With an uncompromising mindset and a work ethic rooted in urgency Sumok represents a generation of tattoo artists who value longevity over instant impact. Currently based in New York, his Black & Grey Realism is deeply influenced by Asian cultural aesthetics and guided by one principle above all else: the healed tattoo matters more than the fresh photograph.
Self-taught and relentlessly self-critical, Sumok approaches tattooing with what he describes as a “desperate heart” not weakness, but discipline. Every design is studied, refined, and executed with the intention of aging gracefully on the body, moving naturally with anatomy rather than sitting on top of it. From winning top awards at major international conventions to building a life alongside his wife through the craft, his journey reflects a quiet seriousness that separates technical skill from true mastery.
A thoughtful conversation with an artist who believes tattooing is not just something you wear, but something you live with for a lifetime.
How would you like to introduce yourself?
Hi, I’m Sumok. I’m a Black & Grey tattoo artist currently based in New York.
Where can your customers find you?
I’m currently working at “Noble Art Tattoo Studio” in Manhattan, New York.
How would you define yourself in one word?
The keyword that defines me is “Desperate”. I always approach tattooing with a desperate heart and a deep desire to create higher-quality work.
Where did your fascination for tattoos come from?
About 10 years ago, I saw the film Mad Max and felt that the art of tattooing was truly beautiful.
What does tattooing mean to you personally?
Being able to enjoy my work while being happy is a blessing. For me, tattooing is that blessing. Furthermore, I met my wife through tattooing, so it has brought an even greater blessing into my life.
At what point in your life did you decide to become a professional tattoo artist?
In my early 20s, I suddenly felt a strong urge to go “all-in” for my life. I was drawn to the charm of tattooing and felt it was a path worth taking without any regrets.
How did your family react when you started a career in tattooing?
To be honest, when I first started, tattooing still had a negative stigma in Korean culture. However, my family trusted me and supported my career choice.
Did you go through an apprenticeship? How was that experience?
I am self-taught. Since I felt my skills might be lacking compared to others, I decided to invest twice as much time into studying and practicing as anyone else.
What did your first tattoo look like?
My first tattoo was a dragon on my older brother. He gave me the opportunity to practice on his body, and thanks to him, I was able to gain invaluable experience early on.
Do you usually do guest spots? If yes, what’s your experience in doing them?
Rather than traditional guest spots, I prefer traveling to attend conventions in different regions. I recently visited Miami, which was warm and wonderful.
How would you describe the tattoo scene in your country these days?
With the recent legalization of tattooing in South Korea, I expect many artists will be able to work without constraints. The public perception of tattoos has also shifted in a much more positive direction.
As a Tattoo Artist, what does your daily working routine look like?
I usually work from 11 AM to 11 PM. When I get home after 11 PM, I start working on designs and go to sleep around 4 AM. I invest most of my day in tattooing, but I don’t mind it because I’m doing what I love.
What is one surprising aspect of being a tattoo artist?
Creating a design takes a significant amount of time. For me, it takes at least 8 hours to finalize a single design.
How do you determine the price of a tattoo?
The price varies depending on the technique required and the time spent. Also, if it’s a difficult area of the body, it requires more delicate technique and focus, which leads to a higher quote.
What’s the most challenging aspect of being a tattoo artist in 2025?
I care more about how a tattoo will look a year later than how it looks in a photo taken right after completion. Therefore, I put a lot of effort into studying the healed results and longevity of the ink.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a tattoo artist?
The most rewarding moment was winning a major award at a convention with my wife by my side. Being able to do what I love with the person I love is true happiness.
What tools and machines do you prefer to use?
I prefer machines with a 3.5mm stroke. I believe it is the most well-balanced stroke for my style.
What’s your number one aftercare advice for clients?
I believe the most important thing is to keep the area clean immediately after getting tattooed and to ensure the skin doesn’t get too hot or irritated.
How would you define your current tattoo style, and how did you end up focusing on it?
I specialize in Black & Grey Realism, with a particular focus on Asian cultural themes. I want my tattoos to feel like “clothes” that are worn for a lifetime, rather than just a drawing. My goal is to use Asian elements to create tattoos that flow naturally with the lines of the body.
Please walk us through your process when you start a new tattoo for your customers.
The first step is accurately understanding what the client wants. Then, we discuss how to merge their desires with my artistic vision before finalizing the design. After that, the tattooing begins.
How do you stay creatively inspired?
These days, I tend to get a lot of inspiration from video content and films.
How do you balance client requests with your artistic vision?
It’s a difficult balance, but I believe an artist can persuade a client through their experience. With enough reference materials and a solid track record, you can reach a great compromise.
Are there any tattoo styles you’d like to explore more?
I want to achieve a sharper visual effect within Black & Grey. I’m interested in styles that use Black & Grey tones but are very intuitive with distinct, high-contrast tone differences.
What’s the most underrated tattoo style?
I think Ornamental and Pattern-work tattoos are truly remarkable. The level of detail and the way they utilize body composition is incredible.
What’s the most overrated tattoo style?
I don’t think anyone can judge that. Aesthetic standards vary completely from person to person.
Are there any tattoos you prefer not to do?
There is no tattoo I dislike. Everything is a challenge to me.
Do you have sponsors? If yes, what could you tell us about your sponsors?
I use needles from Mastpro Supply and ink from Kwadron. Both allow for very delicate techniques and high-level craftsmanship.
