Meet The Pet Tattooist

Issue #117

November 12th, 2024

Quick Hits:

🥇 Bo is a true good boy! He is also the winner of the 2024 American Humane Hero Dog Awards

🏠 This awesome dad just built the world's biggest (unofficial) dog house

🐕 How many dog breeds are there? Can you guess?

🥗 Tucker’s food reviews are the only food reviews you need to see

💵 Woman charges friend for pet food after they took care of her dog for free

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This week we spoke with talented tattoo artist Yeono who specializes in pet tattoos.

What first sparked your interest in becoming a tattoo artist, and did you always envision specializing in pet tattoos, or did that passion develop over time?

I was lucky to be raised by open-minded parents who supported my passion for tattoo art, introducing me to the culture early on. I began tattooing at 17 and spent several years exploring various styles to broaden my skills. My focus on pet tattoos developed over time as clients shared heartfelt feedback, expressing how deeply they were moved by the lifelike portrayal of their pets. Bringing this kind of joy to people has become incredibly fulfilling for me.

What steps does someone need to take to become a professional tattoo artist? Can you share a bit about your journey?

I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have numerous mentors and teachers along the way who shared their wisdom and encouraged my growth. Their guidance has been invaluable to my journey as both an artist and an individual. My friends and colleagues have also been a great source of support, providing honest feedback and challenging me to improve. We support each other’s progress, and the bonds we share have helped me to grow.

How would you compare the tattoo culture in Korea to that in Los Angeles? Are there any major differences in style or attitude?

Tattoo culture in both Korea and LA is vibrant and unique. In Korea, the tattoo scene has been growing rapidly, often focusing on fine art styles with delicate, detailed designs. Los Angeles, has a broad and diverse tattoo culture with styles ranging from traditional to hyper-realistic and abstract and LA tends to be more open and established as a mainstream industry. 

Why do you think pet tattoos have become so popular? Are many of these tattoos memorials for pets that have passed?

Pet tattoos have become popular because pets hold a unique and deeply emotional place in our hearts. Many clients get pet tattoos as memorials for pets who have passed. They are family members, companions, and sources of unconditional love, so capturing their essence in a tattoo is a meaningful way for people to celebrate that bond. The connection people have with their pets is so profound, and a tattoo allows that connection to live on forever in a beautiful, visible way.

Do you feel that specializing in pet tattoos has helped you stand out more than if you offered a broader range of designs? How has this niche focus impacted your business?

Absolutely! Focusing on pet tattoos has definitely helped me stand out and connect with people on a more personal level. There’s something special about capturing the unique personality and spirit of someone’s beloved pet, and I think it resonates with people in a different way than general tattoo work. It’s brought me wonderful clients who truly value this art form, and I feel lucky to do something so meaningful.

When you tattoo these amazingly realistic tattoos of pets on people’s bodies, are they ever emotional when they see the final product?

Yes, many clients get very emotional when they see the finished tattoo, especially if it’s a memorial for a pet who’s passed. Capturing their beloved companion so vividly often brings back memories, and it’s incredibly meaningful to see their reaction. Moments like these make my work truly rewarding.

Is Instagram your main marketing channel? How did you initially attract clients?

Yes, Instagram is my main marketing channel. My work started to gain recognition as it was reposted by various accounts, allowing more people to see my tattoos. This exposure naturally led to more inquiries from clients, and word-of-mouth from my followers and clients has helped spread the word even further.

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