The story of Emeline

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 Emeline, a 24 years old tattoo artist in Montreal at studio Tattoo Abyss, in Griffintown.

Who is Emeline?

Arrived in Montreal in August 2021 with her 2 cats, Emeline is a 24 years old tattoo artist from France. Having studied biology and medicine back home, she left school to pursue a career in her biggest passion, tattooing. Loving the city’s energy, Emeline can’t think of a better place to develop her talent and her passion. 

What pushed her to become a tattoo artist?

Having always loved arts, Emeline knew she wanted to be in that field. It was only when she started getting tattoos herself that the idea of becoming a tattooist bloomed in her mind. After meeting with different artists in France, Emeline knew that the tattooing field was for her. It is at that moment that she decided to work on her art and become a tattoo artist. 

Did she have any background in arts before starting to tattoo?

Before starting her apprenticeship, Emeline took 2 years of drawing classes back home to develop her style. She then got an apprenticeship in a tattoo shop in France, but it did not work out well and she then decided to wait to be in Montreal to become a tattoo artist. 

When did she start to tattoo?

After her first failed attempt in France, Emeline moved to Montreal to pursue her dream, she joined the team at Tattoo Abyss with the little experience that she had and Abby taught her many things once she started working there to perfect her art. Being an apprentice still, Emiline admits that she is still learning every day whether it’s about her technique, the placement of the tattoos on the body, or her drawings, but there is always someone at the studio to help around when needed.

What style of tattoo does she do?

Emeline does hand poke and stick and poke tattoos, which means she does not work with a tattooing machine. That style of tattoo gives a different appearance, which is smoother, more organic, and more delicate, which is what she likes about tattoos. The hand poke gives a smoother experience to the client, being a slower technique, it is more often less painful than a tattoo by machine, so it might be recommended for certain zones on the body. The style also allows easier and faster healing than a tattoo by machine. Emeline normally works with dot work and black work, but she also does fine line tattoos and sometimes she does color works. 

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

Still new in the field, there are tons of projects that Emeline would like to work on! Her main ones would be working on bigger pieces and/or color pieces. She would also love to work more often on the sternum and the abdomen since it is part of her favorite places for tattoos. 

What inspires her during the process of a tattoo?

Generally, Emeline takes her inspiration from nature, plants, animals, and anything cute. While in a Rendez-Vous, she always makes sure to make her time with the client soft and comfortable. She does that because it is important for her as a client to have a good trusting relationship with the artist. She loves being able to draw directly on her client’s body since it helps to fit the design perfectly on the body, she does that mostly when working on ear pieces.

What was her first project?

Emeline’s first tattoos were on herself, her favorite one being a ladybug. She also tattooed her boyfriend and friends, her first tattoo on a client was a little rune on the wrist. 

What’s her latest project?

Her latest project was a small Doctor Strange tattoo. The tattoo was a mix of fine lines, dot work, and some colors, which made it fun to realize and fit perfectly in her style! If you are interested in seeing more of Emeline’s tattoos, you can visit her Instagram!

What was her favorite project she did?

Her favorite project was a branch she tattooed on a hip/thigh. It was a huge piece that she adored working on that was in perfect harmony with the body’s curves.

What project had the biggest challenge she had to overcome?

Her favorite piece was also the biggest challenge she had to overcome as a tattooist. Being the biggest tattoo she did to this day, it was a full hand poke tattoo that took 2 meetings to conclude. She also added that for her, the fingers are the hardest place to tattoo but she is learning to master it because it is so beautiful once completed. 

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