Interview and co-branding Cowboy Tattoo
Director of the Cabinet of Curiosities
Based at the Blacksheep Tattoo studio in Grenoble, Cowboy Tattoo’s dark, intricate graphic style caught our eye almost immediately—it aligns perfectly with our own aesthetic! A truly talented artist capable of executing massive, ultra-dense, detailed pieces just as skillfully as a spontaneous flash design, he has earned a reputation as a "Grand Master of Black"—referring both to his signature ink color and the concepts that fuel his creativity. We invite you to admire a sample of his work and read the interview he kindly granted us, despite a schedule as packed as a government minister's.
What are your main sources of inspiration when creating new tattoo designs, and how do you incorporate these influences into your personal style?
I think I have a particular fascination with everything related to *vanitas* themes, skulls, Dayak or Voodoo tribal totems, deserts, insects, mystical animals, ancient deities, the chiaroscuro atmosphere of Caravaggio, desolate landscapes, and so on. Consuming a vast number of images—whether on social media, in movies, video games, or books—must feed my imagination and creativity on some level. Then there are simply the clients, who often arrive with superb ideas; they are a great source of inspiration, too. Depending on the project and the client's profile, I incorporate graphic or technical details, though it’s not necessarily a conscious process. It’s a bit like my approach to composing music: I take things in, digest them, and then unconsciously regurgitate them!
Can you tell us about your training as a tattoo artist and your career path so far—specifically the key moments that shaped your style and technique?
As for my background, I earned a degree in visual communication (specializing in graphic design, publishing, and advertising) and worked in graphic design for nearly 12 years. So, I came to tattooing relatively late, at age 32. After the stars aligned, I was lucky enough to train at a studio that already had a stellar reputation: Blacksheep Tattoo. It was Emy—the boss—who trained me, alongside the equally renowned Loxiput. In terms of my style, I was heavily influenced early on by the Eastern European blackwork scene—specifically Russian prison tattoos—as well as by Jean-Luc Navette, whose work at the time sat at the intersection of graphic design and illustration. Coming from a graphic design background myself, discovering his work was a real revelation and significantly shaped my initial style. Over the years, as I mastered new techniques, I evolved toward a more personal aesthetic while retaining elements like blackwork and texture. I enjoy working on large-scale pieces and strive to pay close attention to how the design flows with the movement of the body.
What are the most rewarding aspects of your work as a tattoo artist, and are there any specific challenges you face in this profession?
The simple fact that people come to me for full-sleeve, full-back, or full-leg pieces is already a huge source of satisfaction for me. I am truly grateful when people return to "continue the work," as they put it, and I never take the trust they place in me for granted. From a purely technical standpoint, working with a living canvas isn't always easy; skin is a medium that is never the same twice... My slightly perfectionist, rigid side struggles with that a bit. On a personal level, the biggest challenge I face right now is probably having to devote time to social media—trying to maintain at least a minimal presence... It’s an important part of the job, but it’s really not my favorite thing to do.
How do you approach collaborating with clients to create custom tattoos that meet their expectations while reflecting your unique artistic style?
Honestly, it’s really straightforward these days. I’m lucky enough to have clients who come specifically for my style and trust me, so it often boils down to: "I’d like something like this, right here—done your way!" I like having a consultation meeting to clarify the basic idea a bit. Strangely enough, the clients asking for large-scale tattoos are the ones who give me the fewest instructions regarding the actual design. Generally speaking, it feels like they want "my" vision of "their" ideas—and that’s the best!
What are your personal limits when it comes to artistic creation?
Hmm... I’m not really sure; I don’t feel like I have to limit myself... I suppose I’d have to say bad taste 🙂!
Upon discovering the dark, tortured graphic style of Cowboy Tattoo, the conclusion was inescapable: we had to propose a collaboration. And as you can see from these images, it was a damn good idea!!
To learn more about our co-branded products:
Co-branding Hyraw
To find out more about Cowboy Tattoo:
Studio Blacksheep Tattoo
Instagram Cowboy Tattoo