Artist Spotlight: Jean Paul Maratt

westsidetattoo
Oct 10
2 min read

Jean-Paul Maratt: A Neo-Traditional Visionary

If you’ve been following the tattoo scene lately, the name Jean-Paul Maratt probably rings a bell. Hailing originally from Kazan, Russia, Maratt has carved out a reputation for himself as an artist who fuses the old and the new, all while maintaining a strong visual identity.

Roots & Background

Jean-Paul Maratt is part of the Tattoo Pharma Proteam, is a Stigma pro artist, and is affiliated with the Radiant Colors crew. He’s based in Colorado Springs now, practicing at West Side Tattoo, bringing an international flair to the local community.

Style, Techniques & Palette

What sets Maratt apart is his neo-traditional style. He takes cues from traditional tattooing—bold lines, iconic imagery, strong silhouette—and blends them with modern color sensibilities and illustrative detail.

His color choices tend to lean toward the warmer side of the spectrum, although he doesn’t shy away from sprinkling in brighter tones like blues when they serve the design.
He’s not afraid of decorative elements—ornamental patterns, subtle textures, and illustrative touches often accompany his figures or focal subjects.
His portraits are especially well regarded, combining character and emotion with bold form and structure.

Collaborations & Recognition

Maratt has been featured by Sullen Clothing in their Artist Series, which is a testament to both his skill and influence in tattoo/lifestyle crossover spaces. Milled+1 Their writeups highlight how he adapts his tattoo work into wearable art, adjusting pieces so they translate well into prints on apparel. Milled+1

His presence on social media is strong—he enjoys a dedicated following (around 100K on Instagram, per Sullen) and shares process work, completed pieces, and visual experiments. Sullen

What You Can Expect from a Session

If you were to book a tattoo with Jean-Paul Maratt:

He’ll likely want to see reference images and talk through your vision in depth—his work thrives on meaningful illustration and detail.
Because his style straddles the line between traditional and contemporary, expect a balance of boldness and finesse—he’ll build strong forms while also layering light and ornamentation.
Color will be purposeful—warm tones, controlled contrast, and careful highlights rather than overuse of every pigment.
Depending on the scale and complexity, multiple sessions are possible. As with many detailed neo-traditional pieces, patience can pay off in longevity and visual impact.

Why Maratt Resonates with Tattoo Enthusiasts

Translational art: He moves between canvas, skin, and wearable prints, bringing a consistency of aesthetic across media.
Balance: He marries the discipline of traditional tattooing (strong outlines, readable imagery) with the freedom of illustration and color design.
Community & exposure: Being part of broader tattoo and art collectives helps him maintain presence and grow influence outside just local shops.