Anki Suen | Chinese calligraphy tattoo artist - Pursuing a happy life
At the age of 25, Anki quit a job she loved, but which limited her creativity. She became a tattoo artist, taking back her voice in creation and became her own boss. Let’s follow her along this journey.
“Time slips by and may run out at any moment. The most important question is how to live out my ideal life with the limited time that I have.”
Journalist: Onehungrycoconut
Photos: Provided by interviewee
Translator: Tea Leaf
Editorial: Snowyeok, Fuigei, CurryPoo, Zucchhi
I became a tattoo artist not because of anything like ‘love at the first sight’. I got my first tattoo at 23, but that didn’t inspire me to make this my career. The connection with this profession could probably be traced back to my interest in drawing since I was little. Therefore, after graduation I wished to pursue a career in artistic creation. I longed to work in visual merchandising, but I hadn’t taken the relevant courses. I worked in different fields and drew upon those experiences before I went into visual merchandising.
Taking charge of my own finite life
The idea of becoming a tattoo artist came about because I found that there was not much space to be creative in visual merchandising. To put it straight, it was just executing the clients’ plans within their budgets. Besides, not only did the long working hours mess up my biological clock, but I also felt drained dealing with office politics. Instead of working my finger to the bone for the company, why not find a job which allows my voice to be heard with simpler interpersonal relations?
Time slips away and may run out at any moment. The most important question is how to live out my ideal life within the limited time that I have. There are people around us who love to give their opinions, even imposing their views on us and influencing our decisions. I ‘listen’ to their ‘advice’ while telling myself not to be distracted and to focus on my goals.
Tattoos are not child’s play
I didn’t give it too much thought. I left my old job without hesitation even if I was burning bridges behind me. I found a tattoo artist that I respected and became an apprentice. Dedicated tattoo apprentices become rare these days. I’ve come across some who became tattoo artists after taking short courses that lasted for just two to three months ; some self-studied on YouTube as well.
When I was an apprentice, I learned that there is much more behind tattoos than the temporary tattoos we played with as children. It is not just about picking a pretty pattern from a catalogue and putting it on our bodies for the rest of our lives. Tattoos have a long history and signify glory or the transition into adulthood in many cultures. Sailors used to get a certain tattoo after completing a particular voyage to commemorate the trip.
Whether or not a particular tattoo design is beautiful is personal and subjective. For me, a good design should look balanced, matching the curves of the muscle and the owner’s charisma. Aside from tattoo techniques, what matters most are the professional ethics I learnt from my teacher. Should I tattoo their lover’s name? Or some currently popular fad? I usually decline these requests and ask the client to have second thoughts. What about adopting designs from famous tattoo artists? No, intellectual property should be respected.
Discussing and communicating with clients, drafting, and inking the tattoo are an innovative and creative process- it is my source of satisfaction. I prefer tattoos in Chinese style of ink wash painting. The human body serves as a canvas.Finishing colouring doesn’t mean the work ends here. Freshly finished tattoos look a bit moist as if the ink hasn't dried. As time goes by, the colour changes, just like paintings. This is another reason why I am hooked on it.
Travelled around the world, but my heart is still in Hong Kong
I am grateful that this job grants me opportunities to work in different cities around the world such as Taipei, London, and Amsterdam. Different cultures view tattoos differently.
I remember when I was in Amsterdam, very few Dutch people came and got tattoos. They said it was probably because the Dutch were satisfied with their lives so they didn’t need tattoos.
Everytime I come back to Hong Kong from abroad, I am surprised at my indescribable feelings towards this city. For instance, the first time I went to Taipei for a tattoo event, I never expected myself to be homesick within a week. The directness of Cantonese and the familiarity of Hong Kong streets make me feel naturally relaxed. As the pandemic began to spread, I cut my UK trip short to come back earlier.
Many worry about declining job prospects and facing the unknowns of the future. However, I just take things as they come. I make use of my free time to practice calligraphy and painting, strengthening foundational skills and preserving my ability. Time passes. Even if we feel like we are powerless and losing control in these tough times, we cannot complain our way to a happy life. We have to take action to change what we can.
“I am Anki Suen. I am a HKer.”
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This article was featured on Apply Daily English Version. See the article @ https://hk.appledaily.com/feature/20210522/RKP6Y7QINBDBLA7TLZ4UQTJVYY/