We’re excited to introduce Joozy, a popular artist from South Korea crafting his tattoos, inspired by American traditional and Asian designs. His unique old-school tattoos are bright, bold and colorful. Let’s find out more about this eclectic artist.
For the readers who are not familiar with you, how would you introduce yourself?
I have been tattooing for about 7 years. I studied tattooing on my own without anyone teaching me, and that’s how I got to where I am now. I started because I love tattoos, and I still love them at this moment. It was really tough not having anyone to ask questions to, but now I’ve reached a point where other tattooists come to me with questions.
Where did your fascination for tattoos come from?
As soon as I turned 20, I got a small tattoo. I had been interested in it since my teenage years. It felt like using needles and ink was upgrading my body. The idea of engraving something meaningful to me onto my body had a profound impact on me.
Where are you based?
South Korea.
How would you describe the tattoo scene in your country these days?
First of all, the entry barrier is very low. Because of this, there are many tattooists emerging. However, not all of these tattooists are skilled, and some are recruiting students just to make money. In contrast, since I consistently tattoo, I don’t rely on students as a source of income.
How would you define your tattoo style?
I pursue a unique style based on the traditional tattoo genre. I use thick needles and create designs that may look simple but are detailed. Instead of black, I focus on colors to achieve a bright palette, aiming for tattoos that feel like they have just been finished, even after healing.
What’s the most challenging aspect of being a tattoo artist in 2024?
I have created many designs and welcomed numerous clients to complete a large project aimed at tattooing various parts of the body. Furthermore, I challenge myself in the design aspect to perfectly refine my unique tattoo style.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a tattoo artist?
Many people have tattoos that they want to hide or remove. There are also other things like skin imperfections and scars that they wish to conceal. I feel a great sense of fulfillment when I can help solve these issues.
What’s your experience at tattoo conventions so far?
I have only attended one tattoo convention so far. I didn’t participate in the tattoo convention held in Thailand, but I worked on tattoos at the convention. It was a great experience to meet tattoo artists from all over the world, see their tattoos, and realize how much effort it takes to win awards.
What’s your primary reason to attend a tattoo convention?
I believe the primary reason to attend a tattoo convention is to meet many tattoo artists, see their work, learn from them, and most importantly, to promote oneself. It’s also a great opportunity to showcase one’s own skills.
How do you think tattoo conventions could improve for the artists and the public?
I think tattoo conventions should not just be about showcasing tattoos and ranking them; there should also be attractions and entertainment for the public. After the awards for each tattoo genre, having performances or small raffle events for the audience would be a great addition.
What advice would you offer to someone considering a career as a tattoo artist?
I believe that what matters more than experience is how passionate and dedicated someone is. Just because someone has been in the field for a long time doesn’t mean they are a good tattoo artist. In my journey as a tattooist, I’ve seen many artists who didn’t have impressive experience but were incredibly talented. If you have a solid foundation in tattooing and your own style, the potential for growth becomes much greater.
Who are the people you admire the most within the tattoo community?
The person I admire the most is Samuele Briganti. He is a tattoo artist who inspires many traditional genre tattooists around the world. I believe many tattoo artists create their own designs after seeing his work. His designs, particularly featuring tigers, eagles, and black panthers, have inspired countless people.
How do you stay at the top of your game?
I think about tattooing every day, 24/7. Whenever I have a good idea, I jot it down in a notebook and use it for my designs. While creating tattoo designs involves my mind and hands, I believe actually tattooing is a physical activity. If my body isn’t healthy, I can’t tattoo, so I exercise daily to maintain my best condition, which definitely helps a lot.
Do you do other forms of art besides tattooing?
I create designs on my iPad, but I also draw on paper and sell those artworks. Additionally, I cut wood myself and paint on it for use as interior decor.
What are your goals or dreams for the near future?
I want to tattoo not only in my country, Korea, but also overseas. I have the desire to meet diverse cultures and tattoo on different skin types to further develop my skills. Additionally, I wish to participate in conventions and win awards.
Do you have a sponsor? If so, what could you tell us about your sponsors?
My sponsors are pepax.official, linework_us, yilongtattooing, and emalla.official. I can say that my sponsors provide tattoo needles and machines, and they also offer a platform to easily manage reservations, payments, and finances.
Is there anything else you would like to tell our readers?
I would like to thank World Tattoo Events for helping me with this interview, and I also want to express my gratitude to the readers who took the time to read the interview. I will strive to show my growth and continue to provide great tattoos in return. Thank you!
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