu, South Korea, for two years, it was called: Han Sangjo Hot Dog. After that, I moved to Seoul and worked as a carpenter for two and a half years – which overlaps with the tattoo apprenticeship. I started my tattoo artist apprenticeship when I was 30, and I’m now 40.

Do you have a background in art?

I have loved pencil drawing and Oriental art since I was young. I majored in Oriental art and graduated from Oriental Art College in Ulsan. After graduating from college, I worked a few different jobs as I was looking for other things to do besides painting.

But in the end, painting and my experience were always in the bakground so I then decided that I wanted to work in the painting field again. Art chose me.

What made you want to become a tattooer?

When I decided I wanted to paint again, at the same time, my best friend became a tattoo artist. I saw what he was doing, and through him I was recommended to a studio. I found tattooing interesting and thought the profession was really cool. So, I started tattooing.

How did you become a tattoo artist?

I was able to become a tattoo artist with lots of practise. I simply turned my drawings into tattoos and gave them to my clients. To make the best tattoos I can I am training more and continuously studying.

Do you have any tattoos?

Yes, I have a few tattoos. My chest features Chicano-style lettering. I also have realism portraits on my arm. I love music so I have a few musicians on me. When I was 13 years old, my neighbour owned a record store and played American hip-hop and R&B to me rather than Korean hip-hop. I have portrait tattoos of Michael Jackson, Snoop Dogg, and Tupac.

What was the first tattoo you did on someone else?

I gave my friend a rat tattoo. It was a simple line design, but I was sweating a lot and nervous. I can’t forget that feeling because it was also my birthday that day.

How would you describe your style?

I like mixing oriental art with black and grey. I also like doing backgrounds with brush strokes. I am still working on perfecting the tattoo style I want to be known for. It’s a journey.

What do you like to tattoo?

The tattoos I want to do are a collaboration between oriental and black and grey. That’s important to me, but I also want to do tattoos that make my clients feel happy and satisfied.

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

Yes, there are a few people. Artists I respect include Q Tattoos, BackGGang, Robert Hernandez, Chenjie, and many others. There are more black and grey tattoo artists and oriental tattoo artists that I respect. Looking at their work inspires me.

How can clients book in with you?

In Korea, there is a messenger called “KakaoTalk” and I receive a lot of enquiries through that. I am also communicating with customers and receiving reservation enquiries through Instagram. But clients can email me too.

Sometimes I’d like to receive booking enquiries through just one platform, but clients want to contacts me in their own convenient way, which I don’t mind so I have opened up multiple methods.

Do you have any guest spots planned?

If a good opportunity is available, I would like to experience various countries. However, I think there may be visa issues, so I am refraining from traveling as much as possible.

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

Koreans’ thoughts on tattoos are very open. Because many artists (singers, actors, etc.) have been exposed to tattoos they talk about tattoos on social media and YouTube. This means the younger generation’s negative thoughts about tattoos have decreased significantly. However, celebrities who appear on broadcasting stations still cover their tattoos with flesh-coloured stickers.

It can be said that tattoos in Korea still remain underground. And among tattoo artists, there are some who think it’s a subculture. But there are many people who think of it as just a job and only for money. The interesting thing is that, although tattoos are illegal in our country, there are many talented Korean tattoo artists around the world. When I see this, I am so proud and I want to develop further, and follow the same path as them.

What’s been your proudest moment so far?

I created a tattoo on a client who had a keloid scar. He was so stressed out about his skin that he couldn’t even date people. However, many good things happened to the customer after we covered the scar with a tattoo. Seeing that customer happy and satisfied made me so proud of the work I do.

Follow JayHan on Instagram for more tattoos.

