L’Objectif: A Mission of Purposeful Artistry

Derived from the French word meaning “The Objective” or “The Purpose,” L’Objectif represents more than a destination—it is a guiding principle. On a philosophical level, it embodies the pursuit of clarity, intention, and meaning in one’s work and life. It challenges artists to ask not only what they create, but why they create it, fostering a deeper connection between their craft and their purpose.

Through this retreat, we invite tattoo artists to explore the profound alignment between their art, their identity, and their role in a larger creative and cultural dialogue. L’Objectif is a call to focus on what truly matters: authentic expression, intentional practice, and the undeniable impact of meaningful artistry.

L’Objectif, will be an immersive three-day retreat dedicated to the art and philosophy of tattooing. Set in the inspiring landscape of Bellingham, Washington, this retreat offers tattoo artists an opportunity to understand their craft, their purpose, and their potential.

Through impactful seminar presentations, hands-on exercises, and transformative discussions, we will explore the intersection of creativity, technique, and personal growth. Each day is designed to challenge preconceived notions, foster meaningful artistic evolution, and cultivate a renewed sense of passion and connection within the tattooing community.

L’Objectif is a journey to rediscover the soul of tattooing and the power of purposeful artistry.

• When: June 1, 2, & 3, 2025

• Where: The Chrysalis Inn. Bellingham Washington

• The cost for L’Objectif is $600 per person, and if you come as a pair or couple the second one is half price. $900 for two. You can pay a $200 non-refundable deposit to secure your spot and the remaining balance is due 30 days prior to the retreat.

  
  

  Fee includes full access to all three days of seminar presentations, hands-on exercises, and guided discussions. Please note that this fee covers the retreat’s programming only. Attendees are responsible for arranging their own accommodations, meals, and transportation.

  Note: All payments are non-refundable. Final payment is due 30 days prior to the retreat.

  Bellingham offers a variety of lodging options and dining establishments to suit every preference and budget, ensuring you can tailor your experience to meet your needs.

*Special Guest speaker:Dr. Megan Burke

“I'm a professor of philosophy who is interested in the various ways self-other relationships come to exist and unfold. I specialize in existentialism, phenomenology, and feminist philosophy— lines of inquiry that create transformative ideas about authenticity, embodiment, freedom, relationships, and transformation. I’ve written three books and numerous academic articles on these topics, and I am excited to have the chance to bring such work into the world of tattooing. 

Day 1: Philosophy, Theory, and Artist-Self Connectivity

Morning Session: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

•Introduction to Universal Tattooing

•Welcome and overview of the retreat.

•Exploring the foundations of tattooing as a philosophy and art form.

•Discussing the existential role of the tattoo artist in the modern world.

•The Artist and the Self

•Understanding personal identity and its influence on creative output.

•Guided introspection: What drives your art?

•Short group discussion on individual and collective values in tattooing.

Lunch Break: 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM

Afternoon Session: 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM

•The Theory of Connectivity

•Yin and yang: Finding balance in tattooing as an art and career.

•Exploring linear and non-linear thinking in design and execution.

•Interactive exercise: Realizing universal consciousness in your work.

Evening Session: 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM

•Artist’s Circle: Open Dialogue

•Reflective discussion: How philosophy shapes our creative process.

•Q&A commenting on existentialism and tattooing.

Day 2: Techniques and Artist-Client Relationships

Morning Session: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

•Navigating Client Interactions

•Understanding the psychology of clients and their tattoo requests.

•Role-playing scenarios: Addressing challenging client situations.

•Workshop: Setting boundaries and maintaining professional empathy.

Lunch Break: 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM

Afternoon Session: 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM

•Artist and Career Dynamics

•Aligning personal artistry with professional goals.

•Building a sustainable career: Practical tips on marketing, scheduling, and client retention.

•Collaborative exercise: Designing a personal artist manifesto.

Evening Session: 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM

•Art of the Relationship

•Panel discussion or roundtable: Cultivating meaningful artist-client relationships.

•Attendee stories: Sharing lessons learned from working with diverse clients.

Day 3: Understanding the Body in Tattoo Design

Morning Session: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

•Designing for the Body

•Anatomy of tattooing: Understanding body flow, structure, and skin behavior.

•Workshop: Mapping tattoo designs onto body templates.

•Discussion: The cultural and historical significance of large-scale bodywork.

Lunch Break: 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM

Afternoon Session: 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM

•From Patchwork to Full Coverage

•Transitioning from small pieces to cohesive collections and how to talk to, understand, and guide clients through the progression.

•Case studies: Examining successful large-scale tattoos and full-body designs.

•Interactive exercise: Collaboratively designing large-scale tattoo projects.

Evening Session: 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM

•Closing Reflection and Celebration

•Reflecting on the retreat experience: How has your understanding of tattooing evolved?

•Sharing final thoughts, ideas, and designs with the group.

•Group activity: Collaborative creation, a closing ritual.