RIZN: Korean Tattoo Artist in London Making Waves Globally

London’s tattoo scene is constantly evolving, and one artist making a notable impression is RIZN. RIZN, a Korean tattoo artist in London, is renowned for blending traditional East Asian artistry with modern realism in her ink. From her fine art beginnings in South Korea to sought-after guest spots around the world, she has cultivated a truly global following. In this article, we explore RIZN’s journey – her background, unique tattoo style, international collaborations, and the recognition she’s earned both online and in the tattoo community.

RIZN brings her Korean fine art roots to life during her London guest sessions.

Early Artistic Journey

RIZN’s path to tattooing was unconventional and rooted in fine art. Before ever picking up a tattoo machine, she spent years as a visual artist. According to an interview in Scene360 magazine, RIZN “exhibited installation art and painted professionally for over six years” before transitioning to tattoosscene360.com. This rich art background gave her a solid foundation in composition and technique when she eventually turned to skin as her canvas.

After honing her craft in Seoul, RIZN later relocated her base to Busan, South Korea, where she established a private studio to better realise her artistic vision. In an update to fans, she announced “I moved my Korean studio to Busan. I’m happy to be able to invite customers to a cozy and private space”instagram.com. This move allowed her to welcome clients into an intimate, appointment-only setting where she could create without distractions. RIZN’s journey from gallery exhibitions to a private Busan studio illustrates her evolution from fine artist to tattoo artist, all while maintaining the same dedication to creative expression.

A glimpse of RIZN’s signature realism style, crafted while visiting the UK.

Tattoo Style and Influences

RIZN’s tattoo style reflects her deep artistic roots and cultural heritage. She specialises in intricate designs that blend traditional Oriental motifs with realistic detail and precision. Nature is a major theme in her work – from wind-swept trees and delicate flora to animals and sweeping landscapes – often rendered in a refined black-and-grey palette. She notes that she “usually [draws] oriental, realism, tree, and nature” inspired tattoosinstagram.com, but she also welcomes diverse ideas, adapting each piece to her client’s story. Many of her designs have a distinctive aesthetic, sometimes incorporating bold framing elements (such as rectangular borders or red sun-like backdrops) to highlight the subject. This approach gives her tattoos the feel of miniature paintings, evoking the elegance of East Asian ink art fused with the modernity of realism.

From Busan to London, RIZN continues to share her unique artistic vision internationally.

Colour is used selectively in RIZN’s portfolio, making certain pieces stand out as vivid works of art. For instance, she might place a crimson red geometric shape behind a black ink silhouette of a tree to evoke a sunrise or sunset, creating dramatic contrast. This creative use of colour and negative space demonstrates her ability to fuse contemporary art elements with traditional symbolism. Each tattoo is approached as a unique composition – whether it’s a tranquil landscape, a portrait of an animal, or a piece of calligraphy – and the result is an image that is both visually striking and deeply meaningful to the wearer.

Korean technique, London setting — RIZN’s distinctive touch on a global stage.

It’s worth noting that RIZN’s versatility also extends to Korean calligraphy. She even maintains a second Instagram account dedicated entirely to Hangul (the Korean alphabet) tattoosinstagram.com. By creating graceful script designs – from single characters to phrases – she celebrates Korean culture through body art. This side project highlights how RIZN’s influences go beyond nature and imagery; they also encompass the beauty of language and lettering. In all aspects, her style is defined by a marriage of East and West – merging the elegance of Korean and East Asian art traditions with the realism and innovation of the contemporary tattoo world.

Precision and elegance in every stroke, captured while guesting in London.

Global Guest Spots and Travels

In addition to working from her studio in Korea, RIZN frequently takes her talents abroad. She has become a familiar name in London’s tattoo community thanks to regular guest artist appearances. In late 2025, for example, she scheduled a guest residency in Hammersmith Tattoo London in November instagram.com – offering UK clients a coveted chance to get inked by her without travelling to Asia. Such London guest spots often book up quickly, reflecting the high demand for her distinctive style among local tattoo enthusiasts.

Beyond the UK, RIZN has also brought her art to other corners of the globe. She announced a special trip to work with clients in Hong Kong, marking an exciting opportunity for international fans to meet her. Likewise, her travel schedule has included places like Macau (where she visited in mid-August during a recent year) and other international tattoo events. These overseas stints allow RIZN to reach a wider clientele and also to immerse herself in different tattoo scenes. By guest spotting at renowned studios and conventions abroad, she collaborates with other top artists, exchanges techniques, and stays at the forefront of global tattoo trends.

Each international outing is a two-way cultural exchange: RIZN introduces Korean tattoo artistry to new audiences, while bringing back fresh ideas and inspiration to her own work. Her presence in studios from London to Hong Kong not only satisfies the growing global interest in Korean tattoo artists but also cements her reputation as a truly world-class artist. Whether she’s inking a London local or a fellow artist at a convention in Asia, RIZN approaches every guest spot with professionalism and passion, leaving behind impressive artwork and forging connections across the tattoo community.

This session captures the finesse RIZN brings from South Korea to the UK scene.

Collaborations and Sponsorships

RIZN’s rising profile has led to exciting collaborations and partnerships within the tattoo industry. Much of her collaborative work happens organically through her guest spots – by sharing studio space with local artists in each city, she builds rapport and often exchanges creative ideas. These experiences have enabled her to work alongside and learn from other renowned tattooists across Europe and Asia, enhancing her own artistry and fostering a sense of camaraderie wherever she goes. Fellow artists and hosts frequently commend RIZN for her professionalism and the fresh perspective she brings from the Korean tattoo scene.

