Conversations with Daebeom (Gray) Kim

Today we’d like to introduce you to Daebeom (Gray) Kim.

Hi Daebeom (Gray), can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I think there were two main reasons I became a tattoo artist.

The first goes back to where I grew up. I was born and raised in Korea, where tattoos were generally seen in a negative light. I’ve loved drawing since I was a kid, and in high school I attended an art prep academy because I wanted to work in art and design. Then I came to the US to study at an art University in San Francisco. What shocked me when I arrived was how mainstream tattoos were here — most people didn’t view them negatively at all. I didn’t want to become a tattoo artist back then, but that was the first time my mind really opened up to tattoos.

The second reason came about ten years ago. I was working out at the gym and saw someone with an amazing physique and amazing tattoos. I just thought it looked so cool, and I started wanting a tattoo of my own. But it went beyond that — I started wanting to learn how to do it. At first I just wanted to learn for fun so I could tattoo myself, but the deeper I got into it, the more driven I became to master it, and that’s how I ended up here.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Of course, it wasn’t a smooth road. You know how it is. The first thing was income. Luckily, I had saved up some money before becoming a tattoo artist, but like most art careers, there’s almost no income until you get on track. I had no earnings at first. I did free tattoos, and as a beginner I charged only about $10 to $50 per session. Still, it was fun — seeing someone genuinely happy with a tattoo I’d given them made me feel amazing.

The second thing was my health. I poured way too many hours into it because I wanted to get good. I was doing sessions 7 days a week, averaging 10 to 15 hours a day, and after sessions I’d spend another 3 to 4 hours on consultations, designs, promotion — I basically slept while working. As you know, Korea is a country where competition is fierce in every aspect of life. I kept that up for the first two years, and eventually my body started breaking down. My wrist hurt so badly I couldn’t even hold chopsticks, and my neck and shoulders were in terrible shape. Of course, that period is what made me who I am today — but I think I was a little too obsessively driven by the desire to be good.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m Daebeom Kim (Gray Kim), @graycodetattoo a tattoo artist — I tattoo people for a living. I think tattooing can be looked at from two sides: the artistic side and the technical side.

Artistically, the genres I specialize in are micro-realism, geometric design, and fine line. I also specialize in mixing in organic, freeform elements like smoke or water to give the piece a unique sense of life and movement that contrasts with the more concrete elements. I think my strength — what sets me apart — is how well I blend those organic elements into realistic, highly detailed designs.

Technically, I’m a single needle specialist. Micro-realism and fine line demand extremely fine detail and delicacy, so using a single needle can be a huge advantage — it’s the thinnest and most precise needle there is. It’s also the hardest needle to handle, which is why it takes countless hours of practice and a high level of skill.

I think the combination of concrete, realistic imagery with geometric design, fine line, and organic elements like water and smoke is what makes my style unique — and that’s why clients have come to love it. The single needle work is a big part of that too.

Since moving to the United States, I’ve also had the opportunity to serve as a judge at tattoo conventions, in addition to my work as a tattoo artist.
I’ve been a judge at the 2025 San Antonio Tattoo Convention, the 2026 San Diego Tattoo Convention, and the 2026 Long Beach Tattoo Convention. I’m also planning to judge at several conventions in 2027, including the San Diego Tattoo Convention.

I feel incredibly fortunate and honored to have these opportunities. It’s not every day that you get to see the work of so many talented artists up close, appreciate their techniques and creativity, and broaden your own artistic perspective. I think these experiences are valuable not only because I get to contribute as a judge, but also because they allow me to keep learning and growing as an artist.

Looking ahead, I’m also planning to host seminars focused on single needle tattooing, where I can share the techniques, knowledge, and experience I’ve developed over the years.

Single needle tattooing requires a great deal of precision, patience, and practice, and I’ve learned so much through years of trial and error. I’d love to share what I’ve learned with other artists, especially those who are interested in developing their skills in fine line and micro-realism.

I believe that sharing knowledge is one of the best ways for our industry to grow. If my experience can help other artists improve their techniques, find their own artistic direction, or even inspire them to push their boundaries, that would be incredibly rewarding. Ultimately, I hope to contribute in some small way to the continued growth and evolution of the tattoo industry.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is simple: if you love something and you want to do it, just try it.

When I started, everything was against me — tattoos were stigmatized in Korea, I had no income, no connections. If I had waited for the perfect conditions, I never would have started. I began learning just for fun, thinking I’d tattoo myself, and that small start is what led me here. You don’t need permission or perfect timing. You just need to begin.

I always say: I’d rather regret doing something than regret never trying it.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/graycodetattoo/
• Other: @graycodetattoo

Image Credits
@graycodetattoo