Meet Soyoen Lee

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Soyoen Lee. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Soyoen, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.

As a tattoo artist, keeping my creativity alive is essential to delivering unique and meaningful designs to my clients. One of the ways I stay inspired is by constantly drawing. Even when I’m not working on a tattoo, I make it a habit to sketch and explore new ideas. This helps me refine my style and develop fresh concepts that I can later incorporate into my work.

I also find a lot of inspiration in movies and anime. The storytelling, visuals, and unique artistic styles influence my creativity and push me to experiment with different themes and compositions. By analyzing the way colors, shadows, and emotions are portrayed in these mediums, I gain new perspectives that translate into my tattoo designs.

Collaboration with clients is another important part of my creative process. Understanding their stories and ideas allows me to create designs that are not only visually appealing but also deeply personal. This interactive approach challenges me to think outside the box and continuously evolve as an artist.

For me, keeping my creativity alive is about staying curious, always creating, and finding inspiration in the world around me. It’s a continuous journey that fuels my passion for tattoo artistry and helps me grow both personally and professionally.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m a tattoo artist originally from South Korea, and I’ve been working in the U.S. since last year. Back in Korea, I built my career by developing my unique artistic style and connecting with clients who appreciated my work. Coming to the U.S. was a big step for me—both personally and professionally—but it has opened up incredible opportunities to grow as an artist.

What excites me most about tattooing is that it’s more than just art—it’s a form of self-expression and storytelling. Every piece I create carries meaning, whether it’s a personal memory, a cultural symbol, or simply something that resonates with the client. I love working closely with people to bring their ideas to life, and I always strive to make each design unique and meaningful.

Since moving to the U.S., I’ve been focusing on expanding my reach and refining my craft in a new environment. Working in a different country has given me fresh perspectives, and I’m continuously learning from the diverse tattoo culture here. My goal is to keep growing, connect with more people, and establish myself further in the industry.

For those interested in my work, you can find me on Instagram at @soosoo.tattoo, where I share my latest designs and projects. I’m excited for what’s ahead and look forward to creating more meaningful tattoos for people here in the U.S. and beyond!

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?

Looking back, I believe three key qualities have been the most impactful in my journey as a tattoo artist: artistic development, patience and adaptability, and strong communication skills.

First, developing a unique artistic style is essential. Tattooing isn’t just about technique—it’s about creating art that represents you. I constantly draw, experiment with new ideas, and find inspiration in movies and anime to refine my style.

Second, patience and adaptability are crucial. Every tattoo is different, and challenges always arise, whether it’s adjusting a design or working with different skin types. Growth in this field takes time, so staying patient and open to learning is key.

Lastly, strong communication skills help build trust with clients. Since I started working in the U.S., language has been one of my challenges, and I’m actively working on improving my English to better connect with clients. Good communication is important, and I believe that as long as I keep learning and making the effort, I can continue to grow in this area.

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?

The number one challenge I’m currently facing is improving my English. Since I started working in the U.S., I’ve realized that strong communication is key, not only for connecting with clients but also for expanding my reach as an artist. To overcome this challenge, I’ve been actively studying English. I use mobile apps and practice whenever I have free time, whether it’s during breaks or after work. I know it’s a continuous process, but I’m committed to improving so I can communicate more effectively and better serve my clients.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.vismstudio.com/artist/soosoo
• Instagram: soosoo.tattoo