At 35 years old, Elie Hammond opened Arcane, in Montreuil. And while magic seems to have worked its magic on her destiny, the tattoo artist knows that it is above all her determination and hard work that have led her to this success. Like a black cat, Elie seems to have lived a thousand lives.
Each trip, each encounter, has nourished her vision and approach to tattooing. With 14 years of experience, she looks back on her journey, from her beginnings with Dimitri HK to her road trip across Europe, not forgetting the publication “The Magic of Cats”, which she recently illustrated. Portrait of a punk rock artist with a gothic-romantic heart.
Your pseudonym, Elie Hammond, is inspired by the character Evey Hammond from the comic book V for Vendetta. Why did you choose this name?
V for Vendetta is one of the films that has most impacted me. I love the way it highlights the power of ideas and the need to fight against injustice. I chose the name Evey Hammond, whose evolution shows her ability to confront her fears and become free. And, a funny little anecdote: many people think I chose this pseudonym in reference to John Hammond, the creator of Jurassic Park, because I’ve never hidden my love for dinosaurs… Sometimes I correct them, sometimes I leave it ambiguous—after all, you could say he’s a bit like my spiritual uncle!
Speaking of spiritual uncles, can you tell me about your meeting with the French tattoo artist Dimitri HK?
As soon as I received my first paycheck, I went to get a tattoo. Everyone recommended Dimitri HK, and even though his shop wasn’t exactly near my home, the reviews were unanimous. It was a truly wonderful artistic and personal encounter, and while he was tattooing me, he mentioned that he was hiring for a manager. For me, it was the perfect opportunity to get a foot in the door of this world that so fascinated me and, perhaps, to progress further in the field.
In 2010, you started at Dimitri HK as a manager, and your tenacity led you to begin an apprenticeship with him. Can you tell us about that experience?
To put it simply, I harassed him every day with my drawings! The ones I did on the train, or whenever I had a little free time. I thought to myself: “Give it your all. If it doesn’t work, at least you’ll know you tried.” That’s my philosophy: give it your all so you have no regrets. Then, after a year, he decided to believe in me. Learning alongside Dimitri HK was an incredible experience. The artistic environment in which I was evolving was more than inspiring. Moreover, he’s far removed from the clichés associated with success. He’s undoubtedly one of the most genuine and authentic people I’ve ever met. He was my tattoo dad.
Did you know who he was when you applied? Dimitri is, after all, an iconic figure in french tattooing!
I didn’t fully grasp his importance in the French tattoo scene. By becoming his manager, I quickly understood who I was working with. Dimitri has always followed his own path, and that’s one of his greatest strengths. He ultimately succeeded by following his own rules and creating his own style. This determination profoundly influenced my approach to tattooing. And today, it makes me smile to remind him that he started tattooing the year I was born.
Can your style be described as Neo Traditional?
When I started tattooing, I was inevitably influenced by Dimitri and the new school style, which I loved. But very quickly, I began searching for my own path. One day, he brought a bunch of books back to the shop, and I discovered the sketchbook of Eckel, a neo-traditional artist. It was a real revelation: I was struck by the poetry of his work, this blend of raw energy and melancholy. I’ve always felt torn between my explosive, punk side and my gothic, poetic sensibility. Neo-traditional appealed to me with its autumnal colors, found it a bit less dynamic compared to new school.
Over time, I found a balance between these two worlds.
Today, your style reflects many inspirations. Can you tell me about the artists or worlds that most influence your work?
In my early years, I was inspired by American comics and the New School style. Later, I turned to classical painters, with a particular fondness for the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, especially Dante Gabriel Rossetti. I would also mention the work of Füssli and, of course, Art Nouveau. The Gothic in me adores the romanticism that emanates from it. I also try to add more ornamental elements to my work today, with a desire to follow the curves of the body. One of my major current inspirations is the work of the German artist Filouino. Her feminine bodysuits are incredible. I also think of Teresa Sharpe, who blends New School and Neo-Traditional styles.
To follow up on Teresa, you cite her as a major influence. Can you tell me how this encounter shaped your work?
