Avenn, now 32, spent his childhood watching cartoons and got his name from a favorite TV show, “Adventure Time” (2010), which blended playful innocence with a post-apocalyptic setting. He drew constantly growing up, took comics classes in h…
Baegi in his environment at Frame Studio, photographed at his old location in Hapjeong, Seoul. Baegi spent his childhood with his beloved grandparents in Gangneung, but life changed deeply when they both passed away in his mid-teens. Left t…
This Gongbi Mogu method (combining crisp precision and outline-free painting) is used to create a tattoo with detailed leaves and branches that contrast with soft, dreamy apples. While tattoos have been stigmatized in China, the last 20 yea…
Born Kisu Kim, known professionally as BK, taught himself tattooing and began his career in South Korea in 2005. Though black-and-gray tattooing originated in the West, he found inspiration in the legendary Mark Mahoney and dark-art tattooi…
Sweet Spirit Tattoo’s owner, Philip Milić, and tattooer Mariah Margaret. Northern California’s breathtaking scenery frames our visit to Sweet Spirit Tattoo in Nevada City. The studio is nestled within Bodhi Hive, a prominent artistic commun…
Body art by Undulmood is a favorite; the customer, an American now living in Scotland, traveled specifically for the occasion. Despite airline delays caused by a thunderstorm and flooding on May 20, we arrived in New York City just in time
As an example of harmony between polarities, the tiger butterfly may be both delicate and fierce. Inspired by historical motifs, Jae brings his work to life through iPad sketches and a profound respect for the timeless nature of past-era ta…
An adaptation and customization of a Parang, a Southeast Asian design with diagonal and often interlocking S-shaped lines. While the world speeds ahead on current information and technology, Poke Ahontas (real name Iwani Munir) moves with s…
Many are struck by Frederik Heil’s resemblance to Jax Teller, the rebellious lead in “Sons of Anarchy.” Each summer, Heil rides his 1980 Harley-Davidson Shovelhead; winters are spent building and customizing bikes in his workshop. This spir…
Calling himself “Greed,” a name representing his strong drive to succeed. He sees this force positively. While moderation matters, he and many creatives neglect it in their pursuit of perfection and continual improvement. Greed tends to be
Look at this masterpiece and let your mind absorb it. ShiRyu’s large-scale projects are notable for their mesmerizing and refreshing style. At 36, SeongBeom Kwon, known as ShiRyu, is a tattooist who keeps his professional and personal lives…
ShiRyu’s large-scale projects are notable for their mesmerizing and refreshing style. At 36, SeongBeom Kwon, known as ShiRyu, is a tattooist who keeps his professional and personal lives separate. He approaches his art through creativity, i…