A Tattoo Artist's Journey to Perfecting Pet Portraits - An Interview with Dokhwa

Meet Dokhwa, the Korean tattoo artist known for her stunning and realistic pet tattoos. In this interview, she shares her journey and insights into her craft.

In this interview, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dokhwa, a talented tattoo artist from Seoul who has been in the industry for five years. Despite not having received formal art education, she has worked hard to refine her craft and develop her own unique style. Her specialization in incredibly detailed pet tattoos has made her a favorite among clients, and she takes great care in ensuring that each piece holds a special meaning. In this interview, we will explore her journey to becoming a tattoo artist, her creative process, and her thoughts on the current state of the industry in Korea.

How long have you been drawing, and how long have you been tattooing?

I've been working as a tattoo artist for five years now. Although I didn't have formal training in drawing, I've always had a keen interest in the art form. Over the years, I've honed my skills and developed my style through practice and experimentation. While I continue to learn and grow as an artist, I am proud of how far I've come and the work that I create for my clients.

What drew you to specialize in realism as an artistic style, and how did you develop your skills in this area?

Initially, I didn't have a specific interest in color realism. I was fascinated by various tattoo styles, and I faced many failures along the way. However, when I gave color realism a try, I immediately fell in love with it. Since then, I have been continuously practicing to improve my skills. I never received any formal art education, but I made sure to dedicate my free time to drawing. I also attended master classes taught by artists whom I deeply respected, and I analyzed the works of many talented artists. I'm still on a journey of self-development, constantly exploring and refining my own unique style.

What inspired you to become a tattoo artist, and how did you get started in the industry?

I became fascinated with tattoos after seeing how they looked on my friend's body. The way the designs came to life on skin rather than paper was truly impressive. I got my first tattoo at the age of 20, and the experience only fueled my interest in the art form. I was especially drawn to the tattooists themselves, who seemed to exude a certain level of coolness and confidence. This ultimately led me to pursue a career in tattoo artistry at the age of 22.

Which tattooers have influenced you most?

Definitely Yeono. She's my best friend and a fellow artist who has been by my side since the beginning of my tattooing journey. She's a hardworking individual who is constantly seeking to improve her craft, and I deeply admire her dedication. As a skilled and well-known artist, she has always been willing to lend her expertise and support to me. I am grateful to have such a talented and helpful friend in my life.

What do you think makes a great tattoo, and how do you evaluate your own work to ensure that it meets your own high standards?

Maintaining both my physical and mental health is crucial to producing high-quality work. Taking care of myself allows me to bring my best self to each project. Additionally, I frequently seek feedback from other artists and ask for an objective evaluation of my work. In the same vein, I evaluate my own work with a critical eye, always looking for ways to improve my technique and creativity. These practices are essential to continuously pushing myself to produce better work.

What kind of preparation do you do before starting a realistic piece? How do you approach capturing the unique features and expressions of your subjects, and what kind of communication strategies do you use to ensure that your clients are happy with the final result?

Before starting any project, I take time to plan and prepare. In particular, when creating tattoos of pets, I start by looking at photos of the animals and considering the techniques I will use. I try to be realistic and often collaborate with clients to make the right choices. By investing time in the planning process, I find that the quality of my work improves significantly.

Additionally, I believe that it's important to establish a connection with each customer. I take the time to listen to their stories and learn about their pets, which allows me to better understand their vision for the tattoo. I also ask for specific details such as eye and hair color, which helps me to select the most appropriate colors for the design. Overall, these practices help me to create a more personalized and meaningful tattoo experience for each customer.

How do you handle challenging or difficult clients, and what steps do you take to ensure a positive experience for everyone involved?

When working with certain clients, I find it important to communicate my professional opinion with confidence and clarity. Mind control is a critical component of the creative process, and I work hard to maintain a positive and focused mindset throughout each tattoo. By approaching each task with determination and a clear vision, I am able to produce work that not only meets, but often exceeds, the expectations of my clients. Maintaining a positive mindset allows me to approach my work with enthusiasm and creativity, resulting in a more fulfilling and enjoyable experience for both my clients and myself.

What kind of impact do you hope your tattoos will have on the people who wear them?

I always strive to create tattoos that have a positive impact on my clients. This is especially important when I'm working on tattoos of pets, as they often hold significant meaning and sentimental value to the owners. I understand that these tattoos serve as a way for clients to remember and honor their beloved friends, and I take that responsibility very seriously.

My goal is to create tattoos that not only accurately capture the likeness of the pet but also evoke positive emotions and memories for the client. I hope that these tattoos serve as a source of comfort and a lasting reminder of the special bond that they shared with their pets, specially after they have passed away.

How do you think advances in AI technology might impact the field of tattooing, both in terms of the design process and the execution of tattoos?

While I recognize that AI technology has made significant advancements in recent years, I believe that there are certain aspects of tattooing that cannot be replicated by machines. The art of tattooing involves much more than just technical precision and skill; it also requires a deep understanding of the human body, as well as the ability to connect with clients and bring their visions to life.

Although AI technology may be able to replicate certain aspects of tattooing, such as the application of ink, I don't believe it can fully capture the artistry and nuances of the human touch. Tattooing is a deeply personal and intimate art form, and the connection between artist and client is an essential part of the experience. While technology may continue to evolve and improve, I believe that the human element of tattooing will always remain an essential part of the craft.

How do you navigate the legal and cultural challenges surrounding tattooing in South Korea?

As tattoo artists, we often feel a sense of anxiety and vulnerability due to the lack of legal protection in our industry. Unfortunately, some clients may take advantage of this situation, knowingly exploiting the fact that our work is currently illegal. This is why it is important for us to have a support system and legal resources available. There is an organization that provides protection and support for tattoo artists. Additionally, many artists in Korea are actively advocating for the legalization of tattooing. While the current legal situation can be discouraging, I believe that with the efforts of dedicated artists and advocates, there is hope for positive change in the near future. By working together and continuing to push for legal recognition and protection, we can help ensure a safer and more secure environment for ourselves and our clients.

What advice do you have for someone who would like to get a tattoo from you?

When it comes to getting a tattoo, it's essential to choose the design carefully. As a tattoo artist, I frequently have clients who want cover-up tattoos. While there are certain techniques that can be used to cover up existing tattoos, there are limits to what can be done, particularly when it comes to intricate designs or tattoos in difficult-to-cover areas.

As someone who primarily works on pet tattoos, I also have to be mindful of the placement and visibility of the tattoo. It's crucial for clients to carefully consider where they want their tattoo and how it will look in that location.

I encourage all of my clients to take their time in selecting a tattoo design and to consider all factors, such as the size, placement, and potential for future cover-ups or modifications. By doing so, they can ensure that they are completely satisfied with their tattoo and that it will be a source of pride and joy for years to come.

Finally, what advice would you give to aspiring artists who are interested in specializing in realism, and what kind of ongoing training and professional development do you recommend in order to stay at the top of your game?

In my opinion, drawing is the foundation of any successful tattoo artist's skill set. It's crucial to hone your drawing abilities and to practice as much as possible. Additionally, it's essential to look at the work of successful artists in your desired style and develop your eye for detail.

As an artist, the learning process never truly ends. It's important to always strive to improve and expand your skill set. One of the best ways to do this is to seek out a good teacher or mentor who can guide you and offer feedback on your work.

Becoming a successful tattoo artist is a long and challenging journey, but it's an incredibly rewarding one as well. With dedication, hard work, and a willingness to learn and grow, you can achieve your goals as an artist and create beautiful, meaningful tattoos that will be cherished by your clients for a lifetime.