Philosophy
Every tattoo begins with a conversation.
Whether you arrive with a fully developed concept or only the beginning of an idea, we’ll work together to understand what you’re hoping to create and why it matters to you. My role isn’t simply to draw a tattoo, but to help develop an idea into something personal, intentional, and lasting.
I approach every project as a collaboration. While I’ll always offer guidance on composition, placement, and execution, I believe the strongest tattoos are created when the client’s voice remains an active part of the process. My responsibility is to serve the intention of the project first and foremost.
Most of my work is designed on the day of the appointment. Rather than preparing every detail weeks in advance, I prefer to respond to the body, the conversation, and the ideas that emerge as we work together. This approach allows each project to evolve naturally instead of forcing it into a predetermined solution.
Reference images are always welcome, but I encourage clients to think beyond aesthetics alone. Personal history, symbolism, mythology, architecture, nature, or simply an image you’ve always loved can all become valuable starting points. My goal is always the same: to create something that feels uniquely yours.
Ultimately, beautiful design and clean execution are only part of the equation. I believe a tattoo is only as meaningful as the experience through which it was created.
The Studio
Bussot Studio is a private, appointment-only workspace where I welcome just one client each day. From the moment you arrive until the moment you leave, my time and attention are entirely yours.
The studio is filled with my artwork alongside books, antiques, natural history, and curiosities collected over many years. I think of these objects as colors arranged throughout the space, creating an environment that encourages curiosity, conversation, and a slower pace than a traditional tattoo shop.
Classical music usually plays throughout the day, creating a calm atmosphere for both conversation and concentration.
One detail that’s important to me is that I don’t wear headphones while I tattoo. Our connection is part of the experience, and I want to remain fully present throughout the session. Some appointments are filled with conversation, others become quiet and reflective, and most naturally move between the two.
Tattooing places two people together for many hours. I enjoy hearing about your interests, travels, books, music, and recommendations, and I make a conscious effort to give as much as I take from every session. My hope is that you leave with more than a tattoo—that you genuinely enjoyed spending the day here.
The Process
Booking
After your booking is confirmed, you’ll receive everything you need to prepare for your appointment, including access to my Client Guide.
One Week Before
About one week before your appointment we’ll schedule a brief phone call, usually lasting 10–20 minutes.
During this conversation we’ll discuss:
- your ideas and intentions
- placement and size
- artistic considerations
- reference images
- pricing and estimated session length
- any remaining questions
The goal isn’t to finalize every detail, but to make sure we’re aligned before the day of your appointment.
Appointment Day
We’ll begin by sitting down and talking through the project once more. Sometimes new ideas emerge after we’ve both had time to think, and I always leave room for those conversations.
Most of my work is designed on the day of the appointment. Rather than arriving with a finished drawing, I prefer to develop the design collaboratively while responding to your body, the placement, and our discussion.
Depending on the project, the design may progress through several stages:
- Discussion and refinement
- Marker sketch directly on the body
- Digital development when needed
- Printed stencil
- Final adjustments
- Tattooing
Not every project follows every step. Some tattoos can be completed almost entirely from marker drawings, while others require a highly refined digital design before tattooing begins. The process adapts to the needs of each project rather than forcing every tattoo through the same workflow.
Throughout the day we’ll take breaks whenever they’re needed. There is no rush. Since I work with only one client each day, our focus remains on creating the strongest tattoo possible while making the experience itself enjoyable.