Dim’s journey from self-taught hobbyist to an internationally recognized professional spans continents and cultures, reflecting both the challenges and transformations within the tattoo world. The Seoul-born tattoo artist is currently based at Monolith Studio in New York, where he is also preparing for graduate school.
With a background in sculpture and visual design, he approaches tattooing as only one medium amongst many possibilities for his visual storytelling. Dim’s work, currently focusing increasingly on small, realistic tattoos, is still evolving and taking different directions as he gathers experience and exchanges with other artists during his guest spots. Follow Dim on his journey as different paths and perspectives keep unfolding for a truly special artist.
How would you like to introduce yourself?
Hello, my name is Dim. I was born in Seoul, where I studied sculpture at Tsinghua University in China before dropping out. I then completed my bachelor’s degree in Visual Design at Seoul National University and am currently working as a tattoo artist in New York, while preparing for graduate school. I personally view tattooing as just one medium I work with, and I’m always trying to tell my visual narratives through a variety of different media.
Where can your customers find you?
I’m based at Monolith Studio in Brooklyn, New York.
How would you describe the tattoo scene in South Korea these days?
In Korea, only licensed medical doctors are legally allowed to do tattoos, which has created a very strange, dysfunctional system. The general perception of tattooing isn’t very positive either, so many artists are leaving for other countries. We are hoping for better news as discussions on legalizing tattooing are underway in Korea this year.
At what point in your life did you decide to become a professional tattoo artist?
I started tattooing as a hobby in November 2015, teaching myself. For the first two or three years, I was still in school and only did about two or three tattoos a month, so I never really considered it a career. Then, in 2018, I was invited to Canada for my first guest spot.
That’s when I realized that in other countries, tattoo artists are recognized as artists. Back then, from my perspective, I didn’t feel that tattoo artists were respected as professionals in Korea, though that might be changing now. After that experience, I spent my school breaks doing guest work in various countries and cities for periods of two to three months at a time. I also worked at a company in Korea, and I spent a long time thinking about what career path was right for me. I finally decided to move to New York in January 2022 to pursue my master’s degree, which is also when I officially started my professional tattooing career.
What did your first tattoo look like?
I never used fake skin to practice. I tried a few times on pigskin and then did a full forearm tattoo on a friend, a design that mixed geometric shapes and trees. My friend was a fan of my art, and after that, I did several more tattoos on him. I remember feeling really confident because my first tattoo turned out better than I expected.
Do you usually do guest spots? If yes, what’s your experience in doing them?
I haven’t counted exactly, but I’ve worked as a guest artist at about 30 studios. I’ve stayed for as little as five days and as long as three months. I don’t travel as much as I used to, but I still spend about two to three months a year working at other studios. Since I’m self-taught, I always grow as an artist when I do a guest spot. Even if it’s not a famous studio, I always learn something new and gain new information, so I approach it with a learner’s mindset.
As a tattoo artist, what does your daily working routine look like?
On an ideal day, I wake up in the morning, work out, have a quick meal, and head to the studio. I usually get in at noon and leave sometime between 6 and 10 PM. I often work past midnight. As a result, I often miss dinner or eat very late and go straight to bed.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a tattoo artist?
Lately, I’ve been doing a lot of pet and baby portrait tattoos. The clients are so incredibly grateful, more than I feel I deserve. Many of them even cry. Seeing my clients so happy and satisfied is the most rewarding part of my job.
What tools and machines do you prefer to use?
I’m always experimenting with new skills and styles, so I change my machines and needles often. Lately, I’ve been using machines from Vlad Blad and the Cheyenne Hawk Sol Nova. The Sol Nova is a machine I always keep in my rotation, whether as a main or a secondary machine, especially when I want to change styles.
How would you define your current tattoo style, and how did you end up focusing on it?
Right now, I’m doing a lot of very small, realistic tattoos. To be honest, it wasn’t a style I intentionally started. I think it’s a combination of the environment in New York and my clients’ needs.
Are there any tattoo styles you’d like to explore more?
Creating my own unique style has been my biggest goal for the past five years. I’ve made some progress recently, and I might be able to reveal it sometime this year.
What’s the most underrated tattoo style?
Lettering.
Do you have sponsors? If yes, what could you tell us about your sponsors?
I’ve received several offers, but I haven’t found a brand that feels right for me yet, so I’ve declined them all.
As a tattoo artist, what kind of tattoo ethics is really important to you?
Responsibility.
Being a successful tattoo artist requires many different skills. What’s your favorite way to keep learning?
Working with great artists and constantly looking for my own shortcomings.
What do you think separates a good tattoo artist from a great one?
A sense of responsibility, integrity, and treating tattooing as a form of art.
What’s your view on the rise of AI in tattooing?
I look at AI positively. I believe AI is just a tool, not the whole picture.
Do you do other forms of art besides tattooing?
I’m planning various other artistic projects, including graphic design and photography. As I mentioned in my introduction, tattooing is just one of the many media I work with. The things I want to do in the future are in a much broader field.
What’s your experience at tattoo conventions so far?
I haven’t participated in one yet, but I recently went to one in New York, just to check it out. I’d like to participate once I finalize the style I’m currently developing.
What are your goals or dreams for the near future?
To create my own style and showcase it through a variety of media, not just tattooing.
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