Today we are very please to present Ken, a very refined tattoo artist based in Shanghai, who has gained a lot of recognition for his new Chinese Watercolor and Ink Painting style. Ken’s tattoos are every elegant and timeless and within exclusive interview, Ken shares his journey, creative process, and the inspiration behind his tattoos.
For readers who are not familiar with you, how would you introduce yourself?
Hi everyone, my name is Ken, I’m from Guangzhou, China, and I’m 31 years old. I’ve been in the tattoo industry since 2015. My style focuses on New Chinese Watercolor and Chinese Ink Painting.
How did you get into tattooing?
It started from an unexpected encounter. I got my first tattoo at the age of 14. To me, tattoos are an art that deeply integrates with the skin.
At what point in your life did you become a professional tattoo artist?
I officially started working in the tattoo industry at the age of 19. As a child, I loved drawing, especially traditional Chinese paintings. One day, I accidentally learned about the daily life and income of tattoo artists, and I realized this career was perfect for me. I don’t like being tied down by work or living a repetitive life. I enjoy meeting new people, so being a tattoo artist is a great fit for me, and I still love it to this day.
Where are you based?
I’m currently based in downtown Shanghai. I have worked in many cities, including Guangzhou, Chengdu, Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen.
How would you describe the tattoo scene in China these days?
I think the tattoo industry in China is quite chaotic because there is no regulatory body overseeing it. As a result, a large part of the industry lacks order and compliance. I hope the tattoo industry in China will improve in the future.
How would you define your current tattoo style, and what made you focus on it?
I used to be a versatile tattoo artist, working with styles like Japanese traditional, realism, linework, old school, ink wash, stippling, and watercolor. It took me a long time to solidify my style, and in the end, I chose Chinese-inspired designs and watercolor as my main focus. I love the delicate and harmonious feeling that these styles create.
Please walk us through your process when you start a new tattoo for your customers.
First, I communicate with the client to understand what they want and ensure it aligns with my style. After that, they place a deposit, and I start designing. The design can be revised unlimited times, but not in a way that is intentionally difficult for me. Once the design is finalized, we schedule the appointment to tattoo it onto their skin.
What’s the most challenging aspect of being a tattoo artist in 2025?
The biggest challenge is the early stage of learning to tattoo. You feel lost and don’t know what to do. Another challenge is the first few years, when your technical skills and artistic vision are not yet mature. You may not fully understand what each client wants. However, once you reach a later stage where your skills and style are well-developed, you can handle all kinds of requests, even the strange ones.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a tattoo artist?
It’s actually very simple. The biggest reward is not the number of awards I’ve won or how famous I am. The greatest sense of accomplishment comes from knowing that a client will keep and cherish the tattoo I created for them, and that it holds meaning for them.
What’s your experience at tattoo conventions so far?
Tattoo conventions allow me to learn different tattooing techniques and compositions. Everyone has a unique understanding of tattooing, skin, and design. There is no such thing as perfection in tattooing—there is always room for improvement. Only those who have a top-tier understanding of tattooing can truly achieve something great.
Did you ever participate in any tattoo contests?
Yes, I participated in the 3rd Shanghai International Tattoo Festival in 2017 and won third place in the Traditional Tattoo category. In 2024, I was invited as a judge for the Shanghai Modu International Tattoo Festival and the Fuzhou Southern Tattoo Expo.
What’s your primary reason for attending a tattoo convention?
To see how different tattoo artists interpret tattooing in their own ways. Since the attendees are usually top-tier professionals in the industry, I can learn from them and gain new insights to improve myself.
How do you think tattoo conventions could improve for the artists and the public?
Tattoo conventions are a great platform for showcasing skills and learning from each other. They broaden one’s artistic perspective and allow the public to experience the beauty of tattoos firsthand. The internet is highly developed now, making information more transparent, so tattoo enthusiasts can better understand what makes a good tattoo.
What’s your favorite tattoo convention so far? And why?
My favorite is the annual Langfang Tattoo Art Festival in Hebei. It hosts the largest tattoo events in China and has become the biggest platform for top tattoo artists to showcase their skills and exchange knowledge.
What advice would you offer to someone considering a career as a tattoo artist?
If you want to become a tattoo artist, you must have a deep passion for tattooing and be prepared for the hardships of the learning phase. Becoming a tattoo artist is easy, but becoming a great tattoo artist requires many years of growth and progress.
Who are the people you admire the most within the tattoo community?
Zhuo Dan Ting. She was one of the first top-tier tattoo artists in China and introduced the beauty of Eastern tattoo art to the world. As a female tattoo artist who made an international impact, I deeply respect her!
What’s your biggest accomplishment as a tattoo artist?
My greatest achievement is staying true to my original values—always giving my best effort on every tattoo and never slacking off.
How do you stay at the top of your game?
By constantly learning and never allowing myself to become lazy. I keep creating and improving continuously.
Do you do other forms of art besides tattooing?
Sometimes, I paint traditional Chinese ink paintings and practice calligraphy.
What are your goals or dreams for the near future?
My dream is to travel the world with my tattoo equipment. That is my ultimate career goal.
Do you have a sponsor? If so, what could you tell us about your sponsors?
Tocutexplan is a domestic company specializing in tattoo needles and aftercare products.
Is there anything else you would like to tell our readers?
Always stay passionate about life and always have hope for the future.
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