PhoenixKing, that is the name many people favor when talking about tattoo artist Quang Tim, perhaps because his fame is associated with phoenix tattoos. This name inspired us and we decided to make an appointment to meet him.
On a clear and sunny morning, we were at Quang Tim-Tattoo Studio, a 4-story building, with the main color black inside and out. An easy-to-see connection is that there are many paintings hanging here, including a few paintings of phoenixes by artist Quang Tim. They are very distinctive and all have the red mark [Phoenix King]. It’s crowded here, everyone here looks quite busy, a bustling working atmosphere. At that time, Quang Tim was completing a drawing on a customer’s back, surrounded by many young people, perhaps his students, who were paying attention. He put down his pen and walked out, with an attitude as if he had finished his work. You don’t have tattoos? I asked curiously. No, I’ll just draw it, someone else will tattoo it. I was about to ask another question but suddenly thought it seemed a bit hasty…
Done somewhere, now we have some time to spend together in front of his studio porch, an ideal space to chat.
Why don’t you continue getting that tattoo! I continue to be curious.
He only drew that work, someone else would tattoo it and complete it.
Oh! I thought that you perfected all the works, because those tattoos all had a unique character. This is really surprising, how did you do it?
The special thing is that he has unique tattoo techniques, these techniques are also taught to some of the brothers here. And another important thing is the unique style of the design. And this is very difficult to learn, that’s why you have to be the one to draw it.
Don’t they have any opinions? Customers will own those tattoos!
No, because this has been discussed before.
This is truly amazing. It’s like you not only have a brand but are also exploiting it very effectively.
I wasn’t clearly aware of that, but the result was exactly as you said.This comes from the fact that many people want tattoos from him, but are also hindered by the budget he offers and he had an idea for such a solution.
Customers are satisfied with the King Phoenix tattoo, his projects are busy, and he is growing his business well. This is really great.
How did [Phoenix King] start?
It came naturally, from the first phoenix work he made for a guest, which was well received and praised, inspiring him to create more of that theme.
I see a lot of phoenix paintings in the studio. It seems that besides tattooing, you also spend a lot of time creating paintings?
That’s right! This is also a way to keep your hands in shape.
Each drawing looks very elaborate, what is the process like when you complete a drawing?
When I hold the brush, it’s like there’s a kind of energy flowing out, I just follow those rhythms, I feel like I’m not really doing much!
Yes, it seems like a high realm of mastery. Your brand makes me think of the story of the legendary phoenix, the bird that burns itself in its own fire and then revives from the remaining ashes. Right now I feel like you are full of positive energy, like a phoenix in its brilliant phase. So, have you ever gone through a period where you felt like you were in a pile of ashes?
Yes, I think it’s not just me but everyone! The story I told you is like a metaphor for each person’s life. I believe that everyone has bad, dark times. That’s when life will insult you, hurt you, the worst things will find you until you completely collapse. That’s when all around me was the black color of ashes. You can stay in there as long as you want, but when you decide to choose to stand up, isn’t it like a resurrected phoenix rising from the ashes!
What fire burned the phoenix before?
Those are wrong perceptions, which make him engrossed in the temptations of life. Overvaluing frivolous values and neglecting important things. At one point it cost him his demise.
So as for the process of getting up, it’s certainly not easy, right?
Sure, life still keeps pulling me down and oppressing me, but my limits have been opened. The things that once defeated you cannot anymore, but there will be new difficulties and you must fight against all of them to grow!
Can you share how you overcame those things?
For me, it’s creating rules for yourself! Every pressure and injustice in life brings lessons, and when you create rules for yourself to fight it, it can be said that those lessons will not be repeated again.
Summarizing the past period, what do you think you like the most?
I think it’s deeper, it helps me feel more joy every day from simple, small things. It helps you be more clear in deciding what is important.
There will always be a gift worthy of your efforts in life!
Every stroke is the artist’s energy, so I believe that anyone who owns a tattoo of the [Phoenix King] brand will be filled with positive energy.
Thank you for your morning and your stories. Vietnamese.INK wishes you lots of energy and prosperity in your work.
QUANG TIM TATTOO STUDIO
Address: No. 10 Alley 86 Chua Ha, Cau Giay, Hanoi
Phone: 0915869999
