Soot Tattoos
When a Korean-German-American starts a tattoo studio
Embedded Files
What happens when a Korean German American individual goes searching for something beyond the golden chains of a 9 to 5 life? Soot Tattoos is a studio born from a need to express what cannot be explained, an outlet for stories, marks, and memories that demand to be seen.
Role.
Graphic Designer
Collaborators.
Daniel Seong
Duration.
March 2025 (2 weeks)
Tools.
Illustrator
Photoshop
Branding
Hexagonal forms found in Korean architecture became the foundation for Soot Tattoo’s outer mark. Inside, the text-based logo draws from brush strokes, stacked to create balance within its irregularity.
Moodboard
For a tattoo brand that uses social media as its main medium of communication and marketing, visual consistency is key. I guided Daniel to use black and white photography to highlight the strokes he specializes in and keep the brand visually clear.
Texture & Material
This moodboard explores textures and materials that support the main tattoo work. From brush strokes to charcoal forms, Daniel uses these references to guide feeling, form, and depth in his designs.
Cultural Context
This moodboard offers a visual link to Daniel’s heritage. It reflects the history, structure, and rhythm that shape his perspective. These references serve not only as inspiration, but as a foundation for future branding and art direction. They bring depth to the story behind each tattoo and can guide everything from visual collateral to tone.
Social Media
A preview to show the flexibility of the logo across different placements.
Art Direction
The same image can tell a different story depending on how it’s framed. Cropping, zoom, and placement — whether left, right, or centered — all shift the mood and focus.
Storytelling
Storytelling helps the artist feel human, turning trust into connection.
Microsite
A clean microsite created to book, explore the brand, and learn more about the artist.
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Google Sites
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