IN THIS FORMAT WE INTRODUCE YOU TO A TATTOO SHOP PRESENT IN THE “TATTOO ARTISTS YEARBOOKS”, A HANDY GUIDE TO THE TATTOO SHOPS IN EUROPE.
The owner of ‘La Folie Noire’ tattoo studio in Saint Malo shares how much he loves his work and his dedication to constantly evolving it into an even more refined art form. This is why he strongly believes in collaborating with other like-minded artists.
Thomas, I’ve read somewhere you had two dream jobs as a child: becoming a motocross rider and a comic book artist. But having been a tattoo artist in life you are closer to the second one, right?
Yeah! So indeed since I was a child I have been practicing motocross and drawing. Motocross was my number one passion and like any child I dreamed of becoming a professional wild biker but I quickly understood that I was better at drawing. Comics were one of the art professions in which I could have liked myself I think, but when I started tattooing it took over the whole the passion was much stronger than drawing itself and motocross lifestyle. So I reduced the pace on the motorcycle to devote myself fully to my art in tattooing and I do not regret.
How did you get to Realistic tattoo?
I have always been impressed by artists who replicate photographs, especially portraits. I used to draw a lot, but I never imagined that such a complex style could be reproduced on skin! Years ago, my father showed me some portraits by Kat Von D on TV and said, ‘Before you manage to do that, you have to go!’ (laughs). At the time, I was just beginning my first tattoo experiences, and I realized that this was the style I wanted to master. I quickly took things into my own hands and worked hard to climb the ladder.”
Working exclusively with a lot of black ink gives much more depth to what you tattoo. Sometimes it’s more like watching an old black and white film than looking at your tattoo. What do you think about it?
I actually use several dilutions of gray and I like to give contrast to my compositions, I also use what are called gray colors in the backgrounds of my pieces to bring out the main elements. I have the chance to be part of the Radiant Colors family since some time so I have several shades at my disposal and enjoy continuing to experiment.
I also went into a totally different style a few months ago, by reproducing old paintings, driven by my passion for these timeless works of art.
I completed a full arm tattoo based on the work of the great Italian artist Michelangelo Merisi, also known as Caravaggio. I really enjoy working in this style, though customer demand for it has been low so far.”
How did you feel last April when you won the Sunday ‘Best Realistic’ contest at ‘Gods of Ink’ in Frankfurt? Did you see it as an approval of the global tattoo industry towards you?
It’s one of my most beautiful memories! I was trembling and I didn’t think in seven years of tattooing I could measure myself against these incredible artists who were present that day in Frankfurt… I remember having my dear friend Sampaguita Jay (real name: Jhade Lapos; IG: @sampaguitajay_tattoo) on her knees by my side while we waited for the result. She supported me, and both she and my dear friend were in tears when they called my name! It was really a suspended moment for me. I think it’s an important recognition for me, as I really felt below the lot and arriving here felt like a child in Disneyland Paris… (smiles) I would also like to thank Miki Vialetto again for giving me the chance to participate in this incredible event.
Still in relation to the ‘Gods of Ink’ award, how did you come up with the idea of that gloomy, slightly zombie-like cardinal? Was it a specific request from the client or did you work on it together?
I began to find this style after looking for a lot of things in order to have my own signature. I started with a clown in the horror theme. I began to take some artistic freedom during the tattoo, appropriating more the design and at the same time without wanting to follow it to the letter. I added texture and I saw that it worked very well so I continued and insisted much more.
I started again for the ‘Gods of Ink’ event (IG: @godsofinktattooconvention) by adding a background that made sense with graphic church shape. The customer Fabien trusted me from the beginning to the end, he was incredible and it paid off!
I found my signature and today I try to continue to the maximum on this very contrasting style with texture in the faces.
Can you tell me all about your studio ‘La Folie Noire’ in Saint Malo (France)? Does it overlook the sea?
I’m not really in the middle of Saint Malo but in a small village closeby, rather quiet in the land but very close to the sea of course. It could be that the ‘La Folie Noire’ (IG: @lafolienoire_) will move to an incredible place in the middle of Saint Malo soon… but I don’t say more than this! (smiles)
Besides you, two other people work there, is that correct?
I have with me Jordan Pointel (IG: @jordan_pointel.ink) who started as an apprentice with me about five years ago. He found his place in the Neo-Traditional style and now begins to dig and raise his own style. Lisa (IG: @_flowkin_) is also with me and she’s a very young tattoo artist who is still looking for her style and continues to dig into BlackWork. We have Lise too (IG: @aiguille_de_lise), a guest/piercer and a dear collaborator who manages all my emails and customer appointments… and who plans perhaps in the future to become the manager of ‘La Folie Noire’… I invite you all to come and visit Saint Malo, it’s an incredible place!
I know you’re also active in the field of seminars, right? Do “new Thomas Vincents” grow to the level of young tattoo artists?
Some time ago, I began sharing my expertise with a small group of passionate young people that I selected. The seminars pass over two days. Exchanging ideas and sharing knowledge is very important and this is how I managed to climb the ladder in this tattoo industry. I still have a lot of nice things to do and accomplish but if I can help motivate young people by showing that we are not in this for the the money but for the love of art, then I’m more than willing to open my doors.
The few students I had recently are quite satisfied with the seminars and and we can see their progress through a small WhatsApp group where we stay in touch and exchange updates on everyone’s development.
So, if any young artists want to join us, don’t hesitate! It will be a pleasure to share my knowledge with you.
Name me an actor, a sportsman, a musician and an artist in general that you haven’t yet transformed into a Realistic tattoo but would like to do so tomorrow?
I don’t really know if that’s what I’m looking for today as I said my style evolves and simply reproducing portraits doesn’t excite me as much as before, even if it’s always very satisfying to do. I think I would say: Morgan Freeman, Benoît-Saint-Denis, Jimi Hendrix and Caravaggio.
Last question – can you quote me a phrase that explains everything about you and your art?
Well, I’m only a young passionate tattoo artist, who thirsts for work and evolution. I love to share my knowledge with people and other artists who respect this job and like evolving this incredible art. There is still work to do and magical moments to live!
Follow ‘La Folie Noire’ tattoo studio on Instagram: @lafolienoire_
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