Conversations with Jooyoung

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jooyoung.

Jooyoung, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve enjoyed drawing since I was a child. Painting was my hobby and area of expertise. After graduating from art school, I taught at an art academy for a number of years, but I lacked enthusiasm. In the interim, I pondered how to make my artwork more valued and well-known. I discovered tattoos and believed I could do well with them, therefore, I challenged myself to find a tattoo job. In the first one to two years of my career as a tattoo artist, I experienced multiple severe difficulties that nearly caused me to give up. But I didn’t give up. I did not give up because of the numerous customers who were pleased with my tattoos and my colleagues’ tattooists who gave me strength. I was also unable to quit up because I frequently felt pleasure from the sense of accomplishment that persistent effort brought. The thought that my tattoos can be a memory for each and every individual, and the sense of accomplishment through endless effort, were the driving forces that led me to pursue a career as a tattoo artist for ten years, and they are the reason why I cannot stop but enjoy my job. I want to become a tattoo artist who offers joy to a large number of people in the future, as well as to complete a number of diverse and intriguing works in the future.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The tattoo artist’s path was not easy. The majority of the time, tattoos are still stigmatized in Korea because they are not accepted by the general public. Concerned about the society’s opinions in Korea, I have been working with anxiety and have even chosen not to disclose my career. However, my enthusiasm and passion for tattooing have grown over the years, and I am quite pleased of my work. Now I can confidently tell everyone about my job.

The second reason is that tattoos are permanent works of art: once inked on the skin, they become an artwork that lasts a lifetime. I am not a particularly confident person, despite having worked in the industry for years and receiving numerous positive feedback from customers. I frequently consider technical issues and my own artistic technique. I worry that I cannot deliver a flawless job for my customers, and as a result, I tend to beat myself up and slip into a slump. In fact, it continues to bother me to this day. I am striving to motivate myself with the positive comments and feedback from my customers, and I am also working harder to improve my skills and design.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am currently a tattoo artist who focuses on delicate and colorful tattoos. I have more than 10 years of tattooing experience. I met numerous customers and performed numerous tasks. All of the most intriguing works in tattooing I have thus far is the works delicately colored. I am most proud of my ability to use delicate and diverse colors. This is my expertise and what sets me apart from other tattoo artists.

Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Due to COVID-19, I reconsidered the significance of hygiene. I became conscious of the importance of hygiene, and I began to consider how to maintain cleanliness before and after the tattoo procedure. Because of COVID-19, it was once forbidden for those who don’t acquire tattoos to be friends or acquaintances with people who do. It also allowed me to concentrate more on my tattooing.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @jooyoung_tt.