Tat2X Interview with Artist and Body Painter Paul Roustan
Posted on March 06 2014
ARTIST PAUL ROUSTAN
Tat2X: How long have you been creating body art?
Paul Roustan: I established my body art studio in 2005.
Tat2X: What made you decide to become an artist?
Paul Roustan: I’ve always been into drawing as early as I can remember. It seems more like art chose me. I’m not so sure I really had much choice.
Tat2X: How did you choose the human body as a canvas? Did you apprentice?
Paul Roustan: I started painting on people out of curiosity. I’d always been a cartoonist/illustrator. While working as an editorial illustrator for an adult magazine, I ran the idea past the editor to paint a model for a photo spread. They were into the idea, that was my first real gig, and I’ve been hooked ever since.
Tat2X: Did you apprentice? How did you perfect your technique?
Paul Roustan: I did not apprentice. I learned through a lot of obsessive trial and error. I retain what works, and maintain awareness of what doesn’t. I can’t say I would I ever be able to perfect my technique. It is a constant exploration.
Tat2X: What are the tools of your trade?
Paul Roustan: I primarily use the airbrush. I paint both freehand and with shields and stencils. I usually employ what is needed for the given concept. I am also exploring the use of Chinese brush on skin a little as well.
ROLLER GIRL BY PAUL ROUSTAN
Tat2X: Who are the artists that you admire?
Paul Roustan: Stanley Kubrick, Helmut Newton, Glenn Barr, Erich Sokol, William Wray, Egon Schiele, John Currin, Banksy, the list goes on and on. Those are the first ones that come to mind…
Tat2X: Has any individual in particular influenced your career?
Paul Roustan: Gary Fasen. He taught me the airbrush, and how to work for myself. He encouraged me to explore art for myself within a commercial environment.
Tat2X: What would you say is your favorite part of the job?
Paul Roustan: I like getting lost in what I do. I don’t realize how much work actually goes into painting the full body in such a short amount of time. I love doing it, time flies and it’s seems like I just don’t notice the workload. Plus I’m very impatient creatively. I love how fast paced body painting is required to be.
Tat2X: How would you describe your style?
Paul Roustan: Eclectic Exploration.
Tat2X: What’s the most unusual request for a piece of body art you’ve ever had?
Paul Roustan: I was once asked to paint a baby on the belly of a man who had surgically altered his stomach to appear pregnant.
Tat2X: Do you have any advice for aspiring artists?
Paul Roustan: Face your fears and stay away from comfort zones. Try to maintain some level of uncertainty in your goals, just to see the result.
PAINTED LADIES BY PAUL ROUSTAN
Tat2X: What kind of music do you like to listen to?
Paul Roustan: I like most types of music. It really depends on what mood I’m in.
Tat2X: What do you do to relax when you’re not working?
Paul Roustan: I love surfing in the ocean.
Tat2X: Is there anything else we should know about you or your studio?
Paul Roustan: If you want to learn more about my process check out my YouTube channel Roustan Body Paint .
RAINBOW VOMIT BY PAUL ROUSTAN
About Artist and Body Painter Paul Roustan:
To see more of Body Painter Paul Roustan’s amazing work you can visit RoustanBodyPaint.com or you can check out his Google Plus and Facebook pages . You can also follow him on instagram @roustan .
