MEMORIES IN COLORS – TATTOOIST OVENLEE INTERVIEW

Beautiful tattoos are everywhere, but finding ones that genuinely make you smile is rare. That’s why I had to interview South Korean tattoo artist Ovenlee. Her designs are pure joy, bringing warmth and cheer to anyone who sees them.

With over 170k Instagram followers, Ovenlee embodies the essence of Korean tattoo culture, where delicate fine lines and vibrant colors blend seamlessly. Whether she’s inking an animal, a favorite food, or a cherished family portrait, her work always has an irresistibly adorable charm.

TATTOOIST OVENLEE INTERVIEW

  • Hi Ovenlee, can you tell us about yourself and your tattoo style?

I am a calm painter. I tend to capture the serene moments of my objects because painting keeps me grounded. Most of the objects of my drawings are about places and moments in life. And I also tattoo blooming flowers in fields and curvy, sophisticated plants.

  • I am curious, is Ovenlee a nickname or your real name?

It’s my nickname. This one time, I wanted to translate the warmth of an oven into a painting. So that’s why I brought with me an oven. And I added my last name, “Lee” to create my nickname Ovenlee.

  • Can you tell us how did you become a tattoo artist?

Actually, I didn’t plan on becoming a tattooist when I was in college. I was only uploading drawings to my Instagram. But then, someone wanted to get a tattoo of one of my drawings.

My friend, who was a tattooist at the time, gave him a tattoo based on my drawing. And it made me feel so proud. That was when I realized tattoos could be a permanent medium for my art. This concept was so fascinating that it encouraged me to start tattooing.

  • How do you come up with a tattoo idea? Where do you find inspiration?

I get inspired by my experiences and the photos I take.

I have been to places where nature was just gorgeous. And I couldn’t help drawing them down or taking photos of them. These precious memories become my fountain of inspiration.

  • Do you design the tattoos ahead or on set with the clients?

Most of my tattoos are based on stories and memories. So when a customer tells me their story, I draw it and send it to them by e-mail in advance. And they make some tweaks to their liking.

  • You have tattooed several cartoon characters or Disney characters. Which one is your favorite?

I like Disney movies very much, especially Winnie the Pooh. I’ve been working on a Pooh painting recently, and I like it a lot.

  • Can you share with us a tattoo and the inspiration behind it?

This question reminds me of Debussy’s music. The work is a painting I drew while listening to Debussy’s Moonlight. I’ve put all the emotions I had then into the painting, and it captured the moment perfectly. That’s why this tattoo holds a special place in my heart.

  • Which placement will you suggest for most people?

I will recommend the upper arm because it has enough space and it’s easier to take care. Thus the tattoos maintain better.

  • Do you have a tattoo yourself?

Yes, I do. I got it from my teacher Sol. It’s a tattoo of Prague Castle based on a photo I took. I went there with my mom, and thus, the tattoo reminds me of the happy time we had together.

  • What is the most challenging tattoo you have ever done? What makes it so difficult?

The most challenging tattoo I’ve done so far is a cover-up tattoo. The client wanted a tattoo to hide her Mongolian spots. The challenge is to find a pattern in proper colors that matches the spots. But it turned out to be a beautiful design.

  • In your opinion, what is a good tattoo?

I think a good tattoo has to be personal. That means the design carries a meaning that is special to the wearer. After all, no matter how others see it, if it’s a meaningful tattoo, it’s a good one.

  • Have you tattooed yourself?

I’ve only done it once. It isn’t easy because, usually, tattooing requires both hands.

This tattoo is my first self-tattoo. It was an experiment, and I was very nervous in the process. Luckily it turned out to be a beautiful tattoo.

  • What design will you suggest as a first tattoo?

I highly recommend flower tattoos. They are versatile because they can be big or small and still be beautiful. It will be even better if the flower holds a special meaning. For example, birth flowers are a good idea.

  • Does the pandemic change your life and work as a tattooist?

Yes, it does.

Before the pandemic, I had a lot of international clients. But as overseas traveling becomes more difficult now, the number of international tourists decreases. So does international bookings.

Moreover, fewer domestic clients are getting tattoos as well. Covid has been very severe in South Korea recently, and many are infected. That resulted in canceled or postponed reservations.

But I try my best not to be discouraged by the situation. On the contrary, the more difficult the time is, the more I want to give strength to others through my art. That’s why I have focused on drawing bright and uplifting paintings lately.

  • Besides tattooing, what are your hobbies or things you love to do?

My hobby is making pottery. I majored in ceramics in college. (My major has become a hobby. haha )Sometimes I draw my pictures on pottery and make cute motifs.

  • What is your goal as an artist? Any plans recently?

I always enjoy meeting new people, especially those from different cultural backgrounds. And maybe I will do guest work or live in another country in the future.

16 BEST HAND TATTOOS FOR MEN

Hand tattoos for men have risen in popularity, serving as a bold statement of personal style and self-expression. Unlike tattoos that stay hidden under clothing, hand tattoos are always on display, making them a powerful symbol of individuality. However, their visibility means choosing the right design, placement, and skilled artist is key. Scroll down to explore 16 striking hand tattoo ideas.

