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.
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