New York City’s exhibitive tattoo scene is a melting pot of styles and talents, but few artists have embarked on a journey as unique or achieved recognition as rapidly as Sumok Kim. Originally a South Korean children’s book salesman, Kim transformed a burgeoning interest in drawing into a mastery of realist tattooing, now leaving a distinguished mark on clients and conventions alike from his NYC base.
Kim’s path into the world of ink began unexpectedly in 2015. Working at a publishing company, interactions with illustrators sparked a passion for art fundamentally different from his day job. Rather than pursuing traditional artistic education, Kim took a self-taught route, leveraging online resources and learning from fellow artists – a testament to his dedication and inherent talent. This foundation quickly evolved into a specialization in realist tattooing, particularly in striking black and grey.
What defines Kim’s work is his exceptional eye for detail, creating photorealistic pieces that possess a timeless quality. His early focus on the natural environment and animal portraits allowed him to hone his skills in rendering intricate textures and depth. While these remain integral, Kim is now exploring Eastern-themed subjects, weaving cultural narratives into his art. This evolution underscores his philosophy, as he shared in an interview: “I appreciate that there is no limit to improvement in tattooing; there is always something new to learn.”
Kim’s technical expertise and artistic scope have not gone unnoticed. He is a celebrated winner on the competitive tattoo convention circuit, recently dominating categories at the NY Empire State Tattoo Expo and the Vancouver Tattoo Show with multiple first and second-place awards for large realism and black and grey work, including “Best of Show” in Vancouver 2024. His standing is further cemented by accolades such as being named among the top 10 tattoo artists in New York City by Ink On Sky for 2025
Having worked globally in significant tattoo hubs like Toronto, Vancouver, and Seoul before settling in New York, Kim offers insights into cultural differences within the craft. He notes a distinction between a focus on aesthetic coolness in Korea and a greater emphasis on meaning and storytelling in the West – a perspective he seems to embrace as he delves into subject matter rich with symbolism, such as Eastern mythology and the powerful imagery of Samurai.
Now as an ambassador for Mast Tattoo Needles’ Pro Team and with a significant online following exceeding 60,000 on Instagram, Sumok Kim is not resting on his laurels. His plans for 2025 involve traveling across the US to attend more conventions, sharing his award-winning work and continuing in his relentless pursuit of artistic growth. From an unconventional start, Sumok Kim has undoubtedly become a key figure in the contemporary realist tattoo landscape, proving that passion, dedication, and a commitment to lifelong learning that can redefine the boundaries of art on skin.
