Jees Grey, offers a rare look into the mind of a black and grey realism specialist who has spent more than thirteen years refining his craft. Primarily based in Vancouver, he describes himself as a “Grey Technician,” a title that reflects his precision-oriented approach and the disciplined philosophy behind his work. From traveling internationally for guest spots to publishing an educational tattoo book that sold over 1,000 copies, Jees represents a balance of artistic passion, technical mastery, and professional responsibility that is uncommon even among seasoned artists.
This interview captures the story of an artist who continues to push his limits, someone who still feels a mix of nerves and excitement before every session and remains committed to sincerity as the core of meaningful, lasting tattoo art.
Hello Jees, how would you like to introduce yourself?
I’m a tattoo artist specializing in realistic black and gray style, currently in my 13th year of tattooing. I’m mainly based in Vancouver.
How would you define yourself in one word?
Grey Technician.
How did tattooing first come into your life? Do you remember the moment it clicked for you?
I’ve always found it fascinating that people can express their identity, thoughts, and personal meanings through tattoos. Even without words, tattoos can convey powerful messages, and when people share the stories behind them, it creates deep and meaningful connections. That exchange of emotion and symbolism is what continues to inspire me about tattooing.
At what point in your life did you decide to become a professional tattoo artist?
As a Korean, I served in the Marine Corps. Near the end of my service, I was reflecting on my future and decided, “I want to choose a career that allows me to keep doing what I love most, drawing.” That’s when, in 2011, I first set my sights on becoming a tattoo artist.
As someone working inside the scene, how would you describe the tattoo culture in South Korea right now?
In my country, South Korea, tattooing has recently become legal. It may sound unusual to people from other countries, but tattoos had been illegal in Korea for about 30 years. With the recent legalization, many Korean tattoo artists are celebrating this long-awaited and meaningful change together.
How did your family react when you started a career in tattooing?
When I told my family that I wanted to pursue tattooing as a career, they supported and encouraged me wholeheartedly. I’ve loved drawing since I was very young, and although I couldn’t formally study fine arts due to personal circumstances, my family was genuinely proud and happy that I chose to make art my profession.
Did you go through an apprenticeship? How was that experience?
Yes, I went through about 12 months of training. For the first 9 months, I wasn’t allowed to touch a tattoo machine at all; my focus was entirely on studying and drawing designs suitable for tattooing. Later, I began learning about tattoo machines and techniques. One of the most valuable lessons I learned was understanding the difference between drawings on paper and designs made for human skin. That period of disciplined training remains one of the most formative experiences of my life.
Do you usually do guest spots? If yes, what’s your experience in doing them?
Yes, I often do guest spots. I haven’t yet found the city I want to settle in permanently, so I continue traveling to different places to gain more experience and challenges. Each year, I visit three to four cities for guest spots, which allows me to grow artistically while connecting with diverse clients and artists around the world.
As a tattoo artist, what does your daily working routine look like?
I usually arrive at the studio one to two hours before my client to set up my station and prepare mentally for the session. After finishing the day’s tattoo, I edit the photos and work on new designs for upcoming clients. For me, the day doesn’t end when the session does. I always take time to reflect on my work, review the results, and give myself constructive feedback.
How do you usually approach pricing, especially for big pieces or multi-session projects?
Since most of my work consists of large-scale pieces rather than smaller tattoos, I typically charge by the hour. Each piece takes many hours to complete, but this process ensures both precision and long-lasting healed results. Some new clients may find this process unusual at first, but returning clients fully understand and appreciate the reasoning behind it.
What’s the most challenging aspect of being a tattoo artist in 2025?
I want to push the limits of realism and achieve the highest level of detail possible in tattooing. In the near future, I plan to challenge myself by participating in multiple international tattoo conventions as an exhibiting artist.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a tattoo artist?
I feel the greatest sense of fulfillment when clients tell me their families gave positive feedback after seeing their tattoos. Since tattoos last a lifetime, I focus not just on how they look right after completion but also on how they age beautifully over time. My goal is to create timeless tattoos that remain elegant and meaningful, even as my clients grow older.
What tools and machines do you prefer to use?
I’ve been using the Bishop Wand Packer for several years. Its grip, weight, and hitting power suit me perfectly. I also mainly use KWADRON cartridges and Dynamic Ink.
How would you define your current tattoo style, and how did you end up focusing on it?
My tattoo style is realistic black and gray, centered on precision and fine detail. Over the years, I’ve observed how tattoos, both mine and others’, heal and evolve over time. I’ve experimented with different techniques to ensure that the sharpness and clarity of details remain even years later. Seeing those results heal exactly as I intended brings me immense satisfaction.
Please walk us through your process when you start a new tattoo for your customers.
