Interview with Phillip Spearman

Phillip Spearman is an award-winning, world-renown tattoo artist that also happens to be one of the pioneers in pushing Korean artwork and culture in the tattooing industry.

Phillip has accomplished a considerable amount in a relatively short amount of time. He started tattooing at 21 and later opened his own shop, InkWorks Tattoo and Body Piercing, in Artesia, California in 2002.

Not only is he a highly respected tattoo artist, he has also used his skills and experience to share with the world and specifically Korea. Although Asian themed tattoos are popular, it is mainly composed of Japanese and Chinese artwork and inspiration. In comparison, until recently, Korean themed tattoos have been a mere afterthought. Phillip has done a lot to change that and make Korean artwork have a more significant role in tattooing along with improving the knowledge of artists in Korea.

Phillip continues to travel the world sharing his craft with others and increasing his popularity and ever growing fan base.

HalfKorean.com is pleased to present this interview with one of the top tattoo artists in the world.

Please note that HalfKorean.com comments/questions are in BOLD.

Background: The Basics on Phillip Spearman

Where and when were you born, raised and currently reside?
I was born in Baltimore, Maryland. I stayed there until about 3 and then we moved to LA and Koreatown. I’m now living in the Cerritos area.

How did your parents meet?
My dad was in the military and met my mom and then they got married. My sister was born out there. My mom thought it would be real tough for my sister, being half Black, and wanted to move out here. But, I don’t know if it was any easier here (in the US) back then. I went to 13 high schools and got kicked out of them because I was always fighting. I felt that I had it worse than any other group because at least, for them, if nobody else liked them at least they could go identify with their own people. For me, especially in Koreatown in the 80s, it was like “you are not Korean” or “you are Korean”, “you are not Black” or “you are Black”. I was like “Fuck everybody.” No matter what, that always came down to the reason why people would start stuff and I got sick of it and that was why I was always fighting.

So, I’m assuming you probably experienced identity issues while growing up?
I had crazy identity issues while growing up. There was part of the time where I felt I was Korean. There was part of the time where I felt I was Black. And there was part of the time that I didn’t know what the hell I was. All I knew is that it was an issue that I didn’t like. When I first started tattooing, my mom was like “My good looking son, why are you doing this to yourself?” I have tattoos on my neck and hands. So, I told her that she hasn’t walked in my shoes. If people are not going to like me, I’d rather they not like what is on my skin than just the color of my skin because I had no choice in that (color of skin). And when I said that, she couldn’t really say anything to me. I told her that I stopped caring what people thought about me years ago. I had to shut it off because if I didn’t I would have went nuts.

Did you grow up around other half/mixed Koreans or mixed people in general?
Growing up, actually, I didn’t. I was in Koreatown and, on top of that, if the riots break out then everyone is looking at me like “what side you on?” I’m on my side. My mom always told me that I am both Korean and Black. Sometimes I run across diverse mixed kids and they try to denounce the other half. My mom always tried to instill that in me so I appreciate that. It is unfortunate but they are a product of their environment. It’s like I’m mad at them, but I’m not. I can’t be because society makes them that way. I honestly feel that the individual should be strong and intelligent enough to know the difference.

In general, do you think that the Korean & Korean-American communities are accepting of Koreans of mixed heritage (half/mixed Koreans)?
Obviously, it’s a lot better now than it was then. The mix is started to become normal and there are a lot of mixed kids everywhere. But, I think it’s a little more accepted for me sometimes; they feel different when I speak Korean. There is times when I don’t speak Korean and they treat me different.

I was in Korea and this old guy was selling these wooden tables in Itaewon and he just got done selling one for $40 and tells me that it is $50. And then I look at him and tell him in Korean, hey you just sold it for $40 so why are you giving it to me for $50. He jumped back wondering “Why does he speak Korean so well?” So he gave it to me for $25.
I get treated different until I speak Korean. It is then that they are like “Oh, shit he speaks Korean.” I think it’s more tolerable since I speak Korean and would be different if I didn’t.