ROSE HAND TATTOO FOR MEN

A rose tattoo is a timeless and masculine choice. With detailed shading and thoughtful color selection, you can enhance its appeal. A large, lifelike rose covering the front of the hand and extending toward the fingers or wrist makes for a stunning piece.

For a more dramatic effect, deep crimson ink can create a bold and striking bouquet. On the other hand, a simple black outline along the edge of the hand offers a sleek, understated look.

UNIQUE HAND TATTOOS FOR MEN

If you want to stand out, consider a unique hand tattoo that reflects your personality. Collaborating with an experienced tattoo artist can help bring your vision to life, whether it’s a futuristic bionic hand, an abstract design, or a highly detailed cityscape. Fine linework and intricate detailing can make these tattoos truly one-of-a-kind.

MEANINGFUL HAND TATTOOS FOR MEN

A meaningful tattoo can capture significant moments, emotions, or personal values. Some men choose designs that represent parenthood, love, or loss, while others opt for symbols like initials, infinity signs, flowers, or motivational quotes. Whether large or small, a well-thought-out meaningful tattoo can serve as a lifelong reminder of what’s important.

FINGER TATTOOS FOR MEN

Finger tattoos are a minimalist yet stylish option. They may be small, but they pack a punch in terms of meaning and style. Common choices include moons, waves, flowers, stars, and geometric patterns. Keep in mind that finger tattoos tend to fade faster and are more painful to get, but they remain an attractive and meaningful choice.

CLOCK HAND TATTOO

A clock tattoo symbolizes time, mortality, and life’s fleeting nature. Many men choose clock tattoos to commemorate special moments or personal milestones. For a striking look, consider adding skeleton details, roses, or a photorealistic design that spans the hand.

ILLUMINATI HAND TATTOO

The all-seeing eye within a triangle is a powerful and mysterious symbol often associated with the Illuminati. This design represents wisdom, knowledge, and control over one’s destiny. It’s a fierce and popular choice for men who want to showcase their strength and awareness.

SMALL HAND TATTOOS FOR MEN

For those who prefer a more subtle approach, small hand tattoos offer a refined and meaningful way to express yourself. Simple designs like a skull, compass, arrow, or short quote can make a strong impact. Minimalist tattoos with clean outlines often work best, as complex shading may not hold up well over time.

TIGER HAND TATTOO

A tiger tattoo represents strength, power, and determination. A well-executed tiger design, featuring bold linework and vibrant orange or yellow tones, makes a fierce and eye-catching statement. Adding jungle elements like leaves can enhance the overall effect.

JOKER-INSPIRED HAND TATTOO

For fans of the Joker, a hand tattoo inspired by this iconic character adds an edgy and rebellious touch. Whether based on Heath Ledger, Joaquin Phoenix, or Jared Leto’s version, Joker tattoos often feature vibrant green, red, and blue ink to capture his chaotic and fearless spirit.

MEDUSA HAND TATTOO

Medusa tattoos have gained popularity for their deep symbolism and striking visuals. In Greek mythology, Medusa represents protection against evil and the defiance of victimization. A well-shaded Medusa tattoo, with captivating details in the eyes and lips, creates a hauntingly beautiful design.

SPIRITUAL HAND TATTOOS FOR MEN

Spiritual tattoos often reflect personal beliefs and values. Crosses, images of Jesus, scriptures, or other religious symbols can serve as a source of inspiration and strength. Spiritual tattoos don’t have to be religious; they can represent anything deeply meaningful to the wearer.

BOLD AND TRENDY HAND TATTOOS FOR MEN

For those who want an eye-catching design, bold hand tattoos like lions, skulls, and eagles offer a powerful look. Detailed patterns, such as skeletons gripping snakes or realistic roses with thorns, add depth and drama. Extending the tattoo into the wrist or forearm enhances the overall effect.

COLORFUL HAND TATTOOS FOR MEN

Adding color to your tattoo can make it more dynamic and visually appealing. Whether opting for Japanese, neo-traditional, or Americana styles, vibrant ink enhances the impact of the design. However, keep in mind that colored tattoos may require touch-ups over time to maintain their vibrancy.

SKELETON HAND TATTOO

A skeleton tattoo represents transformation, mortality, and strength. Designs featuring realistic bones, skulls, or hourglasses create an eerie yet stylish effect. A simple black ink outline of skeleton fingers across the hand can also be a fun and unique choice.

SNAKE HAND TATTOO

Snake tattoos are versatile and symbolize wisdom, transformation, and danger. A snake winding across the back of the hand or wrapping around the wrist creates a striking visual. With their adaptability, snake tattoos remain a timeless favorite among men.

CROWN HAND TATTOO

A crown tattoo symbolizes power, leadership, and self-confidence. Whether designed with bold black ink or enhanced with gold and jewel tones, a crown tattoo serves as a regal reminder of one’s ambitions and authority.

CONCLUSION

These hand tattoo ideas range from bold and dramatic to simple and meaningful. Whether you’re looking for something artistic, symbolic, or deeply personal, a well-executed tattoo can make a powerful statement.