Every so often, certain tattoos catch my eye and elicit a “wow” from me. The works of South Korean tattooist Nonlee are one such example. As a newcomer to the tattooing scene, she consistently draws me in with her sophisticated lines, precise lighting, and creative color combinations, welcoming us into her surreal world of micro realism.
Intrigued by her unique perspective on tattoos and art, I reached out to Nonlee for an interview, delving into her insights on choosing and creating exceptional tattoos. Scroll down to discover more about tattooist Nonlee and her captivating artistic realm.
Interview with Tattooist Nonlee: From Receiver to Creator
Hailing from Seoul, South Korea, Nonlee has been making waves with her micro realism tattoos, predominantly inspired by fine art. Her journey into tattooing took an interesting turn after a decade-long career as a painting teacher, fueled by her passion for painting.
“Being a tattooist is a form of art, much like what I’ve been doing for a long time. However, it’s a permanent form of art intimately connected to people, which is what makes the job so appealing to me,” says Nonlee, who has been tattooing for just over a year but has already built an impressive profile.
The power to leave a permanent mark on someone is immense, and Nonlee recognizes the responsibility that comes with it. Balancing the excitement and terror of influencing others through her work, she acknowledges the need for meticulous attention to detail, especially on larger pieces.
Despite the pressures, Nonlee views challenges as opportunities for growth. Her goal for the year is to solidify her style and continue practicing. She emphasizes the importance of passion in her work, believing that clients can feel it when a tattooist is truly dedicated to their craft.
Real and Unreal: Nature as a Muse
Drawing inspiration from her love of nature and wildlife documentaries, Nonlee’s favorite animals become subjects for her tattoos. Her creations, whether a cute lion or intricately detailed bird tattoos, exhibit a unique blend of realism and fantasy.
While animals feature prominently in her work, Nonlee is equally fascinated by mythical creatures like dragons, Qilin, and Haetae. She believes that rusty or faded colors are perfect for these legendary beings, giving them an aged, centuries-old appearance.
Inspired by modern painters Peter Doig and Wayne Tebow, Nonlee incorporates their techniques in interpreting lighting and colors into her tattoos. The result is a mesmerizing fusion of micro realism and artistic flair.
“My favorite animal is always changing, but now it’s the harvest mouse. I have one now. It’s so tiny, and the way it squeezes itself into the flowers is just adorable.”
She has created many animal tattoos inspired by her love for them. For example, she has done a lion tattoo, and it’s so cute that it melts your heart.
Bird tattoos she did are so detailed that it makes you want to touch and see if they are ʀᴇᴀʟ.
Bird tattoos by @non_lee_ink
Turtles are one of Nonlee’s favorites, too. But instead of copying those in ʀᴇᴀʟ life, you have turtles in dreamy, rainbow colors or with flowers growing from the shell.
The animal tattoos might look different from one another. But they all share a common feature: they look ʀᴇᴀʟ but unʀᴇᴀʟ at the same time. And the colors have played a part in this unique style.
“When I choose an object to tattoo, I think about the concept of colors simultaneously. That’s ʀᴇᴀʟly where my artistic background shines and what makes a tattoo stand out.”
Besides animals, Nonlee is also fascinated by mythical creatures like dragons, Qilin and Haetae. Colors, again, are a tool to sharpen the design.
“I think rusty or faded colors are perfect for these legendary creatures. They give them a sense of age as if they are treasures buried for centuries.”
To be a good tattooist and constantly produce creative and quality works, one has to think outside of the box. And that’s what Nonlee does. Inspired by modern painters Peter Doig and Wayne Tebow, she learned how to interpret lighting and colors in her tattoos. And when combined with her techniques in micro ʀᴇᴀʟism, the results are mesmerizing.
For those considering a tattoo, Nonlee suggests focusing on visual appeal rather than searching for deep meaning, especially for a first tattoo. She encourages simplicity and aesthetic pleasure, emphasizing that perspectives and values change over time.
Nonlee sees a tattoo as a collaborative effort between the client and the tattooist, highlighting the importance of communication and empathy. She believes that mutual efforts, good communication, and understanding clients’ needs are key to creating exceptional tattoos.
When it comes to tattoo placement, Nonlee recommends visible areas like the outer arm or forearm for those seeking eye-catching designs. Proper aftercare, including moisturization during the healing process, is crucial for maintaining vibrant colors.
Life Outside Tattooing: Hobbies and Passions
Beyond tattooing, Nonlee’s interests include meeting new people, watching movies, TV dramas, reading books, and playing board games. Despite the pandemic, she and her husband have found joy in discovering and playing the board game “Splendors.”
In summary, Nonlee’s life is a mix of fun and passion reflected in her tattoos. To explore more of her work, visit her Instagram profile or leave any questions for her in the comments.
