Nohoarii brings the powerful spirit of Polynesian tradition to the global stage. Hailing from the island of Tahaa, his journey from army service, welding and experiences of homelessness to becoming an acclaimed tattoo artist is a story of shapeshifting and resilience. Nohoarii’s artistry reflects his cultural roots through freehand designs that blend Polynesian motifs with each client’s unique story.
With participation in over thirty international conventions and numerous awards under his belt, the artist embodies the evolving tattoo scene of Tahiti and the vibrant exchange of ideas worldwide. Nohoarii‘s work is more than ink—it’s a living legacy shared one tattoo at a time.
For the readers who are not familiar with you, how would you introduce yourself?
Hey, my name is NOHOARII, better known on social media as @NOHOTATAU. I am 31 years old and I am a Polynesian tattoo artist from a small island named TAHAA.
Where did your fascination for tattoos come from?
I often feel that it wasn’t just a personal choice, but that my own culture called me to become a tattoo artist. From a very young age, I’ve been deeply rooted in Polynesian culture. Several members of my family practice the traditional art of tattooing, along with other aspects of my culture.
At what point in your life did you become a professional tattoo artist?
I served in the French army for six years, worked as a welder… Six years ago, I left everything behind to pursue a career as a tattoo artist. Along the way, I went from being homeless to becoming a professional tattoo artist.
How do you balance creativity with the client’s personal vision?
As a Polynesian tattoo artist, I only create freehand tattoo designs directly on the skin. I like to speak as much as possible with my clients to understand their vision, then, using patterns and symbols from my culture, I create their very own tattoo.
How would you describe the tattoo scene in Tahiti these days?
I would say that tattooing in my country is really getting bigger and bigger. We have an increasing number of tattoo artists, and people these days are more willing to get tattooed.
How would you define your current tattoo style, and how did you end up focusing on it?
I do Polynesian tattoos, blackwork, blackout, and ornamental styles.
Please walk us through your process when you start a new tattoo for your customers.
Before the appointment, I discuss the details and shapes with my client that he would like. During the session, I create the design directly on the skin, as I only do freehand. The story of my client allows me to create a design that matches his energy and life.
What’s the most challenging aspect of being a tattoo artist in 2025?
You need to be more than a tattoo artist; you need to be multi-tasking. Cause today it’s not just about tattoos anymore…
What’s a tattoo project that challenged your skills the most?
I completed a full leg piece over three days, approximately 40 hours, during the International Tattoo Convention in Montpellier. I had the honor of winning Best of Show in 2023.
What’s your experience at tattoo conventions so far?
Today, I’ve taken part in over thirty worldwide tattoo conventions, such as Los Angeles, New York, Miami, Milan, and Bruxelles.
Did you ever participate in any tattoo contests?
One year after starting in the tattoo industry, my mentor decided that it was time for me to do a tattoo convention. Since then, I’ve had the honor of winning over thirty awards for my work around the world. By now, I have been invited to serve as a jury member in some prestigious tattoo conventions, such as the All Stars Tattoo Convention, which takes place in Miami.
What’s your primary reason to attend a tattoo convention?
To see my friends, share experiences, and also to meet new people, to learn new things. To me, every moment is an opportunity to learn and improve. However, the main reason will be to assess your current level in the tattoo industry.
How do you think tattoo conventions could improve for the artists and the public?
The only thing for me that could help, will be more people, more advertising. But it really depends on the artist, cause everyone has to do their things to get where they need to be.
What’s your favorite tattoo convention so far? And why?
I can’t really say I have a favorite tattoo convention, cause all of them are amazing and I have some more to come. But so far I got to say I really loved the New York Empire State Tattoo Convention, and the Golden State Tattoo Expo in Los Angeles. I had the honor to meet some of the tattoo artists I see as references in the industry.
What advice would you give to first-time artists attending or working at a convention?
If it’s your first time, I will say enjoy it fully because it’s always a good experience to share and to see the world you are in. In tattoo conventions, you can level yourself and meet some incredible artists.
What advice would you offer to someone considering a career as a tattoo artist?
I could only say one thing: being a tattoo artist is not just a job or for fun. To me, it’s a passion where you need to go all in.
Who are the people you admire the most within the tattoo community?
There are some tattoo artists I deeply admire, and over time, I have had the great honor to meet them, like Stefano Alcantara, Ryan Smith, and Katarzyna Dumka.
What’s your biggest accomplishment as a tattoo artist?
I went from serving in the military to experiencing homelessness, and eventually found my path as a Polynesian tattoo artist. Today, I’m grateful to be able to travel and share a part of my culture through my work. I also had the opportunity to hold three tattoo conventions on my home island of TAHAA near Tahiti.
How do you stay at the top of your game?
By working hard on yourself, being aware of how the tattoo industry works. Be ready to learn, to draw, to improve, etc. Being a tattoo artist is a challenge, but a very good one.
What’s the most meaningful feedback you’ve ever received from a client?
When I held my first tattoo convention three years ago on my native island, I was moved to see young people approaching me, looking for guidance and inspiration. That day, I realized that I was on the right path.
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