The Magic of Retro Cartoons in Tattoos by Keem from Seoul
This style is hard to confuse with anything else: cartoon characters with bold expressions, vibrant colors, and a sense of joy — as if you've stepped into a world of classic animation, but with a modern twist. The hero of our interview is a tattoo artist from Seoul, Keem, whose works instantly evoke smiles and nostalgia. He fuses old-school cartoon aesthetics with modern tattoo culture, creating original flash designs you want to live in.
At first glance — they’re just cute pictures. But the longer you look, the clearer it becomes: behind these simple forms lies a rich imagination, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of visual language. Ironic, emotional, alive — they captivate and uplift. Let’s get to know the artist closer.
— Keem, how did you get into tattooing? How did it all start?
— I’ve loved drawing since I was a child — it’s a huge part of who I am. But everything truly changed after I got my first tattoo. It was an incredibly powerful experience! The feeling that a work of art was now living on my skin deeply moved me. That’s when I realized how meaningful tattoos can be and knew I wanted to be part of that world. From that moment, I dedicated myself entirely to tattooing.
— Do you remember the first tattoo you ever made? What was it like?
— Yes, I’ll never forget it. I did my first tattoo on myself. I was incredibly nervous, but it was important for me to experience it from both sides. That little tattoo is still with me — it became a symbol of my beginning. Every time I look at it, I remember the excitement, fear, and passion that marked my start.
Matching tattoos in the spirit of Cuphead — a love letter to the golden age of animation. The dynamics, expression, and rhythmic lines all work together in a unified style. Even if you don't know the characters, the energy speaks for itself.
— How long have you been a tattoo artist? Where are you working now, and do you have your own studio?
— I’ve been tattooing professionally for four years. My base is in Seoul, but I don’t stay in one place for long — I love traveling and often work as a guest artist in studios around the world. Moving between cities and meeting people from different cultures helps me grow both as an artist and as a person. Right now, I’m working in my own private studio, which gives me complete freedom to create in a space that’s fully mine.
This tattoo is a great example of visual contrast and irony. A sad cloud watering a happy flower — like a metaphor that growth is possible even through tears. Very expressive.
— What style did you start with? Did you always want to do cartoon tattoos?
— I started with traditional old school — I was drawn to the bold lines and classic palettes. But over time, I wanted to add more of myself to tattoos: bright colors, soft moods, playful characters. Gradually, the style began to shape itself. It was never a rigid decision — it just evolved as I followed my artistic instinct.
— How did you develop your skills? Did you have a mentor, or are you self-taught?
— I learned from every tattoo I made. Every client, every session — a new lesson. In the beginning, I was lucky to have people who believed in me and helped with the basics, but most of my learning came from self-education — I drew a lot, studied my favorite styles, tried, failed, started again. It’s an endless process, and I genuinely hope it never ends.
— How would you describe your style to someone who’s never seen your work?
— I don't like to box my work in, but if I had to describe it — it's light, easy on the eyes, and never serious. It has playful energy. It’s rooted in American traditional but with a softer, cuter twist — like vintage cartoons meeting cheerful modern storytelling.
The green dinosaur shooting a star — it’s not just a Godzilla parody, it’s a lovable monster that doesn’t destroy, but entertains. The upward glance, the round belly, the light tail movement — the character comes alive on skin. And the bright star instead of fire adds a comedic touch.
— Your work is influenced by old-school animation and pop art. What led you to this visual direction?
— Yes, that’s exactly where my inspiration comes from. I’ve always loved vintage aesthetics — old cartoons, retro pop culture, retro colors. These influences naturally merged with my love for traditional tattoos. I wanted to combine the boldness of old school with something more playful and imaginative. This mix makes me feel truly alive creatively.
This peach is a true mascot of good vibes. It reminds of classic 1930s characters but with 21st-century energy. The character seems to rush off joyfully and purposefully, spreading that feeling to everyone around.
— How do you come up with your characters? Are they all original, or do you draw inspiration from somewhere?
— Most of my characters are original, but they’re often born from little sparks of inspiration: a strange object, a random theme, or just a mood. I like to combine unexpected things to create something new. Usually, I just start drawing and let the idea emerge naturally without overthinking.
— What’s the most important element in your tattoos — humor, composition, color, or character personality?
— Color plays a huge role in my work. I pay a lot of attention to how ink settles into the skin — smoothly, evenly, matte. It’s important for me that saturation looks clean and solid, without patches or excessive shine. But overall, it all works together — humor, composition, character. If I had to choose one — color is my main obsession.
— Do you have any principles in your work that you always stick to?
— Cleanliness and professionalism always come first. No matter how fun or artistic the design is, a tattoo is still an intervention into the body, and hygiene is non-negotiable. I ensure full sterility at every stage and do everything I can so that the client feels calm and safe.
— What tattoos bring you the most joy?
— Flash designs bring me the most joy. It’s the moment when I can express my ideas without limitations, and that freedom is incredibly inspiring. Creating something purely from my imagination — and seeing someone resonate with it so much they want it on their skin — is an amazing feeling.
— Do you have a favorite tattoo among those you've made?
— Honestly, my latest piece always brings me the most joy. Each tattoo reflects a specific moment in my journey, so it’s hard to pick just one. Each has its own meaning and memories, and I love them all — in different ways.
— Can people meet you at conventions or other tattoo events?
— I haven’t had the chance to participate in conventions yet, but I’m really looking forward to it. I think it’s a great way to connect with other artists and exchange energy with people who love tattoo culture. It’s definitely in my near plans.
This piece is pure joy in color. The expression on the character's face is like a cartoon puppy tasting ice cream for the first time. You can feel the style: clean lines, matte fills, and all of it full of bright personality.
— Share your creative plans for the coming year.
— Next year, I want to travel even more — meet new clients, collaborate with other artists, get inspired by different cultures. I’m always searching for new ideas and playful elements for my work, and I feel like movement and the road fuel that creativity. I want to keep growing — both as an artist and as a person.
Keem from Seoul isn’t just an artist working in a cartoon style. He’s a storyteller whose characters seem to come to life and start their own narrative. His flashes always carry a smile — but behind it lies flawless technique, attention to color saturation and cleanliness, a professional approach, and genuine respect for each client.
His works don’t just decorate the body — they add joy, color, and a touch of innocent magic that we often lose in adulthood. Which means — they definitely deserve a place in your collection of inspiring tattoos.
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