Suwan • Creating Bold Black & Grey Through Joy and Discipline

Suwan is a black and grey tattoo artist based in Seoul, South Korea, where he runs Oscarink Seoul in Hongdae. His work is driven by a strong sense of responsibility and a desire to create bold, distinctive designs that leave a lasting impression. Rooted in a lifelong passion for drawing, tattooing became the path that allowed him to fully realize his artistic ambitions.

His journey reflects persistence and commitment, shaped by early challenges, including opposition from family and the discipline of pursuing his craft independently. Over time, his approach has evolved into one centered on trust, communication, and continuous improvement—both in technique and artistic direction. For Suwan, tattooing is not only about the final image, but about the shared experience between artist and client.

As he continues to grow, Suwan remains focused on refining his style while balancing personal and professional goals. Whether through his work, his studio, or his relationships, his philosophy is grounded in joy, responsibility, and dedication—values that shape both his art and his life as a tattoo artist.

Let’s step into his world.

• How would you like to introduce yourself?

Hello, I’m Suwan. I’m a black and grey tattoo artist based in South Korea.

• Where can customers find you?

You can contact me through Instagram, and I run Oscarink Seoul studio in Hongdae, Seoul.

• How would you define yourself in one word?

Joy.

After tattooing my clients with a strong sense of responsibility, the happiness that both my clients and I feel is what brings me joy.

• Where did your fascination for tattoos come from?

I started art when I was 15. At that time, I began exploring my future career and developed the dream of becoming a tattoo artist.

• What does tattooing mean to you personally?

It makes me happy. I’ve always loved drawing, and tattooing is the career that allowed me to achieve the dream I’ve always had.

• At what point in your life did you decide to become a professional tattoo artist?

After completing my mandatory military service in South Korea, I immediately started pursuing my dream of becoming a tattoo artist.

• How did your family react when you started a career in tattooing?

At that time in Korea, the older generation had a negative perception of tattoos. When I said I wanted to become a tattoo artist, there was strong opposition, and I spent two years studying without seeing my family.

• Did you go through an apprenticeship? How was that experience?

It was challenging but also enjoyable, because I learned tattooing alongside my peers and shared knowledge with them.

• What did your first tattoo look like?

I gave my first tattoo to my wife. I would describe that tattoo as “terrifying.”

• Do you usually do guest spots?

I often go to Vancouver to work as a guest artist. I’m very happy because many clients come to see me, even though I rarely have days off.

• What is one surprising aspect of being a tattoo artist?

Nothing really surprised me. I knew from the beginning that creating art would require a lot of thought and would be challenging.

• How do you determine the price of a tattoo?

It depends on the level of detail, the technique required, and the time needed. As the complexity increases, the price increases accordingly.

• What’s the most challenging aspect of being a tattoo artist in 2026?

I recently opened my first studio, and it’s been challenging with so much to prepare. At the same time, my growing sense of responsibility pushes me to work even harder.

• What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a tattoo artist?

I feel the most fulfilled when I tattoo my clients and see their expressions afterward.

• What tools and machines do you prefer to use?

I use a Cobra tattoo machine, along with Panthera Black Ink and Kwadron Ink.

• How would you define your current style, and how did you develop it?

I aim to create bold designs and develop a distinctive style that stands out. I’m still working hard to achieve that.

• How do you stay creatively inspired?

I don’t complete designs in one sitting. I step away and come back after a few days with fresh eyes. This helps me improve the design and discover new ideas.

• How do you balance client requests with your artistic vision?

I communicate respectfully and avoid being forceful. Through mutual understanding and discussion, we create a design that satisfies both the client and myself. Many clients now trust me fully with the design.

• Are there any tattoo styles you’d like to explore more?

I believe I still need to study and improve, so I continue learning and developing my style.

• Are there any tattoos you prefer not to do?

I don’t prefer designs that require too many themes.

• Do you have sponsors?

Yes. Cartiel needles and Kwadron.

• What kind of tattoo ethics are important to you?

Responsibility. I believe tattooing should not be treated as just a way to make money—it requires a strong sense of responsibility.

• Do you teach or mentor upcoming artists?

Yes, I teach my apprentices. Teaching helps me organize my own knowledge and deepen my understanding, and I also learn a lot from them.

• What’s the best advice you’ve received?

Don’t choose between designs you like or dislike—do them all well. This helped me avoid limiting my own skills.

• How do you stay at the top of your game?

My condition improves a lot when I eat delicious food.

• How do you feel about the growing acceptance of tattoos in society?

As awareness improves, new artists will emerge, and unique works will be created. That excites and inspires me.

• What’s the biggest misconception about tattoos?

Tattoos are not for show, and they are not cheap products. They are works of art, not commodities.

• What is your opinion on AI in tattooing?

I see AI positively, as it expands possibilities for creating new styles and ideas.

• What has been your experience with tattoo conventions?

I attended my first convention last year. I was very nervous, but it turned out to be a fun and exciting experience.

• How do you prepare for convention?

I prepare designs and find a model. Once, I changed my design right before the convention because I wasn’t satisfied—and that design ended up winning first place.

• What’s your main reason for attending conventions?

To show my work in person rather than just through photos.

• Have you participated in tattoo contests?

At the 2025 Vancouver Convention, I won first place for Best Fresh Sleeve, first place for Best Healed in Black and Grey, and third place for Best Fresh Black and Grey Realism.

• What advice would you offer to someone considering a career as a tattoo artist?

Create your work with pride and a strong sense of responsibility.

• What are your goals for the near future?

Rather than focusing only on tattoos, my dream is to be a tattoo artist I love while also making my wife—who I love the most—happy.

• What legacy do you want to leave as a tattoo artist?

When I am no longer able to work as a tattoo artist, I hope to leave behind work that future artists can learn from—whether they like my pieces or not.

• What final message would you like to share with our readers?

I don’t want to be an artist who copies others. I want to become an artist that others aspire to be like. I will continue working hard and do my best to create even better work.