A Handdrawn Q&A with Tattoo Artist Dr. Woo
Tattoo artist Dr. Woo is a lot of things, but an actual medical professional is not one of them. He adopted the title thanks to his parent’s long-lost desire for him to be a doctor, but despite his career path, he’s reached a level of success that far surpassed their expectations. Today, Woo is one of the most sought-after and celebrated tattoo artists in the world. How sought-after may you ask? Well, if you want to book an appointment, get ready to chill on a years-long waitlist. Name a celebrity, anyone and chances are they’re permanently marked by his work; Katy Perry, Zoe Kravitz, Dakota Johnson, Drake, Frances Bean Cobain, Miley Cyrus, Cara Delevigne, and the list goes on. His work is so coveted, that when he tattooed his own Céline bag with a small spider, the value of the bag actually went up.
So it was no surprise when iconic shoe label Converse reached out to Woo for a collaboration back in 2017. The range featured hoodies, denim jackets, and pants among other offerings and was so successful that the legendary footwear brand would then reach out once more. This time, however, the artist was driven by the desire to create a “wear to reveal” experience for the classic Chuck 70. The shoe comes in all-white with a subtle tear. All you have to do is tear at the fabric to reveal a second, green-patterned that lies underneath. Staying true to the spirit of his customized and unique aesthetic, the wearer is given the option to modify the shoe as they please, allowing them to discover something new every time they wear them. The same can be said for tattoos, in a way. We might have one idea when we get them, but their meaning can evolve with time, much like the faded quality of the ink.
So in honor of this momentous occasion, we decided to ask Dr. Woo to participate in a Q&A with a twist. Rather than answer our questions with words, we tasked Woo to draw them out, and the result is, well, spectacular.
L'OFFICIEL USA:
DR. WOO:
L'OFFICIEL USA:
DR. WOO:
L'OFFICIEL USA:
DR. WOO:
L'OFFICIEL USA:
DR. WOO:
L'OFFICIEL USA:
DR. WOO:
L'OFFICIEL USA:
DR. WOO:
Converse X Dr. Woo drops September 9.