Odni Lim

Odni Lim is a handpoke tattoo artist whose work is deeply rooted in her Korean upbringing and a profound appreciation for tangible art. While studying 3D animation in college, she discovered her passion for creating with her hands, a joyful experience that led her to specialize in handpoke tattooing. This method allows her to express the organic beauty of imperfections, creating subtle, natural, and unique designs on the skin. She finds inspiration in travel and the small details of everyday life, using a calm and introspective process to achieve a peaceful balance between shapes, colors, and compositions. In addition to tattooing, Odni is also a painter, and she is always exploring new ways to translate her artistic vision into both permanent and impermanent forms.

I prefer a quiet, calm environment when working on something that requires creativity. I try to find a peaceful balance between shapes, colors, and compositions—spaces that speak to me. Focusing inward and tuning into myself is essential to my process.

I started taking ceramics classes in college, about eight years ago. At that time, I was studying 3D Animation as my major, which meant I spent a lot of time in front of a computer working on intangible projects. The first time I touched clay, it was a profound shock—like Anton Ego tasting ratatouille in the movie Ratatouille. I experienced pure joy in crafting something tangible with my hands, feeling the textures and movements, for the first time in a while. Over the years, I’ve come to appreciate the beauty of imperfections and the warmth they add—elements I aim to express in my work, which is why I specialize in handpoke tattooing.

Whenever I feel lost or uninspired, I find that taking a break from art helps. Since my full-time job is tattooing, it’s sometimes hard to step back, but I try not to rush taking new projects. Also talking about ideas with my husband, Cody, always gives fresh perspective and encouragement.