Light and shadow, life and death, skulls and balloons. In the poetic and symbolic world of Barim, contrast becomes creation. Originally from South Korea, Barim has been developing a distinctive black and grey graphic style since 2008. In this interview he speaks of human experience, emotion, and transformation. After many years working in his home country, in recent times he has brought his art overseas, at tattoo convention in Europe, receiving recognition and awards. We caught up with him to dive into his journey, inspirations, and the meaning behind his evocative tattoos.
Hi Barim, where are you from and where do you live now?
I was born and raised in South Korea.
Can you tell us something about your artistic journey?
I started tattooing in Korea in the second half of 2008 and worked there until 2021. Since 2022, I’ve been actively working overseas. In 2023, I participated in the Rouen and Montpellier tattoo conventions in France, where I received awards and got to experience tattoo culture in a broader way.
If possible, I’d love to attend more conventions and keep growing.
How did you get into tattooing?
In 2008, I took a break from college before my senior year. I was feeling anxious and uncertain about the future. While working a few short-term jobs, I randomly came across a tattoo on the internet. As an art major, I was naturally drawn to it and quickly became immersed in tattoo culture.
Where do you currently work?
When I’m in Korea, I rent a booth in a studio. I haven’t run a shop of my own since 2021. Since I travel a lot to work abroad, I prefer this kind of setup.
Let’s talk about your tattoos: why did you choose a black and grey graphic style?
I’ve always loved black ink. It’s fascinating how you can express light and shadow just by playing with ink density—like drawing with a 4B pencil in a sketchbook. That said, I also enjoy working with color. I majored in Western painting, so I’m comfortable using a wide range of tones.
What kind of subjects do you enjoy tattooing?
I’m drawn to subjects that reflect the client’s life story. Recently, I’ve been focusing on the theme of life and death, creating designs that require a detailed and expressive approach.
Are there recurring elements in your work?
Yes—since I often explore the life-and-death motif, skulls are a frequent subject. Another recurring element is the balloon. I love balloons, and I use them symbolically to represent hope, happiness, and dreams. That’s why they often appear in my designs.
How do you approach your clients?
Most clients find me through Instagram DMs or email. Usually, they’re drawn to my work after seeing my posts rather than doing extensive research. So I always try to offer detailed, friendly consultations to help them feel confident about choosing me.
Do they come with a specific idea, or do you create the concept together?
Almost all of them send reference images and a description of what they want. I make a draft based on that, get their feedback, and finalize the design. Occasionally, clients want to control every step of the design, which can be a bit frustrating.
Are you experimenting with new techniques or stylistic directions?
Yes—I’ve been working on developing a more personal style for the past couple of years. I feel like this is the right moment to take things to the next level, so I’m constantly experimenting to improve.
Would you like to add anything for our readers?
Over time, my lifestyle and mindset have changed a lot. But one thing has stayed the same: I’m happy when I see my clients satisfied. I never want to settle—I’ll keep pushing myself to become a better artist.
