Jiyu (pronounced 'jee-yoo'), a Melbourne-based tattoo artist, creates unique works of art by blending elements of nature and cultural influences. Originally from South Korea, she made Melbourne her home in 2010. Her journey into tattooing began during her Bachelor of Fine Arts studies, where she discovered a deep passion for the craft. This passion led her to pause her academic pursuits in 2014 and fully dedicate herself to tattooing. Today, she runs her private studio, Mid City Tattoo, located in the heart of Melbourne's CBD.
Jiyu’s work is deeply inspired by the beauty of nature, as well as traditional Korean Minhwa, Japanese ukiyo-e, and the refined aesthetics of both Eastern and Western art. She translates these influences into tattoos, characterised by delicate lines and understated black-and-grey shading. Each design is thoughtfully tailored to flow with the natural contours of the body, making every tattoo a unique expression of the individual's form and identity.