In the ever-evolving world of tattoo artistry, Yugyeong Ham better known as Banul has carved a niche with her stunning blend of realism, surrealism, and illustrative styles. Originally from South Korea, she has become a celebrated figure in the tattoo community, known for her intricate designs that are as meaningful as they are beautiful.
In this exclusive interview, Banul shares her artistic journey, the philosophies behind her work, and the profound connections she builds with her clients through her art. Dive in as we explore the heart and soul behind her tattoos, and discover the passion that drives her to continually push the boundaries of her craft.
Let's start with an introduction. Where are you from? Where do you currently work and take appointments?
- I am originally from South Korea and have primarily based my professional tattooing career in Seoul, South Korea. This vibrant city has been both my home and my main workspace, where I take appointments and create art.
For you, is tattooing an art, a job, or something else?
- For me, tattooing is not only an art and a job — it's my life and my love. It's an art form where I channel my creativity and skill into each design, creating pieces that are as meaningful as they are beautiful. Professionally, it's my career, providing a platform to showcase my abilities and grow as an artist. But beyond these aspects, tattooing is deeply woven into the fabric of my existence. It's a passion that drives me every day, a profound love for creating art that becomes a part of someone else's story. Tattooing is an expression of my deepest self and my dedication to the craft; it is both my art and my heart.
Do you have any artistic background?
- From a very young age, I was immersed in the world of art, beginning my journey with drawing and painting by the time I was five years old. My initial fascination was with anime, which later evolved into a passion for colorful realism and intricate designs. Though I initially pursued fashion design at university, I found my true calling in the vivid and personal world of tattoo art. This educational foundation in fashion design, however, has not gone to waste; it profoundly influences my work, contributing to my keen eye for detail and a strong understanding of aesthetics and form. My artistic journey has been a blend of self-taught skills and formal education, continuously enriched by my experiences and the diverse influences I've absorbed along the way.
Your tattoo work is indistinguishable from drawings on paper; it looks simply stunning! Tell us how your style developed.
- My art style has undergone a fascinating evolution, marked by a journey through various forms and disciplines. It began with anime, where I learned the importance of expression and bold lines. This foundation laid the groundwork for my exploration into realism, where I delved into the intricacies of lifelike representation and the subtle play of light and shadow.
As my skills and artistic vision matured, I transitioned into illustrative styles, which allowed me to fuse the precision of realism with the creativity of more conceptual art. This phase was instrumental in developing my signature approach, blending realistic elements with imaginative compositions.
Eventually, I embraced surrealism, which has significantly shaped my current style. This genre has enabled me to push the boundaries of traditional visual storytelling in tattoo art, creating pieces that are not only visually stunning but also rich in symbolic meaning. The seamless integration of these styles allows my tattoos to resemble intricate drawings on paper, each piece a testament to a refined and evolving artistic narrative.
What unique features do you highlight in your work?
- In my tattoo work, I strive to bring forth a unique blend of elements that make each piece distinct and personally meaningful. My style is characterized by its dreamy and vibrant color variations, which infuse each tattoo with life and emotion. The illustrative quality of my work allows for detailed storytelling, where each line contributes to a larger narrative.
I have a particular affinity for including whimsical portrayals of cute pets, adding a touch of warmth and personal connection for my clients. The influence of surrealism in my tattoos introduces a layer of depth and intrigue, challenging viewers to explore beyond the surface. Additionally, my incorporation of botanical arts brings a naturalistic and delicate balance to my compositions, marrying the organic with the fantastical.
These elements together create a signature style that is not only visually striking but also deeply resonant with those who seek more than just art—they seek a piece of personal history made eternal through ink.
Looking at the themes of your tattoos, it seems that your main clients are women. Is that true? If so, was it a conscious choice to focus on feminine tattoos, and why?
- It wasn't a conscious decision to focus predominantly on feminine tattoos; rather, I believe that an artist's work is inherently a reflection of their personality, temperament, and even their subconscious tendencies. My inclination towards dreamy colors, illustrative styles, and botanical themes naturally resonates with a more feminine aesthetic. This alignment might suggest why my artwork often appeals more to female clients. My artistic expressions, characterized by their delicate and ethereal qualities, are an authentic representation of my own artistic identity, which perhaps leans towards the feminine. It's fascinating how these personal elements unconsciously shape the themes of my tattoos and connect with like-minded individuals.
Are many of them foreigners?
- Yes, a significant portion of my clientele are foreigners, hailing from various countries around the globe. I have the privilege of working with a diverse group of individuals, most notably from Europe and the USA. This international clientele not only enriches my practice with a wide array of cultural perspectives but also challenges and inspires me to continually evolve my artistic style to meet a broad spectrum of aesthetic preferences and tattoo traditions. It's deeply rewarding to connect with people from different backgrounds through the universal language of art, creating pieces that resonate across cultural boundaries.
What tattoo themes do you prefer the most?
- My preference in tattoo themes leans towards designs that encapsulate an individual's personal story, imbuing each piece with unique significance and emotional depth. From a design perspective, I am drawn to creating innovative and striking compositions that challenge conventional aesthetics. I particularly enjoy working with a vibrant palette, employing a broad spectrum of colors to bring these narratives to life in vivid and artistic ways. This approach not only allows me to constantly push the boundaries of traditional tattoo art but also ensures that each tattoo is a bespoke masterpiece, tailored to the personal journey and aesthetic desires of my clients.
