Kim Hoon: The Master of Dragon & Snake Tattoos

Today we’ll discover the incredible world of Kim Hoon, also known as Uncogrim.

He’s a renowned tattoo artist from South Korea currently working in Seoul who is becoming a tattoo phenomenon. With almost 150,000 devoted followers on Instagram engaging daily with his tremendously detailed designs, Uncogrim has become a master of the fineline technique.

He focuses mostly on black & gray pieces. His designs generally portray traditional tattoo imagery of animals, such as snakes, dragons, ravens and storks, and often have considerable dimensions.

Beyond his work as a tattooist, Uncogrim also co-owns a successful studio in Seoul, immersing himself fully in the industry. 

Join us as we delve into Uncogrim’s journey to fully understand how he built his talent and what’s his vision for the future.

1. So Kim, when did you first get into tattooing and what sparked your interest in the art form?

Drawing has been the most significant hobby in my life. I have been drawing since I was young, and naturally, I came across designs for tattoos, which I incorporated into my drawings. Wanting to become a tattoo artist, I saved money during college and approached a tattooist for learning in 2017 after graduating. Thanks to excellent guidance, I was able to start well.

2. What led you to specialize in black & gray tattoos and focus on such intricate designs?

I have always enjoyed drawing with black pens or pencils, using black materials. This naturally extended to preparing designs for tattoos. I strive to express various tones using just black ink and enjoy the meticulous calculation involved in the process.

3. Where do you draw inspiration from for your tattoo concepts?

I draw inspiration from various sources. Sometimes, I get inspired by a scene in a movie that I want to recreate in my style. Or,  fashion designs or the way clothes drape on the body inspire me to think about tattoos. Observing the human body also gives me ideas about what would look beautiful on it.

4. What has running your own studio taught you about the business side of tattooing?

 I have learned that things don’t always go as planned. When I was part of a studio, it was enough to do my part well. However, as an owner, I need to pay attention to various aspects, and even with effort, not everything resolves positively. I have gained a lot of lessons from relationships with people.

5. How has social media exposure influenced your career?

 The frequency of exposure naturally impacts my work rate. Sometimes, this is frightening. In today’s world, not just tattoo artists but anyone branding themselves needs to expose themselves on social media. If, for some reason, this exposure doesn’t happen, it can significantly impact one’s life, and that can be scary at times.

6. What advice would you offer an aspiring tattooist looking to refine their skills?

I believe that consistency will eventually yield results.

7. What Tattoo are you most proud of and why?

All tattoo pieces are precious to me, but the one I did on my father’s shoulder when I first started is the most proud of. He was initially strongly opposed to my tattooing, but eventually, he trusted me and allowed me to tattoo him. He was proud of it, and that means a lot to me.

8. What challenges are you currently working to overcome?

I am constantly trying to express my unique characteristics in my designs. This effort will probably never end.

9. Where do you hope to take your artistry in the next 5-10 years?

I want to collaborate with fashion or jewelry designers to further develop my work. Personally, I also wish to pursue fine art, not just designs for tattoos.

10. How do clients usually contact you for a tattoo appointment?

Clients usually contact me through the email listed in my Instagram profile after viewing my portfolio.

11. What message would you like clients to remember about your work?

I create not just snakes and dragons but anything that can be beautifully rendered on the body.

12. Do you have any must-follow artists that inspire your own practice?

There are too many to list, but “fibs_”, “gakkinx”, and “filouino” are a few must-follow artists who inspire me.

13. What projects are you most looking forward to in the near future?

 I am looking forward to a large piece featuring a big bird and a snake on a woman’s back. The bird represents the angel of death, with parts of its body torn to reveal bones. This project excites me greatly.

14. Is there anything else you’d like people to know about your tattoos or journey?

Please keep an eye on my work. I will continue to grow steadily. Thank you.

Thank you Uncogrim for your time and insights! It’s been fantastic to get to know your path and view into the art world.

If you’re as mesmerised as we are with Kim’s tattoos, be sure to follow his work on Instagram @Uncogrim.