From the curiosity of a fifteen-year-old who walked alone into a small tattoo shop in China to being recognized as a judge at major industry events, the journey of tattoo artist Liu Zhenquan, aka Ken, is a blend of passion for art, love for nature, and a constant desire to explore new places.
His tattoos draw inspiration from the tradition of Chinese landscape painting, silently telling stories of mist-covered mountains, delicate flowers, and timeless natural scenes. But beyond the ink lies a curious and grounded artist, always looking toward the horizon. In this interview, Ken opens the doors to his creative universe—one made of inner landscapes, skills honed over the years, and dreams of traveling the world, one tattoo at a time.
Ken, can you tell us about your very first encounter with tattooing?
When I was fifteen, I was curious about everything, so I went alone to a small tattoo shop and got a simple line tattoo—haha. At the time, the tattoo industry in China wasn’t very developed.
After that, I kept getting more and more tattoos, and eventually, I fell in love with tattooing.
How did your background in art, especially landscape painting, influence your tattoo work?
Every tattoo artist is influenced by the styles they love.I was especially drawn to traditional Chinese aesthetics, which has guided my development in that direction.
How would you describe your style and what themes or elements do you prefer to use in your tattoos?
My style is based on traditional Chinese ink landscape painting. I like incorporating ink wash and colored ink elements. I particularly enjoy working with plants, landscapes, and flowers—those are some of my favorite motifs.
What were the biggest challenges you faced when you first started tattooing?
The biggest challenges were my lack of experience at the beginning and a lack of creative inspiration. When designing tattoo drafts, my mind would often go blank. I also faced technical challenges in developing mature tattooing skills.
Where are you from and where are you working now?
I’m from Qingyuan City in Guangdong Province, China. Currently, I work in both Shanghai and Guangzhou.
Winning third place at the Shanghai International Tattoo Art Festival in 2017 was a turning point—how did it change things for you?
It felt like a real recognition of my work. Competing alongside so many talented tattoo artists broadened my perspective. I got to see outstanding pieces, which helped me learn new techniques and deepen my understanding of tattooing.
It also sparked new creative ideas and helped me connect with other amazing tattoo artists.
What did it mean to you to be invited as a judge at two major tattoo events in China in 2024?
It meant that my technical skill was acknowledged by the industry. After so many years in tattooing, it felt like I was finally standing on the stage instead of watching from the audience. I felt proud and validated.
What drives your dream of traveling the world through tattooing?
Traveling the world has always been my dream. Tattooing gives me a way to make that dream a reality. I want to leave my mark on people all over the world, from all walks of life.
You have different passions besides tattooing. What are the major ones?
I love the outdoors and nature-things like fishing, hunting, and wilderness cooking. I enjoy hiking, exploring the jungle, and especially the ocean. The more real and raw the experience, the more I’m drawn to it.
How would you describe yourself as a tattoo artist and as a person?
I’d say I’m bold yet detail-oriented. I like to innovate but still focus on the fine points. My approach is grounded and close to everyday life. I’d also say I have a good sense of humor.
What’s next for you in 2025 and beyond?
I want to travel the world and leave my tattoos on people from different backgrounds. I want to experience the tattoo and art cultures of different countries. I’m striving to become more diverse as an artist. Tattoo cultures in the U.S., Japan, and Europe are especially important for me to study and learn from.