You mentioned earlier that you have a sister. Do you have any other siblings?
I have one older sister and one younger brother 7 years younger than me. He looks more Korean. He’s lighter than me; I think my dad’s genes got weak as he got older.

What is your level of knowledge of the Korean language?
I speak Korean fluently. I thank my mom to death for that. Because there is so much I probably wouldn’t know or understand if I didn’t (speak Korean). She was like, “Well, you were born in the states so you are going to learn English anyway.” So she just spoke to us in Korean.

What is your favorite Korean food?
Kalbijim and dalkgogi-tang. Stuff like that.

So, when was the last time you have been to Korea?
I was there about 6 months ago. Well, see, tattooing is currently illegal in Korea. Everybody that is doing it is doing it underground and against the law. So there are two things; there are not that many tattoo artists that are any good and tattooing is illegal. I try to go there and teach and show them what I know and help them. You have to understand that I’m in a predominantly white driven industry. It took years. People wouldn’t even look at me and especially when I went to shows. It got to the point where I got so good that I was able to get that respect. My whole life I’ve been battling that acceptance as far as from streets to work or what not.

So, when I see Korean artists out there I want to help them and let them know that there are people out here that are pushing it. That’s why I go there and show them new things and techniques that they wouldn’t even know unless somebody showed them. I reached out to Korea and that is why I’ve been going out there. I’m trying to help the movement out there.

What do people who meet/see you think your ethnicity is?
They don’t know. I’ve been considered Samoan, Hawaiian, Filipino, Mexican and Cambodian. They never get it. But, when I was younger I had curly hair and a puffy Afro with Asian eyes. People would think there is something wrong with this picture.

InkWorks Tattoo & Tattoo Art

How long have you been a tattoo artist?
I’ve been drawing my whole life. One of my buddies told me that if you can draw, you can tattoo. I didn’t even know what a tattoo machine looked like. And he brought it to me and I thought it was the coolest thing in the world. I was like, hey, I could put my artwork on somebody. I never looked back.

I told my mom what I wanted to do and she said, “If that is what you want to do, fine. But don’t kid yourself. Try to be the best at what you do because, if you are good, you can get paid and make a living.” I thank her for that because people in my family were like “Get a real job, go to school be a lawyer or doctor.” That’s not what I wanted to do. Now I’m making more money than most of them so they really can’t say shit to me.

How supportive are your parents/family in your tattooing career pursuit?
My mom was 100% supportive. As for my dad, I don’t know if he really cared or not. I think he was supportive. He was in and out of my life most of the time. As long as I stayed out of jail he didn’t really care what I did.

Were you into getting ink yourself or was it the art connection first?
I just kind of jumped in and didn’t have any myself (tattoos).

Was there any difficulty in transitioning from paper to skin when you went from artist to tattoo artist?
Yes. A lot of people think just because they can draw, they can also tattoo and that is far from true. Tattooing seems simple but so much goes into it, in order to make it such a high caliber artwork on someones skin. I started 13 years ago and I’m still learning…

I read on the Inkworks website that you are working by appointment only now? What happened to the shop?
I actually shut it down (the shop). My mom was a little sketchy at first since I had the shop for 8 years now. I came to find out about people that their drive and ambition is not as big and strong as mine. I got tired of babysitting a bunch of grown men. Everybody sits there and complains that they are not making enough money, yet they are not doing anything about it. They are not striving to be better. Everybody is just satisfied with mediocrity.

I’m always traveling and trying to build my name. I’m trying to be bigger than my local area. I’m trying to be on a global network. I’m always gone and I’m stressed out about if they are stealing and doing things right. I’m calling the shop and it’s closed; why is the shop closed? I’m putting so much time and energy trying to get other people to be better and on my level if not more. I could be putting that energy into myself. They are making money but they are barely making enough to cover expenses. I could pay it all myself but why work overseas, come back to put money over here so they can have a clubhouse. It just didn’t make any sense. So I shut it down.

I have a separate guest house that’s detached from my house that I just turned that into my private studio. It has been so much better. There is no more physical shop. I didn’t want to sell it because I didn’t want to sell my name since I built a good reputation and name. In order for me to keep that shop I had to be there so that people uphold that reputation and if I felt like that reputation wasn’t being met I had to shut it down.

