We recently connected with Kiwan Kim and have shared our conversation below.

Kiwan, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I started tattoo artist when I was 23 years old. I always liked to draw since I was young

Kiwan, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am an artist who has been diagnosed with colorectal cancer. I’m still taking care of myself and working as an artist.

As a tattoo artist, I use ink and needles to tattoo human body. I often use mandala, and I designed it by combining mandala and Korean dancheong

I am getting a tattoo using dancheong to promote the pretty color of dancheong in Korea

I think mandala works pretty when it goes into the knees, elbows, neck, chest, and joints

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

After being diagnosed with colorectal cancer, I continued to work on tattoos while continuing to do chemotherapy.If I die, I will not be able to get a tattoo, and if I die like this, it will hurt my heart. I decided not to rest as a tattooist.I’m really happy when I get to do this, I’m going to keep doing it

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I am also happy if the customer who accepted my tattoo is happy. That’s why I’m continuing to be a tattoo artist

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @kiwa_jip