Meet Yerae Kim

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Yerae Kim a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My name is Yerae, and I am a Seoul-based tattoo artist. My expertise lies in crafting intricate floral and botanical designs that are both captivating and meaningful. My creative journey is deeply intertwined with the kaleidoscope of colors found in blossoms that gracefully intertwine with the contours of the body. Central to my artistic philosophy is the representation of life’s journey through the lens of botanical tattoos. I view flowers as a profound metaphor for the stages we all traverse – birth, growth, youth, trials, joys, challenges, and the ultimate return to the embrace of the earth. The life cycle unfolds like the petals of a flower: from tender buds to full bloom, weathering storms, basking in sunlight, and eventually fading with the passage of time. My mission is to etch the exquisite beauty of my clients’ lives onto their skin using a vivid palette that mirrors the vibrancy of existence itself.
My exploration of richer and more vibrant colors has unlocked the door to an expanded realm of talent. This has allowed me to excel in coverup work, breathing fresh life into faded tattoos with a burst of color. With each stroke, I strive for perfection, ensuring that my clients not only embrace their decision but celebrate it.
My artistic journey has carried me beyond borders, where I’ve showcased my craft on the global stage. Recently, I had the privilege of leaving my mark on Melbourne, Australia, where I participated in the prestigious 2023 Melbourne Tattoo Fest. There, I illustrated how the essence of flora can blossom on the human canvas.

While my foundation remains firmly rooted in floral wonders, I am currently embarking on a new chapter. I’m weaving larger narratives onto the skin, seamlessly integrating animals and mythological marvels, including the majestic presence of dragons. This exciting direction holds the promise of uncharted artistic territory, and I am eager to see where it leads me.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
In reflecting upon my journey, I find that my strengths lie in courage, consistency, and empathy. These three pillars have been instrumental in shaping my path as a tattoo artist. To begin with, courage was my guiding light during a significant career shift. Despite initially treading a different professional path – one that led me to Political Science – I always harbored a desire to paint. Life’s circumstances led me away from formal art studies, yet I yearned for creative expression. My trajectory took a bold turn after completing a Master’s degree in Germany and returning to Korea, only to find my chosen job lacked the fulfillment I sought. Serendipity intervened when a friend planned to get a tattoo, leading me to a tattoo studio. There, I was captivated by the craft’s allure and decided to embark on tattooing classes. As I honed my skills, my passion for tattoos eclipsed my existing job. Eventually, I mustered the courage to pivot my career and entered the tattoo industry. Despite the disparity between my past and present fields, the courage to redefine myself brought immense joy and satisfaction.
Consistency and diligent effort formed the bedrock of my transformation. The transition from an established job to a budding tattoo artist wasn’t simple. Juggling three part-time jobs alongside my newfound pursuit was challenging, and moments of uncertainty crept in. Yet, the gratification of translating my designs onto living canvases spurred me forward. Even when clients were scarce, and doubts loomed, I pressed on. My unwavering dedication, fueled by the gratification and energy that tattooing brought me, propelled me past hurdles, culminating in my current standing.
Lastly, my empathy towards clients has been a cornerstone of my approach. Tattoos bear permanence, and each carries a narrative, whether rooted in meaning or personal memory. Recognizing this, I deemed it paramount to delve into my clients’ motivations and stories. Understanding their desires and emotions, particularly in the context of coverup tattoos, where scars and unwanted ink are concealed, became an integral part of my process. These interactions often involve profound conversations to ensure mutual comprehension of design, size, intricacies, and the limitations of coverup work.
When asked about the path to becoming a tattoo artist, I impart my insights with conviction. I emphasize self-assurance, unwavering practice, and the power of envisioning oneself as both creator and recipient. My journey has been sculpted by bravery, tenacity, and the ability to connect with others on a deeply empathetic level – qualities that have not only elevated my craft but also enriched my personal growth.

What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
In the past 12 months, I have been to two tattoo conventions and travelled eight cities for guest works which enabled me to have wider understanding and point of view in tattoo cultures in different countries and also improved my tattooing skills.

I participated in Leeds tattoo convention in summer 2022 and Melbourne tattoo fest in May 2023. I felt like working only in Seoul blinded me from looking at tattoos as a part of culture that people share since tattoos are still something that’s frowned upon. While paricipating in these two events, I’d seen people coming with their grandparents, children, family, and friends to get tattoos, enjoy the event, share tattoo experience. This was truly a valuable experience as a tattoo artist.

Also, being invited by tattoo shops in different cities and countrues enabled me to communicate with tattoo artists from other countries and cultures sharing experiences from different point of view. This helped me to look back my tattoo and I tried to find lacking poingpts in my skills and improved them by practicing them.

I think one’s skill never ceases to improve. I will not stop learning and improving my skills.

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