Tattoo Pioneers: Pinky Yun

How many tattooers could draw two freehand dragons ambidextrously? Only one comes to mind. The legendary Pinky Yun (1927-2010). Born in Guangzhou (formerly Canton), China, Pinky tattooed all across China as well as Japan during the Korean war before his eventual move to the United States (California). Pinky’s tattoos combined Eastern mythologies with Western art, gaining notoriety by collectors and other tattoo trailblazers such as Ed Hardy and Charlie Cartwright.

Pinky Yun always pushed forward, adapting surrounding influences into his style even up until his retirement just one year before his passing. Leaving not just a lasting mark on his clients, but a lasting one on the world of tattooing. He was an example of what a tattooer should strive for. An openness to ideas, the willingness to learn and the work ethic of a man ready to tattoo a ship full of sailors.

Respect to an absolute icon.