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

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“It’s hard to split my style from my personality – I’m very delicate in my personal life and work,” interview with tattoo artist Yoshi

Tattoo artist Yoshi (@yoshi_tattooer) works at Third Eye Studio in Busan, Korea. Their career spans 14 years. We sat down with the artist to talk openly and super-honestly about what inspired their journey into the tattoo world, their work, hopes for the future and where it all began…

Yoshi’s first tattoo was a memorial tattoo. “I wanted to keep a memory forever,” Yoshi says. Born in Japan to Japanese and Korean parents, sadly his father passed away when he was just a year old. “After that, my mom changed my citizenship to Korean, and I grew up in Korea,” Yoshi tells us.

Yoshi is Korean, but he always wanted to find the roots of his family in Japan. It was when Yoshi met his grandma and family in Japan that he decided to get his first tattoo.

And it was this experience that made Yoshi fall in love with tattooing. “The tattoo makes me remember who I am, it makes me stronger. I now have a lot of extremely meaningful tattoos, so I don’t forget those special things.” But that first tattoo is the most precious. “It’s the dates of both of my parents’ deaths, and they are on both ankles. I have Japanese kanji for my father and Korean hangeul for my mom.”

When we ask what drew Yoshi to that tattoo world, he’s very honest. “It was the financial aspect,” he says simply. “That’s why I became a tattoo artist. We all need money in our lives. Especially if we don’t have parents to help us start out.” Yoshi says his parents’ deaths forced him into the “hard mode of life.”

Dropping out of university, Yoshi needed to find what he wanted to do, what he could do well and how he could make money from it. “My major was fine art, so with that background, I just needed to learn the technique of tattooing,” he says, “I already knew how to make designs, so I needed to start tattooing. It was perfect for me.”

The first tattoo he ever did on someone else was a complicated pattern in a three centimetre clover shape. Yoshi did this with a coil machine with a 1203 round liner. “I wasn’t too nervous,” Yoshi says of this experience, “but maybe just a little bit, because I did the tattoo on my best friend. I knew I could always do a cover-up later on, if we needed.”

When it comes to describing Yoshi’s style of tattooing, he tells us that it’s hard to split it his style from his personality, as Yoshi is very “delicate” in both his personal life and work life. “My style also comes from way back when I was at middle school,” he explains, “when I would do a lot of drawing with pencils and fine pens.” Back in 2010, when Yoshi learnt to tattoo, he mainly did traditional tattooing, although his art has always retained a fine-line style.

“When I started experimenting with fine-line art in my work, everyone around me told me it wasn’t a real tattoo.”

But Yoshi kept getting told that fine-line tattoos weren’t the way it was done in the tattoo world. “So I did traditional style tattoos until 2022,” he says, “I do still enjoy this type of tattooing but fine line is more me.”

Yoshi recalls when he first tried to do a fine-line tattoo for a walk-in client – “it was so much fun,” he enthuses. It’s what made him realise that he was really good at these delicate style of tattoos. It reminded him of how he used to draw with pencils. “So from then on, tattooing and my art just clicked, I began to make delicate line tattoos in my style. I now tattoo what I love.”

There’s a theme to Yoshi’s work and the eye is a recurring motif. “I like the Korean proverb: ‘the eyes are the window to the soul’. Our eyes can see a lot of things in others – including emotions like fear, anger, sadness, hate, contempt, disgust,” he explains.

“Eyes don’t lie. I also just really like drawing eyes.”

When it comes to inspiration, Yoshi admires any artist who does their own custom work, especially those who can make their own original designs.

And that’s how Yoshi works, too. His portfolio of tattoos is about 95% custom work. “I often post a design idea that I have, and a client can fill in a form to claim this piece,” Yoshi says.

When it comes to travel, we ask Yoshi where he’d like to go. “Space?!” he laughs, “tattoos for aliens! Just kidding, but I would really like to go to America. I really loved my time in Amsterdam. I worked at the Amsterdam Tattoo Convention and there was a lot of talented artists there.”