The human connection was incredible… It’s in the top 10 most memorable experiences of my life. In 2016, I saw that she was participating in the Luxembourg convention, The Storm. I thought to myself: “Okay, I’ll rent a booth, sacrifice my Friday, and get a tattoo.” She accepted my Robin Hood-themed arm tattoo design. After that first session, I went to her home in Richmond, Virginia. Once there, she invited me to stay and tattoo.
I was so honored. I couldn’t believe it. She welcomed me like a guest. Her shop had just opened, but I had the opportunity to tattoo—so there’s a little bit of my ink in the United States. We share the same love of handmade, craftsmanship and authentic creation, as well as the desire to value artists without taking the easy way out. Today, she actively campaigns against AI in art to preserve the human element at the heart of creation—a message that deeply resonates with me. Even after all these years, she continues to inspire me.
In 2013, you embarked on a journey of discovery lasting several months into the world of tattooing. Can you tell me what motivated you to undertake this road trip, and how this experience influenced your vision of tattooing?
After two or three years with Dimitri, I felt the call of travel: it was time to break free from his influence and fly on my own. His kindness was incredible: instead of holding me back, he told me to go for it, to travel the world and learn as much as possible, for which I am deeply grateful.
I started my road trip in the French Basque Country, where my sister lives. Passing by the Black Mirror studio, I was drawn to the new school style and sensed that the artist must be friendly—and I wasn’t wrong: Bougne and his wife Gaëlle were lovely. I spent two weeks with them for my first guest, a truly memorable experience. Then, I went to Aigues-Mortes to pick up a machine from Bruno Kéa. He invited me onto his barge, Le Tanuki, and I watched, in awe, as the “shader” was being assembled.
Then, I headed to Switzerland, where I contacted the Leu family, who hosted me for a week of observation.
I even went back twice. I was shocked by Filip’s kindness—this legend! I was able to discover his entire process: drawing files, project preparations, sketches, overlays, client photos… On Filip and Titine’s advice, I went to Germany to meet Luke Atkinson whose shop reflects the traditional atmosphere of tattooing: the smell of ink, the ambiance… I also visited the creators of trash polka, Volko and Simone from the Buena Vista Tattoo Club, where I observed a different approach to the art of tattooing. My journey then took me to the Czech Republic and Hungary, where I worked at Rob Borbas’s station and discovered his incredible work. I continued my journey through Austria and Italy, before arriving in Spain.
There, I met Victor Chill from Family Art Tattoo studio, I was tattooed the very next day, despite the usual six-month wait, which showed me the impact of making the effort to meet artists. I also stopped in Madrid to say hello to Human Fly, then joined my friend in Alicante, before concluding my trip in Seville. The city’s beauty, its Arab baths, and its cuisine provided a magical end to these eight months of learning and meeting new people. This journey allowed me to discover a wide variety of styles and approaches, to observe renowned artists in their creative process, and to affirm my own vision of tattooing, combining technique, curiosity, and respect for the client.
You often mention the importance of building a relationship of trust with the people you tattoo. Why is this human aspect of the profession so essential to you?
For me, kindness is essential, because pain is part of the job. Tattoo artists like James, Teresa, and Logan have shown me that you can be highly skilled while remaining attentive and gentle with the client. Their approach has inspired me: minimizing suffering and supporting the person with care. I see myself as a safety net, observing the client’s reactions to adjust the session. Sometimes, I know my clients can push further, and I support them.
They then surpass their limits and are even surprised by their endurance.
Tonight, you inaugurated your new boutique “Arcane”. Can you tell me about this project and what it represents for you?
Arcane represents the culmination of 14 years of experience in tattooing. It symbolizes a return to my roots, as I’m opening my studio in Montreuil, where I’ve lived for the past six years. I’ve always been drawn to the city’s vibrant cultural scene and diversity, where the concentration of artists’ studios surpasses that of Berlin. With Arcane, my primary goal was to create a space that reflects my own vision, incorporating everything I’ve learned during my travels, residencies, and collaborations in various shops. I envision the studio as a place of sharing and mutual inspiration, similar to what I observed in Barcelona, where tattoo artists gather after work to create, design, and support one another. I also plan to organize hands-on workshops, such as needle soldering, to pass on often-overlooked skills and foster intergenerational connections between tattoo artists, apprentices, and enthusiasts. Even if everything won’t be perfect, I want my studio to be a building block for a more collaborative and open tattooing scene, where we celebrate art, technique and human connections.
