Recently we interacted with Inno, who is a tattoo artist from Hong Kong. We did a short interview and sharing his opinions here.
1. What inspired you to become a tattoo artist and when did you started it as a career?
I’ve been running towards my fourth year as a tattoo artist. Originally, I was a designer working at a typical company. The aspect of being a designer that required me to draw what the company wanted rather than my own art left me feeling unfulfilled. So, in my search for a job where I could earn money by drawing what I wanted, I became a tattoo artist.
2. How many tattoos do you have on your body and what’s your favourite one?
I have around 20 tattoos on my body. My favorite is the Eastern-style dragon tattoo that my mentor EQ gifted me. It’s very close to my heart.
3. Which is your favourite client tattoo, what was the story behind it and how much time it took?
I cherish all the tattoos I’ve done for my customers, so it’s challenging to pick a favorite among them. If I had to choose, it would probably be this ferret tattoo. It’s a tattoo I did for my tattoo mentor, PUREUM. During a time when I was contemplating and striving to further develop my style, she got a tattoo from me and provided a lot of feedback. As a result, I was able to progress further in my craft.
4. What do you do in your free time when not tattooing people?
I enjoy taking photographs. In addition to being good at tattooing, I believe that taking great photos is also essential for completing my work properly. As a hobby, I travel around to various places, taking photos to enhance my skills in photography.
5. Why do you think people get a tattoo, even though it’s a painful process?
That’s likely because it holds a value greater than the pain. Each of us gets tattoos for various reasons, whether it’s to engrave our determination, to never forget our goals, to cherish precious memories, to commemorate special moments, and more.
6. Who is your favourite tattoo artist?
I greatly admire and appreciate SOL Tattoo. Their artwork consistently moves and motivates me, giving me the strength to push myself further. I won’t stop striving to become an artist like them.
7. What are different styles of tattoos do you make?
I have a unique and versatile style, drawing everything in a style inspired by waves and water. It’s a style that’s both flexible and not too overpowering, making it approachable for most people. The ability to create art that resonates with a wide audience is a valuable asset in my career as a tattoo artist.
8. Where do you see the future of Tattoos?
I believe the future of tattooing will be one where individuals with their own unique styles can thrive. People will continue to make efforts to find even more special and personalized designs.
9. Where do you see yourself in next 5 years?
I’ve made tremendous progress even within one year. In five years, I am confident that I will become an artist like no other, specializing in waves and water in the world of tattooing. People will know me as INNO.
10. If you get a choice, which celebrity would you like to Tattoo and any specific design?
It seems like I’d like to tattoo BTS, the most famous celebrities in Korea. I want to reinterpret their identity in my water and wave style and ink it onto them.
11. Please share your social handles and how to reach out to get a tattoo?Â
I think the most significant marketing strategy, in my opinion, is creativity backed by skill. Unusual and well-executed artwork in a distinctive style that stands out from the crowd tends to capture people’s attention. If you work hard, it seems that public interest naturally follows. That being said, you can reach out to me at my Instagram Handle.