In this interview, we sit down with Hoon Kim, a talented tattoo artist from Seoul, South Korea. Hoon runs the acclaimed "Frame Seoul" studio, which has been making waves in the tattoo community with its unique styles and impressive artwork. We delve into Hoon's journey, inspirations, and future plans, offering a glimpse into the mind of a creative professional dedicated to his craft.
Let's start with an introduction. Where are you from? Where do you currently work and take appointments?
- Hello, I'm Hoon Kim, and I run the "Frame Seoul" studio in Seoul, South Korea.
Tell us more about your studio FRAME.
- Our studio opened on December 1st, 2019, with an old friend. Currently, four members, including myself, with different styles, are working together. We primarily focus on blackwork.
For you, is tattooing an art, a job, or something else?
- Choosing between the two is difficult. Both elements are included in my work, making tattoos extremely attractive to me. As a tattoo artist and in my “job,” I strive to be sincere and improve with every piece through communication and collaboration with my clients. The process of creating a single work involves deep communication, sharing time and ideas with clients, designing new pieces, and building deep trust, which makes it feel like “Art.”
When did you first think about getting a tattoo, and how did that turn out?
- Drawing has been a significant part of my life since I was a teenager. I naturally found materials through hand drawing and transitioned into tattoo design. I had a vague longing to become a tattooist since high school and planned to start after graduation by saving money during college. I began learning tattooing immediately after graduation from a great teacher, leading to a happy and busy career.
Did you have any teachers, or are you self-taught?
- Yes, I had a teacher.
What is the most important thing in tattooing for you?
- Tattooing is about mutual communication and creating good memories. Deep communication with the client is essential because it’s not just pure art I create on a canvas based on spontaneous thoughts. Sticking to one’s thoughts alone isn’t effective, nor is it productive to follow only the client's decisions. Mutual communication is key. It’s also crucial to continuously study and practice tattooing to ensure perfect healing on the body. I aim to make good memories in my studio by sharing meals, languages, body language, and life stories, beyond just tattooing.
Your portfolio is dominated by snakes and dragons. Why is this theme particularly close to you?
- My specialization in snakes and dragons happened by chance. At the studio where I first learned, many tattooists drew these creatures. A customer wanted a large snake tattoo on her leg, which caught people's attention. Since then, many clients have requested similar designs. Snakes and dragons can enhance body flow, cover imperfections, and add various aesthetic appeals, from sexy to intense to elegant.
The combination of such large-scale graphics with colorful elements looks insanely cool! How has your style changed over the years with the experience you’ve gained?
- When working on large-scale tattoos, I focus on the person's overall impression rather than just small parts. I consider their atmosphere, body lines, and characteristics.
When watching Korean tattoos, we are used to seeing microrealism or miniatures mainly because of the illegality of the tattoo, but in your portfolio, there are a lot of large-scale projects. How does it work? Tell me who are your clients?
- Korea has a unique situation. Although we have a job code for tattoo artists, we are not legally recognized. Tattoos can lead to negative perceptions and impacts on work in Korea. This is why many people prefer small, detailed tattoos. I also do small, detailed work, but my work is usually large-scale, and most of my clients are foreigners.
When did you realize that your career was taking off?
- Fortunately, I’ve been able to work consistently since I started tattooing. I began promoting my work on Facebook, Instagram, and other media platforms four to five years ago, and many people have supported me since then.
What about conventions? Share your experience and results. How many awards do you have in total? And which one is the most significant for you?
- I participated in my first convention in April 2024. It was a dream to join the biggest conventions abroad, and I finally did it. Although I didn't win an award, it was an incredible experience. Interacting with world-class artists and enjoying tattoo culture deeply was ecstatic. Meeting and sharing experiences with artists who inspired me was the biggest motivation.
Do you travel a lot outside of your native Korea? Where do you like the most? And where are you planning to go next?
- I travel once a year. England was the most comfortable English-speaking country, and Porto was the most beautiful place I visited. I plan to travel to Bali in November this year.
Unusual projects or collaborations often happen in every tattoo artist's career. Have you had any such events in your career?
- I once designed clothing and filmed a YouTube series called "Father with Tattooist Son."
What is the main goal of your journey? Share your plans for the future.
- When I visit tattoo studios abroad, I spend time with the owners and members, observing how they differ from Korean studios. We discuss our thoughts, lifestyles, and experiences over drinks. In the future, I aim to visit more studios worldwide, make friends, and collaborate with them. I also hope to invite them to my studio in Korea for collaborations.
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