Today we’d like to introduce you to K Tak.
K, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I came to the U.S. from Korea as an international student. Since I moved here at a relatively late age, it took me quite a while to adjust to life in America. After graduating from Otis college of Art and Design, I tried a variety of jobs because I really wanted to find something that suited me.
Most of the jobs I had either paid well but made me miserable, or were fun but financially unstable. I started asking myself—can I find something that I enjoy, that I’m actually good at, and that can also support me financially?
When I put all those pieces together, I found tattooing. From there, I began learning on my own, asking questions, and slowly building my skills.
Thanks to the clients who have supported me along the way, I’ve been able to continue doing this work with joy and gratitude.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Definitely not a smooth road! One of the biggest challenges for me was not being able to go through a traditional tattoo apprenticeship. In the early days, I had to juggle multiple jobs just to stay afloat financially, so I couldn’t commit to being at a shop seven days a week—which is what most places were looking for.
Because of that, I had no choice but to teach myself. I had no idea if I was doing things the “right” way, and that uncertainty made the process a lot slower. Sometimes I wonder how much faster things could’ve gone if I had a mentor. But looking back, I think that lack of guidance also forced me to figure things out on my own and carve out my own path.
That experience is actually part of why I’m excited to start teaching a tattoo course at UCLA Extension this fall. It’s launching in September and will explore tattooing not just as a craft, but as a serious visual art form. The class isn’t meant to replace a traditional apprenticeship, but to offer students a creative, academic way to engage with tattooing. I’ve been working as an art tutor for years, so getting to bring that experience into this new setting means a lot to me. I think it’s going to be a really fun and meaningful experience.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
In the beginning, I used to think of my tattoos primarily as my artwork. It was about creating the most polished, detailed piece I could—something that showcased my technical ability. I really focused on precision and intricacy, trying to go beyond what others were doing in terms of detail.
But over time, my perspective has shifted. Of course, the quality of the final piece still matters deeply, but I’ve come to realize that the experience of getting the tattoo—the conversation, the atmosphere, the shared moment—is just as meaningful. Each tattoo reflects not only my technical skills, but also what I’ve read, studied, and lived. It’s a piece of my life that I’m offering, shaped by who I am and how I interact with each person.
What I do now feels more like helping someone hold onto a moment. Whether it’s a quote they want to live by, an image they never want to forget, or someone they’ve loved and lost—I’m engraving something deeply personal, something they’ll carry for life. And I hope the memory of the session itself is just as warm and meaningful.
I custom design every tattoo for each client, and I never reuse designs. The design process often takes much longer than the tattooing itself, even though most people never see that part. It’s not the most efficient way to work, and I know that—but I love it that way. It makes every piece feel truly special.
What were you like growing up?
I’ve always loved learning—especially diving deep into things I was curious about. As a student, I was really drawn to Renaissance paintings and artworks with intricate detail. At the same time, I also had a deep appreciation for traditional East Asian art. They seemed like opposite styles on the surface, but looking back, I think I was fascinated by the technical beauty of Western painting and the themes and atmosphere of Eastern art.
That’s actually what led me to study Western fine art in the U.S. I loved reading about art, studying it, and trying to recreate it in my own way. And when I look at the tattoos I create today, I can see how much those early interests still influence my work. The subjects I choose, the way I build detail, the composition—it all reflects that mix.
It makes the process so enjoyable for me. I feel like I’m still building on what I’ve always loved, and I hope to keep growing and evolving that style even more in the future.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bananatattoola.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ktattoola/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.ca/biz/banana-tattoo-la-los-angeles
