Eonsoo Kim / vancurlytattoo Seoul, South Korea @vancurlytattoo vancurlytattoo@gmail.com

Eonsoo Kim’s work stands out for its sober and elegant approach to black and grey realism. With a background in visual design, his style seeks the essence: clean compositions, visual balance, and a mastery of light and shadow that conveys intense atmospheres without excess.

Rather than covering the skin with details, Eonsoo embraces simplicity and the power of empty space, creating tattoos that breathe and move the viewer. Inspired both by his clients’ personal stories and by everyday scenes, he combines technique and sensitivity to transform each piece into a unique visual experience.

With personal projects in drawing and printmaking, and upcoming guest spots abroad, his vision is clear: to keep exploring new forms of expression within black and grey and to establish a personal artistic language that connects with the deepest emotions.

We present him in this exclusive interview, where he shares his artistic vision, his way of understanding tattooing, and the projects that define his path.

1. How would you describe your style within black and grey?

My work is based on the depth and restrained atmosphere characteristic of black and grey tattoos. When I first started, I focused on detailed shading and subtle tonal variations, but over time, I’ve been moving toward a more essential and simplified expression by removing unnecessary elements. My background in visual design naturally influences my sense of composition and form, so I pay close attention to visual flow and balance.

2. When working with several elements or images in one design, how do you decide on the final composition to make everything look coherent?

I start by clarifying the purpose and story behind the design, then organize the overall flow accordingly. I make sure that each element isn’t just randomly placed by adjusting the direction of the viewer’s gaze, the weight of each component, and the use of space to maintain balance. Thanks to my design background, considering rhythm and structure comes quite naturally to me.

3. What role do light and shadows play in your work, and how do you achieve depth in your tattoos?

Light and shadow are more than just tools for creating volume—they help guide the emotional tone of the piece. In the past, I built depth by layering various tones densely, but lately, I’ve been experimenting with simpler shading that still conveys enough mood. What matters most is not how dark an area is, but where the darkness is placed. I’ve come to realize that by removing some elements, I can actually convey more.

4. When working with different shades of grey, how do you choose the scale that best suits each project?

Choosing the right grey tones is like setting the mood. I consider the theme of the design, the client’s skin tone, and the overall emotional flow to decide on the scale of shading. Even small differences in tone can completely change the atmosphere of a tattoo. While I still enjoy detailed work, I’ve recently been more interested in how space and minimalism can add weight to a design.

5. Where do you usually find inspiration to combine different elements into one design?

I usually start from the client’s story or the meaning they want to express, then gather the necessary elements based on that. Besides that, I get ideas from everyday life—nature, photographs, and small moments around me. I find it interesting to connect different things and create new combinations.

6. What projects or current work are you focusing on right now?

Lately, I’ve been exploring more restrained expressions within the black and grey style. Rather than emphasizing details, I’m interested in creating mood through flow and the tension of empty space. I’m also working on personal projects like drawing and printmaking, which give me a different way to express emotions outside of tattooing.

7. What plans do you have for the rest of this year?

I’m preparing for some guest spots at various studios and hope to gain inspiration by meeting new people and working in different environments. If I have time, I plan to organize my past work into a portfolio book that shows a cohesive visual flow rather than just a collection.

8. Looking ahead, what would you like to keep exploring or innovating in your art?

I want to continue pursuing simpler yet emotionally expressive work within black and grey. I’m interested in pieces that leave a lingering impression—something that viewers can interpret differently. Also, I want to keep pushing the boundaries of tattooing as a form of visual art.

9. If people want to get in touch with you, how can they do so?

Feel free to reach out via Instagram DM (@vancurlytattoo) or email (vancurlytattoo@gmail.com). Whether it’s about a tattoo inquiry or just a question, I’m happy to hear from you.

10. Is there anything else you would like to say?

I believe tattooing is more than just creating images—it’s about engraving someone’s emotions, memories, or commitments onto their body. I always keep that weight in mind while working. If my work can leave a meaningful mark for someone, that alone is a great reason to keep doing what I do.