From Seoul to Los Angeles, Ogi has built a refined and distinctive voice in the world of Black & Grey Fine Line tattooing. His work blends geometry, minimalism, and symbolism in perfect harmony with the human body, creating designs that flow naturally along the muscles. After years of tattooing in South Korea, he is now part of the well-known NonfromSeoul collective in LA, a creative hub where individual vision and artistic precision meet.
Hi Ogi, welcome to our Tattoo Life space. Where are you from?
Thank you for having me. I’m originally from South Korea and worked as a tattoo artist in Seoul for several years. Now I’m based in Los Angeles, where I continue to develop my work and collaborate with other artists.
You are part of the famous NonfromSeoul tattoo shop in LA. How did you get there, and when?
I joined NonfromSeoul in December 2024, after working as a tattoo artist in Korea for about eight years. The studio felt like a natural next step — it’s a space that values individuality and strong design. I’m very thankful to Q Tattoo, the owner and director of NonfromSeoul, who believed in my work and gave me the opportunity to join the team.
Our creative vision matched naturally, and it’s been an inspiring environment to grow in.
Your style is Black Fine Line, and your subjects are always different. How would you describe your style, and how did you start developing it?
I’d describe my style as Black & Grey Fine Line with geometric flow. I always try to make the design follow the natural movement of the muscles. When I started tattooing, I focused on structure and balance — I wanted every line to feel like it belonged to the body. Over time, I started mixing minimal and ornamental elements to make it more personal and fluid.
Do you have a background in art school? It’s very important to have a good hand in drawing for your style…
Yes, I studied visual design and have always loved drawing since I was a kid. That background definitely helps me when it comes to composition and proportion.
But I also think experience and observation matter more than formal training — every body teaches you something new.
In your style, the use of white ink seems very important. How do you use it?
I use white very carefully, only for small highlights or details that give depth. Too much white can look harsh, so I apply it subtly to balance the contrast and make the piece feel complete.
Are there particular subjects you especially love to work on, the ones that really define you?
I love working on themes that combine nature and symbolism, things like angels, animals, geometric patterns, or mythological elements. They all have stories behind them, and I enjoy expressing those through clean, structured compositions that fit the body naturally.
You have an interest in ancient classical heroes and Roman warriors, is that so?
Yes, I like the concept of strength and discipline that those characters represent. It’s not just about history, but about timeless human qualities, courage, loyalty, and resilience.
Those ideas translate well into Black & Grey Fine Line work.
Looking ahead, what are the next steps you’d like to take?
I plan to continue building my presence in the U.S. while traveling for guest spots in Europe and Asia. I also want to explore collaborations with other artists and expand my creative expression beyond tattooing — maybe through exhibitions or design projects.
Would you like to close this chat with a message?
I just want to thank everyone who appreciates my work. Tattooing has always been about connection for me — between people, stories, and art. I’ll keep growing and creating pieces that flow naturally with the body and carry meaning for both me and my clients.
