Anne-Marie Guery shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Anne-Marie, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What are you chasing, and what would happen if you stopped?
I’m chasing greatness in my craft, always trying to push my limits. Lately, I’ve been focused on reaching perfection with colors — making them more vibrant, more alive, and giving each tattoo that lasting impact. For me, having goals in tattooing is what keeps the work exciting and meaningful. If I ever reached a point where I had no goals left in this craft, I think I’d naturally pour my energy into something else creative, because I always need a challenge to grow and to keep that spark alive.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Mimi-Sama, a tattoo artist with over ten years of international experience, known for my unique style I call Mangala — a blend of anime, manga, and fine art influences. My work focuses on bringing bold characters and stories to life in full color, with a special attention to detail and emotion.
What makes my journey unique is that I’m self-taught; I built my craft through relentless practice, travel, and a passion for Japanese and pop culture. Over the years, I’ve worked around the world, won awards, and developed a loyal following of clients who trust me to turn their favorite stories into art they can carry forever.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
Ichi Hatano from Ichi Tattoo in Tokyo taught me the most about work. Watching his discipline, precision, and deep respect for the craft completely shifted the way I looked at tattooing. He showed me that it’s not just about technique, but about patience, presence, and carrying a responsibility to create something meaningful for every client. That experience left a huge mark on me and continues to guide the way I approach my own work today.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I’d tell my younger self: trust your path — the struggles, the doubts, even the detours are shaping you into the artist you dream of becoming. Keep going, it’s worth it.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies in the tattoo industry is that talent alone is enough — that if you can draw, success will follow. In reality, discipline, consistency, and professionalism matter just as much as artistic skill. Another lie is that tattoos have to fit into trends to be valuable. I’ve seen how chasing fads can strip away originality, when what really lasts is authentic, personal work. And maybe the hardest lie is that the grind never stops — as if rest or balance makes you less dedicated. The truth is, taking care of yourself is what allows you to create at your best for years to come.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. How do you know when you’re out of your depth?
I know I’m out of my depth when my confidence shifts into hesitation — when I catch myself second-guessing every move instead of flowing naturally. In tattooing, that usually shows up if a design or technique feels forced rather than intuitive. That’s the moment I pause, step back, and either ask for advice, study more, or rework the idea until it feels solid. For me, being out of my depth isn’t failure — it’s a signal that I’ve hit the edge of my comfort zone and it’s time to learn something new.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mimisama.com
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/mimi_sama.tattoo/
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