Life & Work with Zay Zhuo of Johns Creek

Today we’d like to introduce you to Zay Zhuo.

Hi Zay, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve always been drawn to art and storytelling, but my journey to becoming a tattoo artist wasn’t a straight line. Growing up, I didn’t have much freedom to explore creative fields, so I followed a more traditional path for a while. But deep down, I knew I wanted to create something of my own, something meaningful and lasting.

I started tattooing out of pure curiosity, fascinated by how art could live on skin and carry emotion, memory, and individuality. What began as a personal experiment slowly turned into a passion and eventually a career.

For a long time, I was traveling back and forth between New York and Atlanta. During that time, I realized that Atlanta’s fine line tattoo scene was still quite young and developing, and that really surprised me because the city itself is so beautiful, vibrant, and full of kind, open-minded people. That realization planted the seed for Zone of Ink.

I wanted to build a studio that felt welcoming, calm, and inclusive, a place that reflected both artistry and sensitivity. Most of our artists are women, each with a unique and delicate way of expressing art. I wanted to support them in sharing the kind of tattoo styles they believe in and to provide a safe, creative environment where they can truly grow.

Today, Zone of Ink is not just a tattoo studio. It’s a creative community built on trust, emotion, and connection. We focus on fine line and minimal tattoo styles, but what really defines us is the meaning behind each piece, art that tells stories, carries emotions, and stays timeless on skin.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Starting a tattoo studio from scratch with my business partner Thea was both exciting and overwhelming. We built everything from the ground up, from the studio’s concept and design to its culture and community. There were moments of doubt, especially in the early days when we were still figuring out how to balance creativity, business, and leadership all at once.

As artists, we naturally wanted to focus on creating, but running a studio meant also managing people, clients, schedules, finances, and a hundred small details that no one really sees. It was a huge learning curve for both of us.

Another challenge was building trust and visibility in a market that was still growing. When we first started in Atlanta, fine line tattoos weren’t as common, so educating clients and helping them understand the style took patience and consistency.

We also faced personal challenges, learning to set boundaries, dealing with burnout, and finding confidence as women in a field that can sometimes feel male-dominated. But every step, even the difficult ones, taught us something valuable.

Looking back, I’m grateful for all the ups and downs. They pushed us to grow not only as artists but also as leaders, and to create a space that truly represents who we are.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At Zone of Ink, we specialize in fine line, realism, and minimal tattoo styles that focus on emotion, detail, and balance. Each piece is created with precision and intention, often inspired by nature, mythology, and personal stories. We love the quiet beauty of minimalism and realism, how something simple and delicate can still carry deep meaning and emotional weight.

We take pride in producing quality work that reflects both technical skill and personal expression. What truly sets us apart is that we encourage every artist in our studio to explore and develop their own unique style. We believe individuality is the heart of creativity, so rather than fitting into one aesthetic, we grow together as a diverse team of artists with shared values.

Unlike many traditional old or new school tattoo shops, Zone of Ink was built to feel calm, inclusive, and modern. The environment is clean, welcoming, and intentionally designed to help clients feel comfortable while trusting the process. Most of our artists are women, and their work naturally carries a sense of sensitivity and emotional depth that defines our studio’s character.

We also care deeply about customer experience. Our goal is for every client to leave the studio feeling completely satisfied with their tattoo and the overall experience. We stand behind the quality of our work and offer a complimentary first touch up after healing to ensure each piece looks its best for years to come.

In addition to custom designs, we host themed flash events every month featuring new concepts and creative ideas. Each of our resident tattoo artists also releases flash designs in their own signature style, giving clients a chance to connect with different artistic perspectives and find something that truly speaks to them.

We are proud that Zone of Ink has become a space that represents both artistry and integrity, where every tattoo, whether fine line, realism, or minimal, is made with care, meaning, and respect for the person wearing it.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I draw inspiration from many different places, not just within the tattoo industry. I enjoy reading books that focus on creativity, mindfulness, and personal growth. Since I can read in different languages, my reading list is always quite diverse.
As for apps, I love using Procreate for sketching and planning tattoo designs, and Apple Calendar for organizing ideas, studio tasks, and client notes. It keeps both the creative and business sides of my work balanced.

Outside of tattooing, I often buy art books from different illustrators with various styles. I have always loved art and illustration, and I enjoy studying how different artists express their ideas visually. Besides creating tattoo designs for clients, I also draw my own art pieces. My favorite style is Japanese inspired, especially the world of small mythological creatures and yokai. One of my drawings was even exhibited and won an award, which encouraged me to keep creating beyond tattooing.

What helps me most is anything that allows me to slow down, reflect, and stay inspired, whether that is through art, music, or simply journaling.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://zoneofinktattoo.mase.cloud/home
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zoneofink/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Zone-of-Ink-Tattoo-Studio-61576005808429/