Tag: Korean tattooists

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“I’m often inspired by the unique ideas that my clients bring to the table,” interview with tattoo artist Nonlee

Her career in tattooing was sparked by an encounter that changed up her thinking. Here, tattoo artist Jungyeon Kim ( known as Nonlee / @non_lee_ink ) shares her story. And how she morphed her style into the incredible ethereal tattoos she creates today at Ziho Gallery in Seoul, South Korea. Grab yourself a cuppa and settle in for the journey.

What made you fall in love with tattoos?

Before becoming a tattoo artist, I spent nine years teaching students watercolour painting and pencil drawing. One day, a student came to my art class with a unique request: he wanted to learn basic drawing skills to pursue a career in tattooing. While I had personal experience with tattoos, I’d never considered becoming a tattoo artist myself.

This encounter sparked a new interest in me. Even though I found joy in teaching and seeing my students succeed, I always yearned to create art for myself. The pandemic, despite its challenges, provided me with the opportunity to explore new avenues.

Jungyeon Kim (Nonlee)

Your background is in art and teaching, what drew you to this in the first place?

I began teaching art out of necessity. Like many art students, I needed a part-time job to support my tuition and art supplies. Having graduated from an art high school, I had a strong foundation and was able to earn a higher hourly rate. Even after graduating from university, I continued teaching because I enjoyed the interaction with students and the work was a good fit for my outgoing personality.

With your teaching experience, would you ever consider having an apprentice?

I have prior experience teaching tattooing. I currently work with tattooist Ziho at Ziho Gallery in Seoul, Korea. We occasionally hold tattoo workshops. While Ziho primarily leads these workshops, I’ve assisted him and co-taught on several occasions.

Tell us more about the studio, what’s it like?

The studio houses a diverse group of artists, and I find it both beneficial and enjoyable to collaborate with individuals who share similar styles and genres.

How long have you been tattooing for?

I began my tattooing journey in March 2021 under the mentorship of renowned tattoo artist Ziho. I wanted to maximise my artistic potential and create a style that best showcased my abilities.

We love your tattoos, can you tell us about your own tattoo collection?

I have around 17 tattoos. While I cherish them all, three hold a special place in my heart. The most recent one, which has just healed, is florals from @sian_ttt. The second one is a beautifully recreated moth tattoo done by @n.o.u.v.e.a.u. And the third one was done by @oozy_tattoo, one of the artists who inspired me to start tattooing.

Tattoo by @sian_ttt
Tattoo by @n.o.u.v.e.a.u
Tattoo by @oozy_tattoo

Your work has a magical quality to it – ethereal and beautiful – how would you describe it?

My style is primarily based on hyperrealism but leans towards botanical illustration. The most distinctive feature of my tattoos is the use of vibrant and bold colours.

My background in fine art allows me to incorporate elements of oil painting and watercolour techniques into my tattoos, resulting in a unique style that sets me apart from traditional tattoo artists.

Have you always painted?

My undergraduate major was sculpture. However, I’ve also explored two-dimensional mediums such as painting and printmaking. While I’m currently focused on tattooing, my sculptural background has given me a strong foundation in three-dimensional form and light and shadow, which I believe enhances my tattoo designs.

Where does your inspiration come from?

Nature is my biggest source of inspiration. Everything in nature can be a subject for my tattoos. I often go bush walking, visit the beach to observe marine life, or simply explore my surroundings. I spend a lot of time photographing plants in my neighbourhood, especially during spring and summer.

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

I primarily create custom designs tailored to each individual client. I enjoy exploring new subject matter, and I’m often inspired by the unique ideas that my clients bring to the table. However, I also create flash designs, which allow me to explore my own personal interests.

What’s next for you? How would you like your work and style to progress?

I’m interested in gradually transitioning to larger-scale projects. As an artist who pays meticulous attention to detail, I am exploring ways to maintain a high level of detail while scaling up my work.

Do you ever do guest spots and how do we book in?

I announce the dates and locations of my guest spots on Instagram. I usually post this information one to two months in advance, so it’s best to follow my account for updates. In countries where there is potentially a large customer base, spots can fill up within a week.

Make sure to follow Nonlee on Instagram @non_lee_ink for more tattoos and to book yours.

