Emerging from South Korea and now making his mark across Canada, Jo Yun (JOYUNISM) is an artist who pours every ounce of himself into his craft. Rooted in the bold traditions of Japanese tattooing and Ukiyo-e, yet filtered through his own unique sensibility, his work balances discipline with raw passion.
For him, tattooing is not just an art form — it’s a life’s rhythm. Every moment, whether studying, sketching, or tattooing, is devoted to refining his craft and honoring the flow of the human body.
In this interview, Jo Yun reflects on the challenges of carrying Japanese tattoo culture into new contexts, and the values that guide his journey. Meet the artist who lives and breathes his craft: Jo Yun.
How would you like to introduce yourself?
Hello. I’m Jo Yun (JOYUNISM) from South Korea, and I draw in my own style based on Japanese tattooing. It is an honor to be doing this interview.
You are most welcome!! At what point in your life did you decide to become a professional tattoo artist?
I think it was when I was 18 years old. At that time, I happened to see pictures of Irezumi tattoos on the bodies of delinquent friends from my neighborhood through social media, and I thought, “Even if I did it, I could probably do it better than this.” Although I had never studied art, I had always really liked drawing since I was a child. Through that opportunity, I came to have a really big interest, and after I became an adult and started to worry about my future, I think I came to the decision that I should make it my profession.
How did your family react when you started a career in tattooing?
In fact, because their son said he wanted to do it, they reluctantly supported me, but of course, even though they did not show it outwardly, I think their hearts must have been very troubled. In Korea, the public perspective on tattoo culture is still conservative and not good. People say it has gotten much better these days, though. Because their son said he wanted to do something like that, they had many worries.
Do you usually do guest spots? If yes, what’s your experience in doing them?
Right now, I have my base in Vancouver, and I am traveling around various parts of Canada. Rather than focusing on whether there are clients or demand, I have been going to guest spots with the thought that I want to visit tattoo shops where artists I have liked a lot during my career are working, and that I want to try working together with them. Recently, I did a guest spot at @sj_tattoostudio of @seunghyunjotattoos in Toronto, whom I thought was cool and admired since the time I first started. It was very pleasant and an honor to be able to meet and work together with a tattooist I had admired for such a long time.
As a tattoo artist, what does your daily working routine look like?
Except for eating, drinking, and sleeping, I pour all of my time into drawing and tattooing, studying, and researching. Because I want to move forward. Even when I am eating or drinking, I go as far as looking at tattoo pictures or drawings that could give me inspiration. Every moment of daily life is daily life as a tattoo artist for me.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a tattoo artist?
The most rewarding moments are of course when artists acknowledge me, which is very rewarding and honorable, but the greatest honor and reward I feel and receive from the clients who come to me. In every moment and in every work, I want to pour my 100 percent, so I am putting in a lot of effort and investment. With the designs I create one by one through such efforts, when the many clients who came because they liked my drawings receive tattoos from me and feel very happy or joyful, that is the time when I feel truly great ecstasy and pleasure.
Please walk us through your process when you start a new tattoo for your customers.
First, I understand where the client wants to receive the tattoo and what they want to receive. Because a tattoo is not a flat drawing, but something that goes into the curved skin of a human, I think the most important thing is to understand the flow of the human body. So if possible, I carry out face-to-face consultations where the client visits the shop. Once I create a design that fits each client’s body, I feel like I complete it into a tattoo based on that.
How would you define your current tattoo style, and how did you end up focusing on it?
Since I still have a long way to go as an artist, it is difficult to define my style, but as I mentioned earlier, I think I am drawing based on Ukiyo-e and traditional Japanese tattooing, mixed with my own sensibility. Whatever I draw, I always keep the roots there.
How do you balance client requests with your artistic vision?
Of course I like the works I can do in my own way, but I also find it really fun to receive requests from clients. Trying to work it out in my own style under all kinds of restrictions feels like playing a puzzle game. Of course, I do not take it lightly but always approach it seriously. However, when there are too many requests down to extremely detailed parts, or requests that do not seem like they would look cool, I usually ask for understanding during the consultation session in advance. Since I know tattoos better than they do, I think one of the roles of a tattoo artist is to tell them in advance about things that might not look good and ask for their understanding.
As a tattoo artist, what kind of tattoo ethics is really important to you?
There are many things, but what I think is the most important is to do my best in every work. Even if one’s skill is lacking, if you do your best, you may have regrets but you will not have remorse. It is important to increase one’s maximum ability by doing one’s best in every single attempt.
What’s the biggest trend in tattooing you have noticed in the last 5 years?
It seems that more and more tattoo styles are emerging that are more casual, smaller in size, and easier for the general public to access, compared to those who do traditional work. Of course, I also like these kinds of tattoos, but I like the feeling that comes from the impact of large-size pieces, so as a fan of the traditional genre, this is something I feel a bit disappointed about.
What’s the biggest misconception that customers may have about tattoos?
In Korea, Japanese tattoos are heavily influenced by Irezumi (traditional Japanese tattoo style), and there is a very strong perception that they are mainly done by gangsters. Of course, this isn’t entirely wrong, and ironically, that boldness, rebelliousness, and violent appearance are part of the charm of this genre I think. Here in Vancouver, where I’m currently working, it’s mainly university students, tourists, or enthusiasts who simply love Japanese tattoos that come to get tattooed. I can feel the difference in perception and culture in that regard.
Personally, I hope that Japanese tattoos could be viewed more casually, like in these cases, rather than being associated with a rebellious or violent image.
What advice would you offer to someone considering a career as a tattoo artist?
The difference between what one likes and what one can do well is an enormous difference. I hope people will make a really cold-headed and clear value judgment about whether they just like the culture of receiving tattoos, or whether they really like engraving their own drawings on others’ bodies, and whether they will not give up no matter what hardships and adversities arise, and above all whether they have talent for it. If you still feel confident despite that, then I really want to support you. Sometimes reality is harsher and colder than any thriller movie.
What are your goals or dreams for the near future?
First, I want to participate in famous overseas conventions and lead my career to a higher level. If I am lucky, I might even win an award. In such experiences and inspiration, I want to complete an art style that only I can do. Rather than comparisons or competition with others, I only think it is important to move forward on my own and complete my own drawings. I think this is closer to the ultimate goal as an artist rather than just a near goal.
What legacy do you want to leave as a tattoo artist?
I want to be someone who can really influence others, like the truly famous artists in Korea. Just as I received influence from them, I also want to become a great artist who can now be the soil for the next generation to come.
To close this awesome interview, what’s your last message to our readers?
I always try to do my best in everything. This is a life habit I learned from my father, who has worked as an engineer for over 30 years. If in my journey and in the moments of your life, we have the chance to be connected and I get the opportunity to tattoo you, I will throw in all of my fire and create a wonderful tattoo for you. I also sincerely thank World Tattoo Events for giving me this opportunity.
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