Embracing Heritage: Delving Into The Timeless Craft Of Old Art Tattoos

Interview with Tattooist Eunyu: Embracing Artistic Tattoos

In a world where tattoos often occupy a lower rung on the artistic hierarchy, tattooist Eunyu challenges this notion by infusing classic art into her designs. Through her work, she breathes new life into old masterpieces, transforming them into vibrant and personal tattoos.

Eunyu, based in Seoul, South Korea, operates her private tattoo studio and has garnered over 85k followers on Instagram, establishing herself as a rising star in the Korean tattoo scene. Her portfolio showcases a diverse array of tattoos, ranging from intricate animal and food motifs to stunning recreations of photographs and famous paintings.

Reflecting on her journey, Eunyu reveals that her childhood dream was to become a painter. However, upon graduating from art college, she faced the harsh reality of the art world’s challenges. Undeterred, she embarked on a different path, initially working in an office setting. Yet, her passion for drawing persisted, eventually leading her to pursue tattooing.

Under the guidance of Korean tattooist Sol, Eunyu honed her skills and gradually transitioned into a full-time tattoo artist. Drawing inspiration from her love for art, particularly the works of Gustav Klimt and Claude Monet, she infuses her tattoos with intricate details and soft, feminine aesthetics. Many of her pieces are inspired by famous paintings, paying homage to the textures, colors, and curves that define Impressionist and Art Nouveau styles.

Eunyu’s interpretation of art extends beyond mere replication; it’s a heartfelt homage to the timeless beauty of classic masterpieces. With each tattoo, she captures the essence of the original artwork while adding her unique flair, making her creations both personal and captivating.

For those intrigued by artistic tattoos, Eunyu offers valuable insights into her process, inspirations, and tips for choosing and caring for colored tattoos. Through her work, she invites clients and admirers alike to explore the intersection of art and tattooing, where old art finds new expression on the canvas of the human body.

Read also: 46 Soul-inspiring Gustav Klimt tattoos for art lovers
But tattooing a famous painting onto the skin is not as easy as it seems. And the standards are high.
“You have to be careful and pay close attention every second. Paintings, especially portraits, have a lot of details in lines and colors. If the client wants something close to the original, there is very little room for error.”

It could be both a pleasure and a challenge to recreate a world-famous painting on the skin. But at the end of the day, it’s all about representing a person’s identity. And a good painting tattoo reflects the wearer’s aesthetics, passion, and attitude towards life.
“If the client likes the tattoo, I think it is successful. And it’s my job to create a tattoo that looks good, compliments the shape of the body, and lasts long.”

Tattoos of Eunyu

Besides painting tattoos, tattooist Eunyu has also created animals and food tattoos that capture a lot of attention.
“So far, my most popular tattoos on social media are goldfish, jellyfish, and waves. Most of my clients are women in their 20s and 30s. And I think they prefer flowy and cursive designs. They are elegant and will add femininity to a body part.”

And personally, she loves tattooing birds and fish. “To me, they represent freedom. Their movements are boundless. And with a tattoo that is static on the skin, you can still work with different compositions to create motion, as if they are moving freely in breeze and waves.”

To tattooist Eunyu, skills and techniques are just one part of tattooing. Communication is the foundation of getting the right tattoo for a client. “Your tattoo is only as good as your communication with the client. Knowing what they want allows me to create something perfect for them.” Tattooing for Eunyu is like telling someone else’s story, but with ink and needles.
“I remember a girl once came to me for a tattoo. She had gone through a lot in her life, but she overcame it with courage and faith. And she wanted something to symbolize her strength. So I designed a tattoo with another her hugging herself. She was happy about the representation. And it made me happy, too. “

It’s not uncommon to want to cover up an old tattoo when it fails to represent you anymore. But it’s not always easy to find a design that suits the new you and has good coverage. Eunyu has done a lot of cover-up tattoos. And she has her own way of dealing with it.
“I think landscapes and shadows do a great job covering an old tattoo or a scar. It’s natural and believable. But it does take plenty of time to work out a design that the client likes and will fit above the old tattoo. “

How to find and take care of your tattoo

Tattoos stay on the skin for a lifetime. So while some may have a tattoo idea for themselves, others are cautious about what they want to get. And it’s natural to go back and forth on a potential idea. That’s why I’ve asked Eunyu for some professional advice.
“I think it’s hard to go wrong with flowers, birds, gems, etc. But, if you want something more emotional and personal, a family photo will also be great.”

In terms of the placement, tattooist Eunyu suggested the arm. “The arm will be perfect if you want a visible tattoo. The skin is not wrinkled, and it has a lot of space to work on.”
If you already have a tattoo, it takes effort to keep the colors fresh and vibrant. “The skills of the tattooist always come first. The application of color largely decides if it will stay or not. And next in line is the aftercare for the two weeks upon getting a tattoo. Hygiene is key. You want to avoid inflammation.”

Life as an artist

As a tattooist, Eunyu loves the flexibility of her schedule and the room to improve.
“I always want to try new things and improve my designs. I believe that perfection is achieved through trial and error.” She might be known for her small, dainty designs. But she is ready to expand her comfort zone. “I want to do bigger and stunning tattoos that complement the body shape. And I also want to meet with clients from different backgrounds or countries so I can hear their stories and create something amazing. “

But, life as a tattooist isn’t always easy. “For now, the difficulties all South Korean tattooists face is the law. It’s illegal to get a tattoo from anyone without a medical license. But no one wants to get tattoos from a doctor. There has been an ongoing debate for years, and I hope the problem will resolve soon.”
Eunyu is not just a tattooist. “I love art so much. If I were not a tattooist, I would probably work in art-related fields or art schools for children.”
When she’s not tattooing or drawing, you will probably find her petting her cat at home or exploring cafés in her town. And, just like you and me, she loves binge-watching Netflix when she has time.