Ori, the sweet master of cuteness

This singular and smart artist works in a tattoo studio in Itaewon (South Korea) combining oriental art with tender figures from the fantasy world.

Hi Ori, can you tell me a little about yourself?
Hi! I’m Ori, working in Itaewon, Korea. I do Oriental style character tattoos. No, if it’s cute, I’ll draw it even if it’s not Oriental style! (laughs)

How did it happen in your life that you became a professional tattoo artist?
When I was young, I liked drawing and did art activities with my friends. Then, my friends started getting tattoos first, and I got interested in it after seeing them, so now I get tattoos with my friends.

Your style seems truly unique and innovative to me. You take oriental iconography and transform it into funny and tender characters. How did this idea come to you?
Thank you! I love all kinds of tattoo styles. Out of all, I really like the traditional Japanese Irezumi style. But I like cool ones and I like cute ones more.

I think this style naturally came about because of that.

Can you describe to me your perfect comfort zone that leads you to create excellent tattoos?
I feel comfortable in quiet spaces. That’s why I don’t play music loudly and don’t talk much. That way, I can concentrate better.

Who makes up your clientele? Do you consider it more masculine or feminine?
I think everyone comes up to my art. I think everyone likes cute things.

Have you already tattooed a parent who chose your subjects to make their children happy?
Yeah, I recently did a project where I turned a child into a cute animal character. It was really fun to do and the father told me that his child really liked it!

Can you explain to me exactly where you tattoo and where your tattoo studio is located?
Our shop is called ‘Kerning City Tattoo’ (IG: @kerningcity_tattoo) and it’s located in Itaewon, Seoul, South Korea.

Do you like international tattoo conventions like the European or American ones?
I’ve been to a lot of tattoo conventions, but I don’t have any plans yet. I’ll join when I have more interest and courage.