Los Angeles-based tattoo artist Nawa has followed his childhood’s calling, bridging the competitive and ever-evolving tattoo scenes of Korea and the U.S. Specializing in animation and micro-realism, the artist transitioned from unique experiences growing up in Korea, where tattooing was once underground and taboo, to finding creative freedom and community in America. His work, drawing from his love and passion for anime, captures breathtaking depictions of stories and characters. With each stroke, Nawa breathes life into his creations—a quality that each of his tattoos exudes.
Shaped by candid reflections on cultural contrasts, the challenges of gaining acceptance, and the profound meaning he finds in tattooing, Nawa’s story is unique in the tattoo world. In this interview, his thoughtful answers reveal the passion behind the craft and his ongoing journey as a traveling artist, connecting deeply with people across the world and cultures.
How would you like to introduce yourself?
Hello! :) My name is Nawa, and I’m a tattooist in LA, specializing in animation and micro-realism.
Where can your customers find you?
I primarily work in Los Angeles, but I frequently travel to various states across the U.S. to meet as many fans as possible. Currently, the shop I used to work at has closed down, so I don’t have an official studio at the moment. But I’ll be joining a new one very soon.
How would you describe the tattoo scene in Korea in comparison to the US these days?
I’m originally from Korea. To describe the Korean tattoo scene, I’d say it’s highly skilled and very competitive, and because of that competition, artists constantly push into new levels of detail. It feels like a melting pot that produces incredible new tattooists every year. In contrast, the U.S. tattoo scene feels like a cultural content in itself. People here enjoy tattoos for what they are and use them as a way to express themselves. Back in Korea, that kind of openness was rare, and people were often cautious about tattoos, so being here always feels fresh and gives me a lot of energy and inspiration. If I were to put it simply, in Korea, tattoo culture is like a fortress built around tattooists, whereas here in the U.S., it feels more like a vast nation shaped by tattoo clients themselves.
How would you define yourself in one word?
A lucky man.
Where did your fascination for tattoos come from?
Since I was young, my dream was to make a living through drawing, and I didn’t really care what profession that would be. Then, when I was in Australia in my youth, I noticed how many people there had tattoos. About ten years ago in Korea, it was still very rare to see people with tattoos, so it was fascinating to me. When I asked those people about their tattoos, they would always answer with a smile — telling me why they got them, how painful it was, and sharing their personal stories. That’s when it hit me: “If I sell a painting, it’ll just hang on a wall somewhere and eventually be forgotten. But a drawing etched into someone’s skin will always stay with them, they’ll see it, live with it, and remember it.”
That’s when I first felt the true charm of tattooing.
What does tattooing mean to you personally?
It’s like a kind of commitment. In Korea, getting a tattoo means you’ll never be completely free from the judgmental gaze of others. Even so, I believed that the act itself and the meaning tattoos carry were more important than those stares, and I wanted to act with courage. At what point in your life did you decide to become a professional tattoo artist?
It was the day I got my very first tattoo. Watching the process of how a tattoo comes to life made me confident that I could do it well myself. I even felt like I had finally found my true profession.
How did your family react when you started a career in tattooing?
My family was very much against it. At that time, and even until quite recently, tattoos were still illegal in Korea. I remember when my mother first saw the tattoo on my leg she cried that very day. In Korean society back then, tattoos carried the fear that you might no longer be able to have a regular job or participate in social life. Because of that, from the very beginning, my dream was to work as a tattooist not in Korea, but abroad.
Did you go through an apprenticeship? How was that experience?
I studied tattooing for about a year. But at that time, tattooing in Korea was still a completely underground culture, so I couldn’t find a proper mentor from the start. In the end, I left my first shop without even learning something as basic as how to dilute ink, and from there it was a series of trials and errors.
What did your first tattoo look like?
Actually, I still have it on my wrist… It’s two small namakubi done just with lines. Of course, it looks pretty messy now, haha.
Do you usually do guest spots? If yes, what’s your experience in doing them?
Yes, quite often. The biggest reason is the clients I get to meet there. Many of them feel more like fans than regular customers. Imagine being welcomed and supported by people like that — sometimes it makes me feel like a touring superstar, even though I’m really just me. It’s incredibly moving, and that feeling makes me want to give back even more. That’s why I keep traveling.
As a Tattoo Artist, what does your daily working routine look like?
Nothing special, I usually chat with clients during consultations, create the design before the appointment, get it approved, and then meet them on the tattoo day. I do try to set aside specific days just for consultations or design work, so I can fully focus on tattooing during the sessions.
What is one surprising aspect of being a tattoo artist?
The amount of communication with clients. We’re engraving something permanent on someone’s body, so sometimes we have to act like fortune tellers or profilers to really understand what the client wants.
How do you determine the price of a tattoo?
I follow a general base pricing, but since I travel a lot, I usually discuss price ranges with shop owners at each location.
What’s the most challenging aspect of being a tattoo artist in 2025?
Creating high-quality Reels. Tattoo artists are expected to do more and more these days, but nothing has been as difficult as this, haha. Thankfully, my wife helps me with filming now, so I think I’m slowly improving.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a tattoo artist?
Meeting my fans and satisfying them with my work. Since I primarily create anime-inspired tattoos, many of my clients are also fans of the anime itself. Capturing the exact emotion from the chosen scene is the most rewarding part.
What tools and machines do you prefer to use?
I use Mast needles and the Mast Racer Pro (Super Hertz) machine. Recently, Mast sent me a new machine that allows adjustments by hertz. It’s amazing.
What’s your number one aftercare advice for clients?
Please ensure that you wash your hands before applying the ointment.
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