For 12 years, Yoshi says he worked as a tattooist that not many people knew. But then with Instagram, he started to make a name for himself. Instagram opened up his portfolio to the world. “I tattooed many people and gained a lot of likes on Instagram,” he says. Yoshi even noticed that other tattooers began to copy his designs! Which he took as a sign that he was starting to make it, carving out a name from himself. “2022 is a year I won’t ever forget, when I really found myself and style,” he says. “From then on, I pushed myself to be the best I can be and do the best work I can.”

And we can’t wait to see where his tattoo journey takes him next.

To book in, clients can get in touch by sending a DM on Instagram @yoshi_tattooer. Keep an eye on his Instagram as he often does guest spots – including London at Princelet Tattoo back in June. Travel plans also include Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto and LA.

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

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“Working on sugar-paste and soft skin feels sort of the same – and a moving person is similar to a spongey stacked cake!” from cake maker to tattoo artist, interview with Laura Raña

From cake decorator to tattoo artist, Laura Raña (@lifeininklr) runs a private, eco-friendly, vegan and woman-led studio and she holds the honour of “Surrey’s best tattoo studio 2023”.

She was a cake artist for 16 years – and she used to teach and write columns for magazines – so Laura came to tattooing late, but her passion shines through. Here she chats all things cakes, tattoos and creating a welcoming studio for all to enjoy. Make a cuppa and settle in for the ride…

Before you became a tattoo artist, you were a cake artist, what inspired you to make that change?

After spending 16 years juggling life as a mum of two daughters (Bella now 16 and Eva 14 ) and being a cake artist, I felt like I had achieved everything that I wanted in the cake world. I was 35 and I wanted to use my artistic flare and creativity for something that wouldn’t  get stuffed down the throats of my customers week after week.

After spending so much time perfecting colour blending, modelling and painting on tiers of delicious sponges, I began thinking how I could transfer the skills I’d learnt. I wanted to create something that would last forever and not just briefly as brightly coloured crumbs on the side of people’s mouths.

Tattooing had always been something I was fascinated with. My grandad, who was an antiques dealer in the 50s until the 80s, was covered head to toe – back then, it was very taboo and frowned upon in his industry. I used to glare at the naked ladies and dragons strewn across his back, chest, arms and legs. He was six foot five, both tall and wide, his art work made quite an impression on me as a keen young creative artist in the making. He would definitely be one of my inspirations. 

Tell us about your journey to becoming a tattooer…

I started slowly getting covered in tattoos at the very illegal age of 14. I would walk past the only tattoo studio in my town, hoping they wouldn’t notice me in my school uniform. Then when it came to holidays or weekends, I’d try to dress older and strut into the studio beaming with anxious confidence to keep topping up my ink collection. This was when my interest was sparked.

Skip forwards 21 years and after ignoring the narrow-minded warnings from everyone (including my parents) that it was a dangerous industry to get involved in, I began my search for a studio that wouldn’t laugh in my face. 

That was the hardest thing – starting a new career at 35. I’m a strong-headed person, so  I kept knocking on doors, in the hope someone – anyone – would see my passion. Rejection came thick and fast, but I found a studio, eventually.

Apprentices make zero money, well at least I did. I had lots of people offering their skin but trying to throw myself into this amazing new career was not financially viable. So I’d work four days at the studio, then balance part-time work and cake making around that.

What was it like being a cake maker? And how does it compare to tattooing?

I adored my career as a cake artist, what a dream to have a career in the cake industry. I actually entered Kirsty Allsop’s Handmade Christmas TV show by making a fully decorated Christmas cake in under four hours – I ended up winning. It blew up my career and I began making celebration and wedding cakes, and that led me to teaching. Then I opened my own cake studio – I even had my own little cake column in a magazine. I felt just like Carrie Bradshaw. I began entering cake competitions and I’m very proud to have many gold awards. I was even cast for Extreme Cake Makers on TV. I specialised in chocolate modelling, airbrushing and then painting on cakes – all things I brought through to my tattoo career.

