We had the good fortune of connecting with Vivi He and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Vivi, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I aim to blend my art with the human form, crafting pieces that are uniquely creative. Each work departs with the client, not meant to last forever. If my tattoo art can bring a sense of beauty to people during their lifetime, that’s what matters.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I used to be a college professor teaching traditional Chinese painting in China, covering areas such as traditional Chinese ink painting, florals and animals painting landscape painting, and portraiture.

After immigrating to the United States, I discovered a new way to communicate my art with the local community—through tattoos. A good tattoo artist is, first and foremost, an artist with a refined aesthetic sense. The challenge lies in the fusion of art and practice, as human skin differs from paper or canvas, requiring extensive practice.

Overcoming these challenges, I personalize tattoo designs based on individual preferences and characteristics. This sets tattooing apart from personal painting. Through the tattooing process, I not only meet clients’ needs but also introduce them to diverse cultural art styles, fulfilling my goal of cultural exchange. I’ve learned a lot about local customs and traditions, making the whole experience joyful. I plan to continue this unique journey, bridging cultures through my art.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would recommend visiting the Huntington Library, Getty Museum, and enjoying walks along various beaches. In winter, you can go skiing at Big Bear Lake. There are many great restaurants, and I recommend one called Cha Cha’s Latin Kitchen, which has locations in both Brea and Irvine.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My dad has been a huge support – an incredible musician, particularly skilled in preserving and sharing traditional Chinese music and culture. His encouragement sparked my vision to spread the richness of Chinese traditional arts worldwide. He always says, “Contributing a little to global cultural exchange is our role. If we can involve exceptional artists from various fields, our perspective widens, enriching the quality of human spiritual life.” Kudos to him!

Website: viviartstudio.com

Instagram: vivi_tattooer

Image Credits
Vivi He

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