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

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“I’m cautious about labelling my style, as it makes me feel confined. I enjoy presenting my playful perspective on themes and asking, How about this? Isn’t it fun?” interview with tattoo artist Woo

Yep, yep it is fun… We’re obsessed with the weird and wonderful world of tattoo artist Woo (@lonely_weirdo_club) who’s based in Seoul in Korea. Think Botticelli’s The Birth Of Venus but it’s kewpies wrapped in spaghetti! Yep, told you, we’re OBSESSED. So we couldn’t wait to find out more about Woo’s tattoo journey…

When did you first fall in love with tattoos?

I grew up in Asian culture, which often suppresses individuality, so I’ve always had a resistance to that. Tattoos seemed free and cool, and I became fascinated by them. They provide a way to express our unique identities, which I find amazing.

How long have you been tattooing for and what was it like learning?

I’ve been tattooing for about 16 years now, and I’m still learning. I constantly seek feedback on what to improve and what to maintain in each piece. I strive to upgrade my skills in various ways. My goal is to keep evolving, and I’m excited for what’s to come.

What size needles do you use to tattoo to achieve your bold designs?

I use a variety of sizes, ranging from 7 to 18. However, I mostly work with 11 to 14. A few years ago, I switched entirely to cartridge needles, which has made my process more efficient and versatile.

What was the first tattoo you did on someone?

It was a six-letter name, and at the time I’d only had my machine for less than a month. A friend bravely trusted me and gave me the chance. I was extremely nervous, but the result turned out well. However, I did sweat two litres and ended up feeling unwell afterwards.

How would you define your style?

I’m cautious about labeling my style, as it makes me feel confined. I enjoy presenting my playful perspective on themes and asking, “How about this? Isn’t it fun?” My style is a blend of various inspirations, including American traditional, Japanese, illustration, Japanese culture and street culture.

How did you develop your style to what it is today?

I followed my instincts. I love growth, and I’ve moved in the direction I feel drawn to, which has led me to where I am now. I have a tendency to like things that are unique and fresh.

We agree that your style is super unique; what inspired that?

I drew inspiration from the flexible expression found in American traditional tattooing. I found it fascinating to capture the characteristics of specific subjects and express them in a fun way.

We love your smutty film tattoos. How did these come about? Are people requesting them now?

Thank you so much! Honestly, there wasn’t a specific moment—it just came to me while I was lying down one day. I was inspired by the upside-down kiss scene in Spider-Man. That idea grew and evolved, leading to more designs. Recently, I created a Slam Dunk series, and I’m hoping to turn those into tattoos soon.

What artists do you admire and why?

I’m influenced by the Japanese artist Sabado. He is true to the essence of tattooing and has taught me about understanding the skin, needle and ink design. Sabado is an artist who focuses on quality for personal satisfaction rather than fame, and I strive to follow that path, too. He is often described as a genre in himself, and I couldn’t agree more. I encourage everyone to dive into his incredible charm.

Although not in the tattoo industry, I was deeply inspired by the film Hedwig and the Angry Inch. The message of collecting beautiful pieces of the world and creating new combinations resonated with me. I feel there’s always something to learn from every artist, and I genuinely try to absorb the wonderful aspects they offer.

One of the most striking moments for me is during the song “Origin of Love,” where you can see the pain of separated souls reflected in the character’s eyes. There’s a scene where Hedwig makes eye contact with the audience, and it stirred something indescribable in me. It’s a film that has broken my preconceived notions and helped me turn weaknesses into strengths, making it an invaluable inspiration for me as an artist.

How do you usually work with customers? Do you mostly do custom work or do you create flash too?

I do both! I enjoy creating designs from my own thoughts, but I also love discovering ideas through my clients’ suggestions.

What’s the tattoo scene like where you are?

My work is based in Seoul, which is not very lenient when it comes to tattoos. Because of this, I tend to go on tours abroad.

Are you planning any guest spots? If so, where and how do we book in?

Yes, I often travel around Asia and Europe. I take bookings through direct messages on Instagram – @lonely_weirdo_club.

What has been your favorite tattoo experience?

I love the atmosphere at conventions. Although it can be a bit chaotic, I enjoy the energy of celebrating like a festival. It’s exciting to see people freely enjoying the culture.

What are your hopes for the future?

