Beyond the Needle with Jason Kim

(This article was written by Beth Marie Cantu Ensign and was featured in the April 2026 issue of Explore Harlingen Magazine.)

Every tattoo artist has a story that begins long before their first needle ever touches skin. For tattoo artist Jason Kim, that story stretches across continents, cultures, and years of dedication to mastering both art and craft.

Photo courtesy of Jason Kim.

Jaehun “Jason” Kim’s journey into tattooing was anything but conventional. Growing up in South Korea, he later spent several years living in the Philippines during high school, where he first learned to speak English. After completing military service, he moved again–this time to Australia. It was there that his casual habit of sketching began to evolve into something more serious.

“I was doodling on a sketchbook and everything, and then suddenly I thought, what about starting to do tattoos?” he recalled.

At 24, Kim returned to Korea to pursue tattooing professionally, beginning a formal apprenticeship that would shape the foundation of his career. The training required patience, discipline, and time–two full years before he was allowed to tattoo on skin.

When that moment finally arrived, the memory stuck with him.

“I remember it very clearly. It was both exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. Tattooing felt very different from drawing on paper because the skin moves and the work becomes permanent. That moment made me realize how much responsibility tattooing carries, and it motivated me to take the craft seriously and keep improving.”

Those early years were defined by constant learning. Kim studied at art school while also working in a tattoo studio, refining his technical skills and artistic voice. His earliest influences came from mentors who specialized in very different tattoo traditions.

After years of travel–including working in multiple countries and attending international tattoo conventions– Kim eventually made his way to South Texas. When he first arrived in the Rio Grande Valley (the “Valley”), the cultural landscape immediately stood out.

Photo courtesy of Jason Kim.

“I came over here and I saw all the taco restaurants and everything, and then I realized this is like a border town… and I fell in love with it.”

Today the Valley has become part of his story as an artist– a place where he continues to grow his craft and connect with clients from diverse backgrounds.

Many of his clients come to him with ideas connected to family, personal memories, or important life events–stories that can leave a lasting impression on the artist as well.

Kim reflected on how meaningful those connections can become.

“When they come in, they’re just a client, but after that we become friends,” he said with a gentle laugh. “Because I listen to all their stories.”

Photo courtesy of Jason Kim.

Those stories often shape the tattoos themselves, pushing Kim to create art that captures both emotion and realism. That sense of connection continues to influence the tattoos he creates.

“My style is primarily black and grey realism. I focus on depth, emotion, and smooth tonal transitions to create tattoos that feel natural and timeless. I also pay a lot of attention to how the design flows with the body, so the tattoo feels like it belongs to the person wearing it.”

For Kim, tattooing isn’t simply about placing an image onto skin. Each design is carefully constructed to move with the body’s natural shape and structure.

During the design process, he begins by learning the story behind the tattoo.

“I begin by listening carefully to the client’s story and understanding the meaning behind their idea. Then I gather references, develop it, and design the piece so that it flows naturally with the body.”

Photo courtesy of Jason Kim.

That collaborative approach allows him to create deeply personal pieces for each client.

Looking back on his career so far, Kim sees tattooing as something far deeper than a job and believes every tattoo represents more than an image–it’s a story permanently carried by the person who wears it. “To me, tattooing is more than a profession. It is a lifelong artistic practice and a way of connecting with people through their stories.”

And in a profession built on permanence, that personal connection is exactly what makes art endure.

Those interested in viewing Kim’s work can find him on Instagram (@jasonkim.tattoo) or contact him via email at crazyjasontattoo@gmail.com.