Bumble, a South Korean tattoo artist whose work flows with effortless precision and evolving creativity. From his early fascination with tattoos in the dance scene to overcoming a challenging apprenticeship, Bumble’s journey is a testament to passion, persistence, and growth. Specializing in freehand designs and bold, solid black work, he creates tattoos that inspire confidence, style, and personal expression in his clients.
Beyond the studio, he travels for guest spots, absorbs inspiration from the world around him, and continually hones his craft. Bumble’s philosophy is rooted in trust, discipline, and the joy of creation, always striving to push boundaries while staying true to his vision. This interview offers an intimate glimpse into his artistic process, daily life, and ambitions, revealing both the challenges and rewards of life as a modern tattoo artist in South Korea.
How would you like to introduce yourself?
Hello, I’m Bumble, a tattoo artist from South Korea. My name comes from Bumblebee, the character from the movie Transformers.
Where can your customers find you? (Please specify a city and studio.)
I’m working at New Turn Ink in Ilsan City, South Korea.
How would you describe the tattoo scene in your country these days?
I think the tattoo culture in Korea has been improving a lot. There are still some people who don’t like tattoos, whether they’re older or even young but I believe such people exist everywhere. The biggest change, in my opinion, is that tattoo legalization is finally becoming a reality.
How would you define yourself in one word?
Along with the style I work in, I want to describe myself as “Flow.” I don’t think I’m a naturally gifted genius. I’m simply putting in consistent effort to do what I love. Like water that keeps flowing continuously.
Where did your fascination for tattoos come from?
The first time I came into contact with tattoos was when I was young and dancing. The older dancers I danced with had tattoos, and they just looked cool to me. I think that was the first time I felt the simple appeal of tattoos just because they looked awesome.
What does tattooing mean to you personally?
At first, I just thought I wanted to do tattoos because they looked cool. But the more I worked, the more I realized there’s so much you can do with tattoos, and that changed the meaning for me a lot. Now, tattoos are my life, and I want to create tattoos that can give others courage, willpower, style, goals, and more. Even if a client sees me working hard and thinks, “I should put more effort into what I’m doing too,” that would make me incredibly happy.
That’s why I keep striving to work even harder.
At what point in your life did you decide to become a professional tattoo artist?
I first decided I wanted to become a professional tattoo artist when I was 20.
How did your family react when you started a career in tattooing?
My mother cried a lot lol.
Did you go through an apprenticeship? How was that experience?
Honestly, my apprenticeship wasn’t easy. I couldn’t sleep much, I had so little money that I often went hungry, and my health suffered a lot. I worried constantly, ” Could I really do this well? Could I make a living from this? Could I achieve honor and recognition if I worked hard enough?”… These worries even gave me insomnia. But going through that process made me stronger. I also naturally realized that I don’t have extraordinary talent, and I think that’s given me the strength to keep going consistently without getting tired, even now.
What did your first tattoo look like?
My first tattoo, I’m sorry to say to my friend, was really bad so bad that it was almost painful to think about. It caused a lot of inflammation, and it must have hurt a lot. Even now, I still feel sorry to my friend when I think about it.
Do you usually do guest spots? If yes, what’s your experience in doing them?
Yes, these days I travel to other countries more than staying in Korea. I really enjoy guest spots. Not only do I get to know the place, but I also make local friends. It’s not just a short trip, I get to experience the daily life of going to work and leaving work with local people, which lets me really feel how this country or that country is. I think that’s truly valuable.
As a Tattoo Artist, what does your daily working routine look like?
My daily life might seem quite boring to others, but usually I wake up around 6-7 a.m., go to the gym to work out, and then start work around 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. After finishing work, I usually spend my time drawing or studying the work of other tattoo artists, constantly researching, before going to bed.
What is one surprising aspect of being a tattoo artist?
The most amazing thing about doing tattoos is that there are people who like my designs. I feel grateful and amazed by it every time.
How do you determine the price of a tattoo?
I usually look at the prices of various artists and set my rates reasonably based on the average.
What’s the most challenging aspect of being a tattoo artist in 2025?
I think the hardest part is that there are so many talented people in this world.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a tattoo artist?
I feel a great sense of fulfillment when my clients like the tattoos I’ve done and later show them off on Instagram or other platforms.
What tools and machines do you prefer to use?
I’m currently using a Critical machine, and it seems to suit me really well.
What’s your number one aftercare advice for clients?
The tattoos I do are mainly solid black designs, so after a session, the skin can get very hot. That’s why I think it’s best to wash and rinse the area with cold water for 2–3 days afterward.
How would you define your current tattoo style, and how did you end up focusing on it?
I still want to define my style as one that’s constantly flowing and evolving. I used to do custom lettering, but after seeing artists doing dark lettering, I started experimenting with it. By chance, I came across designs similar to the work I do now, and my style naturally evolved from there.
Please walk us through your process when you start a new tattoo for your customers.
The style I work in doesn’t involve concrete, fixed images, so I don’t usually create a design and send it to the client beforehand. During the consultation, once the client decides on the placement and size of the tattoo, I start sketching and continuously think about it until the day of the session. On the day of the tattoo, I work freehand. That’s why I think the best results come when clients trust me 100%.
How do you stay creatively inspired?
I think I get inspiration from everything in the world, vines on a river or building, the shape of broken stones or leaves, and even the artwork of other artists.
How do you balance client requests with your artistic vision?
I usually don’t discuss the design with clients beforehand. The reason is that I believe the point of my style is freedom. Even if I prepare a sketch in advance, while working freehand on the client’s body, I adjust anything that doesn’t fit or that I think would be better changed. I think the best approach is for the client to trust me 100%, and of course, I also trust them. That’s why the clients who come to me always trust me, which is something I’m very grateful for.
