Interview | Yeseul Kim
Yeseul Kim, also known by her artistic name Yerae, is a Seoul-based tattoo artist celebrated for her floral and botanical designs. Born in 1989 on Jeju Island—South Korea's largest island—Yerae's childhood by the sea and amidst nature profoundly shaped her artistic inclinations. Her artistic journey took a significant turn at age 13 during a trip to India, where she was deeply influenced by the country’s rich visuals and cultural tapestry.
​
A central theme in Yerae’s work is the vibrant, colorful blossoms that flow along the body, symbolizing the human lifecycle. She likens the stages of a flower’s life—bud to bloom to withering—to the human experience, capturing moments of beauty, adversity, and transformation. Her tattoos, rich in color and dynamic in expression, aim to immortalize the beauty of life’s journey on her clients' skin.
Yerae’s use of bold and bright colors has expanded her repertoire to include coverup tattoos, where she employs vivid hues to transform and enhance existing tattoos, ensuring her clients cherish their new art without regret.
​
Internationally recognized, Yerae has showcased her skills globally, including at the 2022 Leeds Tattoo Expo in the United Kingdom, where she demonstrated her proficiency in floral-themed tattoos. While she continues to explore and master floral motifs, Yerae is also venturing into larger, more complex designs that incorporate animals and mythical figures like dragons, eagerly anticipating the new paths these explorations will forge.
10 Questions with Yeseul Kim
August 31, 2024
Q1. Your journey into tattoo artistry is quite unique, especially given your academic background in Political Science. How did your educational experiences and initial career path influence your approach to tattooing?
​​​
To be honest, since I didn't work in political science or diplomacy after my studies, those fields didn’t have a direct influence on my approach to tattooing. However, my educational background did shape certain aspects of my approach. The critical thinking and analytical skills I developed during my studies have been invaluable in problem-solving and developing a structured approach to learning new techniques in tattooing. Moreover, my experience in a non-artistic field made me realize how profound my passion for art was, as I was driven to pursue it despite not having a formal background.
Not having a formal art education meant that I had to learn art and tattooing on my own, which was both challenging and rewarding. This self-directed learning process taught me resilience and adaptability, as I had to explore different techniques, study various styles, and develop my own methods. Although it was difficult at times, I believe that this journey allowed me to grow significantly as an artist, giving me a unique perspective and a strong foundation in my craft.
​
​
​
​
​
Q2. You’ve mentioned that working in a conservative society like Korea has presented challenges, particularly regarding the stigma surrounding tattoos. How do you navigate these cultural perceptions in your work, and how do they influence your artistic style?
​
​​
In South Korea, tattoos are officially illegal. Many people may be aware, but it’s important to note that in Korea, tattoos are considered a medical procedure, and only licensed medical practitioners are allowed to perform them. As a result, many tattoo artists work unofficially, risking their safety and lacking legal protection.
This legal ambiguity contributes to a negative perception of tattoos, leading to a more cautious approach among artists. For example, because large tattoos are often viewed negatively, people tend to prefer smaller tattoos. Additionally, to avoid drawing unwanted attention, many opt for designs that are less provocative. These cultural and legal constraints influence my work as well.
When I work abroad, I often create large, bold tattoos because there’s more acceptance for such styles. Conversely, in Korea, I tend to do smaller, lighter tattoos, and clients often choose to place them in less visible areas due to societal attitudes.
​
​
​
© Yeseul Kim
​
Q3. Your floral and botanical designs are highly celebrated. Could you share more about the specific significance these elements hold for you, and how they relate to the life cycles you often depict in your tattoos?
​
​​​
​
Floral and botanical designs are central to my work, and they hold profound significance for me. I believe that through floral and plant tattoos, we can explore and express the life cycle in a deeply meaningful way.
To me, the life cycle of plants mirrors human experiences. Just as plants begin as seeds, grow under the sunlight and rain, and eventually decay, humans follow a similar journey. We are born, experience joy and hardship, and eventually return to the earth. This cyclical nature of life—where we grow, flourish, and then face our end—reflects the essence of our own existence.
By incorporating these elements into my tattoos, I aim to capture this broader narrative. Each flower or plant design becomes a metaphor for life’s various stages. For example, a blooming flower can symbolize the peak of joy and fulfillment, while the wilting or fading of petals can represent the challenges and eventual end of life.
This perspective allows me to create tattoos that are not merely decorative but also rich in symbolism and personal meaning. In my designs, I blend these botanical themes with the individual stories and experiences of my clients. This approach helps to craft tattoos that resonate on a deeper level, celebrating the beauty of life’s journey from beginning to end. Whether it’s through the vibrant growth of a flower or the gentle fading of leaves, my work reflects the continuous cycle of growth, transformation, and return to the earth. Overall, my floral and botanical designs are a way to honor and represent the life cycle, drawing parallels between nature and human existence.
