As an example of harmony between polarities, the tiger butterfly may be both delicate and fierce. Inspired by historical motifs, Jae brings his work to life through iPad sketches and a profound respect for the timeless nature of past-era tattoos. Influenced by iconography spanning the 18th to 20th centuries, dragon tattoos suggest power and protection; […]
Author: Scene360
Goodmorning’s Bold, Stylized Take on Japanese Tattoos
The outlaw hero Namikiri Chojun, depicted in Japanese Ukiyo-e (the “Suikoden” series), was initially inspired by the Chinese novel “Water Margin.” Ask him why he uses the alias “Goodmorning,” and he explains that it’s uplifting. His positive outlook extends to his tattoo appointments—does he pair it with tea or coffee? For this Singaporean, Goodmorning’s recognition […]
Get to Know Shane Tan Through Q&As with Renowned Tattooers
Step into Shane Tan’s studio, where Japanese art covers many walls. Shane Tan, 41, has devoted 25 years to tattooing and owns Feather Cloud parlor in Singapore. Known for his bodysuit projects and disciplined color palette, he compiled his artwork in the Kintaro publication and shared inspirations in a 2021 Scene360 interview. To further illuminate […]
_JO_UL, a Former Drawing Teacher Who Now Tattoos Cartoon Doodles
_JO_UL_, a 37-year-old tattooer, uses this pseudonym because it sounds like “uri” (meaning “we,” “us” in Korean) and also resembles an emoticon. After earning a Master of Environmental Furniture Design degree at Hyupsung University, he taught observation and precise drawing at an art academy for a while. People are often surprised that he studied furniture […]
Body Armor: Undulmood’s Ornamental Tattoos
In seven 6-hour sessions, create a torso piece inspired by traditional Japanese tattooing, leaving a portion of the chest untattooed (known as Munewari). Undulmood describes himself as “Passionate.” His real name is Jihoon Choi. Originating from South Korea and relocating to Germany at 20, to take up industrial design studies. Yet, he changed his mind […]
Impasto’s Dark “Floating Ink” Tattoos
After serving his country in South Korea, he became a tattooer in 2020, at the age of 25, under the name Impasto. A year later, he began working as a permanent artist at Ganga Tattoo in Los Angeles. The tattooist chose this pseudonym as a tribute to Van Gogh. “Impasto” refers to a rough, thick […]
At Chicago’s Tattoo Lady Fest in 2025
On the left is organizer Julia Campione, and on the right is Britt Kuechenmeister (Tat2kiki). Julia Campione, a tattooist and the owner of the service-based, uplifting Good Omen Tattoo shop in Chicago, wanted to recreate the atmosphere of her establishment for an event highlighting several of her industry influences. Tattoo Lady Fest took place on […]
Ryu’s Brushstroke Tattoos: There Is Cosmos in All Chaos
The more Ryu discovers about the cosmos, the more our planet seems to be filled with superfluous noise. Ryu states, “tuition was expensive, and I often had to skip meals because I couldn’t afford food,” referring to the financial difficulties he had when enrolled in Sahmyook University’s art and design program. He once sketched on […]
Gnomes Everywhere: Tattooer Koblin Talks About His Work
A tattoo of the “flower-power” hippie and wandering gnome. A gnome is a little bearded creature from folklore who wears a pointed hat and protects hidden treasures in the earth. These figures have been depicted throughout history, from ancient Greece to their popularization during the Renaissance. Right now, gnomes are everything to tattooer Koblin. He […]
Asya Teriaeva Discusses Flower Tattoos, Travel, and Photography
On one of her travels, Asya Teriaeva posed against the residential buildings of New York City. Asya Teriaeva, from her hometown of Sosnovy Bor near St. Petersburg, Russia, has been touring Europe and working at the Ink World Tattoo Fineline shop in Germany. Interestingly, her subtle and beautiful blossom tattoos attract clients from the United […]