Please welcome our new guest, Joon Lee from South Korea. He specialized in Chicano style, let’s dive into his story!
For the readers who are not familiar with you, how would you introduce yourself?
I’m Joon. My work style based on Chicano culture, I usually do Chicano lettering.
Sometimes I also create Chicano tattoos in cartoon style.
Where did your fascination for tattoos come from?
I’m originally from South Korea.
I didn’t live in their way of life, but I stand together in the culture through the art that I do & love
How and when did you start tattooing?
I watched hip-hop music videos when I was young, I saw many rappers with Chicano lettering tattoos.
As I searched, I learned about Chicano history and was attracted to them.
It’s been six years, I decided to get a tattoo of this culture.
Where are you based?
Based in Seoul, South Korea
How would you describe the difference between the tattoo industry in America and South Korea these days?
There are a lot of differences. First of all, tattoos are illegal in Korea. Despite this, Korean tattooists have excellent skills and maintain high hygiene standards. However, most Korean people still think that only rude people get tattoos.
Tattooists are pushing for legalization, but it’s going to take a while.
How would you define your tattoo style?
Chicano style
What is the main source of inspiration for your tattoos?
It’s inspired by a lot of places.
In the past I was inspired by famous artists’ works, but these days I’m afraid that I’ll lose my own style by following their works without knowing myself. So I try not to look for other artists’ works, and I just draw the way that pops up in my head. Back to basic.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a tattoo artist ?
I’m doing a lettering tattoo. Customers want to get a tattoo of words that have a lot of meaning.
And I feel quite rewarded when my style overlaps with their satisfaction
What’s your experience at tattoo conventions so far?
It’s great to compete in good faith with a lot of tattooists. Meet and communicate with tattooists knew on social media, and see their real work and feel inspired.
Do you remember the first tattoo convention you have ever been to?
Yes. It was Savage ink tattoo convention in Cebu, Philippines.
I won first place in the lettering category. Unforgettable
What’s your primary reason to attend a tattoo convention?
For me, attending a convention now means seeing friends, visiting different countries or towns, enjoying the classic post-convention dinners, and immersing myself in the atmosphere of the event
What advice would you offer to someone considering a career as a tattoo artist?
I don’t want you to take it lightly.
It should be recognized that it will not be erased on the human body for life.
How do you stay at the top of the game?
Some people, when they get fame and hyped, they often forget to be humble.
We are sometimes successful, and we sometimes go downhill a big time, and works do not turn out great all the time either. At that point of the period, I think taking a break is really essential to come back to the game.
Even though I am in the depressing time, if I keep up my hard work and keep being humble, I will go back and stay at the top of the game.
Leave A Comment