They (other artists) all found different places. At this point I didn’t care whatever they did because they didn’t care in the beginning anyway. The last week they were asking me a million questions on how to tattoo and I told them “You know what? I don’t know. Why don’t you go find out? Good luck.” Unfortunate for them, but oh well. I’m putting all that energy into myself and I’m skyrocketing. Before I had the shop it gave me some credibility and something to work towards. At a certain point in my career I think I’ve surpassed that and I always had to wind up coming back to the shop and not forward. It was holding me down. I just shed all that excess fat. I built a name for myself and I don’t have to go look for a job at another tattoo shop. People want me to come and work there just to be there and say that I was there. And most of them are my friends.

What was Inkworks Korea and are they affiliated with you?
No. Well, what we were going to do was start an Inkworks out there. But, what happened was that I didn’t like what he was doing. I felt like he was trying to utilize my name for his own personal gains. He was like “We have world famous tattoo artist Phil Spearman here” and not paying me anything and all kinds of crazy stuff that I wasn’t cool with.

We started to do it and that is why that information is out. But I pulled back and told them to stop using my name or I’ll come out there and kick their ass. Now, it’s called Tattoo Korea and not Inkworks.

For me, my name is important. I take a lot of pride in myself and what I’ve done. A lot of the sickest artists in the world are my friends and respect me for what I do and what I am trying to do.

Have you tattooed any notable/celebrity people in Korea?
To be honest, I can’t remember. I tattooed some of them when they were out here. But, I try not to get known for tattooing celebrities.

Being based in southern California, do you have a lot of Korean American clientele?
Oh yeah, I do everywhere. I got people in the states like in Texas who are Korean/Black and Korean/White. I have some people in Holland I’m doing back pieces for. Once my article in Juxtapoz came out I had Koreans and half Koreans all over the world hitting me up.

In your opinion, how far along is tattooing in Korea from getting away from being considered a taboo?
I think it is about another year or so. There are shops out there now. There are some aspects of Korea that I don’t like. What is happening is that even though it is illegal, they (law enforcement) are not really bothering them because they have more important things to do. Not unless somebody calls the police and says “Hey these people are doing this.” Then they have to do something. The reason I stay back a little bit is because the shops are snitching on each other. That’s not right. That is the message I keep trying to push when I go over there is to work together and not be enemies over greed.

You have mentioned that tattooing is illegal in Korea. Are there people out there trying to make it legal?
It’s getting there. A lot of celebrities have tattoos and a lot of people are getting them. So, eventually they are not going to be able to stop it. It’s just a matter of time.

Was there any specific reason why you decided to take the role of pushing Korean art?
As I started tattooing and evolving and doing different kinds of artwork like Japanese and Chinese, I noticed that there was no Korean stuff. It dawned on me that why don’t I create something. I’m the type of person if something is not there then I create my own opportunities. I just started creating my stuff from there. I waited a little longer because I wanted to be good all the way around and be able to do portraits, Asian artwork, color or what not. So, I waited until I got my skills up so that way that when people who see it for the first time would say that it is dope. What if I sucked? It would have been a lost opportunity then because my craft wasn’t good enough.

What was the initial reception by Koreans/Korean Americans of your influential role in promoting Korean art in tattoos? Does your mixed background play a role in that reception?
No, I think it is because I speak Korean. Foremost, I get respect period on a tattoo artist level. After that, it seems like Koreans outside of Korea like the more Korean artwork better than people in Korea itself. Like in Japan, they like to get traditional Americana artwork and people here want to get Japanese artwork. My own experience is that Koreans and mixed Koreans that are not in Korea have more sense of pride because they are not there. It’s an identity for them and they seem to want it more than the Koreans in Korea.

Have you found that non-Koreans have an interest in Korean artwork/tattoos?
Most definitely. How many different kinds of people do you see wearing Japanese artwork? That’s why I waited to get better before promoting Korean artwork, so that when people see it, they’ll be like damn that’s dope too. Not only that, everyone likes things that are different and unique. I don’t take anything away from Japanese artwork, it’s dope stuff. I just want to let people know about Korean things.