I want to develop my perspective on the world to be more inclusive. I want to be an artist who captures beauty and expresses it cleverly, transcending prejudice and stereotypes.

Make sure to follow Woo (@lonely_weirdo_club) on Instagram and find out how you can book your next tattoo.

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

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“My work is defined by landscapes, anime and frame tattoos,” interview with tattoo artist Opal

Tattoo artist Opal (@opal.tattoo) is currently in Vancouver, Canada, where she creates breathtaking landscape tattoos. In this interview, she shares her most memorable tattoo experiences and how they helped shape the artist she has become today…

Opal first fell in love with tattooing at university; “when I was a sophomore in university, I realised that the Visual Design major was not a good fit for me and I started to question what I wanted to do.” She recalls that at that time she “became interested in drawing on the body rather than on paper. ” After that it only took Opal a year before they started to learn how to tattoo under @soltattoo and @tattooist_eq at Studio By Sol.

Now having tattooed for four years, Opal looks back at her humble beginnings, “I started with rubber pads” she says. But her talent shone through, “it was about a month and a half after I started that I began working on clients.”

She reveals how at first she felt apprehensive. “It was really nerve-wracking, and I found it difficult because I didn’t know which needles to use or how to angle the machine.” For Opal, “replicating the design exactly on the body was particularly challenging.” Although she was anxious and learning as she went, Opal took it in her stride and kept going.

We asked Opal about the first tattoo she did on someone else. “It was poetry related. The task was to create a design based on the feelings of a poem.” She admits that, “though it was abstract and challenging, I really enjoyed working on it.”

On discovering her most challenging tattoo, we had to ask about her most memorable tattoo experience. Opals shares how she created a tattoo for her dad. “It was especially memorable because my dad, who hates pain so much that he’s afraid of even getting an injection, got his first tattoo from me.” Smiling, Opal shares how grateful she is to her dad for that moment. It was really special.

Since then, Opal has done hundreds of tattoos, honing her craft to what it is today. With anime, nature and frame styles taking centrestage. She describes how her style has become what it is today. “At first, it was really difficult. If you scroll through my Instagram, you’ll see that I worked with very different designs compared to now. Back then, I was really stressed because of the designs. I didn’t know which designs suited me well.”

It was one of her mentors that helped her find her place in tattooing. “After a year of starting, the manager at Studio By Sol told me that I needed to find out what I really liked.” With this in mind Opal “started writing down everything I liked on a piece of paper. I found out that I love anime and landscape photography. Now, I mainly work with anime and landscape designs.”

When it comes to the inspiration behind her work, it’s her photography that inspires her the most. “I usually take pictures of natural landscapes and my friends.” It’s no surprise then that landscapes feature so heavily in her tattoos. Travel is also a big influence for the tattoo artist. “I often travel with my friends, and whenever I see a beautiful landscape or sunset, it becomes part of my design.”

Those tattooers who have paved the way are also an influence on her work. Although she can’t pinpoint one artist that she admires the most, Opal does “respect people who have dedicated themselves to a field for a long time. Especially in Korea, where tattooing isn’t fully recognised artistically or legally.”

Opal and these other artists are connected by their tenacity to keep going. She explains how she “admires those who continue in this profession without giving up.” Like them, she wants to pursue tattooing for as long as possible.

Currently tattooing in Vacouver, Opal is surrounded by artistic talent. “You can meet artists from many different countries, which allows you to see a wide variety of genres,” she shares.

When it comes to her clients, Opal’s work is evenly split between flash and custom design projects. The artist considers it important to “consistently upload flash designs” giving her clients the chance to wear a unique piece of her work that’s pre-drawn. She explains that “whenever I have time, I try to create and upload as many as possible.”

As Opal loves to tattoo different landscapes, we asked the artist if she has any guest spots planned. “I don’t have any guest spots planned at the moment.” But don’t worry, if you’re not in Vancouver you can keep an eye out for any guest spot announcements on her Instagram @opal.tattoo and inquire by email following the form provided.

Looking to the future and touching upon her Korean heritage, Opal shares how she “hopes tattoos can be perceived more positively by Korean people in the future.” Especially as there are now so many skilled tattooists in Korea. She believes that “Korean tattooing is renowned worldwide.” And yes, she’s proof of that.