Cake and tattoos although very different, there are some elements that feel similar. The use of colour and blending work is the same in tattooing. Working on soft sugar-paste and soft skin feels the same too. Also a moving person is similar to a spongey stacked cake! It could move at any time…

Can you tell us about your studio?

Everyone is welcome in my little private studio. It’s nestled among the bamboo trees in my back garden. It’s a comfortable, cosy, funky little safe space where no one should feel intimidated. I created a studio I would be comfortable being tattooed in, as I think the more at ease you are, the better the whole experience will be.

Tell us about the award your studio won…

Having spent seven years building up my (very) little business, I was stunned to be nominated for England’s Business Awards in 2023. I was even more taken back when I won the title of “Surrey’s best tattoo studio”.

I’ve never claimed to be the most sought after artist – and there are thousands of artists around Surrey that are phenomenal – but these awards are about your art and your business. So that includes reviews and customer service, amongst other things. I was even mystery shopped so they could see the kind of service I offer, how I dealt with my client and the overall experience.

My little framed award sits proudly in the studio where all can see.

How would you describe your style, what do you like to tattoo?

My style isn’t just one thing. Tattooing different styles and using different techniques allows me to broaden my work to appeal to a larger client base. I know it’s probably frowned upon in the industry, but I did the same with my cakes.

Learning different things is beneficial for a successful business and it enables me to become a better artist. I don’t want to pigeon-hole myself to just one thing. I don’t want to wake up one morning and be bored of the same old stuff. So, for me personally, variety is most definitely the spice of life.

How do you work with clients, what’s your tattoo process?

I find the industry has changed from years ago when you’d walk into a studio covered wall-to-wall in flash designs and people choose “number 10”. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that, but now with Pinterest and social media, people find ideas they like and perhaps want to combine a few ideas together. That’s where I come in, to create a design that fits their brief.

My focus is to ensure my clients are well informed, feel heard and understood and happy with their tattoo.

Is there anything you’d love to tattoo?

My “wannados” are based around pop art – bright, bold, almost comic sketches. It’s timeless art that stands out and looks super cool. But I feel like there isn’t much of a place for that as many clients want super fine line delicate pieces. I’d love to continue to tattoo thick lined patterns that are edgy and look amazing on everyone. 

Any guest spots or travel plans?

I’m going to start guesting at a few studios towards the end of this year to get myself out there and socialise with other artists. I might attend a few conventions too.

Follow Laura on Instagram for more tattoos and updates on guest spots.

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

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“I always wonder how to explain my tattoo style, I think it’s just my own,” interview with Pisatché

From a private studio in Seoul in South Korea, tattoo artist Pisatché (@pisatche) creates incredibly detailed, cute and futuristic tattoos. We spoke to the tattooist about his craft, influences and future plans…

How long have you been tattooing? And what first made you fall in love with tattoos?

I started tattooing in November 2018 – so it’s been almost six years! I can’t believe it. I’ve been interested in painting ever since I was very little. Naturally, it led me to study design.

I first encountered tattoos when I was much older. I can’t forget the shock I felt at the time. It was then I realised my paintings could last forever on someone else’s body! After that, I studied and started learning about all about them.

What made you want to become a tattoo artist?

Tattoos were so attractive to me as they’re a way for my painting to live on forever on other people’s bodies. How incredible is that? Also, it is a super-interesting job that provides various stories, both from clients and other artists. I love listening and telling. This career has its own unique charms. I think that’s why I like tattoos and tattooing.

How do you like to work with customers? Is it mostly custom work or flash too?

Well, recently, I started making flash designs for customers to choose for themselves. But before, I have always collaborated with them to make the designs. I like both methods.

Do you have tattoos yourself – can you tell us about them? How do they make you feel?

Of course, I have about four tattoos. I did one on myself for the first time when I was learning how to tattoo. I also did a self-tattoo whenever I needed to research a new tattoo skill. I haven’t done this for a while, in fact it’s been more than five years since I got a tattoo.

