Interview
Hoon Kim
Hoon Kim co-owns and operates Frame Seoul Tattoo Studio in Seoul, South Korea. He has been a professional tattoo artist since 2017. His work primarily focuses on blackwork, incorporating elements such as snakes, dragons, flowers, clouds, and wind, which reflect Korean and Eastern aesthetics. His tattoos can be intense, elegant, emphasize strengths, or conceal weaknesses. He is constantly exploring new techniques and styles to develop my artistic abilities further. Through various artistic challenges and collaborations, Hoon aims to create deeper and more inspiring works. Additionally, he aspires to become a global artist, participating in international conventions and visiting tattoo studios in different countries and cities to immerse himself in the culture, engage in conversations, and enjoy deep connections with the global tattoo community.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“Since I was young, drawing has been my biggest hobby and the thing I was best at. I drew every day with pens and pencils, and even in school, art class was always my favorite. Among all materials, I loved pencils the most. I was fascinated by creating something on a white sketchbook with just a pencil and making it look 3-D. I drew every day, and naturally, I became immersed in designing for tattoos.”
What inspires you?
“Recently, I am inspired by clothes and accessories that emphasize the flow of the body. Normally, I draw a lot of inspiration from movies and books.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“In the early stages of my tattoo career, I mostly did small-sized illustrative designs. I tried to capture quotes or scenes from books and movies that inspired me and turn them into drawings and tattoos. Currently, I focus on creating a large flow on the body, making it look more stylish, sexy, intense, or elegant.”
How would you describe your work?
“Strong and elegant.”
Which artists influence you most?
“I am inspired by many artists, but I draw the most inspiration from tattoo artists like ‘fibs_,’ ‘gakkinx,’ and ‘filouino.’”
“I drew every day, and naturally, I became immersed in designing for tattoos.”
What is your creative process like?
“I start by looking at the body. Everyone's body has different characteristics, and I design with those features in mind. I begin by sketching on a photo, then meet the client to draw on their body based on that sketch, checking the actual shape and flow together. I then refine the design based on this process.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“Depending on the field of art, it may vary, but broadly speaking, art serves the role of conveying messages to society. I think the way those messages are conveyed differs. Sometimes, it appears in an extreme way, and there are other extreme responses to it, and something combined emerges, repeating this process.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“Personally, I have recently been interested in Korean painting, Buddhist art, and Eastern art. I am looking forward to the exhibition ‘Lacquerware of East Asia’ currently on display at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul.”
Website: @uncogrim
