Interview with Banul: Master of Whimsical Tattoos

Today, we’re thrilled to introduce Yugyeong Ham, also known as Banul.

She’s an exceptional tattoo artist from South Korea who has been captivating the global tattoo community with her whimsical illustrative designs. 

Currently based in Seoul, South Korea, Banul brings unique and creative visions to life, transforming skin into canvases with her incredible fantasy compositions. 

She’s also looking forward to relocating to Los Angeles, California, in the coming months and working at the renowned nonfromseoul studio.

Her work is characterized by intricate designs that offer a blend of whimsy, profundity, and sheer beauty. As you can see, Banul has perfect the art of using pastel colors in tattoos. You’ll find soft visuals and soothing composition, creating an amazing dreamlike scenario with every piece.

But her big victories are not only in the tattoo world. She has also created an incredible world for her self, filled of color, magic and fantasy and fascinates and hypnotises those around her.

With an impressive Instagram following of approximately 460,000 devoted fans, Banul has solidified her position as a leading figure in the tattoo industry, both in South Korea and internationally.

Join us as we delve into Banul’s creative journey, explore her artistic influences, and uncover the meticulous process behind her stunning tattoo creations. Let’s get to know this extraordinary artist better.

Getting to Know Banul

We know that tattooing in South Korea is not easy due to the legislative roadblocks. Can you tell us about your journey to getting started in the tattoo world? 

In the shadow of stringent regulations, my journey into the world of tattooing has been both challenging and profoundly transformative. In South Korea, where the art of tattooing navigates a complex legal landscape, my passion for this form of expression has driven me to pursue it against the odds. 

My initiation into tattooing began as an act of rebellion and a deep-seated desire to embody the art that I so admired. The constraints imposed by legislation became the canvas against which I honed my craft, learning to maneuver through the undercurrents of societal and legal scrutiny. Each tattoo I placed on skin was not just ink; it was a statement of resilience, a whisper of change echoing through the alleys of tradition.

As I etched my path, the challenges of working in a gray zone only deepened my commitment and refined my skills. My studio became a sanctuary, a hidden gem where art and secrecy intertwined, creating a subculture pulsing beneath the surface of mainstream visibility. Here, every piece of art I created carried the weight of defiance and the lightness of freedom, embodying stories of individuals bold enough to wear their identities on their sleeves.

Throughout this journey, I have not only shaped my destiny but also contributed to a slowly shifting perception of tattoo art in Korean society. With each line drawn, I am part of a broader narrative of artists who stand at the forefront of cultural transformation, advocating for recognition and respect for our craft. It’s a dance on the edge of legality, where each tattoo is a step toward a future where our art can bask in the daylight, unencumbered by the shadows of the past.

Who are some mentors that guided your development?

“One of the most influential mentors in my development as a tattoo artist has been Tattooist Doy. He has been instrumental in teaching me not only exceptional drawing and tattooing skills but also in shaping my approach to the craft with his warm charisma and profound dedication to the Korean tattoo scene. Doy’s leadership in advocating for the legalization of tattoos in Korea is particularly inspiring, as it reflects his deep love for the art form and his commitment to its future in our country.

Beyond his professional guidance, Doy has also been a significant influence on my lifestyle, especially as we share the same Christian faith. His approach to balancing his faith with his passion for tattooing has provided me with invaluable insights and inspiration, helping me to navigate my own journey with a sense of purpose and integrity.”

Your tattoos are known for their whimsical and illustrative nature. What is the process of coming up with a composition and what inspires you?

The creation of each tattoo begins as a delicate dance between imagination and inspiration. My process is deeply intertwined with the whimsical and illustrative nature of my work, where every composition tells a story, blending reality with a touch of fantasy.

Inspiration often strikes from the most unexpected places—a fleeting dream, the way sunlight filters through leaves, or a fragment of a forgotten memory. I find myself drawn to the small wonders of the world, the details that others might overlook but that hold immense beauty and potential. Nature, with its endless palette of colors and forms, frequently serves as my muse, offering a rich tapestry of elements to incorporate into my designs.

Once inspiration has taken root, I enter a meditative state, letting my thoughts flow freely onto paper. I sketch intuitively, allowing the composition to evolve organically, guided by the emotion and narrative I wish to convey. I imagine each line as a thread, weaving together the elements of the client’s story with the whimsical motifs that characterize my style.

As the composition takes shape, I carefully consider the balance of elements—how the curves and lines will interact with the body’s contours, how the colors will breathe life into the design, and how the overall piece will harmonize with the client’s personal narrative. Each tattoo is a unique symphony of artistic expression, a visual poem that captures a moment, a feeling, or a dream.

