Yerae South Korea yerae_tt

How did your journey into the tattoo world begin?

My journey into tattooing was shaped by a long path that initially moved away from art. I earned a master’s degree in Political Science and International Relations and went on to work in corporate roles within human resources and media licensing. From the outside, it was a stable and conventional career, and I valued the education and experiences it gave me. However, despite years of academic study and professional work, my desire to create art never disappeared. Drawing and visual expression remained a constant presence in my life, even when I wasn’t able to pursue them openly. A turning point came when a friend invited me to a tattoo studio in Seoul. Watching the process of tattooing—how an artist translates emotion, memory, and identity directly onto the body—felt profoundly different from anything I had experienced before. It brought together permanence, intimacy, and art in a way that resonated deeply with me. That moment made me realize that, regardless of how far I had gone academically or professionally, I wanted to live as an artist. In 2020, I decided to fully commit to tattooing, choosing a path that allowed me to reconnect with art while creating work that holds personal meaning for others.

Why did you choose to specialize in cover-up tattoos?

Cover-up tattoos naturally became an important part of my work as I listened to clients’ stories. Many people come to me carrying tattoos, scars, or marks connected to memories they no longer wish to revisit. I was drawn to the idea that tattooing could help transform those experiences into something new and meaningful. While cover-ups are often associated with heavy, dark designs, I wanted to challenge that perception by creating cover-ups that are still delicate, floral, and visually harmonious with the body. Helping clients regain confidence and feel comfortable in their skin again has become one of the most meaningful aspects of my career.

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How do you approach working in different styles, and how important is it for you to keep exploring and evolving as an artist?

Although floral and botanical work is at the core of my style, I believe artistic growth comes from constant exploration. I study botanical illustration, oil painting, and color theory outside of tattooing, and these practices strongly influence my compositions and color palettes. Tattooing is a living art form, shaped by the body, the client, and time. For that reason, evolving as an artist is essential to me. Each project teaches me something new, and I see continuous learning as a responsibility rather than a choice.

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What awards, recognitions, or achievements do you consider most important in your career?

Several milestones stand out as particularly important in my career, especially the recognition I have received at international tattoo conventions. In 2024, I was awarded first place in the Floral category at the Niagara Falls Tattoo Convention, and later that same year, I received first place in the Fine Line category at the Canada London Tattoo Convention. Being recognized in two distinct styles across major conventions in different countries was deeply meaningful and affirmed the direction of my artistic practice. In addition, I was honored to receive first place in the Floral category at the Orlando Tattoo Show. This award held special significance for me, as it recognized my botanical work within a highly competitive international setting and reinforced my focus on floral compositions as a central part of my artistic identity. In terms of professional development, my first international convention appearance was the Leeds Tattoo Convention in the UK in 2022, which marked the beginning of my global journey as a tattoo artist. Since then, I have continued to expand internationally, including participating in the Melbourne Tattoo Festival in Australia in 2024. While awards are important acknowledgments, I see these conventions and invitations as equally meaningful achievements. They represent opportunities to exchange ideas with artists worldwide, present Korean tattoo artistry on a global stage, and continue growing both technically and creatively.

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What is the experience like participating in international tattoo conventions?

Participating in international tattoo conventions is both inspiring and humbling. These events allow me to connect with artists from a wide range of cultural backgrounds, exchange techniques and ideas, and observe how tattooing is practiced, discussed, and valued in different parts of the world. Each convention exposes me to new visual languages and approaches, reminding me that tattooing is not a single, fixed tradition but a constantly evolving global art form. As a Korean tattoo artist, these experiences carry an especially profound meaning. Tattooing in South Korea still exists within a complicated legal and social framework, where it has long been viewed more as a medical act than an artistic practice. Because of this, the opportunity to openly present my work on international stages feels deeply empowering. Standing alongside artists from countries where tattooing is more widely accepted has strengthened my confidence and sense of purpose as an artist. International conventions continually push me to grow—both creatively and technically—while also reinforcing my desire to represent Korean tattoo culture beyond its borders. I see these moments not only as personal achievements, but as part of a larger movement to bring visibility, legitimacy, and respect to Korean tattoo artists on a global stage.

What is your creative and technical process when developing a cover-up tattoo?

My cover-up process begins with education and honest communication. I make sure clients fully understand the limitations and possibilities of cover-up work, including size, color choices, and the chance that older ink may reappear over time.

From there, I focus on placement and flow. Flowers and botanical elements are carefully composed to move naturally with the body while strategically concealing the existing tattoo or scar. Technically, I often rely on deeper tones for coverage, layered with lighter floral details to maintain softness and balance. Every cover-up is customized and requires patience, planning, and trust.

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What role does social media play in your career as an artist today?

Social media plays a central role in my career today, functioning as both a professional tool and a creative platform. It allows me to connect with clients and fellow artists around the world, often becoming the first point of contact before we ever meet in person. Through social media, people can gain a clear sense of my visual language, artistic philosophy, and approach to tattooing, which helps build trust long before a consultation takes place. One of its greatest strengths is accessibility. For artists, social media removes geographical boundaries and creates opportunities that would have been difficult to access in the past. It also serves as a living archive of my work, allowing me to reflect on my artistic growth over time and to document how my style continues to evolve. At the same time, social media has its limitations. The pressure to constantly produce and share work can sometimes shift focus away from the slower, more introspective side of art-making. Algorithms tend to favor trends and immediate visual impact, which can make it challenging for more nuanced or process-driven work to receive equal attention. For artists, it requires a conscious effort to avoid measuring creative value solely through numbers or engagement. Despite these challenges, social media remains an essential space for contemporary artists. When used thoughtfully, it becomes a powerful tool for communication, connection, and visibility—one that supports artistic independence while allowing artists to participate in a global conversation beyond borders.

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What projects are you setting for yourself in 2026?

Since arriving in the U.S. in August 2025, I’ve been exploring how to establish myself here. In 2026, I plan to fully focus on my work in the U.S., finding a city where my art resonates and where I can settle down, while also traveling to multiple cities for guest work. I want to take on a wide range of tattoo projects—from intricate botanical pieces to full or extended cover-ups—so I can continue expanding the scope of my work and challenge myself creatively. At the same time, I’m developing my oil painting practice with the long-term goal of integrating fine art more deeply into my tattoo work. Ultimately, I hope to continue building a career that reflects my personal growth, artistic exploration, and the ongoing evolution of my creative voice.

If someone wants to get in touch with you, how can they do it?

if you're looking to book with me, send me an email to yerae.ink@gmail.com

Any special message?

Tattoos have always been a way for me to translate emotions, memories, and quiet strength into something visible. I’m grateful to keep learning through everybody, every story, and every encounter.