Interview with Ehyang – Master of Mystical

Embark on a journey into the world of Ehyang, a talented tattoo artist based in the vibrant city of Seoul, South Korea.

In this exclusive interview, we’ll explore her distinctive and captivating creations, known for their delicate, colorful depictions of mythical creatures, fine geometric patterns, and a touch of spirituality.

Ehyang’s portfolio showcases her expertise in crafting intricate designs, including foxes, butterflies, dragons, and phoenixes, all brought to life with symmetrical finesse and vibrant colors. Her unique approach to tattooing has earned her a dedicated following of over 200k Instagram followers eagerly anticipating her latest work.

Join us as we delve into Ehyang‘s artistic process, offering a glimpse into her very unique and vibrant artistic world. 

Today you are a renowned tattoo artist, but starting is always the hardest part. Can you tell us about your early path as a tattoo artist?

I started making tattoos three years ago. Back then, there were so many good tattooists in Seoul and I had to define my own style. I decided to start with the ornament style. Of course, at the time, I only did basic fine line geometry tattoos, and then created animal ornaments to differentiate myself from the crowd.

Are there any tattoo artists or other sources of inspiration that have significantly influenced your work?

There are so many talented artists that I can’t share all of them, but I saw a lot of the works of my teacher Sol Tattooist who taught me tattoos, and I went to a lot of exhibitions and conventions to experience them.

Your tattoo art is characterized by its delicacy and vibrant colors. What inspired you to develop this unique style?

The base is a thin fine line, but I like vivid colors, so I think it was created by combining both of them. I think my personal preferences that I have accumulated are reflected in my work.

Many of your designs feature mythical creatures. Can you share some of the stories or symbolism behind these creatures in your work?

There’s the symbolism of dragons and phoenixes, and they’re widely spread throughout the world, so I thought of them as subjects that would be accessible to the public. And because I can design something that doesn’t exist in my own style, I thought it matched my values in many ways. 

The use of symmetry and fine lines is a striking aspect of your tattoos. I also noticed your lines are incredibly sharp and precise. What’s your secret to achieving these results?

I think I’m good at drawing lines, ha ha ! If I can give a tip, hold your breath and draw the line.

Your portfolio includes a wide range of subjects, from foxes to dragons and butterflies. Do you have a favorite subject to tattoo, and if so, why?

Fox, butterfly, dragon, etc. are all materials that I like. However, it seems important to create a design that is differentiated from the public even if it is the same fox. To that end, a design that integrates foxes and ornaments came out. Ornament goes well with objects that flow like dragons, so I want to use dragons a lot these days.

Tattoos often have personal significance for the people who get them. Could you share a memorable story about a tattoo you’ve done and its meaning to the client?

There were a lot of customers who asked me to design a pet cat in my style and to design a family’s birth flower, but the most interesting memory was that there was a Webtoon that a customer really liked. She asked me to express the symbolized pattern of the Webtoon according to my style. I didn’t know that Webtoon at the time, but now that I saw it, it’s a masterpiece.

Tattoo placement can greatly affect the visual impact of a design. What factors do you consider when helping clients choose the right placement for their tattoos?

The placement will vary depending on the design. If it’s a design with a lot of flexible curves, it’s better to place it on the collarbone or the arm. If it’s a symmetrical design, the middle of the back, the middle of the calves, etc.

Do you prefer creating custom designs for your clients or working with pre-designed flash art? What do you enjoy most about each approach?

The pre-designed flash art is designed with the subjects I usually wanted to draw, so I’m really happy if there are customers who want flash art. However, it is interesting because unexpected designs can come out when customized to customers. 

Seoul is known for its vibrant art scene. How has the city influenced your artistic journey, and do you find inspiration in its culture and surroundings?

Everything is concentrated in Seoul. There are various exhibitions, wonderful architecture, and unique people. And there are many talented people in the field of tattoos. As there are many good people, there are many things to learn in Seoul, such as work growth and intellectual growth. There is a big river called Han River in Seoul, and one day, I am impressed by the busking performance while walking along Han River, and I feel healed by watching the night view. 

Your attention to detail is remarkable. What techniques or tools do you use to ensure the finest intricacies in your tattoo work?

I think small details pile up and pile up to create a wonderful work. There is no special skill, just do it slowly and delicately. If I recommend a tool, I recommend the single needle because it is delicate. 

What advice would you give to someone who is considering a career in tattooing or just starting out in the industry?

Each person’s individuality is important. I think each person’s individuality is defining the tattoo genre itself. Many artists, including myself, are putting a lot of time and effort into building their own identity rules using their individuality. I think that kind of effort increases the value of your work. So I think it’s important to create a design that has your own personality. 

Finally, what are your future artistic aspirations? Are there any new themes or techniques you’re excited to explore in your tattoo artistry?

I want to do art activities for a long time. I hope there are people who are constantly looking for me in the future. I want to continue to show new and developing drawings. As I said before, I think efforts increase the value of my work. You always have to explore new things and create your own style. 

And that wraps up our interview with Ehyang, a remarkable tattoo artist with a very distinctive style and creative talent. We trust you’ve enjoyed this fascinating journey into her world of delicate and colorful artistry.

To stay updated on Ehyang’s latest creations, be sure to follow her on Instagram @E.hyang.tattoo.

Who would you like to discover next? We welcome your suggestions for your favorite artists by reaching out to us at [email protected]. Thank you for joining us on this artistic exploration!