Beyond Lines: Unveiling the Delicate Artistry of Tattooist Arar

Explore the intricate world of Tattooist Arar in this exclusive interview, as he shares insights into his delicate and captivating tattoo artistry, making a mark on Seoul's vibrant tattoo scene.

Embark on a journey into the captivating realm of Tattooist Arar in this exclusive interview. Based in Seoul, South Korea, Arar has been etching his mark on the city's dynamic tattoo landscape since 2017. Renowned for his distinctive style characterized by teeny-tiny, super delicate tattoos adorned with fine lines and a watercolor wash, Arar's artistry transcends conventions.

As we sit down with Arar, he unveils the challenges and triumphs of his unique journey in a country that hasn't always embraced tattooing. With over 450k followers on Instagram and seven years of experience, Tattooist Arar has become the go-to artist for small, adorable tattoos, winning the hearts of clients not only in South Korea but also across borders.

Join us as we unravel the artistry, inspirations, and aspirations that define Tattooist Arar's remarkable career. This interview offers a unique glimpse into the mind of a true innovator in the world of tattooing.

Your tattoo style is known for its delicacy and fine lines with a watercolor wash. What drew you to this particular style, and how did you develop your technique using a 1RL needle?

At the time, I favoured mini tattoos, so I wanted to do a smaller tattoo rather than a larger one. To depict detailed drawing in a small size, thin lines were the only option. I thought watercolor-like colors would complement thin lines well. As a result, my color shading appears more watercolor wash compared to others.

Delicate tattoos often require a high level of precision. Can you talk about the technical aspects of working with such a style?

From the beginning of my tattooing journey, using thin lines was much easier for me. Ironically, employing thick lines proved to be more challenging. There was no special technique. The technique of expressing things more cleanly and delicately seems to have improved over time through the accumulation of experience gained from many hours of work.

Can you share some insights into your creative process? How do you come up with the concepts for your designs?

I insist that clients clearly express what they want through text and images, especially emphasizing the significance of images. Descriptions in text alone can lead to misunderstandings between what they imagine and what I imagine. Therefore, I request even rough sketches from them to better understand their preferences. Taking their provided rough sketches and reference images into consideration, I design in my own style. Typically, the process unfolds in this manner, but when inspiration doesn't strike immediately, I tend to search a variety of related images to spark ideas.

What is your typical day like?

Until last year, I lived a very busy life. Even on holidays, I spent most of my time working on tattoo designs for the next day, whether at a cafe or at home. I enjoyed my work, and I liked being someone who worked hard. However, last year, my old cat passed away, leading me to reflect on myself. Now, while work is still important, I'm making an effort to spend more time with family and friends.

Your tattoo touch-ups reach millions in social media. How did you come up with this idea and how well do they stand the test of time?

Until now, I've had many clients requesting cover-ups. However, since I use thin lines, I didn't think I was suitable for cover-ups. This approach was an idea that suddenly occurred to me while thinking how I could handle cover-ups. Very dark and thick lines may still be visible after the tattoo is healed, requiring several more touch-ups. On the other hand, with brighter and thicker lines, improvement often occurs with just one cover-up.

When it comes to little tattoos, Seoul is probably the most important city in the world. How has the city and its culture influenced your work as a tattoo artist?

It had a profound impact on me. The reason for me starting tattoos was seeing mini tattoo pictures from another Korean tattoo artist. It changed my preconceptions about tattoos, sparking my interest in learning about and trying out tattooing.

Tattooing since 2017, you've likely seen trends evolve. How do you stay inspired and keep your work fresh in an ever-changing industry?

These days, I make a conscious effort to explore various trends. As time goes on, talented tattoo artists with exceptional skills and unique styles are emerging. I believe that If I insist only on what used to be popular in the past, won't be sure survival in this field. Therefore, I continuously try to expose myself to a wide range of influences through various methods and effort to redesign them into my own style.

What challenges did you face when you first started your tattooing career, and how did you overcome them?

Mastering the technique of creating clean and delicate lines was the most challenging for me. Of course, it remains a difficult task even now. Rather than relying on any specific method, the process became a bit more easy over time as I naturally developed habits and techniques through continuous and prolonged practice, ones that I may not even be aware of.

Do you have any specific rituals or routines you follow to get into a creative mindset before starting a new tattoo?

No! There's nothing like that. I just have a strong desire to do tattoos without any mistakes. That's why I double-check the stencil several times before starting a tattoo.

Who are the tattoo artists that have influenced you most in your career? And who are the ones you admire most?

I don't think there's a specific artist who has influenced me. Of course, there are numerous tattoo artists I find impressive each time, but the list is too long to mention. Although he is not a tattoo artist, I like Claude Monet's paintings. When I saw his paintings in person, I felt an incredibly warm and comfortable atmosphere. I hope my clients who get my tattoos also experience a pleasant feeling when looking at my tattoo.

Many artists find inspiration in various forms. What are some non-tattoo-related influences that inspire your artistic creations?

It's my family, cats, and friends. Laughing, chatting, and spending time with them give me positive and energy. I feel that I need to maintain a good mood to create new creations. Especially since I often design with a bright and warm feeling, it feels even more important.

If someone wants to get a tattoo from you, how should they approach you?

I'm currently accepting reservations only through Instagram DM! My Instagram ID is @tattooist_arar