From long nights of sketching after work to international convention victories, Louis shares his story of growth, independence, and perseverance. A passionate Color Realism tattoo artist based in Draguignan, French Riviera, whose devotion to tattooing has shaped not only his career but his entire life. With over 15 years of experience and a self-taught journey fueled by relentless curiosity, Louis has built a reputation for his striking color and black & gray realism pieces that combine strong contrasts.
This conversation offers a glimpse into the mind of an artist who lives and breathes his craft – who determined to leave his mark “on this damn earth and on your skin.”
How would you like to introduce yourself?
I am a passionate artist, I devote all my time and energy to my passion, which is tattooing.
Where can your customers find you?
My clients can find me in the south of France in Draguignan (French Riviera) at Atelier 22.
How would you describe the tattoo scene in your country these days?
I would say that the demand for realistic color tattoos is increasing in France every year.
How would you define yourself in one word?
I am someone who is passionate and curious about everything.
Where did your fascination for tattoos come from?
I have always been fascinated by art in all its forms and was curious to try art on skin.
What does tattooing mean to you personally?
Tattooing is literally my whole life! It made me grow up and it will have my skin!
At what point in your life did you decide to become a professional tattoo artist?
I decided to become a professional tattoo artist in my twenties. There wasn’t any job that suited me, so I naturally gravitated towards tattooing. At first, I tattooed and drew in my spare time, in the evenings after work and until late at night.
How did your family react when you started a career in tattooing?
When I decided to become a professional tattoo artist, unfortunately, there was no one anymore from my family around me.
Did you go through an apprenticeship? How was that experience?
No, I didn’t go through an apprenticeship to become a tattoo artist, I trained myself on the job. This included spending a lot of time observing and learning from experienced tattoo artists.
What did your first tattoo look like?
My first tattoo?! Haha, it wasn’t great!!
Do you usually do guest spots? If yes, what’s your experience in doing them?
Yes, it happens to me, but very rarely. It’s always a good exchange of advice and experiences between tattoo artists.
As a Tattoo Artist, what does your daily working routine look like?
Very short nights and lots of caffeine! I spend a lot of time at home working on projects and looking for inspiration.
What is one surprising aspect of being a tattoo artist?
The challenge lies in providing the client with a project that exceeds their expectations and succeeds in adding artistry to the symbolism.
How do you determine the price of a tattoo?
I determine the price of a tattoo based on the time spent designing it and its complexity.
What’s the most challenging aspect of being a tattoo artist in 2025?
The challenge is always exceeding client expectations while maintaining artistic quality.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a tattoo artist?
I find it extremely rewarding to be able to bring strength and self-confidence to my clients through their new tattoo.
What tools and machines do you prefer to use?
I work with a Flux tattoo machine from FK Irons.
What’s your number one aftercare advice for clients?
Leave the tattoo cream-free for the first two days, cleaning it with soap only, and then continue cleaning with soap and add the cream.
How would you define your current tattoo style, and how did you end up focusing on it?
My current tattoo style is color and black and gray realism. I like to work with strong contrasts and texture. I gravitated towards this style because I like the constant challenge of always finding new ideas.
Please walk us through your process when you start a new tattoo for your customers.
First, I take the time to understand the client’s request and to put them at ease before starting to tattoo them.
How do you stay creatively inspired?
I stay inspired by exploring art in all its forms and looking at many creators with very different styles.
How do you balance client requests with your artistic vision?
By exploiting the full potential of the idea and transforming a classic idea into something original and accomplished.
Are there any tattoo styles you’d like to explore more?
I particularly like exploring color, dark and creepy realism with a lot of visual impact.
What’s the most overrated tattoo style?
Geometric and Polynesian tattoos I don’t enjoy doing them.
Do you have sponsors? If yes, what could you tell us about your sponsors?
Yes, I have several sponsors:
- For My Bio Tattoo – a French brand of tattoo care and aftercare products that has supported me for years.
- Pro Art Cartridge – a Canadian brand of high-quality needles I use daily.
- OG Produce – a tattoo supply brand with excellent machines I use regularly.
As a Tattoo Artist, what kind of tattoo ethics is really important to you?
For me, it is important to take the time to finalize each tattoo to perfection and to always put as much heart into it whatever the project.
What’s your favorite way to keep learning?
I like to learn by observing more experienced tattoo artists.
Do you like to teach or mentor upcoming artists?
I trained by observing the work of the best at conventions.
How do you stay at the top of your game?
I stay at the top by leaving room for other passions like diving and the ocean. It’s very important to me.
What do you think separates a good tattoo artist from a great one?
Giving a soul to the tattoo so that it has an impact on people makes a big difference to me.
How do you feel about the growing acceptance of tattoos in society?
I think it’s a good thing, the acceptance of tattoos in society is evolving more and more rapidly in recent years. Art should have a more important place in our society.
What’s the biggest misconception that customers may have about tattoos?
That tattoos can be harmful to their health.
What’s the biggest trend in tattooing you have noticed in the last 5 years?
Animal portraits in Black and Gray.
What’s your view on the rise of AI in tattooing?
I don’t see the use of AI in tattooing.
Do you do other forms of art besides tattooing?
Of course! I sometimes paint and draw a lot on paper to come up with new ideas.
Who are the people you admire the most within the tattoo community?
There are many talented tattoo artists I admire both in France and abroad. When I started 15 years ago, I admired Nikko Hurtado’s work. I found his portraits completely crazy!
What’s your experience at tattoo conventions so far?
I have been attending conventions for about ten years to participate in tattoo contests. The challenges are important to me, they push me to constantly improve.
How do you usually prepare for a tattoo convention?
I always hope to prepare everything in advance but in the end, I do everything at the last minute just before leaving!
What’s your primary reason to attend a tattoo convention?
To contest and learn from the best.
What’s your favorite tattoo convention so far? And why?
The French Conventions are very important to me, but I particularly cherish the memory of my first victory in Canada.
Have you ever had the opportunity to participate in any tattoo contests?
Yes, in recent years I have mainly won best of show awards alone and in collaboration.
Do you collect tattoos from artists you meet at conventions?
No, I never have time because I always finish last and there’s no one left!
How do you think tattoo conventions could improve for both artists and the public?
The conventions I attend in France are very well organized and I wouldn’t change anything.
Was there any event in particular that really boosted your career?
Yes, my first victories in tattoo contests in France and abroad really boosted my career.
Is there any tattoo that you have created in your career that you are particularly proud of?
I’m proud of every tattoo I do, and the last one is always my new favorite!
What is your greatest accomplishment as a tattoo artist?
Keeping a tattoo shop open over the years while maintaining the same level of dedication.
What advice would you offer to someone considering a career as a tattoo artist?
Good luck!
What are your goals or dreams for the near future?
My goals for the future are to continue to improve myself and make my tattoo shop prosper. To expand my style, I hope to be able to use all possible inspiration.
What legacy do you want to leave as a tattoo artist?
Leave my mark on this damn earth and on your skin!
To close this awesome interview, what’s your last message to our readers?
I would like to thank this amazing community, which is a constant source of motivation for me.
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