Montreal-based artist Éloise, known in the tattoo world as Moo Tattoo, embodies a captivating blend of artistic heritage and personal evolution. In her own words, Éloise unveils the story of how her upbringing, deeply rooted in art, paved the way for her distinctive career as a tattoo artist. This is the story of Moo Tattoo.
Growing up, art wasn’t just a hobby for Éloise; it was a family trait. “I come from a family where everyone has the art gene,” she explains. “My brother, my sister, my mother, my father—they all have a natural talent for drawing.” While artistic talent ran through her veins, Éloise was the one who cultivated it into a profession. From childhood, she was encouraged to explore her artistic side. “I was the kid in class who would draw on every surface of a paper the teacher would give me.” Her mother’s passion for art and frequent visits to museums further nurtured Éloise’s creative spirit. Art was not just accepted in her household—it was celebrated.
Moo Tattoo in her studio
Her parents, despite being successful lawyers, always envisioned an artistic path for Éloise. Their unwavering support allowed her to pursue her passion without hesitation. “My parents always knew I was going to be an artist. They never tried to sway my path.” While her mother had minor concerns about liability, her father was an enthusiastic supporter of all his children’s endeavors, including her sister’s career change to carpentry after earning a PhD. This supportive environment was crucial in shaping Éloise’s confidence to venture into the art world.
Artistic Roots and Comic Book Dreams
Éloise’s artistic style is deeply influenced by her lifelong love for comics. “I think my style looks the way it does because my drawing practice has always been towards comics, telling stories, and character design,” she reflects. Her father, a comic art enthusiast himself, played a significant role in this influence, introducing comics to Éloise from a young age. This early exposure to narrative art and character-driven illustrations laid the foundation for her unique tattoo style, which often resembles panels from a graphic novel come to life on skin. In 2021, Éloise even published her own graphic novel, highlighting her commitment to and expertise in comic art.
The Unexpected Turn to Tattooing
Despite her deep appreciation for tattooing as an art form, Éloise never initially considered it a viable career path for herself. She held preconceived notions about tattoo styles, believing that only traditional, Japanese, or hyper-realistic styles were accepted. “I really thought that to be a tattoo artist you had to tattoo a version of traditional or Japanese style or hyper realistic gray work. I didn’t think there was any room for me.” However, she soon discovered the evolving landscape of the tattoo industry, particularly in Montreal, where diverse styles are not only welcomed but celebrated. This realization opened her eyes to the possibility of bringing her own unique artistic vision to the world of tattoos.
Embracing Individuality and Breaking Boundaries
Éloise acknowledges the transformative changes within the tattoo community, noting the increasing representation of diverse voices. “The tattooing world has evolved so much in the last 10 years. There are way more women, trans people, queer people, people of color, and that has to have had an impact.” She believes that this inclusivity has fostered an environment where artists are encouraged to experiment and push creative boundaries. “The second you’re a little bit marginalized, you have this instinct to break the rules and try something different.” The internet, she adds, has further democratized the art form, providing platforms for artists of all styles to connect and gain recognition.
Éloise’s entry into tattooing was serendipitous. After losing her job during the COVID-19 pandemic, she reconnected with a university friend, Catherine, who was already a tattoo artist. Spending time at Catherine’s studio, Désolé Maman, Éloise was encouraged by the studio artists to explore tattooing herself. Despite initial self-doubt, the validation and support from established tattoo artists gave her the confidence to take the leap. “Coming from tattoo artists that I respect so much, it gave me permission because I wouldn’t give that permission to myself.” With mentorship from Julie-Anne, she set up a small studio in her apartment and began her tattoo journey.
Moo Tattoo working on a client
From Sketchbook to Skin: A Style Resonates
Starting with borrowed equipment in 2021, Moo Tattoo quickly gained a loyal clientele drawn to her unique style. Her comic-inspired, illustrative tattoos resonated with those seeking something different from mainstream tattoo aesthetics. Upgrading her equipment marked a turning point in her technical abilities and further fueled her passion. “One night, I was tattooing a friend and he let me borrow his Bishop machine and—oh my god—I fell in love.” This experience solidified her commitment to tattooing and propelled her forward.
While tattooing has become a significant part of her artistic expression, Éloise envisions it as a chapter in her larger artistic journey. Her ultimate goal remains rooted in comic art. “Being a tattoo artist is a special and out-of-the-ordinary career. I’ve always known that tattooing would be a temporary thing for me, though. What I really want in my life is to be a full time comic artist.” Currently, she enjoys the balance between both worlds, finding fulfillment in the unique connection and personal interactions that tattooing offers, alongside her passion for visual storytelling through comics.
Self-portrait of Éloise Marseille (Moo Tattoo)
Éloise Marseille, Moo Tattoo, represents a new wave of tattoo artists who are redefining the industry with their individuality and artistic backgrounds. Her journey from a comic-loving kid to a sought-after tattoo artist is an inspiring testament to following your passions and embracing your unique style.
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