Jul 303 min read

Shiryu Seoul - South Korea // New York USA @Tattooist_Shiryu TATTOO STUDIO: The Stream of Times

Meet Shiryu, a visionary tattoo artist whose journey from curiosity to mastery is as captivating as his art. With a background rooted in New School Irezumi, Shiryu has evolved his craft into the distinctive Neo-Japanese style. His designs, driven by a fusion of traditional and contemporary influences, reflect his deep dedication to creating unique, personal artworks. Based in a challenging environment where tattooing remains controversial, Shiryu's innovative approach and commitment to his craft shine through his every piece. In this interview, he shares insights into his creative process, the evolution of his style, and his future aspirations.

1. How did you discover your passion for tattooing and

what led you to specialize in the neo-Japanese style?

At first, I was intrigued by the idea of getting a tattoo myself. I found it fascinating and cool to have an indelible piece of art on my body for the rest of my life. This curiosity led me to start tattooing. Initially, I studied New School Irezumi for about 10 years. Over time, I felt the urge to create my own unique style. As I gradually developed my technique, I evolved into the Neo-Japanese style that defines my work today.

2. You have a unique style. How do you find inspiration

for your designs?

Do you use traditional drawing techniques or digital

tools to develop your designs? How do you decide

which technique to use?

I don't think it's possible to get new inspiration from other tattooists' works anymore. Of course, we can get ideas for reference, but it's hard to create a completely different, never-before-seen style of work. This is because so many ideas have already been expressed as tattoos. That's why I get ideas through art forms other than tattoos. I use digital tools, primarily iPads. Until about 7-8 years ago, I designed with paper and pencil, but I don't do that anymore.

3. How have you seen your technique and style evolve

over the years? Is there any innovation you have

recently incorporated?

Of course, there has been enough growth in techniques.

But for now, I think style is more important than

techniques, so for now, I'm studying 20 percent

techniques and 80 percent design and style

The biggest recent development was creating own my

background style.

4. Would you say that tattooing has changed your life?

Of course. Tattoos have changed my life very

significantly.

It changed my life by tattooing on my body, and it

changed a lot in my life as a tattooist.

5. Has your journey as a tattoo artist been a long one?

Well, if it's long to long and short to short, it was short.

It's been 16 years since I got a tattoo. I still have a long

way to go. Won't I do it for at least 20 more years?

6. How do you see yourself today in your profession and

artistic development?

Tattoos are still illegal in Korea, and the public's perception is not favorable. In fact, I believe it's one of the hardest countries in the world to survive as a tattooist. That's why I'm planning to leave Korea. No matter how hard I try to develop my profession and art, it's futile if the country doesn't recognize it. My only option is to leave Korea as soon as possible.

7. Do you often travel, attend events, or conduct

seminars? Or do you mainly work in your country?

I prefer to stay in one place for a long time, so I don't usually travel around. However, this will change once I leave my country.

8. What are your plans for the rest of the year?

My plan for the rest of this year is to complete all the large tattoo pieces I have scheduled and then leave the country. Starting next year, I plan to participate in overseas tattoo conventions.