The making of a celebrity tattoo artist is difficult to trace. They are not always more talented or visionary than their peers, or more aggressive in their pursuit of the spotlight. The shift to fame can happen seemingly overnight: One day they are toiling away in someone else’s studio, the next day musicians and actors are lining up to be inked by them. So it was for Dr. Woo. Now in his 40s, the LA-based artist’s work first exploded in popularity This story is from Kinfolk Issue Forty-Seven Buy Now Related Stories Arts & Culture Issue 47 My Favorite Thing Tattooist Dr. Woo on the necklace that money can’t buy. Arts & Culture Fashion Issue 38 Needle Work In Seoul, the ancient art of tattoo is thrown into sharp relief. Arts & Culture Issue 49 Karin Mamma Andersson Inside the moody, mysterious world of Sweden’s preeminent painter. Arts & Culture Issue 49 Jenny Odell The acclaimed author in search of lost time. Arts & Culture Issue 49 Amalie Smith The Danish arts writer finding clarity between the lines. Arts & Culture Issue 49 Ryan Heffington Meet the man bringing choreography, community and queer joy to the desert.
Arts & Culture Fashion Issue 38 Needle Work In Seoul, the ancient art of tattoo is thrown into sharp relief.
Arts & Culture Issue 49 Karin Mamma Andersson Inside the moody, mysterious world of Sweden’s preeminent painter.
Arts & Culture Issue 49 Ryan Heffington Meet the man bringing choreography, community and queer joy to the desert.