Meet Woo, a visionary tattoo artist from Seoul whose work seamlessly blends humor and sensuality into striking, dual compositions. Starting out in the world of dance and piercing, Woo transitioned to tattooing to embrace a more creative challenge. Drawing inspiration from a diverse range of influences, Woo combines elements of American traditional tattooing with a unique approach to design, resulting in tattoos that are both playful and profound. With a passion for transforming clients' ideas into personalized art, Woo’s style reflects a commitment to clarity and creativity, ensuring every piece is a true expression of both artist and client.
Let's start with an introduction. Where are you from? Where do you currently work and take appointments?
- Hello! I’m from Korea and I currently work in Seoul.
For you, is tattooing an art, a job, or something else?
- Tattooing is a form of playful expression for me. I'm passionate about conveying interesting ideas, and I believe that's something we can share together.
Do you have any artistic background?
- While I didn’t major in art, I find inspiration from cool artworks I encounter, which often sparks new ideas for me.
How and when did you decide to become a tattoo artist? Who taught you? How was it?
- I initially started as a dancer and then ran a piercing shop before transitioning to tattooing. I found piercing to be simpler than expected and was eager for a more creative challenge. Tattooing intrigued me, and I learned from various artists, soaking up knowledge as if I were a sponge. I gained practical experience by getting tattooed myself. I practiced on patterns and learned about the equipment, the relationship between skin and needles, and the proper attitude toward tattoos from a Japanese artist named Sabado, for which I am very grateful.
Let’s talk about your work! Tell us how your style developed. Most of your works feature what's known as dual compositions. How long have you been using this technique?
- I was initially captivated by American traditional tattooing due to its simplicity and cheerful nature. Then, I saw a design featuring a woman with a cat and a skeleton face, which really inspired me. I began combining these ideas, creating dual images from a single concept. This experimental approach has been a lot of fun, and I’m thankful that my clients enjoy the results.
We would also like to discuss your subjects. The main theme of your tattoos is humor and sex. Why this combination?
- I have a deep appreciation for both humor and sex. I believe the world can often be too serious and oppressive, especially in Korea, where life can be tough. A humorous perspective is essential, and I see sex as a beautiful and enjoyable aspect of human life that can sometimes be overlooked. If treated carelessly, it can lead to negative consequences, but I aim to present it in a fun and enjoyable light.
What other features of your work would you highlight? How do you turn clients' ideas into tattoos?
- I also enjoy designing heart shapes, which reflects my appreciation for simplicity and uniqueness. I help clients transform their ideas into heart shapes or dual compositions, allowing them to keep what they love while making it one-of-a-kind. I genuinely enjoy this collaborative process.
What is the most important thing in tattooing for you?
- The most crucial aspect of tattooing for me is the clarity of the choices I make throughout the process. Understanding why certain lines are made or why I choose specific colors and techniques significantly enhances the quality of my work. I always strive to empathize with my clients and ensure that I address their needs effectively.
Tell us about your most memorable project in your career.
- One of the most memorable projects in my career was a time when I received positive reactions from clients for consistently creating pieces that I found interesting. I’m truly grateful for that experience.
When did you realize that your career was rapidly gaining momentum? How did it happen?
- I noticed my career gaining momentum when the positive feedback on my work began to grow. It was encouraging to see people appreciate what I had created.
Do you travel a lot? Do new places influence your creativity?
- I enjoy traveling frequently, as immersing myself in different environments helps me discover what I genuinely want. Experiencing diverse perspectives allows me to express myself more freely and softens my biases.
Do you participate in conventions? Tell us about your experience and achievements.
- Conventions offer a vibrant atmosphere that I really enjoy. While I focus on my work, I appreciate the festival-like environment. Meeting fellow artists and witnessing their techniques is refreshing, and winning an award at the Hong Kong Convention was a particularly proud moment for me.
Many successful tattoo artists aim to share their experience. Do you engage in such activities, and for whom?
- I haven’t actively engaged in sharing my experiences yet, but I would love to in the future. When I’ve had the chance to connect with others in the industry, I’ve always been open to sharing the lessons I’ve learned along the way. I believe that sharing knowledge helps our culture grow and develop in beautiful ways.
What is the main goal of your journey? Share your plans for the future.
- My main goal is to bring happiness to others through my talent. I recognize areas in which I want to grow, and I'm committed to becoming a more mature artist. I aim to make choices that honor both myself and my clients, and I look forward to what the future holds.
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