The tattoo world is full of fascinating personalities, and Ptitoc stands out for her sincere, deeply personal approach. Invited to our podcast "Cellophane et Vaseline" hosted by Ciel and me, she shares her unique experiences as a tattoo artist and her particular relationship with self-tattooing—something that goes way beyond artistic practice, into real emotional release. Here's what came out of that conversation.
Tattooing as personal expression
Right from the start, Ptitoc talks about her journey with total honesty. From the beginning, she saw tattooing as a way to express herself, to let go of anxiety, to reconnect with herself. The kind of body art where you mark moments or emotions on your skin that words can't always carry. She laughs about how she started her first tattoos at 14 with India ink and a sewing needle—a rough, dangerous method she definitely wouldn't recommend today.
Ciel mentions her first "official" self-tattoo, on her right thigh, which she now describes as a regretted meme. Inspired by a WikiHow illustration of a man holding an iron bar from behind—a project she talks about with self-deprecation, but that marked an essential step in her learning.
Self-tattooing as cathartic therapy
The thing that comes through most in the interview is how much Ptitoc sees self-tattooing as personal therapy. For her, it's more than technical practice—it's a way to handle intense emotions. When she feels the need to "hurt herself," she turns to this practice to find emotional balance again.
This cathartic dimension is central to her approach. By self-inflicting the pain of a tattoo, she channels her anxiety and focuses on the present moment. She sometimes compares it to other stress-management techniques—sports, meditation—but with one key difference: tattooing leaves a permanent trace, on the body and in the mind.
Pain and endurance in tattooing
Another crucial aspect of Ptitoc's practice is her relationship with pain. While most people dread tattoo pain, Ptitoc seems to welcome it as part of the process. She even admits to enjoying it, comparing it to a form of mental and physical release.
But she also admits this relationship becomes a challenge when getting tattooed by others. Used to tattooing herself, she finds it hard to delegate—because she loses some of the control she has over her own body. For her, being tattooed by someone else means showing vulnerability, which can make the experience more intense.
The challenge of self-tattooing: technique and self-learning
Ptitoc also talks about the technical challenges of self-tattooing. She explains how she had to develop skills not just in design and machine control, but also in positioning and reaching difficult areas on her own body. One of her most complicated projects: a ghost tattooed on the back of her elbow—a really awkward spot.
But self-tattooing isn't just about technical skill. She sees it as a process of experimentation too. By testing different techniques—dotwork, color fills—she learns about herself and refines her craft. It gives her a deep understanding of skin sensations and reactions, knowledge she can then apply to her clients.
Tattoo addiction and the need for a break
One of the most fascinating parts of the interview touches on the addiction that tattooing can create—not just in clients, but in tattoo artists themselves. Ptitoc talks about this "dependency" on pain and creation, which can become a never-ending cycle. She explains she had to take a six-month break to reset, after reaching a point where her body couldn't keep up with the relentless pace of regular tattooing.
This side of tattooing is rarely talked about, but it's crucial to understanding the impact on tattooers' mental and physical health. The body, however resilient, has limits—and listening to those limits is essential to avoid burnout or injury.
Setting the right price and respecting your work
As a professional, Ptitoc also cares deeply about pricing. During the podcast, there's a fun game around prices, and Ptitoc emphasizes how important it is for a tattoo artist to properly value their work. It goes way beyond technique—it's about recognizing the worth of the time, expertise, and creativity invested in each piece.
She talks about how she and other tattoo artists in her area share ideas and support each other through a Discord group, where they discuss pricing, techniques, and the daily challenges of the job. That kind of network is vital for helping artists keep a balance between their passion and their economic survival.
Conclusion
Beyond the technical and creative aspects, Ptitoc's interview reveals a deeply introspective side of tattooing. For her, this practice goes way beyond appearance—it touches emotion, identity, and self-management. By exploring her relationship with self-tattooing, she invites us to reflect on our own relationship with our body, with pain, and with self-expression.
Ptitoc shows beautifully how tattooing can be an art form for both the artist and the wearer. A unique language, a permanent dialogue between soul and skin, turning every scar into a story and every pattern into a memory.
Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and exclusive interviews with artists pushing the boundaries of traditional tattooing!
For more details and to listen to the full episode, find "Cellophane et Vaseline" on YouTube.
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