EUN

For decades, tattoo artists have been choosing their own names and developing their brand through an artistic alter ego. You may not be familiar with the names Norman Keith Collins, Katherine Von Drachenberg or Mark Machado, but you've certainly heard of Sailor Jerry, Kat Von D and Mister Cartoon. For Eun, she chose the name Ink Traveler to fulfill her deepest desires. She wanted to travel the world and give people stunning micro realism tattoos-now she's doing just that. We caught up with Eun while she was guesting at Inked NYC to learn about her inspirations, how she fell in love with micro tattooing and much more.

How did you decide on your moniker, Ink Traveler?

I wanted to be a traveler who goes around the world with tattoos. I worked for a design company for a long time, but then I quit my job and went on a trip to give a new stimulus to my life that seemed to be falling behind. After traveling around the world for almost a year, I decided to try finding a new job. At first, I was a freelance designer and I worked on designing mobile ads, websites, illustrations, stickers, etc. I also worked as a barista and a painting instructor and I taught illustration painting for online classes. However, while looking for a more enjoyable job, I found tattooing.

What are your favorite places you've traveled to for guest spots?

It's definitely New York. It was so good to meet so many people and there are many different types of people in New York. I've traveled to many places, but New York was the first place I traveled to for work. I met so many great friends, I feel like I've made another hometown.

Which artists inspired you to start tattooing?

I'm inspired by Ziho, Eva Krbdk, Edit Paints, Q Tattoos and Coldgray. But there are so many other artists that I love.

What have you learned from the other artists you've tattooed with around the world?