​
​
​
Q4. Coverup tattoos require a different skill set and a deep understanding of the client’s needs. What have been some of your most challenging coverup projects, and how have they pushed you to innovate in your technique?
​
​
Coverup tattoos require a unique set of skills and a deep understanding of each client’s needs. One of the most challenging coverup projects I’ve worked on involved a client who had a large, reddish birthmark on their right leg. The birthmark wasn’t localized but covered the entire leg, making the area quite large and the red color difficult to conceal. To cover it effectively, I needed to use darker, more opaque colors, which meant we had to complete over five sessions. Despite the difficulty, the final result was beautiful, and the client was extremely satisfied. It was especially rewarding to hear that, although their parents initially opposed the tattoo, they later remarked that it looked beautiful. The client was also thrilled to be able to wear a miniskirt, which had previously felt out of reach. That experience left a lasting impression on me.
​
Another challenging coverup project is an ongoing one involving an old tattoo on a female client’s ankle. This tattoo is dark and covers a large area, which has made designing the coverup quite complex. In my experience, the most difficult coverups are those involving dark black ink or scars. For this particular project, I’ve had to carefully plan and design a piece that not only covers the old tattoo but also flows well with the shape of the ankle. Fortunately, the client has been very supportive and open to my suggestions, which has made the process enjoyable. She has traveled from Seattle to Vancouver and now to Toronto just for this coverup, and I’m incredibly grateful for her trust and commitment.
​
These experiences have pushed me to innovate and refine my techniques, especially in dealing with challenging coverups. Each project teaches me something new and helps me grow as an artist.
​
© Yeseul Kim
Q5. You’ve traveled internationally to participate in tattoo conventions, like the Leeds Tattoo Expo. How has your exposure to different cultures and tattoo communities abroad influenced your work and perspectives as an artist?
​
​
​
My experiences attending international tattoo conventions, such as the Leeds Tattoo Expo, Melbourne Tattoo Convention, and London and Niagara Falls Tattoo Conventions in Canada, have profoundly influenced my work and perspectives as an artist.
One of the key differences I've noticed is the stark contrast in attitudes towards tattoos between Korea and other countries. Although I was aware that tattoos were not widely accepted in Korea, I was shocked to realize the extent of the negative perceptions until I began working in the field here. For example, I once experienced an incident at a Korean bathhouse where a woman openly criticized my tattoos, which was a jarring experience.
In contrast, attending conventions abroad has been eye-opening. In Korea, hosting tattoo conventions is challenging due to legal restrictions and societal attitudes, which often deem tattoos as taboo. However, at international events like those in Leeds, Melbourne, London, and Niagara Falls, I witnessed a vibrant and inclusive environment. These conventions attract people of all ages and backgrounds, including grandparents and young children, who come to explore and enjoy tattoos. This exposure demonstrated that tattoos are widely accepted as a form of personal expression and creativity.
These conventions highlighted the mainstream acceptance of tattoos in many cultures and reinforced the idea that tattoos can be a significant and positive form of self-expression. Seeing the diverse range of attendees and their enthusiasm for tattoos has broadened my perspective and inspired me to embrace and celebrate the art form more fully in my own work.
​
​
​
​
Q6. Your tattoos are known for their vibrant colors and intricate details. Can you walk us through your creative process, from initial concept to the final tattoo? How do you ensure that each piece resonates personally with your clients?
​
​
​The process begins with a consultation where I discuss the client’s ideas, concepts, and reference images. Many of my clients come with a clear idea of the flowers they want. These are often birth flowers representing their loved ones, such as family members or friends, or plants and animals that hold personal significance. If there are multiple birth flowers to consider, I create a list of options and recommend the ones that best fit the desired shape and overall aesthetic.
When dealing with complex flowers like chrysanthemums, hydrangeas, or lilacs, which have many leaves or intricate details, I inform the client about the potential time commitment and complexity involved. This helps set expectations and ensures they are aware of the intricacies involved.
If the client is unsure about the specific flower they want, I ask them to describe the style and feel they are looking for, rather than choosing from my previous tattoos. Based on their preferences, I recommend flowers and designs that align with their vision. I also research the meanings behind various flowers and incorporate this symbolism into the design if it matches the client’s story or desired sentiment.
Throughout the process, my goal is to blend vibrant colors and intricate details with personal significance, creating a tattoo that is both visually appealing and meaningful for each client. By carefully considering their personal connections and preferences, I ensure that each tattoo resonates on a personal level and reflects their unique story.
© Yeseul Kim
Q7. As a self-taught artist who transitioned from a non-artistic field, what have been the most significant learning curves in your tattooing career? How did you overcome them?
​
​​
​
One of the most challenging aspects for me has been mastering color usage. Since my formal art training was limited, I initially struggled with mixing colors to achieve the right hues and understanding how to manage color intensity and contrast. This was particularly difficult because achieving the desired color on skin involves additional factors that don’t apply to other mediums.
