Meet Yorick Fauquant: Tattoo Artist & Composer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Yorick Fauquant and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Yorick, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk taking has played a huge role in my career. I’ve been at so many crossroads but they were always opportunities I had purposefully created in my life. I’ve always had a basic end goal in mind and have been open to taking new chances to get there. There have been two main risks I’ve taken over and again. The first is moving countries. Twice! I’m from France and was very successful and well known since there were very few tattoo artists when I started 20 years ago. But, my country didn’t allow me the opportunity to be financially successful to support my family, or live in my dream home out in nature, where I can be inspired by the sunshine and the beauty of the natural world. I found a lot of happiness in Barcelona so I moved there for a year. When I arrived I realized the public was not ready for my style. I thought I was going to offer something that wasn’t being offered, but people didn’t want that. They just wanted to follow trends. I tried again in Las Vegas for a year – a little better but I would never realize my dream here. Doors weren’t opening. Finally, I visited Austin and everything fell right into place. I was fully booked directly plus it had everything I wanted in a city and my dream of living out in the country. The fear of leaving everything and starting over is much less than the fear of not living a fulfilling and happy life. That’s the biggest risk of all. The second type of risks I took was changing my tattoo style. In the beginning, every artist used to tattoo every style. Only in the past 10 years have people really started doing one style. Nowadays even the apprentices start with one style, stay there, master it, and thats it. My style keep changing and evolving which is risky because you never know if people are going to like it. Many people have been following and supporting my whole career, but, every time I change my style I know there is a chance I may need to get an entirely new following. People expect artists to stay the same, all the time. For example, people want their favorite bands and musicians to keep their music the same. To never grow, never work through their issues. If you play sad music you always have to play sad music and stay there in that sadness. Artists work with emotions and emotions change. They should change! I really appreciate everyone who has followed me on my journey and everyone who is just joining. My art is an expression of my exploration of life. I hope people can connect to all of it but even if not, there is no stopping evolution and that’s a risk I will always keep taking. 

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is how to flow like water. Rejection means no, this is not the way. Try a different avenue. Closed doors do not mean push harder. This doesn’t mean you don’t have to work hard. You definitely have to have a goal in mind and a lot of determination but be open to routes you never thought of and be open to changing your mind at any time as you learn more about yourself.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Smithville is an adorable town directly out of a movie. You definitely need to see the western store fronts, check out the antique stores, and have drinks and dinner with the locals. I thought there was a chance they wouldn’t be too accepting of my tattooed wife and I but they are very welcoming and warm. Rio Social house is a cool new spot in our little town with live music, bocci ball, and all sorts of activities and events. The next thing would be some sort of water activity such as swimming in the river, kayaking, or boating, either in Bastrop or Austin’s Lady Bird Lake. Sunset on the lake with the skyline is really cool. Drinking in downtown Austin on Red River and 6th street is always good idea. Elysium goth bar, Side Bar for heavy pours, & Jackalope’s punk bar in the back. Devil May Care in Austin throws themed events. The last one was a remake of the 1972 Rothschild’s Surrealist Ball. It was incredible – the costumes, the characters, the ambiance, the food… It was like a surrealist fetish lounge. I wish there were more places like this year round. Someone make it happen! La Santa Luna fetish and fashion shows always change location but they are lot of fun. It’s hard to say what’s open or still in business these days and there are always new spots popping up. I’m still pretty new to Texas but I love any cool lounges, jazz jam sessions, old country music venues, or local community events.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My parents for how they educated me about life and gave me such open-mindedness. Jef Palumbo, my tattoo mentor, for transmitting his passion to me. Sarah LoRusso, my wife and manager for always encouraging me, and being this strong support I have behind me.

Website: www.yoricktattoo.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/yoricktattoo
Facebook: www.facebook.com/YorickTattoo
Other: www.instagram.com/tenebris_sanctuarii for my darker evolving style.

Image Credits
Yorick and Sarah personal portrait: Kamryn M Behee All other photos by Yorick Fauquant