Kim, better known as Bunny Machine, is a trailblazer in the anime tattoo world. Her love for Japanese animation began at 12, sparking a lifelong passion for creating stunning anime-inspired art. In an era when anime tattoos were unheard of, she carved out a new lane—turning a niche passion into a thriving career. From working in artist alleys to founding Anime Ink, she’s been instrumental in shaping the anime tattoo community. But her journey wasn’t without challenges—balancing family, financial struggles, and breaking industry norms. Through it all, she never gave up, proving that the dream of bringing anime to life on skin was worth fighting for. I got to catch up with her before Anime Ink Savannah about her upbringing and her start in the industry.
What was your childhood experience like with anime?
Being exposed to Japanese animation at around 12 changed my life completely. I was awe-struck by the beauty, movement, music, etc- that was so different from what I was used to in American animation! Seeing it for the first time really inspired me to form my entire life around wanting to create beautiful anime artwork.
What was your childhood experience like with tattoos?
Tattoos were not as widespread or accepted when I was a child- I wasn’t exposed to tattoo culture until I turned 18 and could start getting them as an adult.
Tell us about first anime tattoo you ever created. What inspired you to start this journey?
In my apprenticeship, around 2008, I still hadn’t quit drawing anime and being fully obsessed with it. My mentor was a very experienced, “old-school” mentality type, so there was absolutely NO talk of doing any tattoos that were “new and different”. At the time, Instagram was brand new and there were no examples of anime tattoos. NONE. My entire art career up to this point had been selling art at anime conventions (artist alley!) and doing commissions, so I was able to find new clients through the anime community to try to figure out how to tattoo ANIME specifically. I wanted to create a new genre of tattooing that could open up opportunities for other tattooers’, and help those fellow anime folks who wanted to get anime tattoos, but kept being told that “nobody could tattoo that”. So…i did!
What has been your biggest trial / challenge as an artist?
The biggest challenge for me personally is trying to balance home and family life with my kids while also managing a full-time tattoo career.
Have you ever faced financial challenges as an artist, and if so how did you manage them?
Absolutely. In the beginning of my career, when it was hard to gain clientele, I worked multiple jobs. There is nothing that could take me away from tattooing- I will always push myself to go out and make my work accessible to clients!
How did overcoming these challenges shape you as an artist and as a person?
I learned, as an artist, to remember that everyone sees art differently. Try to remember that your opinion on tattooing and art is not the only one, and we should be accepting of others in the industry who are trying new things. As I get further into my career, and life in general, I find that it’s so much more fulfilling to strive to be kind and let the little things go.
Why did you never give up?
Because I knew there had to be others like me. And I was right!! *cries in anime*
What was your biggest breakthrough project, and what did it mean for you?
When I started doing full backs, that was a game changer! It opened up so many more design possibilities working with all of that space. I remember feeling so accomplished after finishing one of my favorites- a huge full back Akira, complete with hundreds of tiny windows in the background of Neo-Tokyo. I’m still so proud of that piece!
What has been your proudest moment as an anime tattoo artist so far?
Starting and running Anime Ink is definitely one of the highlights of my career. It’s been the most hard work, constant planning, can be scary at times- but when I walk into that convention center and see all of the people there having an amazing time- I feel big proud.
What are your future goals and aspirations for your future?
Keeping my shops, the convention, and kids happy. That’s all I need :)
What is the greatest gift you've ever received?
Tattooing is a gift, it changed every single aspect of my life and allows me to achieve almost anything I set my mind to. I was given my entire life, by my mentor. I whole heartedly believe that it’s been the greatest gift I could have ever been lucky enough to receive.
Is there anything about your journey that people usually find interesting or crazy?
I worked with only coil machines for the first 10 years, and as part of my apprenticeship I had to make/solder needles, which I don’t think many folks still do anymore!
