We met Calvin Tan, founder of Kiku Space in Chinatown, whose journey spans from fine art painting to nearly a decade in tattooing. Specializing in Neo Japanese/Oriental styles, the artist reflects in this interview on the challenges of staying authentic, the trust of his clients, and the timeless appeal of Japanese motifs. Calvin emphasizes creativity, inspiration, and the importance of humility, health, and continuous growth, representing a new generation blending tradition with innovation.
How would you like to introduce yourself?
Hello, I’m Calvin Tan, a tattoo artist based in Singapore. My interest in art led me to study fine art painting and eventually tattooing. I’ve been tattooing for close to 10 years, and I specialize in tattoos inspired by Japanese/ Oriental influences. A lot of my work in recent years features recurring motifs such as florals and clouds inspired by Japanese tattoos.
Where can your customers find you? (Please specify a city and studio.
I work out of my private studio, Kiku Space, located in Chinatown, Singapore, with my wife @rreikemon. Also sharing the space with artists @maxinengps @917.221 @eh_cruddy
Where did your fascination for tattoos come from?
I grew up loving drawing since I was a kid. Discovering tattoos as a teenager through various media started the fascination seeing how drawings can be translated onto skin as a medium.
What does tattooing mean to you personally?
A merger of creating art and earning a living. I couldn’t be more grateful.
At what point in your life did you decide to become a professional tattoo artist?
I got into tattooing late at 29 after quitting my job as a printmaker in a fine art gallery. An old schoolmate who was tattooing had an opening at his studio, and I asked for an apprenticeship. Starting much later than my peers was a motivation for me to progress.
What did your first tattoo look like?
The first tattoo I created was a small anchor on a heavily tattooed Navy guy. He was a regular at the studio I apprenticed at, and my mentor asked if he was cool with letting me do my first. It was a nerve-wracking but memorable experience.
What’s the most challenging aspect of being a tattoo artist in 2025?
Progressing and staying authentic to one’s own artistic identity, while keeping up with social media to stay relevant.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a tattoo artist?
Having the client’s trust and commitment to permanently alter their physical outlook. It is extremely rewarding when clients return and build a connection.
How would you define your current tattoo style, and how did you end up focusing on it?
I would define my current style as Neo Japanese/ Oriental. I enjoy the technicalities of dot work shading and produce the majority of my works with this technique.
After evaluating how past work aged over time, I started steering towards Japanese-style tattoos, as they seemed to hold the best and remain timeless. I envision my work as though it were made to fit each individual client, to enhance and not distract from their body.
Please walk us through your process when you start a new tattoo for your customers.
It usually begins with an in-person consult. Understanding the potential client’s idea, preferences and coming together to achieve a balance that results in the final design. Throughout the process, I stay open to changing parts of the design and freehand areas if necessary to better fit the body.
How do you stay creatively inspired?
Looking at other media – films, paintings, illustrations, nature, etc. I find ideas come most of the time outside of tattooing. I try to sketch out ideas quickly and revisit them when coming up with new designs. Also, looking back at past work and reflecting on how it can improve, making subtle minor changes, but keeping the overall style consistent.
How do you balance client requests with your artistic vision?
By listening, understanding and communicating during our consultation. It is a rewarding challenge if I’m able to work with an uncommon request, but doing it in my style.
Are there any tattoo styles you’d like to explore more?
I would like to explore designs that encompass the whole body. Not necessarily full coverage bodysuits, but designs that flow across a large plane of the body.
Being a successful tattoo artist requires many different skills. What’s your favorite way to keep learning?
I try to cultivate a growth mindset and not let myself get too comfortable. I believe in absorbing all possible influences but distilling them into my work.
How do you stay at the top of your game?
By keeping an open mind to improving my style/technique, and also taking care of my body by working out. I’m more aware now that being healthy is important if I wish to keep up at this physically demanding craft.
What do you think separates a good tattoo artist from a great one?
I think a great artist is always open to evolving, to accept change and react accordingly to his creative calling. By not self-limiting, new doors might open.
Have you ever had the opportunity to participate in any tattoo contests? You are welcome to specify your awards.
I participated in the 2023 Singapore Ink Show and won 1st in the best sleeve category. The win was a significant milestone for me as the piece was the first pair of leg sleeves I completed.
Is there any tattoo that you have created in your career that you are particularly proud of?
It would have to be a pair of leg sleeves made on a fellow tattoo artist @hellotako, who subsequently gave me the opportunity to work on her back and front. Every part of the project challenged and pushed me out of my comfort zone.
What is your greatest accomplishment as a tattoo artist?
It would be co-founding and sustaining our private studio with my wife. This year marks our 5th year working out of our own space, and I’m grateful that tattooing made this possible.
What advice would you offer to someone considering a career as a tattoo artist?
Build a solid foundation first, then take time to develop your style. Consistency and hard work will eventually pay off.
What are your goals or dreams for the near future?
To keep growing and progressing as an artist. I would like to explore and expand my art into other mediums. Eventually, tattooing would be too physically challenging, and I hope to continue expressing myself through other outlets.
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