Meet Lu Xin | Tattoo Artist

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

Hi Lu, what habits do you feel helped you succeed?
The habits that I believe have played a significant role in my success encompass:

Integrity: Maintaining a commitment to integrity, honesty, and ethical conduct has been paramount. This practice has not only helped me build trust and credibility with others but has also created a strong foundation for success in various aspects of my life and career.

Sincerity: Another crucial habit is approaching my work and relationships with sincerity and authenticity. This sincerity fosters genuine connections and collaborations with others, which have often led to mutually beneficial outcomes. It’s a quality that has allowed me to navigate challenges and build meaningful connections.

Creativity: I attribute part of my success to a sense of rebellion against the conventional. Embracing creativity and exploring innovative solutions has allowed me to stand out and excel in my pursuits. This habit of thinking outside the box has been instrumental in adapting to changing circumstances and uncovering unique opportunities.

Wholeheartedness: Finally, giving my all and going the extra mile in everything I undertake has been a defining habit for me. This commitment to wholehearted effort ensures that I never settle for mediocrity and continually strive for excellence. It’s a mindset that has consistently driven me toward success in my endeavors.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I approach my art from a storytelling and emotional perspective. When I create design drafts, I often consider a narrative logic—a design that has both a plot and warmth. Rather than merely pursuing aesthetic forms, I believe that great works have the power to awaken dormant consciousness, change lifestyles, and even influence broader transformations.

What I’m most proud of and excited about is the process of communication and consultation with clients. During these interactions, I observe them closely, and their unique impressions leave a deep mark on my soul. This inspires my creativity, giving birth to vivid imagery and color schemes that are tailored to each client’s unique personality, along with playful little creative touches.

Throughout the process of communication and designing each piece, I always strive to avoid being confined to a specific tattoo style, while still infusing my personal characteristics. I often venture into other art forms, such as fashion design, film, literature, opera, stage design, product design, and photography, to find inspiration. In these elements, I seek novel composition methods and unique color combinations. As a result, my tattoo works gradually take on a different appearance compared to typical tattoos, resembling more of an illustration. This is something I take great pleasure in—escaping categorization and embracing a sense of rebellion.

What I want the world to know about me is that the stories and emotions within my artwork are of paramount importance. Within my vibrant color palettes, there’s a hidden sense of solitude and quietness that emerges after all the noise.

My journey to where I am today professionally has not been easy. Overcoming the challenges involved navigating the expectations and limitations of tattoo artistry while staying true to my creative vision. I’ve learned the importance of staying open to inspiration from various art forms and constantly seeking fresh perspectives. What sets me apart is my commitment to infusing storytelling and emotion into every piece of art I create, making my work a unique and evocative experience for both myself and my clients.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
In Los Angeles, aside from the well-known attractions, there are some hidden gems worth exploring.

1. Rose Bowl Flea Market: To start the week off, I’d take my best friend to the Rose Bowl Flea Market to hunt for antiques. It’s the largest flea market in Los Angeles, where you can find all sorts of vintage clothing and accessories, as well as antique furniture. Even if you don’t buy anything, bring a camera to capture some memorable shots.

2. Santa Monica Pier: A visit to the Santa Monica Pier is a must, especially for the romantic experience of riding the Ferris wheel at sunset. It’s the only amusement park in the Western U.S. located on a pier. Waiting in line for the roller coaster and then plunging down from its highest point while the rosy sunset sky spreads out over the ocean is a moment of pure happiness.

3. Echo Park Swan Boats: For a serene and romantic evening, I’d recommend taking a swan boat ride in Echo Park. These boats light up at night with warm yellow lights, creating a truly romantic atmosphere. Paddling together in one of these boats can be a memorable experience.

4. Blue Bottle Coffee:To recharge and satisfy our taste buds, a visit to the famous Blue Bottle Coffee shop is a must. Enjoy their delicious coffee along with some mouthwatering pastries and croissants. It’s a truly delightful experience.

5. Art Galleries: Los Angeles has a vibrant art scene, and there are several galleries worth visiting. Some notable ones include Corey Helford Gallery, Hauser & Wirth, Anna Zorina Gallery, and Over the Influence. These places often host gatherings of artists, and you can have engaging conversations with them as they willingly share their creative ideas and experiences.

These are just a few of the hidden treasures and exciting experiences that Los Angeles has to offer. Depending on personal interests, there’s always something fun, interesting, and unique to explore in this vibrant city.

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?
For this shoutout, I want to dedicate it to Kenya Hara. He is a renowned graphic designer from Japan, and his contributions to the world of design have had a profound impact on my perspective and creative approach. One of his books, “Designing Design,” has been a constant source of inspiration for me, and I find myself revisiting it time and time again.

Kenya Hara’s work has influenced not only the way I perceive the intricacies of the world around us but also how I approach my work and creative processes. His ability to delve deep into the essence of design and his unique insights have been instrumental in shaping my creative mindset.

I owe a great deal of credit and recognition to Kenya Hara for his role in influencing my artistic journey and enriching my understanding of design. His work continues to inspire me, and I am grateful for the valuable perspectives and ideas he has shared with the world.

Linkedin: https://www.instagram.com/lucine_modoink/

Image Credits
Lu Xin