My name is Ji Young, but I go by Jiji!

My artist alias, baddjoojoo, combines my favorite childhood Korean popsicle called “Jjoo Jjoo Bah (쭈쭈바)” and bad juju, a phrase that stems from West Africa, meaning misfortune or spiritual bad luck. I have a mole under each eye, which represents a life of sorrow and tears in East Asian mole-readings. Though it used to be a large insecurity of mine, I have grown to love and joke about these moles. And contrary to Korean mole omens, I believe that I’m very lucky and happy.

I graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, specializing in Graphic Design, from the University of Maryland, College Park in Spring 2024. My dream in life has always been to become an art professor, specifically in design or illustration.

Though I never considered tattooing to be my main profession, I am so incredibly grateful to have found this medium. I have met so many amazing people throughout this journey, and I am so thankful to those who appreciate my work.