Our November cover star, Alyson Dacher, captivates instantly — her stunning beauty lights up the cover of Ink Legends Magazine. But her beauty is only the beginning. Alyson is a talented tattoo artist with a distinctive signature style and a dedicated entrepreneur running her own studio in Lyon.
In this exclusive interview, she shares her journey, her inspiration, and the story behind the artistry that defines her work.
Can you start by introducing yourself and sharing a bit about your journey as a tattoo artist?
My name is Alyson Dacher, I’m 32 years old, and I’ve been tattooing for 12 years. I’m self-taught, both in tattooing and drawing. I opened my first tattoo studio at 22 and my second one at 30. I’m deeply passionate about my craft and all the doors it can open .
What originally drew you toward ornamental tattoos and dotwork, and how has this style shaped your artistic identity?
When I was a young tattoo artist, I didn’t have a well-defined style yet — I tried a bit of everything. One day, a client asked me for a dotwork mandala. I enjoyed creating it so much that it became obvious to me: this was my path. Naturally, I moved in that direction, and over the years, ornamental and dotwork styles have become my signature.
Many of your designs feel deeply personal and symbolic — where do you find inspiration for such meaningful work?
Inspiration is everywhere around us. I spend a lot of time experimenting, studying, and refining my style to make it evolve.
Tell us more about your studio and the concept behind this sacred space — what experience do you aim to create there?
Madame – Maison de Tatouage has its own strong identity. I like to think of it as a woman. “Madame” is a nod to the red-light atmosphere of Amsterdam’s brothels, with their warm tones and sensual ambiance. I chose the name in reference to Madame Claude, the famous Parisian madam from the 1970s. To me, it represents a feminine, refined, and elegant space — one that celebrates women.
Travel seems to be an important part of your life. In what ways does it influence your creativity and professional growth?
I love to travel. Traveling helps me grow as a person; it brings insight, inspiration, and perspective. Every trip I take has an impact on both my career and who I am as a woman and as an artist.
Teaching has become part of your path as well — what does it mean to you to mentor aspiring tattoo artists?
I love sharing my knowledge. I had to figure everything out on my own, and I truly wish I had met someone like me when I was younger. Tattooing keeps evolving, and I’d rather guide and mentor new artists so they can learn the right way than watch beginners disrespect the craft by not understanding its foundations.
Having attended major conventions around the world, what do these events bring to your development as an artist?
Taking part in prestigious tattoo conventions such as Le Mondial du Tatouage in Paris or the Golden State Tattoo Expo in Los Angeles has been a real honor for me. These experiences boost my confidence and remind me why I love what I do. Seeing such incredible artists is a humbling shock — it pushes me to work even harder and never stop improving.
Social media continues to shape the tattoo industry — how do you view its influence on creativity and connection?
The world is changing fast, and social media now plays a massive role in our lives. It’s an essential tool for any tattoo artist who wants to build a real career. The tattoo world is a jungle — only those who master every aspect of the craft can hope to have a long-lasting career. That means mastering technique, artistic identity, and online presence. Unfortunately, many talented artists end up being forgotten simply because they don’t know how to promote themselves. Yet social media is an extraordinary opportunity, and it’s free — it allows artists to showcase their art on a larger scale, connect with people worldwide, and, for the most ambitious, open incredible doors.
Modeling is another side of your creative expression — how did this evolve alongside your tattoo career?
I’ve been a photo model since I was 18, but it has always been something I do for pleasure, in my free time. Modeling makes me feel confident, feminine, and free — it’s something I truly enjoy.
Outside of tattooing and art, what passions or activities inspire and recharge you the most?
For a long time, I felt uncomfortable when people asked me about my hobbies. I used to think, “Damn, besides my work, I don’t really have any.” But today, I’m proud to say I live from my passion. I love working hard, even in my spare time, and my life fully revolves around this incredible art. To recharge, I read, spend time with my two little French bulldogs, and exercise. But honestly, my thoughts are always on tattooing. I truly wish everyone could burn for something the way I burn for tattooing.
