Visual Poetry in Freehand Tattoos by Sol

Sol’s tattoos (@solgrim_) immediately draw attention — not just with technique, but through a vivid, expressive visual language. His artistic journey began with traditional painting, calligraphy, and design, but it was tattooing that became his ideal form of self-expression. Today, we’re excited to introduce this artist more closely — through his own words and a personal vision of tattoo as art.

Sol is originally from Seoul. From an early age, he felt the desire to leave behind something meaningful — and that “something” became art. He began practicing calligraphy at the age of 11, later studying both traditional Asian and Western painting before moving into design. This layered background — along with his independent study of anatomy — eventually led him to tattooing as the most physical and living form of visual language.

Tattooing is a form of art rooted in the rhythms and sensations of the body. I believe it’s the most fitting medium to express intuitive and organic lines and forms.

Sol’s style is difficult to define in a single word — it’s a fusion of ink painting and calligraphy. He works freehand — without pre-drawn sketches — relying on the client's anatomy, the flow of form, and his own intuition. Each tattoo becomes a sculptural act, created in the moment.

Even with the same theme, the result changes depending on the placement on the body. My process is more like sculpting.

While black ink dominates his work, Sol is not afraid of subtle experimentation — he has begun to introduce small color accents, carefully, to preserve the overall harmony.

For Sol, the client’s body is not just a canvas. It’s an active participant in the creation process. He studies the anatomy, visual flow, and builds a composition based on the individual’s form.

Until I see the client’s body, I can’t finalize anything except for the theme. Once I see it, I begin forming a detailed design.

This approach makes every project unique — an organic extension of the person.

Though Sol avoids fixed themes or recurring symbols, his tattoos are rich with structure, motion, and visual storytelling. He’s inspired by audiovisual content with perfectly crafted narrative rhythm, and he aims to evoke a similar sensation through tattooing.

I try to convey the same rhythm and structure — so that the viewer can intuitively sense the context and story.

One of his most memorable projects took place in Los Angeles. A Korean-American client came to him for a tattoo to mark the moment before proposing to his girlfriend. His name meant “dragon,” hers — “butterfly.”

He chose a flow design with a dragon wrapping around a butterfly, symbolizing their story — that project stood out to me.

Sol admits he avoided tattoo conventions for a long time. The format seemed too rigid — incompatible with his spontaneous, intuitive approach. But over time, he reconsidered and now plans to take part.

I enjoy the competitive spirit, but I used to think my work didn’t fit within strict frameworks. Now I see things differently.

Today, Sol works in a private studio in Seoul, though he’s preparing to relocate to the United States. He will also be tattooing in various cities across Europe throughout the rest of 2025. Bookings are accepted via email: libre.room501@gmail.com. Starting next year, Sol plans to expand further — taking part in exhibitions, collaborating with other artists, and exploring new forms of visual dialogue.

Sol doesn’t offer ready-made images. He listens, senses, and moves with the body. His tattoos don’t speak loudly — but they stay with you. Because they’re real.

I focused on exploring myself. The textures, flow, and visual balance in my work are a reflection of my personality and the experiences that shaped me.