We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ria Kim. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ria below.
Ria, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
I get my resilience from my passion for my work and the emotional connections I see in my clients. As a pet portrait tattoo artist, I often create tattoos for people honoring their beloved pets. There’s a lot of pressure to capture their bond perfectly, which can be challenging. But over time, I’ve learned to trust my process and stay patient with myself. Seeing my clients’ emotional reactions—the joy, the comfort—reminds me why I do this, and that keeps me going, no matter how tough it gets.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m a tattoo artist specializing in pet portraits. My work is all about capturing the deep emotional bond between people and their beloved pets through detailed, lifelike tattoos. What makes my work special is that each piece tells a personal story—whether it’s a tribute to a pet who has passed or a celebration of a lifelong companion.
What excites me the most is seeing my clients’ reactions. Many of them come in with strong emotions, and when they see their pet’s likeness on their skin, it can be a truly meaningful and healing experience.
Recently, I’ve been focusing on refining my techniques to make my portraits even more realistic and expressive. I also offer virtual consultations to connect with clients from different places, making the process as smooth and personal as possible.
If you love your pet and want to carry a piece of them with you forever, I’d love to help bring that vision to life!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, three key qualities that have been most impactful in my journey as a pet portrait tattoo artist are patience, attention to detail, and emotional connection.
Patience – Tattooing, especially realistic pet portraits, requires a lot of patience. It takes time to refine techniques, build confidence, and develop a personal style. For those starting out, I’d say don’t rush the process. Keep practicing, stay open to learning, and trust that improvement comes with time.
Attention to Detail – Capturing the unique features and expressions of each pet is what makes a portrait special. Every fur pattern, eye reflection, and tiny marking matters. My advice is to train your eye by studying references closely and practicing fine-detail work in different mediums.
Emotional Connection – Many of my clients get tattoos to honor pets they deeply love or have lost. Understanding their emotions and making them feel heard is just as important as the artwork itself. If you’re starting out, focus on communication and empathy—your technical skills will grow, but building trust with clients is what makes your work truly meaningful.
Developing these qualities takes time, but with dedication and passion, they will naturally grow and shape your journey.
How would you describe your ideal client?
My ideal client is someone who truly cherishes their pet and values the meaning behind their tattoo. They understand that a pet portrait tattoo is more than just an image—it’s a tribute, a memory, and a way to carry their beloved companion with them forever.
I also love working with clients who trust the artistic process. The best results come when there’s a balance between their vision and my expertise. Being open to creative input, understanding that realism takes time, and having patience throughout the process all contribute to a great experience for both of us.
Most importantly, my ideal client is someone who appreciates the emotional side of tattooing. Many of the pieces I create hold deep sentimental value, and I want my clients to feel comfortable sharing their stories. Every tattoo is a collaboration, and when there’s mutual respect and understanding, it makes the entire journey even more meaningful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.vismstudio.com/artist/kimria
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tattooist_kimria/
Image Credits
Ria Kim
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