The final step is the transformation from paper to skin, where the design becomes a living part of the client, etched into their story forever. This process is a sacred one, where art transcends the boundaries of imagination and becomes an enduring symbol of identity and expression.

How do you collaborate with clients to bring their visions to life while maintaining your artistic integrity and style?

Collaboration with my clients is a delicate and deeply personal process, one that I approach with both openness and reverence. Each client comes to me with a vision—sometimes fully formed, other times just a seed of an idea—and my role is to nurture that vision, allowing it to blossom into something beautiful and uniquely theirs while maintaining the essence of my own artistic style.

Our journey begins with a conversation, where I listen intently to their stories, emotions, and aspirations. I strive to understand not just what they want, but why they want it. This exchange is vital, as it helps me grasp the deeper meaning behind their desire for a tattoo, the nuances that will shape the final piece.

As I absorb their narrative, I begin to intertwine it with my own artistic voice. This is where the magic happens—where their vision and my style converge. I sketch and experiment, exploring ways to honor their ideas while infusing them with the whimsical, illustrative elements that define my work. It’s a collaborative dance, where I guide and shape the design, ensuring it remains true to their intent yet unmistakably reflective of my creative signature.

Maintaining artistic integrity is about finding harmony between the client’s desires and my own vision. I embrace the challenge of balancing these forces, creating a design that feels authentic to both of us. Through this process, the tattoo becomes a shared creation, a fusion of their story and my artistry.

When the final design emerges, it is not just a tattoo, but a testament to our collaboration—a piece of art that tells a story, holds meaning, and carries with it the integrity of both the client’s vision and my creative spirit. It is in this union of ideas and styles that I find the true beauty of tattooing, where every piece becomes a living canvas of collaboration and trust.”

And we know you used to work in Seoul and are now in Los Angeles. How was the experience of relocating to the USA?

Relocating from Seoul to Los Angeles has been a transformative experience, one that has enriched both my personal life and my artistic journey in profound ways. The shift to the USA brought with it a newfound appreciation for the respect and recognition afforded to tattoo artists here. It’s invigorating to be in an environment where my craft is celebrated and valued, allowing me to thrive as an artist.

The welcoming climate of Los Angeles, with its sunny skies and breathtaking natural landscapes, has been a constant source of inspiration. The beauty of the surroundings, from the rugged mountains to the serene beaches, feeds into my creative process, infusing my work with a sense of calm and natural wonder that was less accessible in the bustling cityscape of Seoul.

The laid-back atmosphere of Los Angeles offers a refreshing contrast to the fast-paced life I was accustomed to. Here, there’s a certain ease—a chance to slow down, to truly connect with my surroundings and the people around me. This relaxed vibe has allowed me to focus more deeply on my art, creating in an environment that nurtures both creativity and well-being.

Perhaps most importantly, the community in Los Angeles is vibrant and diverse, filled with friendly faces and fellow artists who inspire and support one another. The artistic culture here is rich and varied, and I’ve found myself surrounded by like-minded individuals who share a passion for creativity and expression. This sense of community has been incredibly fulfilling, reminding me that while my surroundings have changed, the spirit of art and collaboration remains universal.

Overall, the move to Los Angeles has been a journey of growth, both as an artist and as a person. It has provided me with new perspectives, fresh inspiration, and a deeper connection to the world around me, all of which continue to shape and influence my work.

How does it feel to be recognized as a leading figure in the tattoo community both in South Korea and internationally?

Being recognized as a leading figure in the tattoo community, both in South Korea and internationally, is an honor that fills me with a deep sense of gratitude and responsibility. Each recognition carries its own significance and reflects the diverse experiences I’ve had across different cultures.

In South Korea, where the tattoo industry faces unique challenges due to legal and cultural factors, being acknowledged as a prominent artist is especially meaningful. It represents not just my personal achievements, but also the progress and resilience of the entire tattoo community in navigating and shaping the future of this art form within our society. The recognition here is a testament to the dedication and passion that many of us share in advocating for the acceptance and legitimacy of tattoos as an art form.

Internationally, the recognition comes with a different flavor of validation. It reflects the universal language of art that transcends borders, allowing my work to resonate with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Being seen as a leading figure on a global stage is both humbling and empowering, as it underscores the impact of my work beyond the confines of my home country. It also motivates me to continue pushing the boundaries of creativity and to contribute to the global conversation about tattooing as a respected and celebrated art form.

