Today we’d like to introduce you to Dongkyu Lee
Hi dongkyu, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born and raised in South Korea, where I pursued my studies in art throughout high school and university. I’ve always been passionate about expressing myself through art, but it wasn’t until I was 27 that I found my true calling in tattooing. The idea of creating something permanent and meaningful on someone’s skin fascinated me, and I dedicated myself fully to mastering the craft.
After a year, I moved to Toronto, where I spent a year developing my skills and building my career significantly. One of the most meaningful moments during this time was winning Best Realism and Best Color awards at my very first Toronto International Tattoo Convention. This achievement motivated me to participate in more conventions, earning recognition and establishing my name in the industry. As my reputation grew, I received invitations to work in various countries across Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. For about 3 to 4 years, I traveled extensively, living in different cities every month, meeting incredible people, experiencing new cultures, and learning every day. It truly felt like living in a dream.
In 2016, I returned to Korea and opened my private studio. Although I enjoyed my time there and found it fulfilling, tattooing in Korea was still under legal restrictions. I realized that achieving the kind of life and career I had experienced abroad would be challenging in Korea due to these limitations. I wanted to pursue something bigger and work towards legal recognition while pushing my craft even further.
With the vision of creating a tattoo brand, I eventually moved to Los Angeles. After years of planning and working with like-minded individuals who shared my dream, I finally opened my studio, nonfromseoul, on January 7, 2024. The 4000 sq ft space is now home to a talented team of 11 artists, and our focus is on high-quality, custom tattoos that blend artistry with individuality.
My journey has been driven by a commitment to craftsmanship and innovation. I believe that tattoos are more than just designs—they are lifelong pieces of art that carry deep personal meaning. Today, I continue to evolve as an artist, constantly challenging myself to create unique and meaningful works for my clients.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One of the most challenging times in my life was when I moved to LA and opened my shop as a foreigner. In Korea, the legal restrictions around tattooing made it difficult for me to pursue my passion fully, so I had to move abroad to continue my career. Adapting to a new culture, language, and market while staying true to my artistic vision wasn’t easy, but it was a valuable learning experience.
Working with Row DTLA, where my studio is currently located, wasn’t easy at first either. The space operates under strict rules and guidelines, while we were pursuing a vision of freedom and creativity. Our dream and goal were to create a business where coffee and tattoos could coexist, but when that plan fell through, it was one of the hardest moments we faced. We had to start from scratch, rethinking all our plans with a limited budget and a tight timeline working against us. Losing what we initially envisioned as more than 30% of our business model was a major setback, and at the time, it felt like everything was falling apart.
On top of that, finding the right location, signing contracts, and collaborating with numerous vendors in LA presented even more challenges. The language barrier made things even more difficult, and at one point, the contractor in charge of construction failed to complete the job properly. We had to bring in a new team, which ended up doubling both the time and cost of the project. It was a tough and exhausting process that required much more energy and patience than I had anticipated.
Despite all these challenges, they have ultimately made me stronger and helped me grow both as an artist and a business owner. Establishing a brand in a new market wasn’t easy, but overcoming each obstacle along the way has been incredibly rewarding. I believe that my persistence and determination to move forward, even in the face of setbacks, are what made nonfromseoul a reality today.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
What makes my work special is my ability to master both color and black and grey tattoo styles seamlessly. With a strong foundation in fine details and precise execution, I can bring the depth and atmosphere of black and grey tattoos to life while also capturing the vibrancy and dynamic energy of color work. By blending these styles, I focus on expressing each client’s story and emotions in the most fitting and meaningful way.
One of the things I’m most proud of is the journey that has brought me to where I am today. After studying fine art in Korea, I discovered my passion for tattooing and pursued it on an international level. From Toronto to Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, I’ve traveled extensively, collaborating with artists and drawing inspiration from diverse cultures. These global experiences have deeply influenced my style and approach, allowing me to offer clients a truly unique artistic perspective.
What sets me apart is my dedication to creating custom pieces that harmoniously blend my artistic vision with each client’s individuality. I believe in a collaborative process, taking the time to ensure every design authentically reflects their personal stories. My studio, nonfromseoul, embodies this philosophy—fostering creativity, communication, and authenticity in every aspect.
Ultimately, what I take the most pride in is knowing that my work goes beyond aesthetics. Tattoos are lifelong commitments, and I strive to create pieces that hold deep meaning and value for my clients. My goal is to ensure that every tattoo I create becomes a cherished part of their personal journey.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
When I was young, I was really into anime and manga—to the point where I could probably be called an “otaku.” I loved video games and comic books, and naturally, I was drawn to cool and beautiful illustrations. That’s where it all started—wanting to try drawing them myself. I still remember the first thing I ever copied was Dragon Ball. After that, I spent countless hours drawing characters from Slam Dunk and many other manga series featured in Boy Champ.
As time passed, I was lucky enough to be accepted into an art high school, where I met many great teachers who helped shape my artistic journey. But the biggest turning point came when I discovered Rembrandt. After seeing his work, my desire to become a manga artist slowly faded, and I started dreaming of becoming a fine artist instead. Around the same time, I met Lee.Killust, an artist and mentor who greatly influenced my work. To this day, we remain close and have collaborated on many projects together.
My interest in tattooing came much later than expected. While serving in the military, I started thinking seriously about my career path and searched for ways to make a living through art. That’s when the idea of tattooing first crossed my mind, and I thought it might be the perfect fit for me. Without hesitation, I went straight to a well-known tattoo shop and knocked on the door. At that time, tattoos were much more stigmatized, and shops often operated behind closed doors. Despite this, I gathered my courage, walked in, and told them I wanted to learn.
Looking back, I think taking that leap of faith was one of the best decisions I ever made. I was fortunate enough to meet the right people who helped me turn my passion into a career.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nonfromseoul.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/q_tattoos/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@qtattoo797
Image Credits
dongkyu lee