As a Tattoo Artist, what kind of tattoo ethics is really important to you?
My professional ethic is that the “Healed” result is the most important thing in tattooing.
Being a successful tattoo artist requires many different skills. What’s your favorite way to keep learning?
I believe investing time is key. If I lack something, no one else can fill that gap for me; only my own effort can make it happen.
Do you like to teach or mentor upcoming artists?
I had experience mentoring when I was in Korea. It was very difficult for me because I felt a huge sense of responsibility toward the students.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received to improve your tattooing technique?
The advice that maintaining consistent density while tattooing is the most important thing really left an impression on me.
How do you stay at the top of your game?
It requires endless effort and always approaching the craft with a willingness to learn.
What do you think separates a good tattoo artist from a great one?
Regardless of skill, I think a great artist is defined by their attitude toward the client. Respecting the client is essential.
How do you feel about the growing acceptance of tattoos in society?
As the perception of tattoos improves, I feel very proud that I can create special memories for someone.
What’s the biggest misconception that customers may have about tattoos?
Sometimes clients think a tattoo will be finished quickly. Since I mainly work on large-scale projects, they require a lot of time. I recommend clients start with smaller pieces and gradually work their way up to larger projects.
What’s the biggest trend in tattooing you have noticed in the last 5 years?
With improved perception, tattoos have moved into the realm of fashion. I believe a “trendy” tattoo is one that you don’t get tired of even after a long time.
What’s your view on the rise of AI in tattooing?
I’m happy that the advancement of AI allows for higher-quality designs. I’m excited to see how much more we can create in the future.
What would you change about the tattoo industry?
The industry is growing fast, but I don’t think it’s good when new artists use clients for “practice” without enough preparation. I wish there were a more formal process where artists study and research sufficiently before working on people.
Do you work on other projects within the tattoo industry?
Right now, I am focusing on my personal career. I plan to participate in more conventions to see, learn from, and compete with other artists.
Do you do other forms of art besides tattooing?
I don’t engage in other forms of art. My time is already tight enough just focusing on tattooing.
Who are the people you admire the most within the tattoo community?
I deeply respect a Korean artist named GB Kim. There is so much to learn from him, even outside of tattooing. Working with him helps me realize what I lack, and I plan to continue learning a lot from him.
What’s your experience at tattoo conventions so far?
All the conventions I’ve experienced remain as great memories. I’ve met many outstanding artists, and it serves as a motivation for me to grow.
How do you usually prepare for a tattoo convention?
My wife is a huge help in preparing for conventions. She handles the scheduling, and I focus on creating the artwork that fits that schedule.
What’s your primary reason to attend a tattoo convention?
My goal is to see other artists’ work in person and grow through competition. It’s a way for me to check if my techniques are current and trendy.
What’s your favorite tattoo convention so far? And why?
Honestly, I can’t pick just one. Every convention I’ve attended was highly competitive with amazing artists. I have never approached a convention with a light heart.
Have you ever had the opportunity to participate in any tattoo contests? You are welcome to specify your awards.
New York 2025 : 1st Place – Best of Day, Best Large Black and Grey, Best Black and Grey Realism.
Miami 2025 : 1st Place – Best of Day, Healed Back piece; 2nd Place – Best Black and Grey Large.
New York 2025 : 1st Place – Black and Grey Large; 2nd Place – Black and Grey Large, Best Sleeve.
2025 New Jersey Tattoo Convention : 1st Place – Best of Day, Black and Grey; 2nd Place – Black and Grey.
2024 Vancouver Tattoo Convention : Tattoo of The Show 1st, Best Sleeve 1st, Best Black and Grey 1st, Best Black and Grey 2nd.
2023 Ontario London Convention : Black and Grey Small Healed 1st, Black and Grey Large 1st, Best of Day.
2023 Vancouver Tattoo Convention : Best Black and Grey Large 2nd.
2023 Markham Convention : Black and Grey 1st, Best Realism 1st.
Do you collect tattoos from artists you meet at conventions?
I usually participate in the contests, so I don’t have time to get tattooed by other artists.
How do you think there are ways tattoo conventions could improve for both artists and the public?
I think they are already well-established culturally. Many clients already use these conventions to find artists that match their specific style.
Was there any event in particular that really boosted your career?
Every convention is precious to me, and each one has helped me grow in its own way.
Is there any tattoo that you have created in your career that you are particularly proud of?
I did an Asian-style leg sleeve for a friend I work with. We entered many conventions together with that piece. He has since moved from New York to Texas, but the experience we shared remains a very meaningful memory for me.
What is your greatest accomplishment as a tattoo artist?
I can guarantee this: my greatest accomplishment is meeting my wife.
What advice would you offer to someone considering a career as a tattoo artist?
Rather than just thinking about posting pretty pictures on Instagram, I hope you approach this with a sense of responsibility to give your clients a good memory that will last a lifetime.
What are your goals or dreams for the near future?
There are still many conventions I haven’t experienced and many places I want to visit. I’m excited to see what new experiences await me.
What legacy do you want to leave as a tattoo artist?
I want to eventually find a style that is uniquely mine not a copy of someone else’s, but a truly original “Sumok” style. I plan to put in a lot of effort to achieve that.
To close this awesome interview, what’s your last message to our readers?
As the perception of tattoos has improved over time, my job satisfaction has grown even higher. I will continue to work hard to become an artist who develops and produces even higher-quality work. Thank you to everyone who trusts me and loves my work.
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