If you want to do well - do it yourself. Do you agree with this statement? The heroine of our today's interview followed this rule, which led her to success. Adorable Hansan from Seoul once wanted to get a tattoo and couldn't find a better solution than getting it done by herself! Training and the desire to be the best made her a high-class tattoo artist of miniature realistic tattoos.
Hansan is able to depict such a detailed image on just a few centimeters of skin that you would like to examine it under a magnifying glass. She loves to create impressionist miniature paintings, tiny and cute animal portraits. But there is a real highlight in her portfolio - these are feathers. Feathers in Hansach tattoos look incredibly light, weightless and magical.
Let's start the interview!
To get started, tell us how it all began? How and when did you come into tattooing, and what you used to do before?
- I majored in western painting. After graduating, I opened a small atelier and taught people how to draw. I had been thinking of getting a tattoo, but I thought they were a bit expensive. So, I decided to try doing it myself since I was confident with drawing. I started with handpoking through YouTube, but I realized that handpoking wasn’t enough to really express everything I wanted to. That’s how I contacted an artist I’d been admiring and started properly learning tattooing.
Do you have any special training or education?
- I learned to tattoo from Soltattoo Academy. The academy no longer exists but being able to learn with many artists was such a valuable experience for me. I will continue to learn though. I think that’s important.
Let’s talk about your work. Tell us about the style of your tattoos. Why did you start working with landscapes and paintings by famous artists?
- I think the fact that I majored in western painting has a lot to do with it. Old oil paintings were already very familiar to me. In the beginning, I designed my tattoos based on what I’d want to get. It was kind of like wanting to get famous artists’ paintings on my body. It turns out, people really liked those designs, and so, I just stuck with it.
Is it hard to work with xsmall size? What features make your tattoo really yours and unique?
- Extra-small tattoos can be difficult, but once you get all your details in there, it’s very satisfying. I think the beauty of my work is that it’s more realistic and detailed than any other tattoo artists.
What is the most attractive thing in the tattoo for you?
- The beauty is in the small but detailed work and also, the colors. I think my style is displayed the best with feathers or famous paintings of animals.
What or who is the source of inspiration for you?
- My source of inspiration? Well… I mean, there’s a lot, but first and foremost, I’d say my cats. I find that observing my cats helps me with drawing other animals. Also, impressionists. Every time I see their colors and how they used them, I’m in awe, and at the same time, I try to think of a way to use colors like them when I work.
How extensive is your tattoo geography? Where have you already had to work and where will you work in the near future?
- I’m currently based in Korea. Before COVID-19, I worked as a guest artist in Paris, France. That experience was very special to me. It was very interesting to see people from all over the world coming together with tattoo.
I would like to know more about you, not only as an artist, but as a person. What else do you do in regular life apart from tattoo art?
- I live with 3 adorable cats. When I’m not working, I work on my personal projects, which are painting. Oh, and I’m totally into skiing these days. I’m constantly looking up YouTube videos on it. When I have an off day, being able to get in my car and drive to a resort to go skiing makes me very happy.
Do you prepare any personal events, activities?
- Recently, I entered a tattoo contest. It was an online event, and it was such a fun and new thing for me to try. I came in third, but it was a good experience for me.
How do you see the future of the Korean tattoo industry in the next 5-10 years?
- Tattoos are illegal in Korea. That’s very unfortunate, and it makes me really sad. What I’m sure about is that Korean tattoo artists are the best in the world. There are always new artists, and the negative views toward tattoos are changing. I hope that Korean tattoo law changes for the better soon.
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