Meet K Tak

We were lucky to catch up with K Tak recently and have shared our conversation below.

K, so great to have you with us today. There are so many topics we want to ask you about, but perhaps the one we can start with is burnout. How have you overcome or avoided burnout?

As an artist, burnout is something I can’t really avoid. Dealing with clients every day and having my work judged instantly brings a lot of pressure. Plus, for those of us in the creative industry, we need to be our own marketers, juggling a ton of different roles. This often leads to comparing ourselves with others on social media who seem to be doing better.

Honestly, I compare myself a lot. I constantly measure myself against those who are more skilled, admiring them while being critical of myself. Using feelings of inferiority as motivation, I strive to improve, but it often leaves me feeling distressed. I always think, “Why can’t I do better?” or “Why am I like this when others are so good?” I’ve gone through this countless times and learned one thing: my burnout can’t be “overcome.” If it were truly overcome, it wouldn’t come back, but my burnout returns periodically.

I don’t try to “overcome” burnout; instead, I strive to “endure” it. How do I handle that time? I dive into my work. The anxiety from comparing myself to others seems to hit when I’m not doing something to improve myself. So, I study or practice whatever needs to be done.

I don’t have a religion, but I find comfort in the saying, “Heaven helps those who help themselves.” This saying brings me great solace. I believe there’s no clear solution to burnout. Instead, I think taking small steps forward and enduring is what shapes my future self.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

As a female tattoo artist working in LA, I’ve learned that my role goes far beyond just creating art on the skin. In the past, I thought that being a good tattoo artist meant simply doing quality work and ensuring my clients were comfortable during their appointments. However, a recent book I read posed a critical question: “How much effort have I put into letting people know who I am? Have I given people the time to like me? Did I expect trust without explanation?” This made me reflect deeply on my approach.

Many of my clients travel long distances to get a tattoo from me. They book their appointments based solely on my artwork without knowing much about me as a person. This requires a tremendous amount of trust. Thinking about this, I felt immense gratitude towards my clients. I realized that part of my job is to make sure they know who I am so they can feel at ease when they come to see me.

For those with tattoos, they know that tattoos age with the body. Over time, skin can wrinkle, and exposure to sunlight can fade or blur the lines. Despite this, I hope my clients remember the moments when they got their tattoos as joyful memories. This is why I strive to give my best to each client, aiming to be a part of their positive memories. The bond we create is special, and I want to reciprocate the trust they’ve shown me. To give back, I’ve been donating annually to support children affected by domestic violence or natural disasters. This is my way of ensuring the positive memories my clients help create also benefit others. I want to use this opportunity to express my deep gratitude and let each client know that they remain a happy memory for me.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Reflecting on my journey as a tattoo artist, three key areas have been particularly impactful for me: practical art skills, hygiene, and learning from role models while handling rejection.

Tattooing is essentially drawing without an eraser on skin, so no matter what style is chosen, it’s crucial to study practical art and practice regularly. The more one practices, the more confident they become in their abilities. For those starting out, investing time in honing drawing skills and practicing consistently has been incredibly beneficial in my experience.

Hygiene is another crucial aspect of the profession. Proper hygiene practices not only ensure the safety of clients but also build trust in one’s professionalism. Learning and adhering to the highest standards of hygiene has set a solid foundation for my career and provided clients with peace of mind.

Lastly, finding a role model and analyzing their work in detail can provide invaluable insights. Comparing one’s work with that of others and understanding their approach to different challenges is beneficial. Additionally, not fearing rejection is important. Not everyone will be helpful, but persistence is key. Continuing to try, even if it feels embarrassing, is essential. In my experience, nothing valuable in life comes easy.

In my view, focusing on these areas has been immensely helpful in building a strong foundation for a career in tattooing. I believe dedication to improving one’s craft, maintaining professional standards, and learning from those who inspire can significantly contribute to growth and success in the industry, and that’s what I still try to focus on.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

Tattoo shops usually operate on an apprenticeship system, where aspiring artists train under skilled tattooists for several years. My path, however, was different and less conventional. I didn’t have just one mentor. Instead, I sought out and learned from many talented tattoo artists, asking questions and absorbing their knowledge whenever I could. The help and guidance I received from these amazing artists were invaluable.

But if I had to choose one person who has been the most helpful, it would be my husband, Dae Han Yi. He works as a concept director at Buck, a global design company. From the very start, even before I became a tattoo artist, he believed in me. He has been my constant supporter, sometimes offering gentle encouragement and other times being a strict teacher. Dae Han taught me not just artistic skills, but also perseverance and the right mindset. He is my mentor in every sense of the word. Without him, I wouldn’t have become a tattoo artist, and I certainly wouldn’t be where I am today. I respect and love him more than anyone, and I am incredibly grateful for his unwavering support.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bananatattoola.com/
• Instagram: @ktattoola
• Yelp: https://bananatattoola.com/
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/tattooshop.banana/
  is my shop Instagram!