We recently connected with Terrie Karam and have shared our conversation below.

Terrie , appreciate you joining us today. To kick things off, we’d love to hear about things you or your brand do that diverge from the industry standard

Yes, absolutely! When I started my apprenticeship in a tattoo shop, I was learning to create flash tattoos in a specific style, designing two or three options based on the client’s ideas before their appointment. But after three years of tattoo training and a few more as a tattoo artist, I realized something.
No matter how much time I spent perfecting my drawings beforehand, we almost always ended up adjusting them during the session. Clients would guide me on what they liked or didn’t like, and that process made me see how important their involvement was.

I realized that sometimes I had gone too far on my own, creating something completely different from what they envisioned. Over time, I understood that the result of the design could—and should—be a team effort. It’s not just my design; it’s theirs, too.
They’re the ones who will carry it on their skin for life, while I only keep a picture for my portfolio or Instagram. That’s when I decided to change my approach entirely.

Now, I ask clients to email me their idea and story in advance and to bring their inspirations on the day of the session. Then, together, we create their tattoo. They guide me; I draw. It’s a collaboration, and the results are so much more personal.
I’ve discovered that this approach brings so much joy—not just to them but to me as well. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about creating a design that truly reflects their vision, something we built together.

Since 2021, after working with a life and professional coach, I’ve embraced an even deeper side of my work. She helped me see my “healer” side—that part of me that wants to help people find happiness again. Through her guidance, I grew as a person and as an artist.
I now see tattooing as a way to celebrate people’s stories and turn them into something they can carry with pride and joy. Today, my work is about more than just art; it’s about connection and healing. I tell my clients: “Share your story, and we’ll celebrate it with a design that makes you smile forever.”
That’s what I strive for—tattoos that not only look beautiful but carry deep, personal meaning.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hi, my name is Terrie.

I was born in France and have always been passionate about art. As a child, I would draw for my friends just to make them smile, though I never thought it could become my career. My teachers used to tell my mom that I was a dreamer—physically present in class, but my head was always somewhere else, sketching away in my notebooks.

In high school, I pursued art by studying fashion design, and later I went to art school in Paris to focus on interior design. That’s where everything slowly began to take shape. Friends started asking me for personalized tattoo designs to take to their own tattoo artists. At first, I loved doing it, but eventually, I started to feel frustrated. I thought, “Why am I just the designer? I want to be the tattoo artist!” So, I spent six months searching for an apprenticeship, and finally, I found one.

The journey wasn’t easy. I balanced three years of tattoo training with part-time jobs at Claire’s in France and later in London to support myself and pay for art school. Tattooing was something I did on weekends or in my spare time. But eventually, it became my full-time passion.
Over the years, I’ve traveled the world, tattooing in places like Lebanon, Congo, Los Angeles, and Paris. I even worked full-time at Urban Retreat in London, tattooing celebrities and influencers.

Despite all the success, something felt missing. Right before the lockdown, I was close to burnout. I loved my art, but it wasn’t nourishing my soul. During the lockdown, I had time to reflect and reconnect with my purpose.
In 2021, I began working with a life and work coach who completely changed my perspective. She helped me find confidence in myself and embrace my “healer” side—the part of me that loves creating meaningful connections and helping people feel whole again.
Thanks to her, I became the best version of myself over those two years.

Since then, I’ve transformed my way of working. Today, my tattoo sessions are about more than just creating art—they’re about creating something deeply personal and therapeutic. I tell my clients, “This is your story, your design, your tattoo. Let’s create it together.” Every session is unique, and I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I believe my reputation comes from my honesty, my empathy, and the genuine love I have for my work. Over the years, I’ve had therapy myself, which has taught me how to listen deeply and connect with people on a human level.
I bring that into every session, creating a space where my clients feel safe, seen, and understood.

In my private studio, every session feels special. We talk, laugh, cry, and share stories. Some clients have said it feels like therapy, and in a way, it is—though I don’t claim to be a therapist.
It’s just the experience of two people sharing a moment and creating something meaningful together. I design tattoos that reflect their individuality, whether it’s a self-love piece, a tribute to a loved one, or a symbol of a cherished memory.

I think what has helped me build a strong reputation is staying true to myself. My clients know they’re getting more than just a tattoo—they’re getting an experience that celebrates who they are.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

Most of my clients find me through word of mouth—it’s the most genuine way to grow, and I’m so grateful for those personal recommendations. Social media, like Instagram and Facebook, also plays a big role, along with collaborations with influencers and celebrities.
But at the heart of it all, my clients come from the connections I’ve built—one meaningful session at a time.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.terrietitouutattoo.com/
• Instagram: @terrie_titouutattoo
• Facebook: Terrie TitouuTattoo
• Linkedin: Terrie Karam

Image Credits

Instagram : @terrie_titouutattoo