In both contexts, this recognition is a source of immense pride and inspiration. It drives me to keep evolving as an artist, to continue advocating for the tattoo community, and to maintain the high standards of artistry that have brought me to this point. Ultimately, it is the shared passion and support of both my local and international communities that fuel my journey, reminding me of the interconnectedness of our creative endeavors.

How do you feel that your online presence aided your career?

I am incredibly thankful for the impact my online presence has had on my career. The digital space has provided a powerful platform to showcase my work to a global audience, allowing me to connect with clients, fellow artists, and enthusiasts from all corners of the world. Through social media and online portfolios, I have been able to share my artistic journey, build a strong personal brand, and engage with a diverse and supportive community.

The visibility afforded by my online presence has not only helped in growing my client base but has also opened doors to collaborations, exhibitions, and opportunities that might not have been possible otherwise. It has allowed me to reach people who resonate with my style and vision, fostering meaningful connections that extend beyond geographical boundaries.

Overall, I feel a deep sense of gratitude for the role that my online presence has played in advancing my career. It has been an essential tool in amplifying my voice as an artist, enabling me to contribute to the broader tattoo community and continue evolving in my craft.

What advice do you offer to those improving their illustrative skills?

My advice for those looking to improve their illustrative skills is rooted in dedication, community, and passion. First, I recommend drawing or replicating your favorite artworks multiple times. This practice allows you to understand the techniques and nuances of those pieces, which can significantly enhance your own skills.

Secondly, finding a mentor—whether offline or online—can be incredibly valuable. A mentor can provide guidance, feedback, and inspiration, helping you navigate your artistic journey with greater clarity and purpose.

Engaging with a community of artists is also essential. By sharing your work and learning from others, you can gain diverse perspectives and constructive criticism, which are vital for growth. Participating in exhibitions is another important step; it not only helps you showcase your work to a broader audience but also pushes you to refine your craft and develop a strong portfolio.

Lastly, I encourage you to put your soul into every piece you create. Your passion and authenticity will resonate through your work, making your illustrations not just technically proficient but also deeply meaningful. It’s this combination of skill, mentorship, community involvement, and heartfelt dedication that will truly elevate your illustrative abilities.

How do you foresee your artistry evolving in coming years?

I firmly believe that the advent of the metaverse is a transformative development for our generation. While traditional tattoos on the physical body will undoubtedly continue, I envision a future where people also acquire tattoo designs for their avatars within metaverse environments, similar to how they engage in video games today. Artists might soon find themselves selling unique tattoo designs to individuals who wish to customize their digital representations with the same level of personalization they seek in the real world.

In this emerging digital landscape, the concepts of design and branding will become even more crucial. As the lines between virtual and physical realities blur, the ability to brand oneself effectively across both realms will be paramount. This means that artists will need to extend their branding beyond the physical work of tattooing to make a mark in the virtual spaces where digital avatars represent our identities.

This shift could potentially lead to an era where the act of physically applying tattoos is less common, as more people choose to express their artistic preferences in virtual forms. For artists, this will mean a dual focus on maintaining their craft in the physical world while also innovating in the digital domain, thus broadening their reach and influence far beyond traditional methods.

As we navigate this new era, the tattoo industry must be ready to embrace these changes, ensuring that artists are equipped not just with ink and needles but with the tools and strategies to thrive in the digital age.

Are there any current trends in the tattoo industry that you find particularly exciting or influential?

I find it particularly exciting to observe the growing influence of non-mainstream and minority art forms within the tattoo industry. In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift toward celebrating art, music, and visual expressions that are distinct and less conventional. These forms of art, which often carry a strong sense of individuality and uniqueness, are increasingly gaining the spotlight and becoming influential trends.

What intrigues me most is how these distinctive styles resonate with people on a deeper level, allowing them to connect emotionally with the art they choose to adorn their bodies. As the industry evolves, there’s a clear preference for tattoos that are not only visually striking but also rich in personal meaning and expression.

This trend toward embracing more niche and personal art forms reflects a broader cultural movement where people are seeking out art that reflects their own experiences and emotions. It’s an exciting time in the tattoo world, as artists are empowered to push boundaries, explore unique styles, and create work that truly speaks to the individuality of each client.

Whether you’re drawn to the whimsical, the profound, or the simply breathtaking, Banul’s portfolio is a testament to her remarkable talent and artistry in the world of illustrative tattoos.

Thank you, Banul, for sharing your amazing world with us. For more beauty in your life, be sure to follow her on Instagram @tattooist_banul.