In our interview series, this time we had the chance to talk with Yugyeong Ham, a tattoo artist from South Korea. She has an impressive Instagram profile with over 450K followers. She specializes in delicate and vibrant tattoos, often blending a rich palette of subjects from flora and animals to intricate narrative elements which have garnered attention and appreciation within the tattoo community.
1. What inspired you to become a tattoo artist and when did you started it as a career?
My journey into tattooing began with a personal experience at the age of 18, when I received my first tattoo in secrecy.
This pivotal moment sparked a deep curiosity about the tattoo industry, meshing naturally with my lifelong passion for art, which I had been nurturing since I was five years old. Although I initially pursued fashion design, my fascination with the personal and artistic expression possible through tattoos led me to leave school at 19 and dedicate myself fully to becoming a tattoo artist(2013). This decision marked the beginning of my professional path in an industry that perfectly aligns with my artistic aspirations and personal values.
2. How many tattoos do you have on your body and what’s your favourite one?
I have ten tattoos adorning my body, each with its own story and significance. My favorite is the third tattoo I received, created by the talented tattooist Doy. This particular piece holds a special place in my heart because it represents a significant shift in my perspective on tattoo art. Before becoming a tattoo artist, I believed that every tattoo needed to carry a deep, inherent meaning. However, as I delved deeper into the tattoo industry, I came to appreciate that sometimes the aesthetic and design of a tattoo can be a powerful statement in itself, independent of explicit meaning. With this newfound understanding, I commissioned Doy to craft a tattoo that was visually striking without being tied to a specific narrative. The result was this stunning collage-style tattoo that remains my favorite for its bold creativity and impeccable execution.
3. Which is your favourite client tattoo, what was the story behind it and how much time it took?
Some of the most memorable projects in my career have deeply resonated with the personal healing journeys of my clients. For instance, I’ve had the honor of working with individuals seeking to reclaim their bodies and spirits after experiencing severe burns. Transforming their scarred skin into art has been a profound process, not just in physical healing, but in helping mend emotional wounds as well.
Another unforgettable experience involved a client who had faced the depths of despair and considered suicide. Choosing to celebrate their survival and renewed outlook on life, they commissioned a tattoo as part of their bucket list, marking a personal victory and a new chapter with a symbol of resilience and hope.
I’ve also created tattoos for those wishing to hold onto memories of loved ones—both people and pets—who have passed away. These tattoos serve as lasting tributes, encapsulating love and remembrance in ink, providing comfort and a permanent reminder of the bonds that transcend time and physical presence.
Each of these projects has not only challenged me artistically but has also enriched my understanding of the powerful role art plays in personal expression and healing. Being part of these personal stories is a privilege that continually inspires my dedication to my craft.
4. What do you do in your free time when not tattooing people?
In my free time away from tattooing, I cherish simple pleasures that bring happiness and balance to my life.
I enjoy indulging in delicious meals with my family, friends, and boyfriend, celebrating the joy of good food and company.
Regular Pilates sessions twice a week and occasional swims help me maintain my physical well-being.
I also have a deep appreciation for nature, which I satisfy by going on picnics with friends and enjoying the tranquility of the outdoors. Music is another passion of mine, providing a soundtrack to my leisure moments. For relaxation, I often watch Netflix or YouTube, finding both entertainment and inspiration in their varied content. Additionally, I love spending time outdoors, especially walking my dog, which reconnects me with the simpler, yet profoundly fulfilling aspects of life. I firmly believe that happiness often lies in these ordinary moments, rich with personal meaning and joy.
5. Why do you think people get a tattoo, even though it’s a painful process?
Many people view tattoos as a compelling form of self-expression, akin to fashion, but with a permanence that transcends seasonal styles. Tattoos offer a unique opportunity to immortalize personal milestones, beliefs, or cherished memories on one’s skin. This aspect of enduring significance is what makes tattoos profoundly attractive to many. They not only adorn the body but also serve as a personal narrative that evolves with their life’s journey. The pain involved in the tattooing process is often seen as a temporary step towards a lasting form of expression that they can carry with them forever, making it a worthwhile endeavor for those seeking to make a statement through their skin.
6. Who is your favourite tattoo artist?
My favorite tattoo artists each bring their own unique styles and strengths to the art form:
Tattooist Doy: Known for his warm charisma and leadership in the movement for tattoo legalization, Doy combines superb technical skills with a humorous approach to his designs. His influence and dedication to the craft are palpable in each piece he creates.
Q_tattoos: Q is painterly and vibrant, marked by exceptional skill in color use. His passion for the tattoo scene and charismatic personality are complemented by his readiness to embrace diverse artistic expressions. He consistently undertakes dramatic challenges in his painting, pushing the boundaries of traditional tattoo art with remarkable finesse. His astounding artistic skills manifest not only in the technical mastery of his craft but also in his adventurous approach to thematic and stylistic experimentation, making each piece a testament to his innovative spirit.
Oozytattoo: Oozy stands out with his unique animation-style artwork. He frequently embraces new challenges and experiments with various artistic approaches, making his work distinctly innovative.
