Inquire about the global artistic activities and visual aesthetics of ‘Haenal’, a Korean tattoo artist active worldwide.
By Maria Williams
Did you start tattooing right after college?
After my third year of college, I took a leap into the design world, securing a position at Byheydey, a renowned agency. Surprisingly, the director appreciated my portfolio and offered me a full-time role as a GUI designer, a rare opportunity for a student on leave. Collaborating with esteemed clients like Samsung and Hanssem enriched my design journey, but deep down, I yearned for a more intimate form of artistic expression.
My fascination with drawing and design ultimately led me to discover my true calling: tattoo artistry. The allure of creating lasting impressions on the human canvas, each piece imbued with its own unique story and significance, resonated deeply with me. It was a natural evolution from my background in drawing and design to the dynamic realm of tattoo artistry, where I could fully unleash my creativity and passion.
I heard you were involved as a leader in the initial design of Samsung Unicode emojis?
After contributing to the team for a few months, I was thrilled when the director recognized my keen sense of color and design. This led to an exciting opportunity to contribute to the proposal for Samsung Unicode emojis. To my surprise and delight, my suggestions were embraced, and I was entrusted with leading the project. Despite being only 22 years old at the time and having less than a year of experience, I eagerly took on the challenge.
Overseeing the development of over 900 emojis was no small feat. I meticulously crafted each design, layer by layer, using Photoshop to ensure they met the highest standards of quality and creativity. Witnessing the emojis I had envisioned and designed come to life on Samsung phones was truly a momentous experience that I will never forget. It reinforced my passion for bringing creative ideas to life.
What led you to become a tattoo artist from a designer?
While working as a designer for six years, I felt a growing desire to chart my own creative path. Inspired by the transformative experience of getting my first tattoo, I became captivated by the idea of permanently etching meaningful artwork onto the body.
My involvement in leading the design team for the Samsung Unicode emojis project reinforced my belief in the profound impact of art. Seeing the emojis I designed on Samsung phones underscored the power of creativity to connect with others on a deep level, sparking my passion for tattoo artistry.
Transitioning from a successful career in design to tattooing wasn’t easy. After deliberating for over a year, I took the leap, driven by the desire to pursue my true calling. Embracing tattoo artistry has allowed me to combine my love for design with the opportunity to create deeply meaningful artwork that resonates with both myself and others.
Current views and thoughts on the tattoo industry
My perspective on the tattoo industry is shaped by the ongoing challenges faced by color tattoo artists, both in Korea and worldwide. Despite the evolving nature of tattoos and their appeal to a more progressive audience, there persists a bias towards traditional black and gray styles. This narrow definition of tattooing overlooks the vibrant, diverse, and meaningful contributions of colorful and bold designs. It’s crucial for the industry to reassess its perception of tattoo artistry and recognize that every tattoo, whether in color or black and gray, carries profound personal significance. Each piece represents a choice and a permanent expression of individual identity, etched into the skin with the utmost care and artistry.
Moreover, the rising popularity of cute, colorful mini tattoos underscores the enduring power of body art to preserve cherished memories and moments. As we challenge outdated notions and embrace the full spectrum of tattoo styles, we enrich the tapestry of human expression and celebrate the unique stories inscribed on every canvas.
International activities as a tattoo artist ?
In the realm of international tattoo artistry, my works have been fortunate enough to catch the attention of several renowned studios across the globe. Last year, I had the privilege of sharing my artistry and insights as a master tattoo artist at Yant Studio in New York, one of the most widely-recognized studios in the city. Being invited by them was a significant milestone, as they typically reserve invitations for artists known for their expertise and mastery of the craft. I felt deeply honored by this recognition, as it underscored my standing in the industry and provided a valuable platform to share knowledge with aspiring artists.
Participating in this event allowed me to showcase my mastery of the craft and share my artistic vision with fellow professionals and enthusiasts. It was a profoundly validating experience to receive acknowledgment from such prestigious organizations and contribute to the global advancement of tattoo artistry.
Plans for the new year’s activities?
Naturally, my primary focus is to delve deeper into my passion for tattooing. Expanding my artistic repertoire, I aim to diversify my style to accommodate a wide range of clients and projects. Moreover, I’m excited to embark on new ventures such as exhibitions, seminars, videos, merchandise, and other initiatives to further elevate my profile as a respected tattoo artist on a global scale.
Published by: Holy Minoza