Make sure to follow Opal on Instagram for more inspiring tattoos and to grab one of her flash designs for yourself.

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

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“Tattoos aren’t only a fashion accessory, but also a very precious thing that means a lot to someone,” interview with tattoo artist Nando


Tattoo artist Nando (@nandotattooer) owns Nando Studio in Seoul in South Korea. His Instagram is filled with the most beautiful pet and micro tattoos – most of the tiny tattoos he creates are under 10cm! Here he talks about his delicate style, falling in love with tattoos and his proudest tattoo moments so far…

How long have you been tattooing?

About 14 years now. Since 2010 when I graduated from art college. I’m a self-taught artist.

How did you become a tattoo artist and what made you want to become one?

I’ve been interested in art from a young age. I studied painting at university. Once I graduated from college I served in the military. I then lived in Madrid in Spain for about two years, which is where I met a group of friends who were tattooed. I hadn’t really seen tattoos before, especially not in Korea.

When I saw their tattoos, I realised that it was a really meaningful art form for people. I fell in love with it and so I came back to Korea and started my own tattooing journey.

Can you tell us about your own tattoos?

I have about 10 small tattoos. I’ve been to a lot of countries, while there I connect with some amazing artists. I usually get tattooed from artists in the country I’m in at the time. They’ve become souvenirs of my travels.

What was the first tattoo you did on someone else?

I gave one of my friends a plaster statue of Poseidon that I had made. He then wanted this tattooed but really big on his shoulder! It was my first time tattooing and I challenged myself. Especially as it was so big. It took me about 10 hours but I think I did pretty well despite it being my first ever tattoo.

How would you describe your style?

I wanted to tattoo what I painted. I always try to make my tattoos as detailed and meticulous as possible, because it’s something that’s engraved on one person for the rest of their lives.

What made you want to create small realistic tattoos?

I typically do a lot of my work in spaces that are under 10cm. I focus on tattoos that are meaningful to the people who are getting them. Also my work is very detailed. Each tattoo usually takes around three hours.

What do you like to tattoo?

I love tattooing anything that I think is beautiful. I love beautiful tattoos with stories behind them, because tattoos are not only a fashion accessory but also a very precious thing that means a lot to someone.

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

I am inspired by so many artists. Lately, I’ve been inspired by the art of James Jean.
My tattoos are mostly natural objects such as animals or florals. My hometown is very rural, so I’m getting a lot of inspiration there, too.

Do you have any guest spots planned?

I’m getting invitations to tattoo people from many countries. I have a strong friendly relationship with @mommyimsorry studio in Germany.

How can clients book in with you?

Through my Instagram @nandotattooer. You can make a reservation for a detailed consultation using the email and kakaotalk app on my Insta profile.

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

Tattoos are still treated as a medical practice in Korea! So tattoo artists are united and talking to the government to solve legal problems. I think it will be resolved in the next few years. Also social awareness of tattoos has improved a lot. Many celebrities get tattoos as a way of expressing themselves, so tattoos are becoming recognised in Korean society.

What’s been your proudest moment so far?

There have been so many proud moments while I’ve been doing tattoos. There was the time when I drew my work on to leather in collaboration with the brand Montblanc. It was an honour to work with a famous brand in this way.

Another moment was when I tattooed fingernails realistically over my customer’s fingers whose fingers were cut off. I was so proud of my job when I saw how satisfied and happy he was.

Follow Nando on Instagram for more beautiful pet and micro-realism tattoos.

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

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“When I first started tattooing, the stress was so intense that I couldn’t sleep properly two days before an appointment,” interview with tattoo artist, Kim Hoon

Tattoo artist Kim Hoon (@uncogrim) runs Frame Seoul tattoo studio in South Korea. We chatted to the tattooer about their incredible blackwork tattoos and how they use the body to influence their designs…

When did you first fall in love with tattoos?

From a young age, my biggest hobby has always been drawing. I’ve spent most of my time drawing. I enjoy creating forms and adding detail with pens, pencils and using different colours. Naturally, I started seeing designs meant for tattoos and found them incredibly appealing.

Growing up seeing tattoos on people and learning about the various tattoo genres made me want to get a tattoo of my own. This desire evolved into wanting to learn and create tattoos myself. Drawing something that remains on someone’s body for life is more special and everlasting than drawing on a canvas.

