Luckily, Ria Kim, a tattoo artist from Seoul, Korea, specializes in pet portraits, which she also combines with other meaningful details, like paw prints, flowers, and so on. Today, we have selected just a few realistic tattoos from Ria’s huge gallery, which she has curated since 2019, so make sure to see the rest of her works on the artist’s social media accounts. More info: Instagram | Instagram “Ever since I was young, I’ve had a deep love for both animals and art. My journey into tattooing began in 2018, and I soon realized that I wanted to specialize in something that truly resonated with me. In 2019, I decided to focus on pet portraits because it felt like a natural way to combine my passions. Each tattoo allows me to celebrate the bond between people and their pets, which is something I deeply cherish. My own dog, Goboksu, a 15-year-old I rescued from a shelter in Korea, has been a significant part of my inspiration,” wrote Ria. “Every story my clients share is precious, but one couple’s story stands out. They had been together since high school and shared their lives with a dog for over a decade. Sadly, their dog had recently passed away, and they came to me for a portrait tattoo. They told me that their dog was their everything—their life and their world. Their words touched me deeply, more than anything else. Even now, thinking about it brings a pang to my heart. This emotional connection significantly shaped the tattoo. I wanted to capture not just the likeness of their dog but also the profound bond they shared. I focused intensely on the dog’s eyes, aiming to reflect the love and memories they held. The couple’s heartfelt story guided every stroke and detail, ensuring that the tattoo would be a meaningful tribute to their beloved pet,” Ria shared the story. “I deeply empathize with my clients’ stories, especially since I have my own dog, Goboksu. Hearing about their pets, particularly those who have passed away, often brings tears to my eyes. There are times when we cry together during our conversations. Maintaining my composure during sessions is essential, but it can be challenging. Recently, during a session in New York, I couldn’t stop crying while drawing a dog’s eyes. Balancing these emotions with my professional responsibilities is tough, but it’s also what drives me to keep improving my skills and honoring each pet’s memory,” wrote Ria. Follow Bored Panda on Google News! Follow us on Flipboard.com/@boredpanda! Please use high-res photos without watermarks Ooops! Your image is too large, maximum file size is 8 MB.