South Korea continues to bring remarkable names into the world of tattooing. One of them is Impasto – a tattoo artist from Seoul who specializes in large-scale abstract blackwork pieces and cover-ups.
The "flow" style – with its fluid lines and organic shapes – has become increasingly visible in contemporary tattoo art over recent years. Impasto has found a truly practical and anatomically precise way to work with this approach: flexible, body-aligned compositions created freehand directly on the client’s skin. The artist has extensive experience in covering up scars and old tattoos – an area in which he truly excels.
Today, Impasto is one of the most recognized tattooers in South Korea. He works out of his own studio, THEO.INKSTUDIO, takes part in major tattoo conventions, and serves as a judge at industry events.
We invite you to dive into the deep, rich, and dynamic world of his work in this interview with the artist.
Hi Impasto, could you share how your tattooing journey began and what led you to this path?
Impasto: Hello! I’ve always enjoyed American rap music, and the impressive tattoos I saw in music videos made the art form look incredibly cool to me. After finishing my military service in 2015, I decided to learn and start practicing tattooing.
Your work has a strong sense of movement and rhythm. How would you describe your unique style?
Impasto: My flow style uses the client’s body as a full canvas, designing the tattoo to follow their natural lines – much like a custom-tailored suit.
What is your process like when working with a client – from the initial idea to the finished tattoo?
Impasto: If a client wants only a flow tattoo without other elements, I usually have a rough sketch in mind, but I draw freehand directly on the client’s body on the day of the session, letting my intuition guide the composition.
What inspires you visually and emotionally when creating new designs?
Impasto: I draw inspiration from many places. Sometimes it’s the movement of ink drops in a cup, or it could be a movie, a comic book, or even moments from daily life that stir something in me emotionally.
Do you have experience with cover-up tattoos?
Impasto: Yes, I have a lot of experience with cover-ups. If the existing tattoo is small or done with lighter ink, I can fully cover it so that it’s not visible at all. However, if the tattoo is large and very dark, it can only be covered using a blastover approach with dense black ink.
What are some of the most unusual or challenging tattoo requests you’ve received?
Impasto: One unforgettable case involved a client with severe burn scars covering their entire arm. The skin was very different from what I usually work with, and the ink didn’t settle properly, so I had to go over it multiple times. Since the client lived far away and had a busy schedule, they couldn’t visit often, so the piece is still unfinished.
What kind of feedback do you usually receive from clients? Do your tattoos ever evoke unexpected emotions?
Impasto: When I cover up a client’s old scars, they often look in the mirror afterward and say they feel freed from a painful memory. Many have thanked me deeply. I don’t ask how those scars happened, but when they express genuine gratitude, I feel a deep sense of fulfillment and pride.
Do you participate in tattoo conventions or collaborations? Which event has left the strongest impression on you?
Impasto: The Korea Tattoo Convention in 2024 was especially memorable for me. It was my first time participating as a judge, which actually made me more nervous than entering as an artist. Seeing the work of so many new tattooists was surprising and inspiring, and their passion reminded me to keep pushing myself forward.
How is your booking situation at the moment? Do you already have a long waiting list for 2025/2026?
Impasto: It would be great if my schedule were fully booked until 2026, but usually, sending me an inquiry just one or two months in advance is enough to secure a spot.
What are your plans for the upcoming year? Any new projects, trips, or exhibitions?
Impasto: I don’t have a definite plan yet, but I’m working on a new "dark creature" style by blending my flow technique with elements like eyes and sharp teeth. I’ll be building up my portfolio and revealing more soon.
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