Jo Uri: Doodle Tattoos with a Glow and a Smile

Jo Uri creates playful doodle-style tattoos inspired by Pokémon, Ghibli, and more—often using UV ink to add a hidden glow to her nostalgic designs.

Jo Uri (@jo_ul) is a Seoul-based tattoo artist bringing beloved characters to life through her signature doodle-style tattoos. Inspired by animations and animals, her work feels light, expressive, and full of personality—like playful sketches drawn straight from memory. But there’s an unexpected twist: many of her tattoos include UV light ink, which reveals glowing details only visible under blacklight.

Jo’s tattoo journey began with a personal wish—she wanted a doodle-style tattoo, but couldn’t find anyone working in that aesthetic. So she picked up the machine herself. Today, she’s known for reinterpreting iconic characters like SpongeBob, Pokémon, Adventure Time, Snoopy, Ghibli, and Shin-chan in her unique visual language. Her minimalist yet emotive style resonates with clients seeking tattoos that are both fun and quietly meaningful.

In this interview, we talk to Jo Uri about her creative process, the joy of doodling on skin, and how glowing ink and pop culture nostalgia have shaped her one-of-a-kind approach to tattooing.

You began tattooing because no one was doing the doodle style you loved. What pushed you to actually take that leap and start?

Honestly, I just got tired of waiting. I had all these characters and scribbly ideas in my head, but no one was really tattooing that way, at least not in the way I imagined. So I started sketching just for fun, and one day a friend said, “Why don’t you just tattoo that?” That moment kind of flipped a switch. I didn’t see anyone doing it, and I thought, maybe I should be the one to try.

What is it about doodle-style drawing that speaks to you more than other tattoo styles?

It feels honest. Doodles are imperfect, spontaneous, and a little chaotic and I love that. They remind me of childhood, or scribbling in notebooks when no one’s watching. There’s something really human about it. Other styles can be beautiful and polished, but doodles feel alive to me.

How do you balance capturing a recognizable character with keeping your own doodle style intact?

That’s always the fun challenge! I try to capture the feeling of the character, not just the shape. So instead of copying every detail, I ask: What makes this character lovable? Clumsy? Sad? Weird? Then I twist it into my doodle world, maybe crooked lines, uneven eyes, or quirky body shapes. It’s like they went through my brain and came out wearing funny clothes.

What inspired you to start using UV light ink, and how do you decide which parts of a tattoo will glow?

I wanted to add a little secret surprise. UV ink felt like a hidden layer, like a second personality that only shows up in certain light. I usually use it on small accents: stars, hearts, sparkles, or hidden messages. It has to feel playful, not forced like a bonus scene in a movie.

Do you usually design based on client requests, or do people give you creative freedom to play?

I draw and share a lot of characters and funny situations in my own doodle style, so most clients come to me less for brand-new designs and more to combine ideas they already like from my work. They might say, “I love this character, but can we put it in this kind of situation?” That gives me a lot of creative freedom while still feeling very collaborative.

What’s your process like when creating a new tattoo do you sketch on paper or digitally? Do you usually post your doodle designs on Instagram for clients to choose from?

I usually sketch digitally on my iPad. It's faster for tweaking and testing colors. Sometimes I share designs on Instagram for people to choose from, but I also save many ideas just for in-person appointments. It depends on the trip, the vibe, and what I feel excited to draw at the moment.

You often tattoo characters like SpongeBob, Pokémon, and Ghibli favorites. What draws you to these specific animations? Do these choices come from your own childhood memories, or are they mostly shaped by client requests?

Honestly, both. Many of them are from my own childhood, and others are just things people keep bringing to me. I think people are drawn to tattoos that feel like home—and I love giving those memories a new, weird doodle twist. It’s nostalgic, but with messy lines and bright colors.

Has the tattoo culture in Seoul influenced how you work or the kind of clients you attract?

Definitely. Tattooing in Seoul taught me to work precisely and fast, especially since many pieces are small and time is limited. Also, Korean clients tend to appreciate clean lines with a twist, so I learned how to keep my doodles playful but intentional. That discipline stayed with me, even when I traveled.

Your style is both nostalgic and modern. Do you ever think about evolving it—maybe with bigger pieces?

Sometimes! I’ve done a few bigger ones recently, and it’s fun to see the doodles stretch out and breathe. But I think my heart still loves the tiny, weird, blink-and-you-miss-it moments. That said, I’m open to growing the style naturally—nothing forced.

Your style is so unique and recognizable. Was it difficult to stay true to it in the beginning, or did people connect with it right away?

At the beginning, it felt a bit lonely. I wasn’t sure if people would “get it.” But once I posted a few and saw people laughing or reacting emotionally, that gave me the courage to keep going. Now, the doodle style feels like my language, and I’m so glad people connect with it too.