Pen & Paper: Miki Kim

Miki Kim, a South Korean illustrator and tattoo artist, is redefining the phrase “face value” with her unique artwork. By merging human forms with fantasy, she gives ordinary objects and animals an anthropomorphic twist. Tears cascade into elegant martini glasses, Otafuku masks grin broadly in place of teeth, and slender, elongated women exude a seductive mantis-like appeal – these are just some elements of her distinctive style that she’s carefully crafted over the years.

She shares with Hypeart that there’s a common belief among many that Koreans have a humorous nature. At times, she attempts to convey her artwork in a similar vein. Her illustrations, with their subtle hints of satire, reflect this attitude, frequently pushing boundaries with vibrant color palettes, skillful linework, and unconventional arrangements.

In the heart of Seoul, I, Kim, navigate a gray area of law as a tattoo artist, where the art of tattooing is still considered illegal. Despite these constraints, my unique and surreal designs continue to captivate audiences beyond the borders of my homeland, earning me an international fanbase that transcends the limitations set by this restriction.

Kim has solidified herself as a creative powerhouse through partnerships with brands like Gucci and Marine Serre. In 2024, she experienced significant growth, venturing into fresh artistic domains. Notably, she designed cover art for MEOVV, a girl group under THEBLACKLABEL, and held her first solo exhibition at the Waiting Room in Taipei. Reflecting on the year, she expressed that each project presented a unique hurdle to overcome.

In the latest issue of Pen & Paper magazine, we had an enlightening conversation with the artist about her transformation over the past year, her sources of inspiration, and where she intends to head in the future.





“I hope people can empathize, find comfort and be healed by my art.”

How would you describe your signature style?

I think my art has a subversive, surreal and psychedelic feel.

Have your artwork’s figures frequently undergo an unusual or thought-provoking transformation? Is it due to your background as a tattoo artist that you portray the human form in such unique ways within your illustrations, or is this artistic style something that has felt instinctive to you?

I have a knack for finding beauty in everyday objects by viewing them from unique angles. When I examine things closely, they seem to come alive, almost like characters. My artwork is a reflection of my feelings, so I’m particularly attracted to drawing human bodies and faces.

How do you want your art to make your audience feel?

As a creator, I yearn for my art to resonate with others, offering a sense of understanding, solace, and healing. I aspire that it may ignite diverse perspectives, making it accessible and enjoyable for all.

In what ways do your background as a Korean artist and your upbringing influence the subjects you address in your artworks?

During my teenage phase, I resided in the vibrant city of Busan. As a youngster, I found great pleasure in watching VHS tapes and television. Despite the prohibition of Japanese culture during that era, Busan’s proximity to Japan allowed us to catch glimpses of Japanese channels like NHK on our TV screens. This exposure has significantly shaped my interests ever since.

In essence, since Busan is a coastal city, it offers easy access to the ocean, providing an opportunity for me to visit the sea whenever I desire. When the demands of work became overwhelming or when I needed a mental break, I would head to the beach to unwind and clarify my thoughts. This was particularly significant for me.

Could you share what is it about Satoshi Kon’s movies that stir emotions within you or inspire you deeply?

I enjoy Satoshi Kon’s movies, and there’s a certain nostalgic sensibility about them that harks back to the early 2000s. These films exude a cozy charm typical of anime from that era. Although artistic styles and narratives change over time, the visual storytelling in these movies is both sophisticated and artistically compelling.






“I was just a person who loved drawing so this suggestion felt like a ray of light.”

Could you share some insights on the process behind putting together your showcase last month at The Waiting Room in Taipei, where you displayed an array of your creations, including designs, clothing items, and skate decks? I’m curious to learn more about it.

One time, I got an email from Thrix, who manages The Waiting Room, proposing a temporary exhibition there. Excited by the opportunity, I agreed. As The Waiting Room is a venue influenced by skateboard culture, I decided to create skate decks and clothing for the event, which I’ve long been eager to do since it aligns with my interests in both skateboarding and fashion design.

Your designs often blend folklore with pop cultural elements. What draws you to this work?

I draw inspiration from the rich world of traditional Asian art, encompassing intricate Korean folk paintings, captivating Japanese woodblock prints, and exquisite Chinese porcelain artistry. This art form beautifully combines delicacy and elegance with a sense of purity and power that never fails to impress.

Could you share with me how you first began your career as a tattoo artist, and if there’s a specific event or piece of artwork that initially captivated you about this art form?

Building personal relationships is truly significant. My journey into this field began when my friend’s partner was a skilled tattoo artist. At that point, I was engaged in sales work, and he intriguingly proposed the idea of learning tattooing to me. Initially, my aspiration lay in the realm of drawing, but I never fathomed such a lifestyle as I hadn’t majored in it. However, his suggestion seemed like a beacon of hope to me, someone who cherished art deeply.

Over time, as I encountered different individuals, there grew within me a desire to have a personal tattoo. Initially, I opted for a straightforward star design, but subsequently discovered that this identical star tattoo is commonly associated with Russian criminal subcultures.






“Just enjoy the trip.”

As someone passionate about breaking down tattoo taboos, especially in South Korea where it can be quite challenging to work as an artist, I’m constantly driven by my love for self-expression and the desire to help others express themselves freely too. Despite the hurdles, the joy of creating meaningful body art that resonates with people keeps me going strong.

In Korea, tattooing remains prohibited, yet it brings me immense joy to see individuals drawn to my craft, venturing to have my designs permanently inked onto their skin.

In Korea, I don’t get many opportunities for tattoo work, which gives me plenty of time to focus on drawing instead. Fortunately, my experience in tattooing allows me to earn a living through art. If not for tattooing, I might still be searching for the right path in life.

What advice would you give to aspiring illustrators looking to break into the tattoo scene?

Just enjoy the trip.

What’s next in the world of Miki Kim? What can we expect to see in the future?

Currently, I don’t possess a personal studio in Seoul, but I’ve got exciting plans underway to change that in the near future. I’m keen on broadening my artistic horizons and exploring various genres, using an assortment of materials beyond digital drawings or tattoos on skin. My creative journey has led me towards textiles and recently, I’ve been immersing myself in the study of ceramics as well. It’s my aspiration to establish a stronger identity as Miki Kim, the artist, rather than just being recognized as a tattooist.

All artwork courtesy of Miki Kim for Hypeart.

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2025-01-15 18:56