jintattoo.com
Kaleidoscope Tattoo Art Studio
Sydney, Australia


FRESHLY INKED: What year did you start tattooing?

JIN O: I started work 8 years ago in Korea.
How did you get into tattooing? I met a guy who was a tattooist but who could not draw. He needed someone to draw the design on skin. I started as a drawer, then a few months later started tattooing. Tattooing is illegal in Korea. It was pretty much underground culture so it was very difficult to get into. I was lucky.

FRESHLY INKED: Where did you apprentice?

JIN O: I am self-taught. I wish I had a apprenticeship. I think I am still learning.

FRESHLY INKED: Do you have any special training?

JIN O: I have a fine art degree.

FRESHLY INKED: What conventions have you worked at? Have you won any awards? What are some of your best convention memories?

JIN O: Mostly UK conventions. I have won a few awards. Best of convention at Newport Tattoo Convention, best black-and-gray for Tattoo Jam, best back piece for Liverpool Convention. My first convention was Arctic Tattoo Convention in Norway. Small but friendly—it had a very good atmosphere.

FRESHLY INKED: How do you describe your style?

JIN O: Most of the time I have problems finding words for my style.

FRESHLY INKED: What inspires you as an artist?

JIN O: I get inspired by every art form. Love films, painting, books, music.

FRESHLY INKED: What sets you apart from other artists?

JIN O: I try to connect with my customers. I want to know about a person—what does a tattoo mean for them?

FRESHLY INKED: What other mediums do you work in? I paint on canvas and paper.

JIN O: I would like to learn digital painting.

FRESHLY INKED: How have you branched out from tattooing?

JIN O: I also paint.

FRESHLY INKED: What tattoo artists do you admire most?

JIN O: Filip Leu. He is an amazing artist in many ways.

FRESHLY INKED: What kind of tattoos do you look forward to doing?

JIN O: I would like to do storytelling types. For example, Pandora’s box, Ophelia’s death.

FRESHLY INKED: Is there anyone that you would like to tattoo?

JIN O: Artists, painters, musicians, writers, dancers, etc. Their stories inspire me.

FRESHLY INKED: Before someone gets a tattoo what advice do you give them?

JIN O: Remember, you will have it all your life.
Is there a tattoo that you haven’t done yet that you are dying to do? Haven’t done any bodysuits. Would like to do one at some point.