Are there any tattoo styles you’d like to explore more?
I want to study Black & Gray, Darkside, and Irezumi more. I think it will allow me to add more expression to what I do now and give me the ability to do even more.
What’s the most overrated tattoo style?
I don’t think any tattoo is ever overrated or underrated. Even a tattoo or design that everyone in the world might find strange can be perfect if even one person likes it and if the tattoo artist has truly put effort into researching and creating it. That is already part of the process of moving forward. Just as there are people who dislike my work, there are also those who love it.
Are there any tattoos you prefer not to do?
There’s nothing I don’t want to try. However, since I specialize in certain types of tattoo work, for other styles, unless I relearn and become really skilled, I prefer clients to go to an artist who can do it better than me.
Do you have sponsors? If yes, what could you tell us about your sponsors?
I don’t have a sponsor yet, but I’d like to get one. Hahaha. I’ll work even harder.
As a Tattoo Artist, what kind of tattoo ethics is really important to you?
I believe it means working hard and staying focused so that neither my clients nor I have any regrets.
Being a successful tattoo artist requires many different skills. What’s your favorite way to keep learning?
I think the best way is to meet an artist who catches my eye and see firsthand how they work and create their designs.
Do you like to teach or mentor upcoming artists?
I haven’t taught anyone yet, so I’m not sure, but I think it would be very difficult.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received to improve your tattooing technique?
It means “don’t be nervous.” The more nervous you are, the more tension goes into your hands, which naturally causes more damage to the client’s skin. For me personally, it also means I have no natural talent or sense. Because by recognizing my weaknesses, I also came to understand my strengths. I’ve danced since I was young and exercised consistently, but I never studied art. So I realized that my biggest weaknesses are artistic talent and sense. That meant I had to compensate with more drawing, more practice, and endurance because those who studied art from a young age and have natural talent and a keen sense can catch on quickly, whereas I am slower.
From the moment I understood my strengths and weaknesses clearly, I’ve been able to move forward without wavering.
How do you stay at the top of your game?
Personally, I think sticking to my routine is the best way to maintain peak condition. Above all, mutual trust between the client and me seems to be the key to achieving the best results.
What do you think separates a good tattoo artist from a great one?
More than the work or design itself, I think the difference lies between an artist with confidence and an artist with arrogance.
How do you feel about the growing acceptance of tattoos in society?
I think that’s really great. Since tattoos are a form of culture, I hope they continue to develop even more.
What’s the biggest misconception that customers may have about tattoos?
I hope clients don’t come overly nervous, worrying too much about the pain.
What’s the biggest trend in tattooing you have noticed in the last 5 years?
I’m not really sure about trends, because there are always people who like different styles.
What’s your view on the rise of AI in tattooing?
I think it’s fine to get some help from AI to a certain extent, but when creating designs and working on clients, I believe it’s better for the design to reflect more of the artist’s own ideas.
What would you change about the tattoo industry?
Rather than changing anything, I hope more people come to appreciate and enjoy tattoos.
Do you work on other projects within the tattoo industry?
I’m working on creating clothing using my designs. It’s still in the preparation stage, though.
Do you do other forms of art besides tattooing?
As a hobby, I’ve been designing on shoes and canvases.
Who are the people you admire the most within the tattoo community?
Tattoo artist: tattooist_youn.haru, prime__ink, kmin_brotherhood.kr, weeeman32, daaamnj, gghost_tattooer, gromov666, youngheart.tattoo.
What’s your experience at tattoo conventions so far?
I think it’s a great opportunity to observe and learn.
How do you usually prepare for a tattoo convention?
I’m always trying to find models, but I haven’t been able to find anyone to receive my work yet.
What’s your primary reason to attend a tattoo convention?
It’s to see and learn firsthand.
What’s your favorite tattoo convention so far? And why?
Every place I’ve visited has been great. The reason is that I get to meet artists I didn’t know before, which opens up more opportunities for me to learn.
Have you ever had the opportunity to participate in any tattoo contests? You are welcome to specify your awards.
I won 2nd place in Blackwork (Beginner) at a tattoo convention held in Korea.
Do you collect tattoos from artists you meet at conventions?
I would like to if possible, but everyone has been so busy that I haven’t been able to start collecting yet.
How do you think there are ways tattoo conventions could improve for both artists and the public?
I think it’s important to share artists’ products widely — for clients who like an artist’s work but can’t get a tattoo yet, or aren’t ready.
Was there any event in particular that really boosted your career?
I think every single moment I work is significant. Even if it feels like I’m doing the same thing, the experience of each session is different because of the client’s condition, my condition, the client’s skin, gender, and environment. That’s why it feels like I’m always learning.
Is there any tattoo that you have created in your career that you are particularly proud of?
I’m proud of everything because if I do well, I study why I did well, and if I feel I didn’t, I study why it happened. All of this is part of the process. Perfection doesn’t exist, but it’s the journey toward the perfection I envision. That’s why I always feel proud and see it as something that shines.
What is your greatest accomplishment as a tattoo artist?
Every moment is an achievement. Starting tattoos, not giving up despite hardships, winning awards, completing sessions successfully, buying my first machine, and even this very moment while I’m writing this interview all of it counts.
What advice would you offer to someone considering a career as a tattoo artist?
More than anything else, I think what’s important is doing it because I truly love it.
What are your goals or dreams for the near future?
A near-term goal of mine is to attend an international convention with a model and participate in a contest.
What legacy do you want to leave as a tattoo artist?
When people talk about the style I work in now, my name comes up.
To close this awesome interview, what’s your last message to our readers?
Please love tattoos a lot. And moving forward, I will continue to work even harder and repay you with better and cooler work. Thank you.
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