​
In addition to color challenges, I also faced difficulties with the technical aspects of tattooing, particularly in using different needle configurations. Early on, I had limited instruction on how to properly use various types of needles, such as magnum needles, which are crucial for shading and blending. To address this, I sought guidance from a shop owner who taught me the proper techniques for using these needles. This hands-on instruction was invaluable and helped me significantly improve my technical skills.
Although I did take some tattoo lessons, they did not provide comprehensive training, which made it important for me to seek additional learning opportunities and practical experience. I found that the most effective way to improve was through practice and seeking advice from more experienced artists in the field.
Despite these challenges, I have made considerable progress and continue to refine my skills. I am also exploring new styles and subject matter, such as animal-themed tattoos, which present additional color and technical complexities.
Overall, while my journey has included a steep learning curve, particularly in color management and needle techniques, these experiences have been crucial for my growth as an artist. I am committed to continuing my development and expanding my creative range.
​
​
​
​
​
Q8. You’ve begun exploring larger pieces that incorporate animals and mythical creatures. How do you see this new direction evolving your work, and what challenges or opportunities do these subjects present?
​
​​
​
One of the main challenges I face with animal tattoos is capturing the subtle details such as fur texture, soft areas, and the expressive qualities of the animal’s face. Since I haven’t had extensive experience focusing on animals yet, mastering these aspects requires a deeper observation and a refined approach to detail. This involves learning how to represent different textures and expressions effectively, which adds complexity to the design process.
In the case of mythical creatures, the challenge lies in the need for imagination and creativity. Since these creatures are not based on real-life references, I have to rely heavily on my creative vision. As someone who sometimes struggles with imaginative design, this can be a bit daunting. However, it’s also an opportunity to push my creative boundaries and experiment with new ideas.
On the positive side, expanding my focus beyond floral designs opens up new possibilities for my work. By incorporating animals and mythical creatures, I can explore a broader range of styles and techniques. This diversification allows me to experiment with different colors, needle configurations, and overall design approaches, which can enrich my artistic expression and skills.
Although there are challenges associated with this new direction, such as capturing detailed textures and using imagination for mythical creatures, it also provides a valuable opportunity to expand my artistic repertoire and grow as a tattoo artist. I’m excited about the potential to develop my style further and explore these new themes in my work.
© Yeseul Kim
Q9. Given the legal and cultural challenges of tattooing in Korea, what do you envision for the future of the tattoo industry in your country? What role do you hope to play in its development?
​
​​
​
While it’s true that the legal status of tattooing remains uncertain and cultural perceptions can be restrictive, there are also signs of progress. Many talented tattoo artists in Korea are making significant strides and are contributing to the evolving landscape of the industry. Despite the challenges, the passion and skill of these artists are undeniable, and they continue to push boundaries within the constraints they face.
The current situation may not seem particularly optimistic, but it also represents a period of transition and potential change. As societal attitudes gradually evolve and more people begin to view tattoos as a legitimate form of artistic expression, there could be opportunities for greater acceptance and legal reform in the future. The increasing visibility of tattoos in popular culture and media might help accelerate this shift.
As for my role in this development, I aim to contribute positively by continuing to create high-quality, meaningful work that showcases the artistry and depth of tattooing. By focusing on delivering exceptional designs and maintaining a high standard of professionalism, I hope to help reshape perceptions and demonstrate the value of tattoos as an art form. Additionally, I want to support and mentor emerging artists, sharing knowledge and experience to help them navigate the industry’s challenges.
Ultimately, while the path ahead may be challenging, I believe that with perseverance and a commitment to excellence, the tattoo industry in Korea can evolve in a positive direction. I’m dedicated to playing my part in this evolution and contributing to a more inclusive and respected tattoo community.
​
​
​
​
​
Q10. When you’re not working on tattoos, how do you unwind and find inspiration in your daily life? Are there any hobbies or routines that help recharge your creative energy?
​
​​
​
Swimming and exercising are key components of my routine. These activities help clear my mind and keep my body in good condition, which is important since tattooing often involves maintaining static postures for long periods. Stretching and regular massages are also essential for counteracting the physical strain from long tattoo sessions and ensuring that I stay comfortable and healthy.
As for finding inspiration, it’s a bit more abstract. While I don’t always have a specific process for discovering new ideas, I find that inspiration often comes from a variety of sources. I keep an open mind and stay curious about the world around me. This might include observing nature, visiting art exhibitions, or exploring different cultures. Sometimes, inspiration strikes during moments of relaxation or even through everyday experiences and interactions.
I also enjoy keeping a sketchbook where I can jot down ideas, thoughts, and visual impressions that come to me. This helps me capture fleeting moments of inspiration and reflect on them later. Engaging with other artists and staying active in the creative community also provides fresh perspectives and motivates me to explore new directions in my work.