Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Yerae Kim. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Yerae, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally?

I have been practicing the art of tattooing for over three years now, fueled by my lifelong passion for drawing. Although I wasn’t able to pursue formal art education due to my family’s emphasis on academics, my love for art and painting has never waned. I constantly pondered how I could nurture my artistic aspirations and forge a career in this field.

A serendipitous moment occurred when I accompanied a friend to Seoul for her first tattoo. As I observed the tattoo artist engrossed in their craft, a wave of awe and fascination washed over me. The intricate process of creating art on people’s bodies left me mesmerized. It was in that instant that I knew I had discovered my calling.

Motivated by this newfound passion, I eagerly embarked on tattoo classes, determined to refine my skills and establish myself as a professional tattoo artist. As time went by, my paintings underwent a gradual metamorphosis, evolving into a distinctive tattoo style that reflects my unique artistic vision.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Painting has always been a personal hobby of mine, despite never having received formal art education during my school years. I pursued studies in International Relations and Political Science, subjects far removed from the realm of art. While the topics themselves were intellectually stimulating, I couldn’t envision myself working in those industries as they didn’t provide the outlet for my innate creativity. However, my experience of studying abroad opened doors for me to work internationally, instilling in me a sense of fearlessness and eagerness to explore new opportunities.

In an effort to refine my artistry, particularly in the realm of botanic art, I sought out private online lessons. Although I had a natural inclination for painting flowers and plants, I sometimes struggled to fully convey the images in my mind onto the canvas. Taking these lessons allowed me to delve into the intricate details of my subjects, enabling me to better capture their essence and bring my artistic vision to life.

Three years ago, my life took a transformative turn when I enrolled in a tattoo class. At that point, I was torn between pursuing a career in illustration or venturing into the world of tattooing. Ultimately, it was the tattoo class that propelled me towards my current profession as a tattoo artist.

The focal point of my artistic repertoire lies in portraying flowers and plants. I find immense symbolism in the life cycle of these natural wonders—how they bud, bloom in all their splendor, withstand the elements of rain, storms, sunlight, and wind, and eventually wither away with the passage of time. This parallels our own human journey, from birth to maturity, experiencing both triumphs and tribulations before returning to the earth. I strive to encapsulate the beauty of my clients’ lives through the medium of flowers, aiming to convey the vitality of existence through an array of vibrant and rich colors.

Moreover, I specialize in creating birth flower tattoos, a heartfelt way of immortalizing cherished memories of loved ones. By transforming these memories into floral art, individuals can forever carry the essence of their family, loved ones, and friends with them. This responsibility to preserve and honor such significant moments brings me great satisfaction.

I also take pride in my expertise in cover-up tattoos. Through extensive research and experimentation, I have honed the art of achieving a natural and seamless concealer effect. While the colors I employ must be slightly deeper than the original tattoo, I am committed to avoiding an overly harsh or cluttered appearance, ensuring that the defining features of the floral elements shine through.

I take immense joy in my craft, using my skills as a tattoo artist to capture the beauty and depth of life, while leaving a lasting impression on those who entrust me with their stories.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

While I take immense satisfaction and pride in all of my artistic endeavors, there is a special place in my heart for my scar cover-up works. These projects hold significant meaning for my clients, many of whom have been deeply affected by their scars, carrying the memories of their past injuries.

One particular client stands out in my mind—a courageous individual with multiple red marks on her legs. She had spent years concealing these scars, never allowing herself to wear a short skirt due to the emotional weight they carried. When she approached me for a scar cover-up tattoo, I understood the importance of this transformation for her. The moment she saw the finished artwork, her eyes lit up with joy and gratitude.

She shared with me that she had never felt comfortable exposing her scars since childhood, and the success of the cover-up brought her an overwhelming sense of relief. To my delight, even her parents expressed their gratitude, recognizing the positive impact this transformation had on their daughter’s self-esteem. It was in that moment that I truly felt the rewards of being a tattoo artist.

Knowing that my skills and artistry can help individuals reclaim their confidence, heal emotional wounds, and move forward with renewed self-assurance is an indescribable feeling. These scar cover-up works embody the transformative power of art and the potential to bring solace and happiness to those who have experienced trauma.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

For tattoo artists, social media platforms, particularly Instagram, have become the ideal medium for showcasing their portfolios and connecting with art enthusiasts. When I first embarked on my journey as a tattoo artist, I had little knowledge of how to navigate this virtual realm. Nevertheless, I persevered by consistently sharing my works and designs. To my delight, some members of the audience began appreciating my art, initiating conversations that allowed me to connect with fellow artists.

Now, after more than three years of experience, I believe there are a few fundamental steps that aspiring artists can follow when building their presence on social media, specifically Instagram.

The first step involves uploading one to two posts daily, ensuring a regular and consistent presence.

The second step is to diversify the content by sharing a mixture of reels and photos, accompanied by simple and clear captions that enhance the viewers’ understanding and appreciation of the artwork.

The third step entails actively engaging with others in the industry, forging connections and initiating meaningful conversations with fellow artists. Building a network of like-minded individuals can foster growth, inspiration, and collaboration.

The fourth step is to incorporate relevant yet uncomplicated hashtags that aid in discoverability. It is important to strike a balance between using popular hashtags and avoiding those with an overwhelming number of results.

The fifth step revolves around crafting a unique Instagram feed aesthetic. Maintaining a consistent tone and color scheme throughout the feed not only adds visual coherence but also helps convey the essence and focus of your page. It’s crucial to ensure that your feed reflects the nature of your artistry and creates a captivating experience for visitors.

Lastly, the quality of the visuals you share plays a pivotal role in the success of your page. It is imperative to upload high-resolution pictures and videos that effectively capture the essence and details of your artwork. The presentation of your work through visuals is equally as important as the work itself. Even the most remarkable creations may go unnoticed if the media quality fails to do them justice.

By following these basic steps, artists can establish a strong foundation for their social media presence, allowing them to effectively showcase their talent, connect with a wider audience, and nurture a thriving online community.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/yerae_tt?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100028246135353&mibextid=LQQJ4d

Image Credits
Photo by: Willy Weilon Yujin Kim Tattoo clients: Yumi Kim Nicole Hancock Jinju Kim Greta Mcgonagle