Melanie Benyahya

Tell us a bit about yourself!

I love creating, illustration, analog photography, collage, tattoo, design and writing. I am led by the constant research of new forms of expression, both digital and analog, with the common denominator of an inclusive perspective linked with nature, inclusivity and sustainability.

It’s being a journey of exploration and I’m loving it!

How did your journey with art and tattoo-ing begin? 

I was raised in a family of artists, so my love for creating has been part of my life since I was a child.

I started publishing poems, illustrations and photos at Pineal Magazine some years ago. And from there the step to tattooing was natural. Social Media has helped me a lot in this process. I started my journey as a self taught artist, first posting my drawings and the evolution to tattooing came naturally.

I’ve always loved to observe nature and translate it to the paper, and now it has evolve from there to the skin. I feel really comfortable with fine line tattooing because it resembles my way of drawing. I’m also in love with little details and textures.

What inspires and motivates you and your art?

I am deeply inspired by science, nature and the subconscious mind. This results in organic pieces inspired by flowing forms, raw and recycled materials, the elements (fire, water, air, earth and spirit) with a nerdy scientific approach and even a touch of esoteric and dreamy  energy.

I also love expressing deep meaningful concepts with a minimal, delicate and sensitive approach.

What's it like being a female tattoo artist in a majorly male dominated scene? 

This is a good question and it’s making me think: which industry is not dominated by men?

I started in the tattooing artistry some years ago, when it was an industry dominated by a toxic masculinity energy and I had to face uncomfortable comments about my art. They told me I was creating tattoos for people who don't like tattoos – referring to women and the LGTBIQ+ community who wanted to get delicate floral, minimal or small tattoos, even though I think that tattoos and designs are genderless. 

Years later, the picture has completely changed. Now fine line, minimal and botanical tattoos are part of the wide contemporary art of tattooing. People are looking to get unique pieces and each style is more respected. I feel like back on the day it was all about the solid lines and colours of old school and I’m glad it evolved to this point where you can see really interesting proposals from different artists around the world.

As a Creative Director, I still have to deal with men trying to explain me how to do my job. It’s hilarious sometimes.

How does your culture and heritage play a part in your work?

As a Spanish woman of Moroccan descent, I’ve grown under the pressure of racism, that’s why one of my priorities is to create a safe space for women, the LGTBIQ+ and people at risk of social exclusion.

Working with the body can be extremely vulnerable, especially while creating a permanent modification like a tattoo. So people should be treated with care and respect and I’m putting my efforts in creating those spaces and giving my clients the proper communication and care.

I think it’s important to align between your values, your art and what you bring to the world. The intention that you put out there sets the tone of your career. My relationship with art has been led by a need for expression and that constant search for belonging.

What advice do you have for other young artists?

My advice is to find your own voice, don’t compare yourself to others (only with your own progress), be resilient, stay focused, inspired and always keep learning new skills and keep nurturing your brain.

If your mind is stuck, just move your body. And stay hydrated!