Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Ria Kim of Los Angeles

We recently had the chance to connect with Ria Kim and have shared our conversation below.

Ria, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of my day are quiet and intentional. I start by taking care of my senior dog, then give myself time to wake up without rushing. I try not to check my phone right away and instead ease into the day so I can stay grounded and focused.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Ria Kim, and I’m a tattoo artist specializing in pet portrait tattoos. I’ve been tattooing since 2018, creating detailed, heartfelt pieces that honor the unique bond people share with their animals. My work focuses on capturing not just physical likeness, but personality, emotion, and memory.

What makes my work especially personal is that I’m also a lifelong pet parent. Caring for my senior dog has shaped how I approach my work—with patience, empathy, and deep respect for each story entrusted to me. I see tattooing as a collaborative and meaningful process, not just a visual one.

At the moment, I’m focused on continuing to refine my craft while creating space for more intentional, story-driven work. I’m interested in building a practice that values depth over volume and allows each piece to be as considered and personal as possible.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My clients and my dog. My clients trusted me with their most meaningful stories long before I fully understood the weight and value of what I was creating. And my dog, through years of quiet companionship, taught me patience, presence, and empathy—qualities that later became central to my work.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
You don’t need to rush or prove anything. The care and intention you bring to your work will always matter more than speed or comparison.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Whose ideas do you rely on most that aren’t your own?
I rely most on the stories and perspectives my clients share with me. Their experiences, memories, and relationships with their animals shape each piece far more than any external trend or reference.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m fully present, either spending quiet time with my dog or when I’m deeply focused on my work. Those moments remind me to slow down and trust the process.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.vismstudio.com/artist/kimria
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tattooist_kimria/

Image Credits
Ria Kim