Simon Gauther aka Pat Fink, a tattoo artist like no other.

Hi Simon, can you introduce yourself?

Hey, Rody! I'm Simon "Pat Fink" GAUTHER. I'm 29 years old, I live in Lorient and I've been a tattoo artist for almost 5 years.

How did you become a tattoo artist?

Since I was a teenager, I've been into punk/skate culture. So inevitably, evolving in this movement, I've always been surrounded by "stoned" guys. I did my first tattoo when I was 19 and it was love at first sight: I knew I wanted to cover my body (and the bodies of others) and make it my job

How would you define your job?

For me, it's impossible to be a tattoo artist without being passionate! It's really a profession in its own right and you have to invest 200% in it. So yes, I love my job, I don't see it as a constraint but you have to pay the bills hahaha!

What pushed you to do this job?

My girlfriend at the time, Pauline! She also became a tattoo artist and carried me a lot during this period. I also have a very strong character, I'm a bit of a ninny. Add to that the support of the buddies and I got started. Fortunately I had these different supports, because it was not a foregone conclusion!

What do you like best about this job?

Creating a spontaneous image and engraving it on a person you don't know from Adam and Eve and that person will keep your work for the rest of his or her life. It is this kind of "contract" that binds me to my clients that satisfies me the most.

And what do you hate?

Clearly, the legislation around our profession! This profession is clearly not recognized for its true value. We are literally being fleeced and we have no security. To still hear that tattooing is reserved for sailors, thugs and joyriders, it pisses me off!



What do you think makes a good tattoo artist?

Three things: his honesty, his involvement and his patience. Without that, it seems difficult to me to do this job.

What's your relationship with undermining?

Totally impulsive but also passionate: I walk a lot on impulse!

Your favorite piece of your dressing room?

Hard to say because I love all my pieces! But if I take them impulsively, I still choose them with care and lucidity, especially my jackets! If I were to lose my little buffalo Levi's Trucker jacket, I'd be depressed haha

The piece of your dreams?

I've had the G9 from Baracuta in my head for over a week now...

Thank you to Rody the editor of Like a Truck for this interview.