In the world of tattoos, where every line and every shade matter, mastery is not the only thing that counts; personal story is equally important. Today, we meet Mooji, a talented artist whose passion for art and attention to detail have made his work unique. Mooji's journey into the world of tattoos began five years ago, leading him to create miniature masterpieces in the style of microrealism. In this interview, Mooji will share his views on art, the challenges of the profession, and his creative plans for the future. Let's dive into the world of tattoos and find out what inspires this artist and how he achieves perfection in each of his works.
How long have you been in the tattoo industry? And how did you come to be a tattoo artist?
- I've been working in the tattoo industry for five years now. I used to work in an IT company, which is completely different from being a tattoo artist. Then, at the age of 22, I became interested in drawing and started to pursue it seriously, eventually quitting my job to focus on art. As a result, I became an instructor, teaching art both online and offline. Over time, my interest naturally shifted towards tattoos, leading me to become a tattoo artist.
Do you have an art education? And in your opinion, how necessary is this foundation for a modern tattoo artist?
- Yes, I received art education. However, personally, I don't believe art education is absolutely necessary. While those with art education may have a better sense of design and other aspects compared to the general public, I don't think it necessarily occupies such a crucial role. I believe that artistic skill and tattooing skill are different things.
For you, is tattooing art, work, or something else?
- I think tattoos are both art and work.
Why did you decide to develop in microrealism?
- Microrealism was a driving force that allowed me to start tattooing. I was amazed and fascinated when I first saw microrealism tattoos. They had a tremendous appeal. It's a hard genre, but I think that's part of what makes it so captivating.
Did you have any teachers?
- Yes, I learned tattooing from a tattooist named @ziho_gallery. They are a tattooist with great technique.
What tattoo subjects are in your personal top? What do you enjoy doing the most?
- My favorite tattoos are those that include shading. Recently, I've been working on shark designs. These are the types of work I find most enjoyable. I also enjoy using blue in my designs because it's my favorite color.
What are the difficulties in working with such tiny tattoos?
- There are many challenges when it comes to doing small tattoos. One of the most difficult aspects, in my opinion, is achieving the same quality as the design as closely as possible. This is crucial for all tattoos, but I find it particularly challenging in the style I work with. As you know, injecting color into the skin is difficult, and it becomes even more challenging when trying to express a lot of detail within a small size. Furthermore, this style requires expressing detail with minimal damage to the skin, and considering how the tattoo will look once it has fully healed. Therefore, there is much to learn in this style.
Do you work more often with clients' ideas or your own? Tell us how your projects are born.
- I mostly work based on the ideas provided by customers. However, when customers present their ideas, I often enhance the design with additional suggestions. So, you could say I work on designs that combine both the customer's ideas and mine.
Do you have any special or favorite tattoos?
- I love all of my tattoos, but I especially admire the ones my mentor did for me about three years ago. Their quality is unmatched and truly inspiring.
What is the most important aspect of tattooing for you?
- I consider minimizing skin damage and achieving good color saturation to be important. It seems to be an area that requires a lot of research and is quite challenging.
Do you travel frequently? Where have you been so far? Which country has had the greatest influence on your creativity?
- Yes, I tend to travel to different countries frequently. So far, I've been to Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Ireland, Bangkok, and Japan. I believe Europe has had the greatest influence on my creativity. It played a significant role in shaping the identity of my style, and I encountered many unique and intriguing designs there that are not commonly seen in Korea.
What is the most important thing in a tattoo artist's career for you? What goals do you set for yourself? Can you share your creative plans for the near future?
- It feels somewhat difficult to pinpoint just one important aspect as a tattoo artist. While it's a question that requires some thought, I believe the most crucial thing is continuously striving for improvement. By identifying one's weaknesses and consistently researching to address them, one may eventually achieve their desired goals.
In truth, I don't have any specific grand goals. I simply have a strong desire to significantly enhance my skills. Currently, I am dedicating a lot of research and effort to improving every aspect of my tattoo process, achieving higher tattoo quality, and perfecting tattoo healing.
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