Avenn, now 32, spent his childhood watching cartoons and got his name from a favorite TV show, “Adventure Time” (2010), which blended playful innocence with a post-apocalyptic setting. He drew constantly growing up, took comics classes in high school, and continued those studies at university. He left soon after to pursue his own path as a tattoo artist. While many parents in South Korea discourage artistic careers, Avenn’s father encouraged him with one condition: no tattoos on his body. It was too late.

Before launching his tattoo career in 2018, Avenn worked part-time as a bartender and barista to support himself during his apprenticeship. His style is influenced by artists like Felix Dolah and Doctor Nowhere and defined by a dark, edgy aesthetic. His artwork carries avant-garde energy, channeling a gothic influence through stretched figures that leave a melancholic mood.

“I’ve never been interested in color and knew it wasn’t where my strengths were,” Avenn shares. Working with black ink, he uses the skin as negative space and relies on squiggly lines, block ink, light dots, white highlights, and stark contrast to bring his expressive visions to life.

“I’m quite sensitive and easily exhausted, which helps me when tattooing because I pay close attention to every detail,” Avenn reflects. “I can feel other people’s emotions too,” and he protects his peace of mind. “When that peace is disrupted, disappointment and depression find their way directly into my drawings. Creating tattoos is one way I organize those emotions and turn them into something meaningful.” Outside the studio, he keeps a relaxed attitude, avoids overthinking, and prefers to get along with others. For downtime, he listens to music that matches his mood and takes frequent smoke breaks, quietly resting before the next shadows take form.

Photos © Avenn