Working primarily with a single liner, Double.K approaches tattooing as an exercise in restraint, patience, and trust. Based in Korea but traveling internationally for guest work, his practice is guided by a quiet philosophy: Tattoos do not belong to one place, nor should they be rushed. Through delicate line work and softened contrasts of light and darkness, his tattoos aim to merge naturally with the body rather than dominate it. Rather than defining his work through fixed labels, Double.K treats tattooing as an evolving visual language. Each project begins with symbols and personal narratives, then moves through a process of reduction, removing elements until only what is essential remains. Influenced by books, observation, and everyday life, his recent explorations focus on texture and pattern created exclusively with a single needle, favoring subtlety over impact.
In this interview, Double.K speaks candidly about discipline, doubt, and the long road of consistency. From rejecting efficiency as a measure of artistic value to committing fully to one tool, one method, and one pace, his perspective highlights an artist who believes style is not something you choose, but something shaped through devotion. His work stands as a quiet statement in a fast industry: sincerity, repeated over time, becomes identity.
Hello Double.K, thank you for joining our interview today! For readers who are discovering your work for the first time, how would you introduce yourself?
I’m a tattoo artist who mainly works with a single liner. Through my work, I focus on expressing light and darkness in a soft, balanced way.
Where are you currently based, and how do you usually work with clients?
I’m mostly based in Korea, but I travel frequently for guest work. I believe tattooing doesn’t belong to one place, if the timing aligns, I can meet clients anywhere in the world.
How would you describe yourself, both as an artist and as a person?
Simple, minimal, and focused on finding beauty within restraint.
What first drew you to tattooing?
What attracted me most was permanence. Unlike clothes, tattoos stay on the skin and become part of the person. I loved the idea that symbols representing who I am could naturally blend into my body.
What does tattooing mean to you on a personal level?
A tattoo can express strength, but it can also reveal sensitivity. For me, tattooing is a way to translate emotions and identity into something visual.
When did you decide to pursue tattooing professionally?
When I was 27, I was searching for a life connected to art, something I could truly commit to. That period wasn’t easy, but my family supported me throughout the process.
Did you follow a traditional apprenticeship path?
No, I didn’t go through a traditional apprenticeship. I learned through practice, mistakes, and advice from artists I respected.
Do you remember your first tattoo?
Honestly, it was very rough. Almost like a child’s drawing. But that experience taught me humility and patience.
What was your first experience doing guest work abroad?
My first guest spot was in Canada. That experience helped me realize how big the world is and gave me a clearer direction for my style.
What does a typical day look like for you?
I usually start my day with exercise and reading. After that, I focus on designing and collecting ideas.
What surprised you most after becoming a tattoo artist?
That it’s not as free as people imagine. There are constant trends, shifts, and expectations, which require continuous study and adaptation.
What do you find most challenging in your career right now?
Balancing the desire to try new things with the need to refine what I already do.
And what feels most rewarding?
When clients who have followed my work for a long time finally come to me, and leave happy after the session.
What tools do you prefer to work with?
I mainly use Bishop Power Packer machines, Kwadron needles, and ACUS tattoo machines.
How would you describe your tattoo style?
I don’t like labeling it too strictly. Some people call it fine line or geometric, but for me it’s still an evolving language.
How does a new tattoo project usually begin for you?
I begin with a main theme. From there, I connect symbols, meanings, and the client’s personal story. After that, I simplify removing elements until the design feels balanced and natural.
Where do you usually find inspiration?
From books, visual references, and everyday life.
Are you currently exploring anything new creatively?
Yes. Recently, I’ve been experimenting with new textures and patterns using only a single liner—aiming for softness rather than impact.
What tattoo ethics matter most to you?
Self-trust. When I doubt myself too much, the work loses clarity.
How do you continue developing as an artist?
I constantly study design and light through books and online resources. I also test different tools to understand what truly fits my hand.
What advice has helped your technique the most?
Using one needle type, one ink setup, one main machine, and repeating similar subjects for a long period of time.
How do you maintain consistency in your work?
I don’t aim to be perfect every day. Instead, I focus on raising my average level—that keeps both my mindset and technique stable.
What do you think separates a good tattoo artist from a great one?
I don’t think there’s a clear boundary. A great artist keeps trying to become better, even after being considered good.
How do you feel about tattoos becoming more widely accepted?
I think tattoos are increasingly used as a genuine form of self-expression rather than decoration.
What’s a common misconception clients still have?
Expecting tattoos to be fast, cheap, and high quality at the same time.
What changes or trends have you noticed recently?
There’s been a shift from micro-realism toward bolder patterns and symbolic designs. It feels like we’re moving from technique-focused work to identity-focused work.
What’s your perspective on AI in tattooing?
AI is impressive, but still limited in expressing light and natural structure. Used thoughtfully, it can be helpful—but it doesn’t replace artistic judgment.
Who do you admire most within the tattoo community?
I deeply respect senior Korean tattoo artists. Because of the paths they created, I’ve often been treated with respect abroad simply for being a Korean artist.
What has your experience with tattoo conventions been like?
I haven’t attended many, but when I do, I prefer working with clients I’ve already tattooed.
Why do you choose to attend conventions?
To introduce myself and to exchange experiences with other artists.
Have you received any recognition so far?
Yes, I won second place in the Rookie category at a tattoo convention in Korea.
Is there a tattoo that marked a turning point for you?
Yes! A Basquiat-inspired piece, about 12 cm, done entirely with a single liner over nearly 20 hours. That tattoo completely changed my mindset.
What do you consider your greatest achievement so far?
Being able to live surrounded by art, and realizing that sincere effort eventually earns recognition.
What advice would you give to aspiring tattoo artists?
Work consistently, and don’t doubt yourself. In the future, I hope to create tattoos that carry even more of my personal philosophy, works that feel unmistakably mine. If they remain on someone’s skin long after I’m gone, that is enough. People often tell me that working with a single liner is inefficient. That it’s slow, that there are faster ways.
But since when was art measured by efficiency?
Trust your vision.
Trust your process.
Do not doubt your devotion.
That devotion – is your style.
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