I would recommend tattooing yourself to other tattoo artists. I found it really helpful especially when I had concerns about my tattooing skills. I also understand the pain that customers are feeling.

What was the first tattoo you did on someone else?

The first tattoo I did on someone else was on my best friend. It was some lettering. He trusted me and gave me a chance. But the tattoo wasn’t perfect and I’ve been expressing my infinite gratitude to him ever since.

How would you describe your style?

I always wonder how to explain my tattoo style. I think it’s just my own style. I am inspired by Japanese animation from the 1980s. The Japanese animation and films back then were detailed and beautiful. There was a lot of capital and labour invested in it and it brought huge economic growth. I’m always inspired by the art of that time. Especially Akira, it’s the best film.

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

I’m always inspired by animations and cartoons. And these days, I look up a lot of vintage posters. There are a lot of things to see and things to feel especially when it comes to the colours used in those days. My favourite artist is Katsuhiro Otomo.

How can clients book in with you?

I use Instagram messages and email. I plan to make a website later on as well.

Do you have any guest spots planned? Where would you most like to travel to?

Right now, I want to go to Australia. My favourite studio is the Eastcoast Social Club in Brooklyn, New York. There are many talented artists there who inspire me.

Tell us about what it’s like to tattoo in Seoul?

There are still restrictions, but it’s not bad. My personal hope is that more customers will visit me. I like Seoul, mainly because I have my family and friends here. Everywhere can’t be better than here because of that.

What’s been your proudest moment so far?

Being able to give my parents and my girlfriends good gifts. These moments are when I am most proud and happy. It helped me show them how important they are to me. Also that I plan to be with my girlfriend forever. I’ve worked hard to do this.

Follow Pisatché on Instagram for more awesome tattoos and travel updates.

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

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“Tattooing is leaving a lasting impression that transcends skin,” interview with tattoo artist India

Tattoo artist India @india.tattooartist (she/her) owns a gorgeous monochromatic studio in Lisbon, Portugal, in which she “welcomes all souls seeking to connect” through her art. Here she shares her tattoo journey, opens up about creativity and her tattoo tour plans…

How long have you been tattooing?

I’ve been tattooing for about seven years now and each day feels like a new adventure in self-expression and creativity.

How did you become a tattoo artist?

Growing up with a Portuguese mother and an Indian father, I’ve always been surrounded by creativity. From my mother’s ceramic art to my own love for drawing and painting. Despite initial discouragement, I pursued my artistic interests through academic studies and eventually found my way to tattooing in 2018, thanks to the encouragement of my husband.

I decided to explore this new artistic avenue, and I haven’t looked back since.

What first drew you to the world of tattooing?

What initially drew me to tattooing was the opportunity to delve into another form of artistic expression. I’ve always been passionate about art and tattooing felt like a natural progression in my creative journey.

What was the first tattoo you did? Do you still remember how you felt doing it?

The first tattoo I ever did was on my boyfriend, who’s now my husband. I tattooed a mermaid on his ankle and it was a mix of nerves and excitement. But his trust in me fuelled my determination to create something beautiful on his skin. Nowadays he has a lot of tattoos done by me and I don’t feel nervous anymore.

Can you tell us about your own tattoo collection? We’d also love to know more about your “lockdown leg” tattoo project? 

My own tattoo collection is a reflection of my journey as both an artist and an individual. I started getting tattoos at the age of 17, always with designs I had created myself. During the lockdown, I embarked on a personal project – tattooing ornamental and floral designs on my own legs.

This experience marked a significant turning point in my career, showcasing my dedication to my craft and my commitment to pushing artistic boundaries.

People began to see how well my tattooed style looked on legs and started requesting more projects from my portfolio. I can say that legs are my favourite areas of the body to tattoo.

How did your ornamental style come to be and what inspires you?

My ornamental style is deeply inspired by my Indian heritage and my love for intricate details. I find inspiration in everything around me, from nature to cultural symbols, and I strive to infuse my designs with elegance and femininity.

