**Introducing Our Distinguished Judge and Prestigious Artist for the INTERNATIONAL DGN TATTOO MAGAZINE 20TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION:**
Step into the world of tattoo artistry with our distinguished guest from Yueyang, China. A professional tattoo artist since the age of 28, his innovative and realistic style has garnered global recognition. Despite his impact on the industry, he remains modest, emphasizing continual learning.
Known for collaborative creations, he shares his knowledge through seminars, inspired by mentors who shaped his journey. His studio, 'New Assassin,' reflects a spirit of rebellion in modern tattooing.
Currently immersed in intricate full-body projects, our guest advises aspiring artists on the importance of a strong painting foundation. While travel beckons, his schedule in China is booked for the next six years.
1. Tell us about your first steps in the world of tattooing. How and when did you decide to become a tattoo artist?
I have a profound passion for tattoos and design as they allow me to merge the intricacies of the human body's musculature with each guest's unique ideas, resulting in a one-of-a-kind design. This creative process feels incredibly rewarding to me, akin to the diverse nature of each person's life. At the onset, you never foresee the ultimate outcome.
My choice to become a professional tattoo artist crystallized at the age of 28. Lacking formal painting education and considering the sluggish development of modern tattoos in China during that period, especially for those of us belonging to the inaugural generation of tattoo artists, the absence of accessible knowledge sources posed a significant challenge. The learning curve was steep, but the journey has been both enlightening and fulfilling.
2. Your innovative and realistic style has been praised worldwide. How would you describe the evolution of your style over the years?
I never deliberately pursue my own style, or create a specific thing. My creation method is that the customer provides his own ideas and things he wants, etc. We have in-depth communication on the scene, and finally design according to his skin curve.
It is more like a natural result, each of us will have some of our own preferences and personalities reflected in the works, and these will attract guests who recognize you or have the same preferences, and finally form your works. For me, tattoos are a joint creation of both the client and the tattoo artist.
3. You've been recognized for revolutionizing the tattoo industry. How do you feel your work has impacted the tattoo community globally?
To be honest, the question was a little flattering to me. I am not deliberately modest， I think there are still many shortcomings in my work and it is worth continuing to explore and learn. It is hard to say how much impact I have had on the tattoo community globally。
I don't pay much attention to it, but sometimes I do see on the Internet a lot of Chinese tattoo artists and tattoo artists from other parts of the world imitating my work or style, and I am very grateful that someone likes my work.
4. You conduct successful seminars with a significant turnout. What motivated you to share your knowledge, and what has been your experience as a teacher?
In the early days of my tattoo career, I was helped a lot by Andy Shou from Taiwan's FRIGHT TATTOO through the Internet. He was very interested in sharing his experience and discussing it with me, which made me learn a lot. I am very grateful to him and have always called him my teacher.
So I like to share it with other people.
5. Do you agree that your art doesn't focus on the tradition of Oriental iconography but rather on its evolution?
I agree
6. What is the meaning behind the name "New Assassin" for the studio where you work in Yueyang?
Ha ha, many people have asked me this question. Assassin, in Chinese culture, is a kind of name for chivalry, which is a representative of individual heroism with the spirit of rebellion. Tattoo in ancient China was called 刺青. It means about stab cyan on the skin. In Chinese，the first word of 刺青，It's the same first as the assassin。In modern terms, assassins can also be said to stand for tattoo artists.
I was young at the time and thought I was the new assassin of the modern age, so I called my studio the New Assassin.
7. Tell us about your current projects. Is there anything exciting you're currently working on?
I am currently tattooing two mechanical full-body pieces, and one full-body piece about dragons．
But because of the time, I think it may take another year or two before they are all finally finished
8. For those just starting in the industry, do you have any advice you wish you had received at the beginning of your career?
The foundation and understanding of painting, I think it is difficult to do tattoo without professional painting foundation. There is also the passion and concentration for the work, you need to maintain a long time to focus on thinking and constantly improve yourself
9. Any future projects? Will you be traveling?
I am very interested in traveling, and I want to go to many countries to experience different cultures, which is also a kind of learning for me. But I'm currently booked for six years in China, and sometimes it's hard to have much time to travel.
10. What is the best way for people to get in touch with you?
WeChat,Email,Instagram or Facebook
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