What was the first tattoo you got? How do you feel about it?

My first tattoo was a four-line piece of lettering on my chest. It’s an Indian proverb that means “live without regrets.” I got it in 2012, and at that time, social media wasn’t as developed as it is now, so it was hard to find out about tattoos. I found information about tattoos through personal blogs, and lettering felt like the easiest type of tattoo to get.

I didn’t know how much it would cost, but I remember it was calculated based on the price per centimetre. Sometimes tattoo artists say that you might regret getting lettering tattoos, but I don’t really regret it. It reminds me of what I was thinking back then, and it’s a fun memory. I was so fascinated by having a tattoo on my body that I would look in the mirror every day and read each letter.

How long have you been tattooing for?

I started in 2017. Unlike drawing on paper, there was immense pressure not to make mistakes. When I first began, the stress was so intense that I couldn’t sleep properly two days before a scheduled appointment. After doing a tattoo, I’d often feel guilty about my shortcomings and sometimes, driven by a sense of inadequacy and inferiority, I would stay up all night drawing. These experiences have shaped who I am today.

How did you develop your style to what it is today?

When I first started tattooing, I preferred creating smaller designs compared to what I do now. I used to draw mostly on A4 paper or sketchbooks rather than large canvases, which meant I made similar-sized designs for tattoos.

However, after doing a large tattoo, I found it appealing to consider the body’s lines and muscles. I liked designing something that used the entire body rather than just a part of it. This gradually changed my style.

Your style is so unique, your tattoos are so dark and striking, what inspires you?

I draw inspiration from countless sources. Sometimes it’s movies, sometimes music, sometimes the surrounding scenery, and even the clothes someone is wearing. These days, I mainly focus on the flow of clothes or the body.

Do you have any themes in your work or things you love to tattoo?

Many people like my snake and dragon designs. Snakes and dragons are fluid and can flow with the limbs. They emphasise the body’s lines to look sexier or more intense, and they can also cover up any perceived weaknesses or complexities. I also like using elements like flowers, wind and clouds. Recently, I’ve been trying to incorporate more Korean elements into my designs.

Which artists do you admire and why?

There are so many, but to name a few, @fibs_, @gakkinx and @filouino. They are all artists who understand the body well and design accordingly.

How do you usually work with customers? Do you mostly do custom work or do you create flash too?

I mainly do custom work. Most of my clients are from overseas, so I conduct thorough consultations via email before they travel to Korea. If the design is large, they’ll need to stay longer, so we spend a lot of time coordinating schedules and designs. I also ask for various photos of their bodies in advance to understand their features and vibe before proceeding with the design.

Do you draw your designs straight on to the body?

Sometimes, I draw directly on the body. To minimise errors, I meet with clients beforehand and draw directly on their bodies before preparing a design digitally. I sketch the positions and flow that suit their body features, checking in the mirror and moving to see if anything looks awkward. Based on this, I prepare a design digitally again. When starting the work, I use both the digital preparations and my hand drawings.

Are you planning any guest spots? If so where and how do we book in?

I am preparing for the Gods Of Ink convention in Frankfurt in March 2025. I have already announced it on Instagram and I am taking reservations via email.

What’s the tattoo scene like in Korea these days? We’d love to visit, do you tattoo tourists?

You are always welcome. Just make a reservation via email in advance. Korea has many highly skilled artists that are recognised worldwide. However, ironically, Korea is in a unique situation. It is the only country where tattooing is illegal, and although there is a job code for tattooists issued by the government, they are not legally protected. Many are striving to have tattooing recognised as a legitimate profession in Korea.

What are your hopes for the future?

That’s a great and difficult question. For some, tattoos are a beautiful art form, but for others, they can feel threatening, scary, or even repulsive. Personally, I hope tattoos will be seen more positively as a form of art, and I wish that both artists and clients ensure their tattoos do not evoke negative feelings in others.

My personal goal is to gain experience and network through various tattoo conventions worldwide. I hope to travel to different tattoo studios in different cities too. I want to see and experience how other tattooers’ lives and styles differ from those at my studio in Korea.

Follow Kim Hoon on Instagram for more outstanding blackwork tattoos and travel updates.

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