Sandry RiffardFrance - Le Puy-en-Velay @audeladureeltattoobysandry Tiktok: sandryriffard Facebook: Sandry Riffard Au Dela du Reel Tattoo

Alexis Dgn
May 21
5 min read

Sandry Riffard, a tattoo artist from Le Puy-en-Velay, France, has revolutionized tattoo art with his unique style of macabre hyperrealism. Starting in 2012, when he first picked up a tattoo machine, Sandry has transformed his passion for drawing into a career dedicated to exploring the duality between life and death through striking skulls and surreal elements.

His work blends the darkness of macabre themes with the dynamism of animation and color, creating pieces that tell deep, emotional stories. His collaboration with his partner, photographer and digital artist Claudine Taillandier, has been instrumental in developing his designs, taking his art to a more conceptual and vibrant level.

While Sandry has gained international recognition, his focus remains on constant evolution, always seeking new ways of expression and perfecting each piece. In this exclusive interview, Sandry shares his artistic vision, influences, and creative process, inviting us to learn more about the man behind the tattoos that captivate and move.

1. How did you get into the tattoo world? Are there any artists who influenced you?

I stumbled into tattooing by chance in 2012. While visiting a friend, I found him tattooing himself with a cheap kit he’d bought on eBay. Knowing my passion for drawing, he handed me the machine and asked if I wanted to try.

My first-ever tattoo was a small ace of spades, and I instantly fell in love with the process. It felt natural and exciting. That experience lit a spark in me to keep going. I borrowed his equipment to practice, first on myself and then on friends and acquaintances. I spent my days honing my skills and my nights watching videos and time-lapses by artists like Robert Hernandez, Victor Portugal, and Dmitriy Samohin, who became my biggest inspirations.

Six months later, I opened my own studio, where I’m still working today. My style has evolved over the years, but my passion for tattooing remains as strong as ever.

2. Why did you choose this style? What attracts you to it?

I was drawn to hyperrealistic macabre because it fascinated me from the start. Early on, I found this style especially rewarding to work with. The textures, shadows, and intricate details of realism, combined with the emotional depth of darker themes, resonated with me on a profound level.

Over time, my approach has become more refined and personal, allowing me to explore themes that hold deep meaning for me. For example, skulls are a recurring motif in my work—not only because they’re visually striking but also for a personal reason. I’ve always had a certain fear of death, and working with skulls has become a way to confront that fear. It’s a creative and empowering process, almost like a form of catharsis.

Ultimately, this style has become my signature—a way to convey raw emotion while maintaining a precise and evocative aesthetic.

3. Tell us about that mix of skulls and animation in your designs. What

do they reflect for you? How did this concept come about?

This concept emerged through collaboration with my partner, Claudine Taillandier, a talented photographer and digital artist. Skulls have always been central to my work, but together, we wanted to take them further and create something more dynamic and layered.

The idea was to use the skull as a neutral, universal base and transform it into a "little world" that tells a story. We aimed to move beyond the macabre associations of skulls by infusing them with life, themes, and vibrant colors—so much so that the skull itself almost fades into the composition.

In these designs, the skull symbolizes death, while everything "growing" on it represents life. This duality reflects a perspective we deeply value: life and death are inseparable, feeding into each other to coexist. Blending something dark, like a skull, with animated and colorful elements allows us to play with contrasts and create something unique.

This collaboration elevates our creations. I focus entirely on the tattooing, while Claudine develops the designs, creating a seamless dynamic. Working together brings a fusion of ideas and styles that perfectly represents our shared vision.

4. Why did you decide to fuse hyperrealism, the macabre, fantasy,

stained glass, and medieval themes in your work? What inspires you to

combine such diverse elements?

I wanted to create something original and visually rich. Living in France, I’m surrounded by an incredible cultural heritage—cathedrals, castles, and breathtaking stained-glass windows. The intricate craftsmanship of these works, created entirely by hand, is both artistic and technical, and it felt natural to draw inspiration from them. Incorporating these elements into my designs adds a strong graphic component while remaining true to realism.

What I enjoy most is experimenting with these foundations. Stained glass, for instance, provides a structured framework, but I love altering its effects freehand directly on the skin. This approach allows me to adapt each design to the theme, my mood, or the inspiration of the moment.

Introducing fantasy elements adds a freer, dreamlike dimension that ties into the life-and-death duality I often explore. By combining all these elements, I create unique pieces that tell stories while paying homage to timeless artistic traditions.

5. Do you work with different artistic techniques?

I occasionally experiment with other techniques, such as painting, charcoal, or ballpoint pen drawings, but only when I have the time. Tattooing is my main focus, and it leaves little room for other artistic pursuits outside of tattoo-related projects.

6. Is this journey a constant study, a lot of sacrifice, or were you born

with this gift?

It’s a bit of all three. Perhaps I was born with a natural gift, but that alone wouldn’t have been enough. My journey has involved a lot of sacrifice and constant hard work. I push myself to improve every day because this field evolves quickly, whether it’s through new techniques or equipment. To avoid stagnation, you have to stay adaptable, always learning and re-evaluating your work. It’s a never-ending process of growth and reinvention.

7. You’re an artist whose work leaves everyone in awe; your art has

spread across all social media platforms, and everyone knows who you

are, admires you, and follows you. How do you feel about this? How do

you handle this wave of admiration?

Honestly, I don’t think about it much. My main goal is to do my best, creating

pieces that satisfy both my clients and myself, though I tend to be very critical

of my own work.

It’s gratifying to see people sharing and enjoying what I create, but I don’t

dwell on the reach or impact. I stay focused on my art and the process itself.

8. Do you participate in conventions or other types of presentations? Do

you have any plans for this year or the next?

I don’t often attend conventions because I feel more comfortable working in my own space, where everything is organized the way I like it. It’s similar to when I was a teenager, spending hours drawing in my room. Conventions have a different vibe—lots of people—and it’s just not the same.

That said, I’m planning to try a few next year. I’d also like to collaborate more with other artists. It’s always inspiring to exchange techniques and explore new ideas together.