My ornamental style focuses on delicacy and intricacy.

I utilise techniques such as contrast and variation in line weight to enrich and add interest to the designs. By incorporating these elements, I create tattoos that are not only visually captivating, but also dynamic and engaging.

Each project is carefully crafted to achieve a balance between elegance and complexity, resulting in unique and compelling pieces of art. I’m also greatly inspired by nature and constantly take photos of flowers and plants to incorporate into my projects.

Do you have a favourite style of art, artist or work?

I’m an admirer of all forms of art, but I can say that Baroque painting has always fascinated me. When I studied Art History in high school, I remember being captivated by the intricate floral arrangements of Jan van Huysum. He has always been a reference for floral delicacy and the texture of plants with remarkable precision.

Nature plays a significant role in my life and consequently in my art. I’m also greatly inspired by the Indian tradition of Rangoli, which involves creating geometric and floral designs on the ground using rice powder or coloured sand. In the world of tattoos, thanks to social media, I am inspired daily by various artists, and it’s incredible how accessible the connection becomes.

Do you prefer flash or custom designs? 

I prefer custom projects because they allow me to create something that connects my artistic creativity with the essence and desires of my client. I always have numerous ideas and my mind is quite creative when fueled by my client’s concept.

There needs to be a lot of trust and freedom in the development process and I’m grateful that my clients are always incredible and trust me as an artist.

We engage in a collaboration of ideas and opinions, always resulting in a wonderful and unique project.

I also work extensively with my freehand technique, which allows me to create a fluid and harmonious design on the chosen area of the body. Since we are all different, it’s essential to create something unique and tailored to our physique. I enjoy understanding what the client wants and, before finalising the design, I send them a mock-up for visualisation. On the day of the appointment, we take the necessary time to refine the details and bring the creation to life.

How many sessions does a delicate sleeve tattoo take? 

A delicate sleeve tattoo can require two to four sessions to achieve the desired level of intricacy and detail. The number of sessions can vary depending on the size and complexity of the design, but I always prioritise quality and precision in every session.

Is there anything you’d love to tattoo?

I’m intrigued by the idea of delving into full-body concepts, infusing them with my signature ornamental and floral style but with heightened contrast and diverse dimensions.

Exploring the human canvas in its entirety, weaving intricate designs that dynamically interact with the body’s contours and movements, is a creative endeavor I eagerly anticipate embracing.

Can you tell us more about your tattoo studio? Why did you decide to use just one colour?

The studio was designed to be a safe and comfortable space for my clients. Its decoration exudes calmness due to the chosen colour: terracotta, a hue reminiscent of the spices of India, known for its tranquil and harmonious sensation; leaving those who behold it pleasantly surprised by its aesthetic.

My clients find the studio’s concept quite different from the usual tattoo shop, they appreciate the visual and are fascinated by the fact that all the decorations match with the floor, the ceiling and the walls by being in the same colour. With everything in terracotta, the space directs focus to the main art, the one we will create.

My clients and the art we will create are the main focus, with energy concentrated fully on them.

We’ve seen you’re on a tattoo tour; how can people book in with you and where will you be?

Currently, I am travelling to various countries to share my art with new audiences. Those interested in booking a session with me can reach out through my website www.indiatattooartist.com. I’ll be visiting some countries in Europe but I would love to tattoo in USA and maybe go back to Australia.

What’s been your proudest moment so far?

One of my proudest moments so far was winning first prize at Lisbon fest tattoo convention for my ornamental leg project. It was the first time the fine-line category existed in my hometown. It was a validation of my artistic vision and a reminder of how far I’ve come on this incredible journey.

Finally, what does tattooing mean to you?

Tattooing is more than just a job for me; it’s a form of self-expression and a way to connect with others on a deeper level. It’s about creating meaningful art that resonates with both the wearer and the observer, leaving a lasting impression that transcends skin.

Make sure to follow India on Instagram for updates on her tattoo tour!

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