You obviously have some ink yourself. Which of your own tattoos are you most proud of? Any you regret? Do you do any of your own (that you are able)?
I love all of my tattoos. The good ones and the bad ones; they are all memories for me. The ones that I’ve done by myself are from my practicing days and those are long over with. There are some artists that I respect that I want work done from. And then there are some who are friends that I respect and they might not be as good but they are my friends. We will trade some. I’ll tattoo them and they tattoo me. It depends. There was one buddy who completely sucked but I let him tattoo me anyway. I’m going to let my girl, Diane, tattoo me. She wants to put a “Hello Kitty” on me.

How about your work on others? Is there any specific piece that you enjoyed doing the most (or most proud of)?
All of my tattoos mean a lot to me but the Korean stuff that I’m trying to push really has my heart and soul in it.

You also have your own line of tattooing needles (Tatsoul Spearman Advantage). How did that come about?
A buddy of mine had a beauty supply line and wanted to jump into the tattoo industry. He asked me about what tattoo chairs would be best. I kind of helped him on that and didn’t ask him for anything. He kept coming to me for information. So I told him the first one was free, now you have to pay me.

What we did was start a new company, Tatsoul Spearman, where all my years of experience are used to make better products. We started coming together on ideas about needles, inks and other products as well in this industry. Our stuff is known by all the best artists in the world. They are starting to use our stuff because they respect me as a person, then as an artist and also that the stuff I am making is great.

Was it something you were a part of (design, etc.)?
Oh yeah, of course. They don’t know how to make a damn tattoo needle.

You are constantly traveling the world. What has been your favorite spot to tattoo people?
Honestly, I’ve been building this name and I get respect and treated well everywhere I go. I have to admit that I have the most fun in Korea. I have a lot of connections with hyungs and artists out there. We have mutual respect for each other and we are not trying to get anything from each other. I have dongsaengs who tell me “Do you know who that is?” I tell them I don’t know and it’s cool because we just go and hang out.

You have done quite a bit of networking and making connections in Korea. Are there any artists you’d like to mention out in Korea?
Go visit my dongsaeng Jay B from Tattoo Times if you want some sick work in Apkujong (Seoul).

Is there any style/genre of tattoo art that you enjoy doing the most (portraits, etc.)?
I enjoy doing everything. I can’t just do one thing because I get bored. My thing is that I don’t see it as a “portrait” or whatever I just see it as techniques and master my techniques so that way it overflows into all genres.

It is tough because, for example, I’ll do 7 hours of black/grey at a show and then they’ll see me at another show and see me doing a sick color piece. They’ll tell me that they didn’t know I did color. I get promoted in different ways and try to be good in everything I do. Everything is a direct reflection of me. You have to understand that I’ve grown up fighting and earning respect my whole life. For me, this is just another road of me earning respect. I just try to be sick with it all the way around.

Do you have any crazy stories or strange requests that you have received as a tattoo artist?
I did a genie coming out of a girl’s ass one time. Now, I have built my name so people will come to me for certain things so I have the luxury of picking and choosing.

Has there been any tattoo requests that you’ve refused to do and why?
I don’t do any gang stuff or racial stuff. To me, that is not art.

Who are some of your favorite tattoo artists?
Oh yeah, there is a lot. Filip Leu, Bob Tyrrell, Marshall Bennett, Horiryu, Jack Rudy. There is a lot.

What do you think of all the tattoo reality shows? Would you do one if asked?
Sure, why not? But, it would have to be under my guidelines. I do actually have a couple ideas that I think would be great. I know you have to deal with ratings too. But, it is like it is damn near like a Jerry Springer show. I would stay away from that. We’ll see what happens. If something came my way and it was worthwhile, why not?

Is your Korean artwork book going to come out soon?
I would like to finish it this year. That is my plan. I’m painting now so I might try to do a whole Korean artwork exhibit in Koreatown.

