Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Uno Kim. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Uno, 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?
When I was 23 years old, I used to work as a Stylist in Seoul, Korea. I liked that job, but I always found myself enjoying drawing more than anything. I remember that no matter how busy I was, I would always find time to draw and create flash sheet for tattoos!
One day, while I was on my way to meet a Celebrity Client in Seoul, I was sketching in the . I remember how the train cart was so dark and it kept shaking throughout the trip, which consequently made my hand shake. Not sure why, but that was the moment where I knew what I had do and what I wanted to do: be a Tattoo Artist. I thought I love tattoos on myself, and I love creating designs, why not combining the two?
After that moment, I started saving money to go to Tattoo Academy! Upon getting my license, I started officially tattooing in 2015.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Something very important to me is living a full life without any regrets. That is why, I always liked (and still like) to try new hobbies and jobs out, even if they were short-lived. I could never truly know if a particular career or decision would be good for me, until I tried it out. So I did that! For example, I stayed in Australia for 1 year with a Working Holiday Visa. Then, after moving back to Korea, I decided that I wanted to pursue a career as a Patissier. I obtained my baking licensing and figured out later on that it wasn’t for me. I think it was fundamental for me to try different things, in order to find my true vocation, which is being a Tattoo Artist.
I currently own a tattoo studio Maison Mono, and a café, MSMN Café, with my partner, Mona. My tattoo style is very delicate, as I use continuous and fine single line work to tell my client’ stories.
How did you build your audience on social media?
When I started tattooing in 2015, I didn’t have many followers on social media (specifically Instagram). The path to reach my current audience was definitely not linear, and, at times, very exhausting. However, the entire journey has been (and still is) incredibly rewarding. From the very beginning, resiliency and consistency have been the key words: every single day, I have been posting my ideas, my general life and my tattoos in order to reach and interact with my audience.
I think an advice that I would like to give is that when posting something (and this can be applied to any type of post!), tagging and adding a general location is very important. That way, it can reach a lot more people that are interested in what you do and create. Another thing that I learned, is that sometimes only posting about tattoos can disinterest and, perhaps, bore your followers. In fact, I notice that when I post about my daily life and routines ( few examples: drinking coffee, my beloved dog Uni, or an afternoon wandering in a museum), traveling and other things, I get to engage with my audience more. And I think it is because they get to know who you really are outside your career, and, also relate to your daily life.
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
This is a very hard question, but I see New York City as a resource. To explain better, I came to the US in 2017 as a Tattoo Artist and, truthfully, I wish I came here way sooner. Firstly, tattooing in Korea is illegal, unless you are a licensed medical practitioner. This makes the tattoo industry an extremely underground area and, consequently, not as regarded as other job industries. Secondly, back in 2017, there was a preference in style back in Korea, old school style, which didn’t give me the ability to really express myself and my style.
As soon as I moved to the US, I could see and feel the differences! Since the tattoo business has kinda always thrived in New York City, everyone was (and is!) as appreciated and valued as other people working in different industry. This gave me such a boost in my confidence and art. I was able to practice more and find my tattoo style. And seeing how my clients liked my style, was truly an amazing feeling. That’s why I see NYC as an important resource and source of inspiration.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.maisonmono.art/uno
- Instagram: @unotattoonyc
Image Credits
All Credits to Uno Kim