Fresh from ‘Le Mondial du Tatouage,’ Bintou takes us into her artistic world at the ‘Artefact Tattoo’ studio in Angers, which she co-leads with her partner Monta Tattooer, and stuns us with a burst of colors and beauty.
Bintou, would you like to tell us a little about your beginnings, how many years have you been tattooing and what ultimately pushed you to become a professional tattoo artist?
I have always loved drawing, so I quickly searched for an artistic profession where drawing plays a central role. I came across a report on the world of tattooing, where we followed the tattoo artist Poly (IG: @poly_tattoo). I was immediately captivated, and from that moment, I knew this was what I wanted to do. ” The infinite creative possibilities and the human dimension that makes each day different immediately attracted me a lot.
I was ready to do anything to become a tattoo artist and after several refusals I ended up finding an apprenticeship in a street shop in Angers. I immediately tattooed a lot of everything which was very formative. I quickly moved towards color because it makes each tattoo more alive. Now, it’s been 5 years since I started tattooing.
How did you realize that you had a particular predilection for New Traditional tattoos and especially your touch in portraying female faces, enriching them with amazing details?
NeoTrad is really the tattoo style that I like the most, you can add your touch and it offers creative freedom. I like to add a touch of Realism because the details bring a higher dimension which I like. I have always been fascinated by feminine beauty.
Women are an inexhaustible sourcs of inspiration, muses capable of embodying a multitude of emotions and allegories.
Through them, each feeling takes shape, each story is drawn. Goddesses, for example, are a wonderful way to explore all themes: love, war, wisdom, nature etc. Each gaze, each expression then becomes the reflection of an emotion that I like to capture and interpret with sensitivity.
Do you think you had any reference points in mind when it came time to refine your craft? What truly inspires you?
Although there are many, the tattoo artist who inspires me the most is Raquel Escudero (IG: @raquel_tattoofreaks), whom I had the opportunity to meet when she tattooed my leg. Greek mythology and the Renaissance painters who interpreted these ancient myths also inspire me a lot.
Their ability to mix softness and brutality in their paintings is absolutely fascinating! I cannot forget the manga culture, which was an essential source of inspiration when I started drawing and which continues to influence my creativity. The theme that inspires me the most and that really makes me vibrating is love. An endless source of inspiration.
Do you have some methods to immerse yourself completely within your works when we talk about magnetic female faces?
To fully immerse myself in my work, well, I imagine the complete story of the woman I’m creating – her past, her personality, what she has been through, what she is experiencing, and what she is feeling at that moment. Sometimes, I get so absorbed in the process that I unconsciously mimic the same expressions on my own face. I make a lot of faces when I draw and tattoo!
If you could have a time machine and travel to any era, and ask a question to a historical figure in the field of tattoo art or an artist in general, who would you go to and what would you ask them?
I think my favorite painting is ‘Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog’ by Caspar David Friedrich. This painting evokes such a strong emotion in me. If I had the chance, I would ask him what exactly he felt while painting it – what thoughts and states of mind guided him in creating such a powerful piece.
Can you tell me in detail about your ‘Artefact Tattoo’ private studio in Angers, France?
‘Artefact Tattoo’ (IG: @artefact_tattoo_) is the studio my partner, Monta Tattooer (IG: @monta_tattooer), and I founded together. We wanted to create a space that operates exclusively by appointment, allowing us to dedicate our full attention to each client without distractions or rush. Located in the heart of Angers, our studio is housed in a charming building entirely dedicated to our art.
We have a special creative space where we work on paintings and other artistic projects. It’s also where we welcome clients for drawing sessions before their tattoo appointments, ensuring that each piece is carefully refined beforehand. Our priority is to offer a unique experience – taking the time to discuss, perfect every detail, and create tattoos that truly resonate with their wearers. We strive to make sure each client has a great time and leaves fully satisfied.
Alongside Monta Tattooer who works with you?
Alongside us, two talented tattoo artists, Ben Smith (IG: @bensmithtatts) and Julien Lavergne (IG: @julienlavergne.tatoueur), bring their own artistic styles to the team. We also have the pleasure of regularly welcoming guest artists.
You are fresh from ‘Le Mondial du Tatouage 2025’ in Paris. Did you have fun?
This is the biggest convention I have attended so far, and the experience was incredible! The event lived up to its reputation: a warm atmosphere, exciting discussions and remarkable humility, despite the stratospheric level of the artists present.
Meeting tattooists I’ve admired since my early days was a truly special moment. It was even more meaningful because a documentary about this very event is what originally inspired me to become a tattoo artist.
Being in Paris as an artist felt symbolic – like coming full circle.
I saw some breathtaking tattoos. Nothing is more inspiring and motivating than witnessing such incredible work – it pushes me to elevate my craft even further.
Do you have European stops (conventions, guest spots) already booked in your agenda?
For now, I don’t have any conventions or guest spots planned abroad, but that may change soon. In the meantime, we are fully focused on the Angers tattoo convention, aka ‘Angers Tattoo Fest’ (IG: @angerstattoofest), which my partner, Monta Tattooer (IG: @monta_tattooer), has recently taken over. An exciting adventure ahead!
And your last famous words are… ?
Thank you, dear tattoo art, for transforming my life and filling it with happiness. It is at the core of everything I do, and today, it’s more than just a passion – it’s a true reason to live that pushes me to improve every single day. There is nothing more vibrant and alive than color tattooing!