For pieces that take more than eight hours, I divide the project into two sessions. In the first session, I focus on the structural details, outlining and sketching key light and shadow areas. After about two weeks of healing, I complete the shading in the second session. This process minimizes skin trauma and helps the clean and precise details stay well-preserved over time.
Are there any tattoo styles you’d like to explore more?
I’ve always been drawn to timeless subjects, artworks that have been loved for centuries, such as Michelangelo’s sculptures and Gustave Doré’s engravings. These classical themes have transcended time and continue to inspire people today. I want to reinterpret their enduring beauty through tattoo art, as I believe classical art will always deserve admiration and reverence.
As a tattoo artist, what kind of tattoo ethics is really important to you?
Integrity. I always ask myself, “Would I be proud to wear this tattoo on my own body?” I believe an artist should never become complacent. The moment you lose honesty with yourself, you also lose passion and responsibility for your craft.
Being a successful tattoo artist requires many different skills. What’s your favorite way to keep learning?
The most important step toward growth is finding a good mentor. Without proper guidance, you risk making countless mistakes, and those mistakes often affect clients. Learning patiently from a mentor and absorbing their knowledge over time is, in my opinion, the foundation of true artistic development.
Do you like to teach or mentor upcoming artists?
Yes. I ran my own studio for about six years, during which I trained several apprentices who went on to become professional artists. Teaching them allowed me to reflect on my own methods and grow alongside them. It remains one of the most rewarding aspects of my career.
How do you stay at the top of your game?
By staying honest and disciplined. There are moments of temptation, to take shortcuts, to rest too soon, or to rush, but I always remind myself to prioritize integrity over convenience. I never want to feel guilt over a piece I’ve made. Maintaining that mindset ensures that every tattoo I do reflects my full effort and sincerity.
What’s your view on the rise of AI in tattooing?
Like in many other industries, opinions about AI in tattooing are divided. I believe change is inevitable, and artists must learn to adapt and evolve with it. While AI-generated designs may lack the nuance and emotional depth of human art, AI itself is still developing. I see it as a tool that tattoo artists can learn from and use creatively, rather than something to resist.
What’s your experience at tattoo conventions so far?
It has always been an exciting and inspiring experience. Meeting artists in person, many of whom I’ve admired online, and exchanging ideas face-to-face provides tremendous motivation. Everyone attends conventions to challenge themselves, and that shared passion creates an amazing atmosphere.
What’s your primary reason to attend a tattoo convention?
To connect with other artists, to challenge myself, and to test my artistic growth.
How do you think tattoo conventions could improve for both artists and the public?
Fair and transparent judging standards are crucial. In several conventions I’ve attended, I’ve noticed disappointment among participants regarding biased or inconsistent judging. When awards are influenced by personal connections or unqualified judges, it undermines the integrity of the event. Honest and professional evaluation would elevate conventions and make them more inspiring for everyone involved.
Was there any event in particular that really boosted your career?
In 2021, I published an educational book on tattooing. It was released in South Korea and written for self-taught and junior artists who had just started their careers. Over 1,000 copies were sold, and it allowed me to connect with many artists and share my experiences. It remains one of the most meaningful achievements of my career.
Is there any tattoo that you have created in your career that you are particularly proud of?
Yes, the Ouroboros tattoo I created on a client’s back. It captures the texture, contrast, and dimensional depth I always strive for. It remains one of my favorite works and has received positive feedback from both clients and fellow artists.
What is your greatest accomplishment as a tattoo artist?
Publishing my book. It allowed me to share my experiences not only with tattoo artists but also with the general public, helping them understand the process and philosophy behind tattooing. Educating people about what tattooing truly represents, beyond the image itself, has been deeply fulfilling.
What advice would you offer to someone considering a career as a tattoo artist?
Choosing where and how to learn tattooing requires careful thought, just as much as choosing the right tattoo for your body. Unfortunately, there are still many apprentices and students who suffer from poor education or unfair treatment. I strongly encourage anyone pursuing this path to take their time, research thoroughly, and find a mentor who values integrity and artistry.
What are your goals or dreams for the near future?
I hope to find a country and city where I truly feel at home and can continue my career as an artist. I’ve visited many great studios and worked as a guest in various places, but I haven’t yet found the perfect environment to settle and grow long-term.
What legacy do you want to leave as a tattoo artist?
I want my tattoos to remain beautiful and meaningful for decades to come. My hope is that my name will stay in my clients’ memories, not just as their artist but as someone who left a lasting and positive mark on their lives.
To close this interview, what’s your last message to our readers?
Even after 13 years of tattooing, I still feel nervous and excited before every session, and I think that’s proof that my passion as an artist is still alive. I will continue to work with sincerity, discipline, and integrity, striving to be an artist who creates meaningful work and earns lasting respect.
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