Tell us about your most memorable project in your career.
- Some of the most memorable projects in my career have deeply resonated with the personal healing journeys of my clients. For instance, I've had the honor of working with individuals seeking to reclaim their bodies and spirits after experiencing severe burns. Transforming their scarred skin into art has been a profound process, not just in physical healing, but in helping mend emotional wounds as well.
Another unforgettable experience involved a client who had faced the depths of despair and considered suicide. Choosing to celebrate their survival and renewed outlook on life, they commissioned a tattoo as part of their bucket list, marking a personal victory and a new chapter with a symbol of resilience and hope.
I've also created tattoos for those wishing to hold onto memories of loved ones — both people and pets — who have passed away. These tattoos serve as lasting tributes, encapsulating love and remembrance in ink, providing comfort and a permanent reminder of the bonds that transcend time and physical presence.
Each of these projects has not only challenged me artistically but has also enriched my understanding of the powerful role art plays in personal expression and healing. Being part of these personal stories is a privilege that continually inspires my dedication to my craft.
What is the most important thing in tattooing for you?
- For me, the most important aspects of tattooing revolve around three core principles. First and foremost is maintaining a genuine, heartfelt, and serious attitude towards each client. This involves deeply understanding their desires and the personal stories they wish to express through their tattoos, ensuring that every piece reflects their intentions accurately and respectfully.
Secondly, my passion for continuously improving my artistic skills is crucial. I am committed to evolving and refining my techniques, staying abreast of the latest trends and innovations in the industry, and pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved with tattoo art.
Lastly, thorough research is vital to crafting the best possible designs. This means dedicating time to explore various artistic styles, understanding the elements that best suit the client’s vision, and meticulously planning each aspect of the tattoo to ensure a flawless execution.
Together, these elements form the foundation of my approach to tattooing, guiding me to create meaningful, beautiful, and precise tattoos that honor the trust my clients place in me.
In recent years, the world has been swept by a wave of AI. Do you use neural networks in your work? How do you feel about this trend overall?
- In the dynamic landscape of modern art, the integration of artificial intelligence, particularly neural networks, presents a fascinating evolution. I am genuinely enthusiastic about the potential of AI to enhance artistic expression when thoughtfully combined with traditional techniques. AI can offer new perspectives and tools that push the boundaries of creativity, allowing artists to explore uncharted territories of design and execution.
However, I also understand and share some of the concerns prevalent within the artist community. It's crucial that we use AI responsibly, ensuring that it complements rather than overshadows the human touch that is so essential to the soul of art. The key is balance; incorporating AI in a way that enhances personal expression and innovation without diminishing the artist's own voice and craftsmanship.
Overall, I view the trend of AI in art as an exciting tool that, when used wisely, can expand our capabilities and enrich the artistic process. It's about harnessing this technology to augment our creativity, not replace it.
Do you travel a lot? Do new places influence your creativity?
- Yes, travel plays a significant role in my life and work. I have had the privilege of visiting about 30 countries, each offering unique landscapes and experiences that have enriched my artistic vision. I am particularly drawn to nature over urban environments, as it provides a profound source of inspiration and rejuvenation for me. The tranquility of the outdoors — be it the gentle warmth of the sun, the vibrant colors of flowers, the enduring presence of trees, or the majestic views of seas and mountains — offers me a genuine sense of rest and renewal. These natural elements not only refresh my mind but also deeply influence my creative process, inspiring new ideas and perspectives that I incorporate into my tattoo designs. This connection with nature is essential, as it helps me maintain a fresh and vibrant artistic perspective, continually fueling my passion for creating art that resonates with beauty and serenity.
Many successful tattoo artists aim to share their experience. Do you engage in such activities?
- As a committed member of the tattoo community, I actively engage in various initiatives to share my expertise and promote the art of tattooing. I have participated in several exhibitions and pop-up store art exhibitions, showcasing my work to a broader audience. My collaborations with notable brands like MCM, Puma, and Etude House have allowed me to fuse my artistic style with mainstream fashion and beauty products, further expanding the reach and appreciation of tattoo art.
Additionally, I serve as an executive member of the Korea Tattoo Union, where I am deeply involved in advocacy efforts. Through demonstrations and exhibitions, we work tirelessly to promote the legalization and acceptance of tattooing in Korea. These activities are crucial as they not only highlight the artistic significance of tattooing but also strive to elevate the professional standards and public perception of our industry.
What is the main goal of your journey? Share your plans for the future.
- The main goal of my journey is rooted in love and gratitude. I am driven by a deep desire to provide for my family, my husband, our future children, and friends, aiming to secure a prosperous future for them through my work. Financial stability is a crucial aspect, but my aspirations extend beyond just economic success.
Professionally, I am committed to delivering not only the highest quality tattoos but also creating heartfelt memories for my clients. Each tattoo is a token of their trust in me, and I am continually grateful for the opportunity to touch their lives artistically. My gratitude also extends to my colleagues and family, whose support is foundational to my success.
Looking ahead, I plan to diversify my artistic endeavors beyond tattooing. I aspire to delve deeper into painting and other forms of art, capturing and sharing my life’s experiences through my works. Ultimately, I aim to spread love and inspiration, contributing to healing and enriching the world around me. Through art, I hope to leave a lasting, positive impact, touching more lives and sharing the beauty that can be found in our shared human experiences.
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