If you love cinematic tattoos, you need to know SOOSOO. She’s an incredible artist based in Seoul, South Korea. She specialises in eternalizing your favourite cinema / anime / cartoon moments and characters. 

SOOSOO makes amazing illustrative cinematic tattoos

Her masterful use of colour is one of her trademarks which often result in stunning illustrative and watercolor tattoos. 

She is now specializing in flames & fire tattoos while also doing works about other natural elements.

Let’s get to know a little more about her, her path to becoming a tattoo artist and future plans.

SOOSOO, first of all, tell us about your name, is it artistic? And how did it come up?

Actually it’s not an artistic name. It’s just my nickname.

SOOSOO means corn in Korean. Corn is oksoosoo in Korean pronunciation.

Because I like corn.

And when did you know you wanted to be a tattoo artist?

Four years ago, I followed  my friend who received a tattoo and came across a tattoo for the first time. I’ve always been drawing since I was child, and I wanted to have a job drawing, so I thought the tattooist looked so cool.

After that, I decided to learn tattoo, and when I saw @soltattoo recruiting students, I learned tattoo.

When requested, SOOSOO also does family portraits

For those who want to become tattooists in Korea, can you share with us the process you went through to become the artist you are today? 

I have liked drawing since I was young, and I majored in visual design after graduating from art high school.

When I make up my mind to become a tattooist, I started drawing tattoo designs in my own style, and I followed a famous tattooist’s Instagram and contacted them to ask if I could learn tattoos.

They told me to bring my own portfolio. I already had an Instagram account with my drawings on it, so it became my portfolio.

There are many differences between drawing on paper and tattoos, but I think one should not neglect efforts to draw. 

For those who aren’t familiar with your work, can you describe your style of tattooing and where you got your inspiration from?

I interpret all the designs in my own style.

Attractive things in my tattoo is the vivid colours and textures of colored pencils.

And I usually watch a lot of movies and animations. I think about tattoo design when I see scenes and props in the movie.

And I try to experience various music, painting, and photos to get inspiration.

Inspiration is everywhere.

Portrait of a lady on fire

How’s the process of tattooing with you? Do people bring their ideas? Or is it a joint project?

I work on the design that I uploaded, or clients ask for the design. 

Usually, clients ask me after seeing the idea of the design I uploaded.

Tattoos should be meaningful to the clients. So I offer a lot of possibilities for them, reinterpret and explore any ideas in my style and draw designs.

If you could tell something to all your potential and future clients, what would it be?

I’m not afraid to draw whatever the clients wants. Many possibilities for your ideas are open.

SOOSOO tattoos all sort of things, like flames, food and natural elements.

Is there any work you’re most proud of? And why?

The most meaningful tattoo is the movie “blue is the warmest colour” tattoo. This design was drawn shortly after starting a tattoo.

It hasn’t been long since I started as a tattooist. I was so happy that the customer got the design I had drawn, and this work made me feel like I’m working as a tattooist.

“Blue is the warmest color” tattoo – one of SOOSOO drawings picked by a client

What’s a funny story that happened to you with a client (or in the studio)?

When I hadn’t watched the movie “Avengers:ENDGAME” yet, one client inquired about the tattoo design reminiscent of the Iron Man funeral. I was shocked by the spoiler.

When I met a client, She asked me if I had seen the movie and I said I hadn’t, so she apologised to me.

Ironman tattoo (spoiler alert)

What would you say is your biggest challenge at the moment?

I want to meet not only Korean guests but also customers from various countries. 

I want to visit another country as a guest tattoo artist. And there’s a lot of small work in my portfolio. I want to try a big work that wraps arms or legs.

For those who want to get some amazing ink from you, what’s the best way to contact you and, on average, how long do they have to wait to get their session?

I’m working in Korea now, so I’m receiving inquiries through the Korean chat application(Kakaotalk). I also receive it through Gmail 🙂

I’m accepting reservations on a monthly basis, and most of the reservations are available if make inquiries at least 3~4 weeks before the reservation date.

So go ahead and show SOOSOO some love by following her on Instagram.

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