One day in 4/2025, Le Sang received a call from a female doctor in Hanoi. She explained that after a boiling water accident, her leg had developed raised scars and brown spots. Feeling self-conscious, she avoided wearing skirts and being in crowds. Hoping to conceal these imperfections, she asked Le Sang to "draw" a picture representing freedom and her desire to escape her insecurity.

After understanding her story and needs, the artist suggested a tattoo of a girl with outstretched arms embracing the wind, her hair flowing freely. The doctor loved the idea and scheduled an appointment for two days later. After 6 hours of work, the piece was complete, satisfying both the client and the artist.

The tattoo, covering the Hanoi doctor’s scars, represents freedom and release from self-consciousness about physical imperfections. Photo: NVCC

The tattoo, covering the Hanoi doctor’s scars, represents freedom and release from self-consciousness about physical imperfections. Photo: NVCC

Le Sang has been working in the industry for 10 years. Unlike most tattoo artists who choose to create on unmarked skin, Le Sang pursues a more challenging path: repairing old or damaged tattoos and transforming scars into artistic works.

"I call tattooing 'Rebirth Art,' a therapy to heal the emotional wounds caused by physical imperfections. When correcting or covering scars, empathy connects me with clients, encouraging them to share their emotional pain. This allows us to understand them and create a piece that can soothe their suffering," he said.

Like many other tattoo artists, Sang faced doubts and prejudice at the beginning of his career, and nearly gave up countless times. "In the early stages, I was forging my own path," he said, explaining that in 2014, the Vietnamese tattoo industry was still very limited, lacking formal schools or training systems.

"Most tattoo artists worked quietly, lived privately, and rarely shared their experience or techniques on social media. It was also difficult for them to access international resources due to language barriers and a lack of specialized materials," Sang recalled.

Furthermore, the industry was negatively stereotyped and faced much prejudice. At that time, Le Sang's family often avoided the topic of his work when asked, even feeling ashamed and trying to hide it. Instead of arguing or complaining, Sang chose to remain silent, focusing on his craft and gradually proving himself through each piece.

Lacking confidence due to a long scar from major surgery, Mr. Toan (Hanoi) asked Le Sang to transform it into a unique artwork. Photo: NVCC

Lacking confidence due to a long scar from major surgery, Mr. Toan (Hanoi) asked Le Sang to transform it into a unique artwork. Photo: NVCC

Through persistence and self-discovery, he pushed his boundaries, creating many unique and original pieces, less influenced by other artists. To spread his "Rebirth Art," Le Sang needed teammates. Establishing the Era Tattoo brand in 2014 was not only a step in his career development but also a way to build a sustainable ecosystem for the profession.

Le Sang said he focuses on professional skills and organizational culture, including regular reading sessions and yoga classes to boost energy and creativity. He also emphasizes continuous learning for comprehensive development.

Having visited two of the largest burn hospitals in the country, a woman in her 20s from Hanoi still couldn't escape a long scar, and decided to get a tattoo from Le Sang. She said she only wished to be able to wear short sleeves while exercising, without facing judgmental stares. Photo: NVCC

Having visited two of the largest burn hospitals in the country, a woman in her 20s from Hanoi still couldn't escape a long scar, and decided to get a tattoo from Le Sang. She said she only wished to be able to wear short sleeves while exercising, without facing judgmental stares. Photo: NVCC

In the first half of 2025, amid a wave of spending cuts, nearly 100,000 businesses were forced to close, and the tattoo industry was also significantly affected. Le Sang said that thanks to his persistence and some luck, his brand remained stable and even expanded.

According to him, industries experience shifts in trends and cycles of ups and downs. For sustainability, artists should avoid chasing trends and instead consistently follow their own path. He believes that true art will always have a firm place in the hearts of clients.

"People are the inspiration behind 'Rebirth Art.' Besides excelling in professional skills, meeting artistic and technical standards, you must be able to tell a meaningful story to your clients. A beautiful tattoo alone is not enough," he stated.

Le Sang - founder of Era Tattoo - believes that tattooing is both an art form and a service business, so he constantly reminds himself to learn, broaden his worldview, and equip himself with the necessary economic knowledge to adapt to the times. Photo: NVCC

Le Sang - founder of Era Tattoo - believes that tattooing is both an art form and a service business, so he constantly reminds himself to learn, broaden his worldview, and equip himself with the necessary economic knowledge to adapt to the times. Photo: NVCC

From a small passion, he nurtures a big dream: to turn Era Tattoo studio into the largest tattoo correction center in Asia, contributing to the spread of "Rebirth Art." He hopes to convey a message to the younger generation of artists: dare to take risks, be bold in their work, and redefine the role of tattooing in modern society.

"The picture drawn on the skin is a precious material, carrying the breath of time and the beauty of finitude, similar to a night-blooming cereus. This fleeting nature makes the art of tattooing even more unique," he added.

Dong Ve