Unveiling Creativity in Micro Realism – An Interview with Tattooist Nonlee

Realism transcends mere replication of everyday life. In this captivating interview, tattooist Nonlee shares her journey of infusing imagination into realism.

Every so often, a tattoo emerges in my feed that elicits a “wow” from me. Among them are the works of South Korean tattooist Nonlee. As a newcomer to the tattooing scene, her portfolio continuously draws me in. With intricate lines, nuanced lighting, and inventive color palettes, she transports us into her surreal realm of micro realism.

Intrigued by her artistry, I reached out to Nonlee to delve deeper into her perspective on tattoos and art. What ensued was a fascinating discussion on her unique approach to selecting and creating tattoos. Join me as we explore the world of tattooist Nonlee and her boundless artistic vision.

Interview with Tattooist Nonlee: From Receiver to Creator

Hailing from Seoul, South Korea, tattooist Nonlee is garnering acclaim for her micro realism tattoos. Grounded in fine art, her work reflects a lifelong passion.

Nonlee’s love affair with painting began early, leading her to pursue an art major in college and subsequently become a painting instructor for a decade.

“I’ve always been drawn to painting and the creative process. Yet, I yearned for a new chapter in my life.”

Opportunity knocked when Nonlee decided to get a tattoo herself. Instantly enamored with the art form, she embraced tattooing as an extension of her artistic expression.

“Tattooing is akin to painting, but with permanence and a deeply personal connection to individuals. That’s what captivates me about this craft.” With just over a year of tattooing under her belt, Nonlee has already built an impressive portfolio.

Bestowed with the ability to etch permanent marks onto others, Nonlee recognizes the profound responsibility that accompanies her craft.

“Each tattoo carries the potential to impact someone’s life, which is simultaneously exhilarating and daunting. Attention to detail is paramount, although maintaining focus, especially on larger pieces, can be challenging.”

However, Nonlee views challenges as opportunities for growth. Committed to honing her skills, she aspires to refine her style and technique.

“My goal this year is to further develop my signature style and dedicate myself to continuous improvement. Tattooing allows me to translate breathtaking illustrations onto the skin, and I approach each piece with unwavering passion.”

Balancing the Real and Surreal

Like many artists, Nonlee draws inspiration from her surroundings, particularly documentaries on nature and wildlife. She finds solace in observing animals with distinct characteristics and habitats.

In summary, Nonlee’s journey exemplifies the fusion of realism with boundless creativity, shaping her into a formidable force in the world of tattoo artistry.

“My favorite animal is always evolving, but currently, it’s the harvest mouse. I even have one as a pet now. It’s incredibly tiny, and the way it nestles itself among the flowers is absolutely adorable.”

Inspired by her deep affection for animals, Nonlee has crafted numerous animal tattoos. One notable example is her rendition of a lion tattoo, exuding such charm that it effortlessly captivates the heart.

The bird tattoos crafted by Nonlee are incredibly detailed, so much so that they evoke a desire to reach out and confirm their reality through touch.

In Nonlee’s repertoire, bird tattoos take flight with stunning realism and intricate detail, tempting viewers to question their tangible existence.

Turtles hold a special place in Nonlee’s heart as well. Rather than replicating them exactly as they appear in real life, her renditions often feature dreamy, rainbow hues or incorporate whimsical elements like flowers sprouting from their shells.

The animal tattoos crafted by Nonlee may vary in appearance, yet they all share a distinctive quality: a blend of realism and fantasy that mesmerizes the observer. This unique aesthetic is largely attributed to the strategic use of color.

“When selecting subjects for tattooing, I consider color concepts concurrently. It’s where my artistic background truly shines and what sets a tattoo apart.”

In addition to animals, Nonlee finds allure in mythical creatures such as dragons, Qilin, and Haetae. Once again, colors serve as a crucial tool in enhancing the design.

“I believe rusty or muted tones are ideal for these legendary beings. They impart a sense of antiquity, as though they were treasures unearthed after centuries of slumber.”

To be a good tattooist and constantly produce creative and quality works, one has to think outside of the box. And that’s what Nonlee does. Inspired by modern painters Peter Doig and Wayne Tebow, she learned how to interpret lighting and colors in her tattoos. And when combined with her techniques in micro ʀᴇᴀʟism, the results are mesmerizing.

Tattooing 101

Those who want to get a tattoo don’t need to worry about not picking the right needle or color. If you are to get tattooed, all you need to do is find a good design and a good tattooist. But that can be challenging if you don’t have an idea in mind. So to give you some inspiration, I’ve asked tattooist Nonlee for her insights.

“If you are getting your first tattoo, find something visually appealing to you.” While most people search for a meaningful tattoo as their first, Nonlee suggests otherwise.

“When I was getting my first tattoo, I also spent a lot of time thinking back and forth. But later in life, I found that what was meaningful to me no longer represented me. So I have to do a cover-up.”

So instead of trying to find something with meaning, make sure that your first tattoo is pretty in your eyes. “As you grow, your perspectives and values change. But the standard of beauty doesn’t change that much.” So start with something simple but artistically pleasing, and you will not regret that later.

But don’t worry if you are not happy with your old tattoos. Besides removal, you can also think about cover-up tattoos.

“I think cover-ups are challenging, especially when the old tattoos are in dark colors. And many clients don’t want their new tattoos to be dark. So I ʀᴇᴀʟly have to be creative and strategic.”

For Nonlee, a tattoo is the joint effort of both the client and the tattooist. That’s why tattooists should have excellent communication with the clients and ʀᴇᴀʟly make sure their thoughts are heard.

“Most of the time, when I am happy with how a tattoo comes out, the clients are happy, too. That’s because I understand their needs and stories. And I put myself in their shoes as if I am the one getting tattooed. The mutual efforts, good communication, and empathy are what make good tattoos.”

The placement and aftercare also play an important part in tattooing.

“One of the most common tattoo placements is the arm, which includes the outer arm or the sleeve, inner arm, and forearm. If you want your ink to be visible and eye-catching, these are the placements for you.”

Aftercare is crucial in keeping a tattoo’s colors vibrant. “Since the ink is injected under the skin, it is important to keep the skin healthy. Make sure it is moisturized, especially during the first few weeks of healing. That will prevent the over-production of keratins. So the colors stay fresh and vibrant.”

Beyond her craft as a tattooist, Nonlee indulges in a variety of hobbies and passions to rejuvenate her mind.

“I have a genuine love for meeting new people and engaging in conversations about their stories. If I weren’t a tattooist, I might have pursued a career as a fortune teller. How delightful that would be!”

Nonlee finds solace in immersing herself in movies, TV dramas, books, and cartoons, drawn to the intricate plots and compelling narratives they offer.

“Additionally, board games hold a special place in my heart. Before the pandemic, I relished gathering with friends to play. Now, with most of us confined to our homes, my husband has become my primary gaming partner. Recently, we’ve become engrossed in ‘Splendor,’ and it’s become a favorite pastime.”

In summary, Nonlee’s life is filled with vibrancy, reflecting her cheerful personality and translating into her captivating tattoos. To delve deeper into her artistry, visit her Instagram profile. If you have any inquiries, feel free to leave them in the comments!