In addition to these informal collaborations, RIZN has also attracted more formal industry support. Notably, she earned a sponsorship with Raffaello Ink, a renowned brand of tattoo inks known for its vegan-friendly formulas. As a member of “Team Raffaello”instagram.com, RIZN represents the brand’s Black and Grey ink sets, a testament to her skill in those styles. Being a Raffaello sponsored artist is a mark of distinction – it places her among a select group of elite tattooists chosen globally for their talent and influence. This sponsorship provides her access to top-quality inks for her work and connects her with a network of other sponsored artists around the world. It’s both an endorsement of her abilities and a collaboration in its own right, aligning RIZN with the forefront of tattoo innovation (through Raffaello’s research-driven products).

RIZN is continually open to new collaborative projects, whether it’s co-designing a piece with a colleague or participating in art showcases. By engaging in these partnerships, she expands her creative horizons beyond solo work. From Korea’s emerging tattoo studios to established European parlours, RIZN’s name is becoming synonymous with artistic excellence – and her willingness to collaborate and share knowledge is one reason why. These sponsorships and joint efforts underscore her status as an artist who is respected not just by clients, but by peers and industry leaders as well.

An example of Korean tattoo artistry evolving within London’s creative community.

International Recognition and Acclaim

Operating from a country where tattooing has only recently gained legal acceptance, RIZN has nonetheless garnered significant international recognition. Her work has been highlighted by global tattoo media – for instance, Scene360, an art and tattoo publication, featured an in-depth interview with RIZN to discuss how her fine art background influences her tattoo creations scene360.com. In such features, she is often praised for merging contemporary techniques with traditional Korean aesthetics, effectively bridging cultures through ink. These write-ups and interviews have introduced her to readers worldwide, enhancing her profile beyond just social media buzz.

While formal awards at tattoo conventions or competitions are not yet a notable part of RIZN’s story, she measures her success in other ways. The consistent demand for her work – from Asia to Europe – is a strong indicator of the esteem she’s earned. Whenever RIZN announces guest appointments in a new city, the slots fill quickly with clients eager to collect a piece of her art. She also receives invitations from prestigious studios and events, reflecting her reputation among fellow professionals. In a sense, each sponsorship or high-profile guest spot is an accolade, signifying that the industry recognizes her as a leading talent.

As South Korea’s tattoo culture steps onto the global stage, artists like RIZN are being celebrated as trailblazers. Her international activities have not only built her personal brand but have also shone a spotlight on Korean tattoo artistry in general. By excelling abroad, she demonstrates that the creativity coming out of Korea’s once-underground tattoo scene can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the best in the world. RIZN’s growing list of features, sponsorships, and fan-following all speak to one thing: she has achieved a level of international renown that few could have predicted, making her a true ambassador of her craft.

Created in London, inspired by Korean heritage — RIZN’s hallmark visual style.

Social Media Presence and Community

In today’s digital age, much of RIZN’s global reputation has been built via social media. On Instagram, her primary platform, she has amassed over 38,000 followers – a testament to the broad appeal of her work beyond geographical borders. Her Instagram gallery serves as a living portfolio, regularly updated with high-quality photographs of her latest tattoos.

Scrolling through her feed, one finds everything from elegant black-and-grey landscapes to vibrant, experimental designs. Each post is usually accompanied by thoughtful captions, sometimes in both Korean and English, allowing her to engage a diverse audience. Through comments and direct messages, she interacts with fans and potential clients alike, answering questions and showing appreciation for those who admire her art.

Importantly, RIZN’s online presence isn’t limited to just showcasing finished pieces. She often uses Instagram Stories and posts to keep her followers informed about her travel and booking plans. For example, she’ll announce when her London guest slots are opening or share updates about an upcoming Hong Kong trip, ensuring that interested clients have a chance to book with her. This transparency and constant communication have helped build a loyal community around her work. Clients who get tattooed by RIZN often tag her in their own photos, proudly displaying their healed tattoos to spread the word. It creates a ripple effect – word-of-mouth in the digital realm – that has attracted many new followers and clients who discovered her through social media.

Moreover, RIZN’s dedicated Hangul tattoo account (@hangeul__tattoo) is another facet of her social media strategy. By curating a separate space for Korean script tattoos, she taps into a niche interest and shows her range as an artist. Fans of Korean culture or minimalist script tattoos can follow that account for a more focused stream of content. This dual-account approach demonstrates how RIZN tailors her outreach: one account for her general portfolio and international audience, and another for a specific art passion that resonates deeply with her heritage.

Through these platforms, RIZN has effectively transcended geographic boundaries. Someone in London, for instance, can discover her work online, follow her journey, and eventually meet her when she visits the UK. In this way, social media has been instrumental in transforming RIZN from a local Korean talent into an internationally recognized name. Her ability to build and engage with an online community not only showcases her art to the world but also underscores her approachable and passionate personality – traits that endear her to fans and clients everywhere.

RIZN - Korean Tattoo Artist in London

In summary, RIZN stands out as a unique artistic voice in the tattoo world. For London tattoo enthusiasts seeking something beyond the ordinary, her work brings a fresh perspective infused with Korean artistry and personal creativity. From fine art galleries to tattoo studios across continents, RIZN’s journey illustrates how one artist’s dedication and talent can bridge cultures and leave a lasting mark. As she continues to travel, create, and inspire, RIZN embodies the phrase “Korean tattoo artist in London” – and indeed, around the globe – in the most vibrant way possible.