Tag: Korean tattooists

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“I was completely blown away by micro realism, it felt entirely new,” interview with tattoo artist Mooji

We absolutely adore micro realism tattoos and tattoo artist Mooji (@mooji_tt) has taken the style to a whole new level, putting teeny works of art inside postage stamps (look how cute this one is!) and peeking through aeroplane windows. They work in Korea and we’d love to take a trip over there to get tattooed. Instead, we sat down for a chat where Mooji tells us about their journey into the tattoo world, their love of travel and future goals…

When did you first fall in love with tattoos?

I worked as a web developer at an IT company, which of course is a completely different industry from tattooing. My job involved writing code to build websites and also included web design. After working in the industry for about three years, I started dreaming of a different life. Until then, I had never really drawn, but on my days off, I stumbled upon drawing tutorials on YouTube and started sketching. That changed everything for me.

At 22, I started pursuing art seriously. I left my job to focus on it. As a result, I became a teacher, instructing art both online and in person. I also began developing an interest in drawing, eventually focusing heavily on portraiture. I even have an art Instagram account (I used to be quite active but I’m taking a break right now).

Initially, I didn’t have any desire to learn to tattoo. But that changed when I discovered the genre of micro realism. I was completely blown away by it, it felt entirely new. I became fascinated and developed a strong interest in learning how to tattoo in this style from that point onwards.

Before I found micro realism, I was only familiar with styles like blackwork, Irezumi, old school, and black and grey, so discovering this genre was quite a refreshing shock for me. I wonder if others fell in love with it for similar reasons?

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

It has been five years since I started tattooing. @ziho_gallery taught me to tattoo; he is an exceptionally skilled micro realism tattoo artist. From him, I was able to learn various skills and techniques.

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

I believe my current style has been largely shaped by my clients. When I started tattooing, I didn’t immediately work on landscape tattoos, cover-up tattoos, or watercolor tattoos. It was when my clients began requesting these designs that my own ideas were incorporated, resulting in the creation of new designs. Through these processes, I naturally developed my own style.

Your style is so unique, your tattoos are almost like trinkets or souvenirs from travelling… stamps and aeroplane windows, what inspired that? 

I was primarily doing landscape and photo-realistic tattoos, and I started looking for more unique and appealing designs. That’s when I thought of using postage stamps and airplanes as themes to create tattoo designs. These designs are more attractive to me because they are distinct from typical landscape tattoos. People seem to be really drawn to them.

Do you love to travel? Where have you been and where’s next?

Sure, I enjoy traveling. So far, I have visited Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Ireland, Bangkok, Japan – to name a few of the places. I haven’t decided on my next destination yet, but I’ll probably choose somewhere I haven’t been to before.

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

Sure, I’m currently planning for my next guest spot. Once the location is confirmed, I’m going to post about it on Instagram @mooji_tt. Anyone interested can send me reservation enquiries based on the instructions in that post.

Which artists do you admire and why?

I admire several artists. Among them, the ones that stand out to me are Sol (@soltattoo), Oozy (@oozy_tattoo), Saegeem (@saegeemtattoo), PittaKKM (@pittakkm) – plus others but there’s too many to name. They each have their own distinct style and possess a quality of expression that is unique to them. I believe there are many other artists as well from whom I can learn a great deal.

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

I mainly focus on custom work. When customers describe the design they want, I create the design based on their descriptions. I sometimes make flash designs as well, but these days I primarily focus on custom projects.

What do you like to do when you’re not tattooing?

When I’m not tattooing I like to exercise and look after my health. In my personal time I’m also curating photos of my work and organising my socials.

What are your hopes for the future?

I still have so much to learn. My personal goal is to create artwork of even higher quality than I am now and become more proficient in tattooing. Establishing a systematic tattooing process and achieving excellent colour saturation in every piece is my aim. I hope that one day I’ll look at all my work and feel satisfied with what I’ve accomplished.

Follow Mooji on Instagram for more amazing micro realism tattoos.

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

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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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“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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Painting on skin: Interview with tattoo artist Dareum

Precious things tattooed to capture a moment in time, tattoo artist Dareum (@dareumtattoo) creates beautiful drawings for the people that visit her. Here we found out more about her art, hopes for the future and how you can get your very own “drawing tattoo”…

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

I fell in love with tattoos when I first got them. Having loved drawing since I was a child, I fell in love with the charm of being able to paint on skin, not paper for only one person.

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

I didn’t know I would be a tattooist when I was young. It hasn’t been long since Korean tattoos became popular. I think tattoos and tattooers are still in the stage of changing that perception. Tattoos were strongly perceived to be negative, their images were frightening in Korea. Of course I thought so too when I was young.

How did you train to become a tattoo artist?

I first learned to tattoo in 2016. At the time, I majored in visual design at university, and I had the opportunity to learn tattooing, but I slowed down for a while because it was a time when I was thinking about my career path. Then in 2018, I started again properly. I learned the practice of expressing my paintings in tattoos and how to handle machines.

How would you describe your style of tattooing?

“Drawing tattoo”, I want to say that! I transfer the drawings that I make on paper onto my client’s skin. I like to express the texture of the materials I’ve used. That’s why it’s better to call it “drawing tattoo”!

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

Yes, Of course most of my guests are Koreans, but I’m so grateful to the customers who come to me while traveling.

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

My books are always open. I accept reservations for the next one to two months first.

How should customers contact you? Of course if someone is travelling over from the UK, how much notice would you need?

I communicate with all my customers through messenger or email. First, if you contact me with the date you want, I will send you a notice and a booking form. Please contact dareumtattoo@gmail.com, Instagram DM, or Kakao Talk.

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

I think Korea is still in the middle stage. All Korean tattooists are striving to develop a tattoo culture. I hope that the day will come soon when we can legalise and work confidently.

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

I prefer to work on flash designs. I’m so grateful to the customers who accept my personal drawings as tattoos. Of course, I’m so grateful to the customers who trust me with custom designs as well. Knowing and trusting my style can be a pleasure for both customers and myself.

What is the address of your studio?

The studio is located in Yongsan-gu, the centre of Seoul. It is adjacent to Myeongdong, Jongno, Itaewon, and Hannam-dong tourist attractions.

Do you ever do guest spots? If so, when / where?

In 2019 I went to Paris, then in 2022 I was in London and in 2023 I visited Tokyo. I haven’t been to many different places due to the pandemic, but now I want to try to visit lots of different places again!

What are your hopes and plans for the future?

The current plan is to develop more hand-drawings and to go to various countries. I want to do art books or exhibitions with my drawings someday too.

What do you think about the tattoo world itself?

Tattoos are an art that you can use to express oneself without explanation. It marks a time that has passed. Many of my clients got their tattoos to remember a time or leave precious things on their body.

Over time, you can take out your old diary, look at the tattoos as if you are immersed in memories, and look back on yourself at that moment in time.

Make sure you follow Dareum (@dareumtattoo) for more beautiful tattoos

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