On average, at an expo or show, how many tattoos do you generally do?
It depends. I might do two a day or even one. I’ve been doing fairly larger pieces now like sleeves, half sleeves, back pieces and stuff like that. So, if I’m working on a sleeve I might work on that all day. Once you start to get to a certain level everything starts to get tedious and time consuming. Once I do one (large) tattoo I’m drained.

What would you like for your legacy to be as a tattoo artist?
If I had to choose what to do my with my legacy, I would want to be known for opening doors for Koreans in this industry and pushing the knowledge and culture to the rest of the world. There is a lot of cool stuff that nobody knows. A lot of the stuff was damaged, stolen or taken by the Japanese years ago. A lot of people tend to forget about their culture and heritage. A lot of full Koreans don’t speak Korean out here. You just can’t forget. And if they are going to be out there tattooing, hopefully I’ve done enough to open doors and put Korea on the map and have a lot of sick artists come through there.

Random/Personal on Phillip

What is your current relationship status and did you ever have any preferences/attractions?
My current relationship status is that I have a hot half Korean, half White girlfriend. I’m off the market now. I’ve been pretty lucky and been able to go all across the color lines. I’ve had non-Korean girlfriends and Korean girlfriends. Because I was raised with a Korean mom, I would notice some things that Korean girls would do that a non-Korean girl wouldn’t do. It would bother me because I would find myself getting upset and wondering why this girl doesn’t know better. I lucked out and got the best of both worlds now. And she has a brain! It’s a major plus!

Do you have any hobbies or interests that you do to relax?
That’s tough. When we go to different countries for shows, we usually try to take an extra day to check out museums or whatever where we are at. I used to party in Ktown but I guess haven’t lately since I’ve been off the map.

Anybody in particular that you respect/look up to?
I would have to say my mom. She’s been my biggest influence in my life. She didn’t come from a rich family and did the best she could do and the best she knew how and would always try to instill positive things in me and kept my eyes open to a lot of things. If she didn’t support me in tattooing, I probably wouldn’t be here doing this right now. Especially most Korean parents are like “go to school, be a lawyer or this or that” and aren’t really into jumping out to new things. They want to do things that are known to make good money.

I would also like mention my brother, Anthony, as fuel for my fire. I showed him a lot of things growing up, both right and wrong. I just wanted to work towards something positive and be able to succeed.

Do you drink and/or like soju?
Oh yeah, I drink soju.

What was your take on Korea’s reaction to Hines Ward after he was MVP of Super Bowl XL?
Much respect to the guy. But, it’s like there are good things and bad things about being half Korean. Before that, nobody would have given him the time of day. They should respect anyone with Korean blood in them. I don’t know. For some reason the Korean pride is strong within mixed kids. Knowing this, they should still respect the kids because they have Korean blood in them. There is a lot of pride amongst Koreans. That is the only thing that really bothered me. Come on, if they have Korean blood in them they should consider them as their own. It should not have to take a Super Bowl MVP or a famous tattoo artist for them to see that. I’m sure that the way he grew up was the reason he was able to get where he is at.

Do you get on the Internet often and, if so, what are some of your favorite websites?
Oh man, I eat, sleep and shit tattoos. I’m constantly on tattoo sites, art sites, galleries, other artist sites.

How involved are you with your website and did you create it yourself?
We pretty much do it all. Now, Diane (my girlfriend) is taking it over.

I know that you found the site a long time ago, but how did you find out about HalfKorean.com and what did you think about HalfKorean.com when you first saw it?
I was looking up stuff and I stumbled across it. I thought it was the coolest thing in the world.

Any words that you would like to pass on to the community?
No matter what you do, strive to be the best. There will be people out there who will not like you or try to do something because you are mixed and, instead of falling down from it, utilize it to fuel your flames and use it to conquer your dreams.

Be sure to check out Phillip’s website, Inkworkstattoo.com, his MySpace or Twitter for further information and to see his touring schedule.

Also, check out this recent SoTattooed.com video interview with Phillip Spearman

Interview by: David Lee Sanders

Posted: 5/14/2010