Watchara Suyakong “Aek” Thailand @aek.tattoo.artist

From an early age, art was his path. Today, his flawless technique and mastery of color realism have earned him a place among the top five artists in the DGN Tattoo Magazine International Competition. Chosen by an elite jury —Paul Booth, Jesse Smith, Victoria Lee, and Shi Ryu— this Thai tattooist stands out not only for his technical skill but also for the passion he pours into every piece. In these pages, we uncover the essence of his work and what drives him to keep pushing his limits.

1. Since a very young age, you were passionate about drawing, and today your art led you to be chosen as one of the top five artists among more than 100 participants worldwide. What does receiving that recognition mean to you?

First of all, I feel extremely thankful, excited, and honored. This recognition is truly a special gift. It motivates me to keep creating and growing as an artist, and it also helps build greater trust and confidence with my clients.

2. Tell us a bit about your childhood in Thailand and how your family environment influenced your decision to pursue art.

I’ve loved drawing since I was young, and I’m fortunate to have a warm and supportive family. I graduated with a degree in Fine Arts, and with my passion for art—along with its growing popularity—I began searching for a career path that could also help support my family. That’s when I decided to enter the tattoo industry. I began in 2013 by drawing and designing tattoos, practicing on friends at home. As my skills improved, I wanted more people to see my work, so I invested in opening my own tattoo studio.

3.A friend introduced you to the world of tattooing. Do you remember that moment and how it influenced your path?

Yes, definitely. A close friend introduced me to the world of tattooing, and that moment truly changed the course of my life. With my deep love for art, I took great pride in my creations. I started out by drawing and designing tattoos and practicing with friends. As my work improved and I wanted it to reach a wider audience, I decided to pursue tattooing more seriously. I officially started my tattoo business in 2013, driven by my passion and society’s growing appreciation for the art form.

4. What was that learning process like, and what challenges did you face at the beginning?

The beginning was tough. I faced challenges like mastering the tattoo machine, understanding different skin types, and learning to design tattoos that fit well on the body. At first, I lacked confidence, but continuous practice and learning through experience helped me grow. Proper hygiene and sterilization were also crucial to prevent infections. That period taught me that doubt isn’t a weakness—it’s a challenge to overcome.

5. In 2013, you opened your own studio, “Tattoo REAL Since 2013,” in Chiang Mai. What was it like to take that step, and what kind of experience did you want to offer your clients?

Opening my own studio was a big step that allowed me to fully shape the experience I wanted to give my clients. From the beginning, I’ve focused on providing a professional, honest, and detail-oriented service. I pay close attention to each design and always give sincere advice and the best possible options. Every piece I do is crafted with intention and dedication. I take my work seriously, and when clients are happy with the results, it builds a strong sense of trust between us.

6. In addition to the overall recognition, you also won in your specific category in the international competition. What does that particular achievement mean to you?

First of all, I want to thank DGN Tattoo Magazine for giving me the special opportunity to participate. I feel truly honored. This award is a driving force that inspires me to improve and keep producing meaningful work.

7. How would you define your style today, and how has it evolved over time?

 -Right now, I really enjoy working in a freestyle approach. I lean toward realistic designs that are lively and natural. I love combining colorful elements to create depth and dimension, often blending them with black ink. It’s fun and allows me to freely express my imagination.

8. How do you envision your future as an artist? Are there any projects or goals that you're especially excited about?

I want to become a well-known artist, and my next big dream is to open a small studio of my own in New York. “There is always some next adventure waiting for us.”

9. What does your schedule look like for the upcoming months? Are you expecting lots of sessions, travel, or events?

It’s going well—I’m starting to build a larger client base and continuing to create new work regularly. I also plan to join more events and expand my reach in the tattoo community.

10. Is there anything else you'd like to share or add to wrap up this interview?

 -In closing, I will continue to create with passion, gain more experience, and constantly work on improving myself. I’ll stick to the process and follow the goals I’ve set. Hopefully, everything will go as planned, and I’ll grow both as an artist and as a person.