Hannahflowers_art: Hannahflowers_art’s work is heavily authorial, featuring a European classicist style that is both elegant and traditional. Her distinctive approach brings a nostalgic and sophisticated flair to her tattoos.
_Miki__kim: Miki Kim’s work is deeply authorial and distinctive, blending Eastern and Japanese influences with vivid colors. His designs often incorporate Buddhist themes, adding a fascinating layer of depth.
Maradentattoo: Maradentattoo’s artistry is characterized by a harmonious blend of black and red, creating striking designs with a clean, compelling appeal. His work is noted for its intense and powerful design elements.
Hugotattooer: Hugo is known for his authorial style and frequent experimentation. His pieces vividly express the artist’s emotions, filled with cuteness and rich spiritual elements.
Sashaunisex: Sashaunisex maintains a strong originality in her colorful, poster-paint style artwork. Her use of vivid colors and diverse artistic explorations make her pieces uniquely attractive.
Each of these artists inspires me with their dedication, creativity, and distinct approaches to tattooing, influencing my own work and the broader art community.”
7. What are different styles of tattoos do you make?
In my artistic repertoire, I specialize in a variety of tattoo styles, each with its own unique aesthetic and technique. My fine-line tattoos are known for their delicate precision, creating intricate designs that are subtle yet striking. The illustrative style allows me to bring narratives to life on skin, marrying storytelling with visual artistry through detailed, imaginative compositions.
Additionally, my work in botanical tattoos showcases a deep appreciation for the natural world, capturing the intricate beauty of flora through carefully crafted, lifelike depictions. Lastly, my watercolor tattoos are characterized by their fluid and vibrant use of color, mimicking the effortless blend and bleed of paint on canvas, which imbues each piece with a sense of motion and spontaneity.
Together, these styles reflect my commitment to versatility and artistry in tattooing, allowing me to cater to a diverse array of client preferences and artistic visions.
8. Where do you see the future of Tattoos?
I firmly believe that the advent of the metaverse is a transformative development for our generation. While traditional tattoos on the physical body will undoubtedly continue, I envision a future where people also acquire tattoo designs for their avatars within metaverse environments, similar to how they engage in video games today. Artists might soon find themselves selling unique tattoo designs to individuals who wish to customize their digital representations with the same level of personalization they seek in the real world.
In this emerging digital landscape, the concepts of design and branding will become even more crucial. As the lines between virtual and physical realities blur, the ability to brand oneself effectively across both realms will be paramount. This means that artists will need to extend their branding beyond the physical work of tattooing to make a mark in the virtual spaces where digital avatars represent our identities.
This shift could potentially lead to an era where the act of physically applying tattoos is less common, as more people choose to express their artistic preferences in virtual forms. For artists, this will mean a dual focus on maintaining their craft in the physical world while also innovating in the digital domain, thus broadening their reach and influence far beyond traditional methods.
As we navigate this new era, the tattoo industry must be ready to embrace these changes, ensuring that artists are equipped not just with ink and needles but with the tools and strategies to thrive in the digital age.
9. Where do you see yourself in next 5 years?
In the next five years, I envision myself reaching a point of financial freedom that allows me to embrace a life rich with tranquility and natural beauty. I imagine living in a place where the weather is gentle and the surroundings are lush with nature. This serene setting will not only provide a peaceful backdrop for my daily life but will also inspire and deepen my artistic practice. The harmony of a nature-filled environment will fuel my creativity, allowing me to continue crafting tattoos that reflect the beauty and calm of my surroundings. Living in such a place, I aim to balance personal fulfillment with professional achievements, ensuring that every day is both a testament to my artistic journey and a step towards a more contented, inspired existence.
10. If you get a choice, which celebrity would you like to Tattoo and any specific design?
If given the opportunity, I would be honored to tattoo some of my favorite artists who have profoundly inspired me both personally and professionally.
These include ( Kanye West, Björk, FKA Twigs, Saya Gray, Hans Zimmer, Willow Smith, Erykah Badu, Moses Sumney, Leikeli47, and Childish Gambino.)
For each of these iconic figures, I would design tattoos that resonate with their unique artistic styles and personal histories, ensuring that each piece authentically reflects their identity and journey. Whether it’s a design that encapsulates the avant-garde spirit of Björk, the lyrical depth of Childish Gambino, or the profound emotional resonance of Hans Zimmer’s compositions, I aim to create something that not only complements their persona but also adds a meaningful layer to their artistic expression.
These tattoos would be tailor-made, crafted to align with their personal narratives and the aesthetics they embody, creating a visual representation of their influence and legacy.
11. Please share your social handles and how to reach out to get a tattoo?
To view my portfolio and stay updated with my latest works, follow me on Instagram @tattooist_banul
If you’re interested in getting a tattoo or would like to discuss a potential design, you can easily reach me via WhatsApp or KakaoTalk. Please send a direct message on Instagram for my contact details or to initiate a conversation. I look forward to bringing your artistic visions to life!
