Eden: The Tattoo Queen of Animated Characters

We’re excited to introduce you to EDEN (MINJUNG AHN)  a visionary tattoo artist currently working from Vism Studio based in Los Angeles.

Her vibrant and intricate designs are now redefined character art in the tattoo world.

Eden has a remarkable talent for reimagining objects, animals, and plants, transforming them into unique, lively characters that reflect the essence of each subject.

Specializing in Color Micro Character Art, Eden blends fine line techniques with a bold use of color, creating custom designs that resonate with each guest’s personal memories and emotions. From capturing the starry night sky of Joshua Tree to turning a hot dog bun into a playful, padded character, Eden’s work is a masterful fusion of creativity and meaning.

With an impressive Instagram following of approximately 190,000, Eden has become a sought-after artist for those looking to bring their favorite characters and memories to life in an unforgettable way.

Join us as we delve into Eden’s creative journey, explore the inspirations behind her colorful designs, and uncover the meticulous process that makes each piece a unique work of art.

Let’s get to know this extraordinary artist better.

Can you share the story behind how you first became interested in tattooing?

I found tattoos incredibly attractive because they allow people to express their individuality and capture cherished memories and meanings.

Since I studied design in university and had a strong interest and talent in drawing, I naturally developed an interest in tattooing.

It’s been over 5 years since I started working as a tattoo artist, and I still find great joy in it and am very satisfied with my profession.

Your work often involves reimagining everyday objects, animals, and plants as characters. How do you approach the creative process when transforming these elements into tattoo designs?

I’m interested in closely observing the basic characteristics of objects and animals. What textures and personalities do they have? I imagine these qualities as I observe.

Once I define a character’s personality, I can naturally envision their expressions and movements. By defining these traits, I can create a character with a distinct personality.

I love one of your designs where you transform your clients memories of a trip to Joshua Tree into a tattoo. Can you share more about how you translate experiences into tattoo art?

In character custom design, there are key aspects to consider:

• First, select the main elements the client wants (e.x/ a Joshua Tree cactus).
• Then, focus on emotions such as desired actions or expressions through discussions with the client.
• Finally, I make sure to note any specific expressions, objects, or additional background scenes they want to incorporate.

However, I believe that too much can be overwhelming, so I strive to choose elements intuitively and meaningfully to meet the client’s wishes.

What is your favorite type of project to work on, and why?

I enjoy designing by combining the features of different characters. It’s also the area where I believe I excel the most.

Since I understand the unique traits and stories of each character, I’m able to find and create better combinations in my designs.

How do you stay inspired and continue to push the boundaries of your art?

I always enjoy media and games related to my work, such as games, animation, puzzles, and LEGO.

Just as popular animations and games continue to receive updates and new products, I also strive to explore new challenges in tattooing. My artistic expansion began with these hobbies.

Can you tell us about a particularly memorable tattoo you’ve done? What made that experience stand out for you?

Pet character tattoos often leave a lasting impression. Some people seek designs to commemorate a beloved family member or friend who has passed away, while others want to capture their current happy emotions. These more emotional designs tend to be particularly memorable.

Seeing clients delighted with my designs also warms my heart.

As the tattoo industry continues to evolve, what trends are you most excited about?

I believe that tattoos are one of the most intuitive and stylish ways to express individuality. As a result, tattoo artists are increasingly diversifying their methods of expression to better capture personal uniqueness.

I feel that my approach, with its various experiments in design, puts me slightly ahead of the curve. Especially for those who love animation and games, it seems that my designs resonate more deeply and are appreciated even more.

What are your goals for the future in terms of your personal artistic development?

I want to introduce my original character designs to a wider audience. My goal is also to create a range of art goods and hold exhibitions and sales of my work.

As someone who frequently tattoos characters from anime and cartoons, do you have a favorite anime?

There are so many options that it’s almost impossible to choose. I explore everything from famous ones like One Piece, Naruto, and Dragon Ball to newly emerging anime.

I know so much about them that I can identify which anime or game a photo brought by a client is from. If I had to choose just one, I would highly recommend “Attack on Titan.”

You’ve gained a lot of attention for your Pokemon tattoos. What draws people to these designs and how do you keep each Pokémon tattoo true to your style?

The reason Pokémon is so popular is that, through the journey and story within the game, players come to see these characters as true companions. This makes it natural to want a tattoo of a character that brings so much joy.

Even with the same character, the desired traits and expressions can vary because different aspects of their charm resonate with different people. My style involves clearly recognizing and empathizing with these unique points, and capturing them with my skills and color palette.

After exploring the world of Eden’s character art, it’s clear that her unique ability to breathe life into the smallest details sets her apart in the tattoo industry.

Eden’s work is not just about creating beautiful tattoos; it’s about capturing the essence of a person’s memories, emotions, and imagination in a way that is both deeply personal and artistically stunning.

As Eden continues to push the boundaries of character art in tattoos, we can’t wait to see the innovative and captivating pieces she’ll create next. If you’re looking for a tattoo that’s as unique and vibrant as you are, Eden is the artist to watch.”

Thank you, Eden, for sharing your world with us. 

For more beauty in your life, be sure to follow her on Instagram @eden_tattoo_.