Jungyeon Kim aka Nonlee is an emerging tattoo artist from Seoul. She is very popular and has over 200K followers on Instagram. We recently got in touch with her and asked a few questions for our interview series. Let’s look at her responses along with some beautiful tattoos.
1. What inspired you to become a tattoo artist and when did you started it as a career?
I started tattooing four years ago. Prior to that, I taught watercolor and pencil drawing to children at an art academy. While I found fulfillment in teaching and seeing my students’ growth, I always had a deep desire to create art for myself. Given Korea’s conservative views on tattoos, I realized late that I could express myself through tattoo art. After getting tattooed by other artists, I saw the potential to pursue my artistic dreams.
2. How many tattoos do you have on your body and what’s your favourite one?
I have around 17 tattoos. While I cherish them all, three hold a special place in my heart.
1. The most recent one, which has just healed, from @sian_ttt
2. The second one is a beautifully recreated moth tattoo done by @n.o.u.v.e.a.u.
3. And the third one was done by @oozy_tattoo, one of the artists who inspired me to do tattooing.
3. Which is your favourite client tattoo, what was the story behind it and how much time it took?
This is a type of cover-up tattoo I did for one of my client. She had a large birthmark on her back that looked like a coffee stain spilled on her skin. She always wanted to conceal the mark and even underwent laser treatments, but they didn’t prove very effective. Due to the natural characteristics of her skin and the damage caused by the laser treatments, most of the ink faded after the first session. As a result, it took about three sessions, including retouching, to complete the work. Seeing her happily wear clothes that reveal her back in the summer brought me immense joy as well.
4. What do you do in your free time when not tattooing people?
I sometimes take walks in my surroundings to find inspiration in nature and to draw. Recently, I’ve started learning swimming. Since I’m more interested in encountering animals in their natural habitats rather than in places like zoos or aquariums, my goal is to learn swimming so I can go snorkeling.
5. Why do you think people get a tattoo, even though it’s a painful process?
I believe people get tattoos despite the pain because they recognize the permanence of the art. Unlike artwork confined to a gallery, tattoos are a constant companion, allowing for intimate and frequent appreciation.
6. Who is your favourite tattoo artist?
While their styles differ significantly from mine, I greatly admire the works of oozy and Nouveau. Their unique styles have always inspired me to push my own creative boundaries.
7. What are different styles of tattoos do you make?
My style is primarily based on hyperrealism but leans towards botanical illustration. The most distinctive feature of my tattoos is the use of vibrant and bold colors. My background in fine art allows me to incorporate elements of oil painting and watercolor techniques into my tattoos, resulting in a unique style that sets me apart from traditional tattoo artists.
8. Where do you see the future of Tattoos?
I believe the tattoo industry will continue to grow. While there has been a conservative stigma surrounding tattoos in East Asia, particularly in my culture, the younger generation’s changing attitudes have led to a surge in tattoo popularity. As demand increases, I anticipate a corresponding rise in the number of skilled tattoo artists who can provide high-quality work.
9. Where do you see yourself in next 5 years?
Time has always taught me more as it passes. However, I tend to be quite spontaneous, acting on what my emotions desire in the moment. To be honest, I don’t know where I’ll end up five years from now, just like how I didn’t know I would become a tattoo artist five years ago, but I’m confident that I’ll be having even more enjoyable experiences than I am now.
10. If you get a choice, which celebrity would you like to Tattoo and any specific design?
I would be honored to have the opportunity to tattoo Lady Gaga. I greatly admire her creativity and artistry, and I believe my bold color palette would complement her unique style. I am open to creating any tattoo design that a client desires.
11. Please share your social handles and how to reach out to get a tattoo?
I announce all guest spots and booking information via Instagram. Please contact me through the email linked in my Instagram profile if you are interested in booking a session.