Today we are speaking to Heukdo, a master of dark blackwork from South Korea. Working primarily with freehand pieces designed on the fly, his heavy use of black ink creates artworks filled with texture and presence.
Monsters, thorns and creepy creatures are what mainly populate his tattoos, crafted in stylized realism using a single color – black. If you’re into dark aesthetics, Heukdo’s work is one absolute delight, created with masterful line precision and weight distribution.
Amassing over 184k followers on Instagram, he’s a certified tattoo celebrity, as this level of resonance does not come across without the heavy lifting of great, impressive work. You should definitely give his page a look and check his talent for yourself!
Join us for a conversation on his inspirations and the secrets behind his dark craft.
What sparked your interest in becoming a tattoo artist?
A: I have loved drawing since I was a child. After serving in the military as an adult, my mother asked me if I should try tattooing. I didn’t have any thoughts, but I looked it up, and I was attracted to the fact that I could paint, so I became interested.
What are the key influences that shape your artistic approach?
A: Mostly, I get inspired by horror games or horror movies, and monster movies. I started to get interested in dinosaurs and monsters when I was 5 years old.
What advice would you offer to newcomers in the tattoo industry?
A: If I dare to advise, I would like you to have the least understanding and background knowledge of the material they are trying to draw.
How would you describe your unique style of tattoo art to someone who has never seen it?
A: Actually, I’m just a painter who likes monsters and dark moods. Of course, I also like animation and movies, and if you like them, it’s easy to understand my work.
I can capture that mood if you guys like that.
How do you think dark art fits into tattooing?
A: The dark material on the blackwork is very suitable because it creates a dark mood&vibe
Do you have a favorite tattoo that you’ve done? What makes it stand out to you?
A: I used to do a dark one-point work as a werewolf on the back of the customer. This is my favorite tattoo.
All the tattooing was freehand, and they went into a good composition to suit the customer’s tall and thin body.
What do you find most challenging about your profession at present?
A: I’m most worried about what kind of attempts and changes I should make to become the godfather of blackwork tattoos in the future.
How do you envision the future development of your tattooing skills and style?
A: It will become more and more sophisticated, and we will try to create a natural form and tone.
I should also study visual art for fresh ideas.
How should someone interested in getting tattooed by you get in touch, and what can they expect in terms of waiting time?
A: You can contact my Gmail and DM on Instagram. The reservation takes 1-2 months to make.
What is one thing you would like all your future clients to know about your work?
A: I want to be known as a tattooist who can do any work well with free hands.
Make sure to follow Heukdo’s Instagram page to follow his updates on all his future endeavors. His amazing dark art is surely worth it.
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