Hailing from Taiwan, Lil-C is rocking the world of Black & Grey realism and lettering. With seven years under his belt, Lil-C is all about refining his craft and pushing creative boundaries. Growing up surrounded by temple festivals, tattoos felt like a powerful form of art and personal expression from the very start.
Running his own studio, Trap Ghetto, 27-year-old Lil-C navigates Taiwan’s vibrant & competitive yet still somewhat conservative tattoo scene with a power that shines through his art. Self-taught and fiercely independent, he balances client requests with his artistic vision, inspired by learning from others and a mindful work-life balance to keep his creative juices fully charged.
From winning contests to travelling internationally, Lil-C’s impressive journey is about growth, connection, and keeping it real. Get ready to dive deep into his story and style!
How would you like to introduce yourself?
My name is Lil-C. I’m 27 years old and have been a tattoo artist for seven years. I specialize in Black & Grey realism and lettering, and I’m always working to refine my style and push my creativity further.
Where can your customers find you?
I live in Kaohsiung City, Taiwan, where I work at my studio, Trap Ghetto.
How would you describe the tattoo scene in your country these days?
Taiwan has a very diverse tattoo culture with many talented artists. However, the mindset here is still a bit conservative, so certain styles and ideas are not as widely accepted as they could be.
How would you define yourself in one word?
Real.
Where did your fascination for tattoos come from?
I grew up in a small rural town with many temple festivals. I often saw people with tattoos at those events, and even as a kid, I felt tattoos carried a special kind of artistic and personal power. That’s where my interest began.
At what point in your life did you decide to become a professional tattoo artist?
I made the decision while I was still in college, when I realized tattooing was something I genuinely wanted to pursue as a career.
What does tattooing mean to you personally?
For me, tattooing is a form of decoration that highlights personal identity. It’s a way for people to express who they are.
How did your family react when you started a career in tattooing?
At first, my family was strongly against it. But after I started earning money and proving that I was serious, they slowly accepted it and eventually became supportive.
Did you go through an apprenticeship? How was that experience?
I learned tattooing on my own. Since I was still a student, most artists weren’t open to taking apprentices, so I had to teach myself everything step by step.
What did your first tattoo look like?
I got my first tattoo at 18. It was my English name on my chest. Looking back now, I think it doesn’t look very good, but it’s still meaningful to me.
Do you usually do guest spots? If yes, what’s your experience in doing them?
I sometimes do guest spots. It feels like working in a different environment, but I enjoy meeting new clients and artists…it’s always interesting to interact with different people.
As a Tattoo Artist, what does your daily working routine look like?
I usually start my day by going to the gym. After I get back, shower, and have lunch, I begin my tattoo sessions and focus on my work for the rest of the day.
How do you determine the price of a tattoo?
I charge by the hour.
What’s the most challenging aspect of being a tattoo artist in 2025?
In Taiwan, the market is highly saturated now. Competition is tougher than ever, which makes it challenging to stand out.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a tattoo artist?
Helping clients achieve the tattoo they truly want is very fulfilling. Seeing their happiness makes the work worthwhile.
What tools and machines do you prefer to use?
I use FK Irons machines, they’re reliable and suit my style well.
What’s your number one aftercare advice for clients?
Before the tattoo is fully healed, avoid contact with any unclean water sources, especially swimming pools or the ocean.
How would you define your current tattoo style, and how did you end up focusing on it?
I don’t feel like my style needs a strict definition. I simply follow what I love, and my style has developed naturally over time.
How do you stay creatively inspired?
I stay inspired by continuously learning. Looking more, observing more, and absorbing new ideas whenever I can.
How do you balance client requests with your artistic vision?
I communicate patiently with clients and help them understand my creative direction so we can find a balance that works for both sides.
Are there any tattoo styles you’d like to explore more?
Yes, I would like to try more different styles and experiment creatively.
What’s the most underrated tattoo style?
I feel that due to Taiwan’s conservative mindset, many styles are underrated or not fully appreciated, even though they are beautiful forms of expression.
Are there any tattoos you prefer not to do?
I’m not a fan of very small tattoos or micro-tattoos.
Being a successful tattoo artist requires many different skills. What’s your favorite way to keep learning?
I like getting tattooed by artists I admire. It’s one of the best ways to observe and learn their techniques directly.
Do you like to teach or mentor upcoming artists?
No, teaching isn’t something I enjoy.
How do you stay at the top of your game?
Taking breaks and traveling at the right time helps me recharge and stay sharp.
Who are the people you admire the most within the tattoo community?
Weeeman from China.
What’s your experience at tattoo conventions so far?
My experiences have been great. Each convention gives me the chance to meet new artists and exchange ideas.
What’s your primary reason to attend a tattoo convention?
To gain more exposure and meet artists from different countries.
What’s your favorite tattoo convention so far? And why?
Gods of Ink is my favorite. It brings together top artists from around the world. I hope to participate one day.
Have you ever had the opportunity to participate in any tattoo contests? You are welcome to specify your awards.
Yes, I’ve competed in many tattoo contests and have won several awards, including Best Western and Best Black and Grey Realism.
Is there any tattoo that you have created in your career that you are particularly proud of?
One of my proudest pieces is a large back tattoo featuring a traditional Eastern geisha blended with a cyberpunk theme. It won multiple awards and significantly increased my recognition.
What is your greatest accomplishment as a tattoo artist?
Besides winning competitions, my biggest accomplishment was being a guest artist in London. It was my first time in Europe and my first solo trip abroad. Working in a place with a completely different language and culture was a major challenge and a meaningful milestone.
What are your goals or dreams for the near future?
I hope to travel to more countries as a guest artist and participate in more conventions around the world.
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