JUNG YOUN KIM

A multidisciplinary designer specializing in branding
– based in New York.

Gestalt Tattoo Studio

Brand Identity ∙ Type Design ∙ Editorial
Spring 2024
Timeframe: 2 weeks

2024 PRINT Awards Student Best in Show
– Editorial Third Place

Gestalt Tattoo Studio is a tattoo shop that presents and specializes in the Gestalt tattoo genre for the first time. It combines individual diverse and complex personalities into geometric tattoo. In psychology, Gestalt refers not merely to a collection of parts, but to the form and state of an integrated whole that possesses a complete structure and totality. It also posits that components of human experience cannot be broken down into discrete atoms; instead, it suggests that all sensory domains are integrated to form a cohesive structure and shape.

Tattoo Designs

The geometric shapes used in Gestalt Tattoo contain a long human history. In early civilizations, geometric figures provided a way to describe and analyze the characteristics of objects and spaces. In the same way, Gestalt Tattoo reinterprets specific states of individuals into geometric shapes.

Meanings

Some German words represent one’s specific state or personality. Gestalt Tattoo illustrates each design based on those words.

Fernweh
(n.) the ache to see far-flung places; being homesick but for somewhere far away

Torschlusspanik
(n.) a feeling of falling behind others

Frühjahrsmüdigkeit
(n.) a sense of listlessness brought on by the coming of spring

Backpfeifengesicht
(n.) a person who needs to be slapped; a face that needs a fist in it

Schadenfreude
(n.) a mischievous joy at the failure of misfortune of others

Hüftgold
(n.) lovable extra pounds around the hips

Staubfänger
(n.) a useless piece of art that basically only collects dust

Zugzwang
(n.) feeling pressure to make a strategic move when you would rather do nothing

Custom Typeface

Inspired by geometric shapes, the Gestalt typeface features a strong contrast between circular figures and thin lines. The letter “g” was developed to the logo.

Website

Users can generate their own custom tattoo designs and see the related German words with descriptions. They can select a few keywords that best represent themselves, and choose the geometric shapes they like among 216 variations. When finished, users can recreate the designs or make a reservation for the Gestalt Tattoo Studio.

Gestalt Tattoo Book
297 x 210 (mm)
44 pages
saddle stitched
The book is a guideline for the Gestalt Tattoo genre placed in the tattoo studio. It introduces the meaning of Gestalt and various tattoo designs, also breaking down each element that composes the designs. Visitors can see what each part implies as well as what they mean when combined.

View the full pages