Highly sought-after tattooist and fashion designer, Delphin Musquet tells VIPER about his recent collaboration with Sailor Jerry and his Sans Petrie clothing brand, plus his favourite trends in tattoo culture…

What initially drew you to the world of tattooing, and when did you know it was your calling?

I grew up skateboarding and watching skate videos and was inspired by skate Rock culture, such as PissDrunx. We all did tattoos on each other by buying cheap tattoo kits on the internet. I always wanted to be covered with tattoos since I was around 14 years old, so the evolution became very natural. I never thought I would be able to make a career out of it, but London offered me the best conditions to realise I could live off something I love – I just had to learn how to draw!

How did you link with Sailor Jerry for this collaboration?

I discovered Sailor Jerry as I became more interested in tattooing. The style Norman ‘Sailor Jerry’ Collins created is tattoo culture heritage, a unique style that paved the way for contemporary artists like myself to discover and develop our own. It’s a partnership that makes sense, our brands share the same values of self-expression and inclusivity so when I pitched the ‘Borderless’ idea to them they were on board straight away. Borderless is streetwear capsule collection of limited-edition tracksuits, caps and speakers. The campaign all came together after that.

What are some of your favourite trends that have emerged in the tattoo scene since you began your career?

To be honest with you, I really like and enjoy the sigilism. I find it so cool. Not sure how it’s going to age as it reminds me a lot of the tribals era. They’re pretty much neo tribals!

Can you tell us about the inspiration behind founding Sans Patrie? What does the name represent to you personally and professionally?

It represents a connected world, connected without borders but also creatively. I very much support a more eclectic and diverse world, so I want to show and represent that with my brand.

Your approach to tattooing emphasises individuality and self-expression. How do you translate this philosophy into your designs and interactions with clients?

I just want to give my clients beautiful tattoos that are timeless, I don’t think too far. I look for great placement and beautiful design. My clients all have a unique story to tell, so I collaborate with their ideas and what they want to represent with the tattoo. Then, I come up with design ideas and put it together for them until we are both satisfied.

How do you see the perception of tattoos changing in society today? What role do you think artists play in this transformation?

It’s interesting, I think we are like clothing brands. We are representing and making people represent who they want to be. We are basically dressing people up with their own personalities.

What is your process when collaborating with clients on custom designs? How do you ensure their stories and identities are accurately represented in your work?

As said before, I spend a good amount of time with my clients and talk to them before we do anything. We both share ideas and design references, then I’ll come up with something for them to accept or modify until we are truly both satisfied.

What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a tattoo artist, particularly in relation to the evolution of tattoo culture?

I’ve been pretty lucky, everything has been smooth for my last 7 years. The only challenges I’m facing are the ones I create myself as I like to constantly evolve and create new stuff. Probably for me now, it would be to create the SANS PATRIE/ fashion brand properly and make this work.

Who are some of your biggest influences in the tattoo world, and how have they impacted your work?

No one really, I get my inspiration from outside of work or art. That’s the only way to create something truly unique.

As an artist, what innovations or trends in tattooing excite you the most right now? How do you incorporate new techniques into your art?

I don’t, I don’t follow trends, but I like new technologies. Anything that can make my life easier is always welcome!

You’ve been involved in workshops and conventions. How important is it for established artists to mentor newcomers in the tattoo industry?

I’m training my own apprentices and junior artists. I really enjoy giving back and teaching the next generations. Nothing makes me prouder to see how good they are all becoming!

Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals for your career and for Sans Patrie? Are there any projects you’re particularly excited about?

Just making this brand work really. I’ve always designed clothes and jewellery for myself, and now spaces. So, I really want to make it further as a designer and to keep having fun making stuff. I have a lot of clothing designs in mind so I’m going to focus on making these and connect with the outside world to make my brand the way I want it.

How has your personal journey influenced your artistic vision and the work you create today?

I’ve always lived a life of creation, so nothing changed. I’m just having fun making stuff and evolving as a designer.

What message do you hope to convey to both your clients and the broader tattoo community through your art and philosophy?

I want to connect the world even more and broader people horizons and visions which I hope to be able to do through my brand and studio. Being able to keep pushing and inspiring others to do the same and maybe be able to work with them and create stuff together!