La Bête Humaine, the tattoo parlour for a 100% customized project in Paris

In the world of Parisian tattooing , there are few addresses that have survived the decades while continuing to reinvent themselves. La Bête Humaine, on the other hand, has celebrated its 20th anniversary in Paris. Originally founded in the South of France in 1987, the salon moved to the Marais district in 2005, before migrating to République, in the 10th arrondissement, to expand and welcome more artists. This longevity speaks volumes for the reputation of this unique concept, halfway between tattoo studio and contemporary art gallery.

Behind the needles of La Bête Humaine, nine artists bring the tattoo parlour to life. Each of them brings his or her own unique world to life, with a common goal: to make each tattoo a creation conceived in a genuine dialogue between the artist and the future tattooee. New school, dot work, geometric, realistic, sketchy or even graphic: here, every style has its place, in every size, for every desire. But what really makes the difference is the salon's ultra-personalized approach.

At La Bête Humaine, each project begins with a meeting with the customer during a drawing session that can last over an hour. Together, they build the composition in real time, taking into account the client's morphology and desires, whether these are images of inspiration or an idea. This co-creation phase allows for adjustments and suggestions, resulting in a unique work of art, faithful both to the tattoo recipient's idea and to the tattoo artist's touch - a very different approach from that of many Parisian salons where, today, the design is conceived remotely and only revealed on the day of the tattoo. To make this stage as smooth and productive as possible, we strongly recommend that you come with visual references: drawings, photos, symbolic elements, or a list of what you'd like to have in your tattoo. The clearer your intentions, the faster the tattoo artist can create a customized proposal in line with your vision. Here, at the end of this face-to-face exchange, you'll have your illustration and a date for inking it on your skin. This is an additional step proposed by La Bête Humaine: it may represent a constraint for those who don't wish to devote too much time to it. In that case, you'd be better off choosing another studio that doesn't require this step.

Among the artists are passionate residents, supported by three regular guests who return every month or two to meet the demand for a variety of styles. For example, former graphic designer turned tattoo artist Pierre Gilles-Romieu specializes in the biomechanical style, blending organic textures and mechanical constructions with impeccable precision. Barbara Rosendo, on the other hand, explores the depths of realistic portraiture, whether in black and gray or in color. Her meticulous work captures glances, emotions, skin and hair textures with uncanny accuracy. Or, in contrast to this ultra-realistic register, Bro Vanthorn plays with the energy of raw line and pop references. His sketchy style creates a universe somewhere between comics, illustration and a nod to pop culture.

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The studio welcomes all skin tones and body types, and also offers scar coverings, whatever the origin. An inclusive and caring approach, supported by the entire team. In terms of safety, the salon naturally complies with the strictest sanitary standards, including REACH regulations on inks, with single-use and sterile equipment.

At La Bête Humaine, art doesn't stop at the skin. Every six weeks, the walls reinvent themselves with a new exhibition, featuring artists whose work resonates with tattoo culture: street art, pop art, graphic design or illustration. A true extension of the salon's activity, this integrated gallery, rare in Paris, is part of the venue's identity. What's more, throughout the year, La Bête Humaine organizes events that strengthen the bond between tattoo artists, tattooed people and the curious: flashdays, vernissages, drawing workshops, encounters... A true place of life aroundink and creation.

It's a place for those looking for a made-to-measure creation, conceived as a unique work of art. Each tattoo is designed to look like no other, as opposed to the standardized designs so often found.

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