The story of Alice

While you’re trying to start your career, most people will ask to see a portfolio, which you do not necessarily have! This is why having a good mentor is key to becoming a good tattoo artist. I had the chance to meet with Alice, a 27 years old tattoo artist in Montreal at studio Tattoo Abyss, in Griffintown.

Who is Alice?

Alice is a 27 years old tattoo artist from Montpellier, a city in southern France. Arriving in Montreal in September 2021, Alice has a diploma in fine arts from Montpellier and a license in arts from Paul-Valery university. The first tattoo that she did was a single small point. One of Alice’s friends wanted Alice to redo her tattoo but Alice was stressed since she never worked with a tattoo machine before, her friend told her to tattoo a small point on her to know the feeling of the tattoo machine on the body. Surprisingly, after that point, all the stress disappeared and Alice ended up doing the full tattoo!

What pushed her to become a tattoo artist?

Alice always loved arts in general, but more specifically drawings. While in college, she had to do a body painting activity for one of her classes and that is when the revelation happened. She adored working on a body and that is when she decided to become a tattoo artist. 

When did she start to tattoo?

Alice started her apprenticeship in November 2021 at Tattoo Abyss, but only started tattooing in March 2022. She considers herself a baby tattooist, but a quick learner!

What style of tattoo does she do?

Alice considers that she has a graphic style with ornamental designs. She considers she has more of a feminine style, with flowers and small patterns she adds to her designs. You can see more of her tattoos on her Instagram!

What type of projects would she like to do more often?

Since she is only starting in the industry, Alice would like to keep her style of tattoos for now before exploring new ones. She is open to working on new stuff, but keeping her style of patterns and design makes it easier for her to learn and she finds that the style adds a cool little effect to her designs and she loves to tattoo that for now!

What inspires her during the process of a tattoo?

When asked this question, her first answer was ‘’the whole process of a tattoo!’’ When I asked to elaborate, she explained that from the start when she meets with a client her inspiration starts. She likes the part where she’s thinking about how the tattoo will harmonize with the body and how it will highlight the tattoo once done. Her favorite part is to see the finalized tattoo and the reaction the clients have when they see their tattoo. That reaction is what inspires her the most while designing the tattoo. She likes all the different personalities in the shop and how enriching it is for her!

What was her first project?

Her first project was a minimalist flower she realized on her colleague Émiline! Alice was very stressed about the first one and Émiline was able to help her calm down and be confident. 

What’s her latest project?

Her latest project is her favorite one to this day! It was a snake rolled on itself with a pattern on it! 

What was the biggest challenge she had to overcome on a project?

Her biggest challenge to this day was her very first tattoo. She had to fight through her shyness, lack of confidence, and stress of the first tattoo. Being a reserved person, she knew that becoming a tattooist would make her fight her fears and help her self-confidence! She’s excited to see the evolution awaiting her during the next few years!

If you are interested in a booking with Alice, you can visit our website and book an appointment with her!