Nico is an artist from France who has fast become a long-distance friend of mine, even sending each other art from across the world. If you find yourself near Metz, France which borders Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany you should do yourself a favour and stop by Le Salon de Gaby tattoo and piercing shop. Tell ’em Jon sent you!

When and where did you start tattooing? “I began tattooing in 1994 in the South of France, working with machines I had purchased from Mr. Bruno in Pigalle, Paris. I am self-taught, having learned through hands-on experience with friends. I later stepped away from tattooing to pursue a career as a nurse before returning to the craft nine years ago with renewed focus and perspective.”

How did you first get interested in tattooing? “I used to draw a lot as a child. One day – I must have been seven or eight – I was on a train with my parents, sketching, when a man with both arms fully tattooed walked into the carriage. It was a shock. He sat right across from me, and I spent the entire journey staring at his tattooed arms. From that moment on, I told my father I wanted to become a tattoo artist. It was the early ’80s – and he told me’ that’s not a real job.’”

What tattooers or other artists inspire you? “Artistically, there are many influences; technically, even more. But the ones I would like to mention are those who Impacted me in a different way.

Stef Bastien for his discipline and knowledge. Deno , whose unique art and energy I deeply admire. Francesco Lupo Rosso for the control he has over his creativity. Slap tattoo for his ability to translate his inspirations into tattooing. Isaiah Cummings for the authenticity of his work.

What they all share is a deep sincerity, great humility, immense talent, and an extraordinary work ethic.”

What drew you to American traditional style tattooing? “The complexity of making something simple. It’s a style that speaks of adventure, travel and love – a colourful approach that can be either exuberant or minimal, yet always carries a sense of romance. It can take shape through small designs or large-scale pieces. It’s the style that gave me the strongest emotions in my youth, and I feel like we remain loyal to the music of our teenage years. Simply put, it’s just very, very cool.”

Do you have any funny or crazy stories from your years of tattooing? “Every client comes with their own story and personality, and that always makes the exprience meaningful. One that stayed with me is a patient I tattooed when I was working as a nurse. She was 82 years old and wanted her very first tattoo. ‘I’ve always dreamed of getting tattooed, but you know, people around me always said it was for ‘bad girls’”. So she waited until she was 82 for me to give her her first tattoo – a rose on her shoulder – and she was incredibly proud of it. She was also very proud to have finally become a “bad girl.”‘

Any advice for new tattooers or for people getting tattooed for the first time? “Never forget it’s the client who decides whether you are a craftsman or an artist. If they come to you for your design, your line then they see you as an artist. If they seek your expertise to execute a tattoo, then they see you as a craftsman. Both positions are equally honourable, and every client arrives with a project that deserves our time, our attention, and all of our energy.”

Anything else you would like to add? “I’d like to thank you, Jon, for highlighting the work of all these tattoo artists who are preserving Western tattoo tradition. It’s incredibly important to have this kind of support.”

Thank you Nico for the kind words and thank you to everyone who reads my blog or frequents my Instagram page.