We’re starting a new series of interviews with tattoo models — people for whom tattoos are part of who they are and what they do. Our first guest is Jonathan Martin, a French model living in Switzerland, whose body tells a story created together with tattoo artist Teodor Milev.
Jonathan, can you introduce yourself?
— My name is Jonathan MARTIN, I'm 33 years old and I'm French. I currently live in the Geneva region in Switzerland, I work as a model, and I’m known for being heavily tattooed.
How did you discover tattoos?
— As far back as I can remember, the first tattoo I ever saw was a military service tattoo on a family friend. When I was a kid, the internet wasn’t developed like it is now — you had to go to the supermarket or kiosks to find tattoo magazines. Since I didn’t have much pocket money, I either stole them or spent hours reading the articles while sitting on the floor until I got kicked out of the store.
Did you always know you would end up heavily tattooed?
— Even though I’ve always liked large pieces, no, I didn’t know I’d end up heavily tattooed. But once I got the bug, the more tattoos I got, the more I wanted.
It’s really hard to stop at just one...
Who is your tattoo artist?
— The artist who did most of my tattoos is Teodor Milev, based in Lyon, France. We’ve been working together for over 10 years now. He’s always listened to me and given great advice to help guide my projects.
Whether at the shop or at conventions, it’s always gone very smoothly. He’s been running the shop 681 Tattoos since 2013. I can only recommend this studio — the resident artists are incredibly talented, and they also host guest artists from all over the world.
Can you tell us what your tattoos represent?
— My bodysuit is made up of black and grey realism. I have two eagles on my chest, a leg themed around love and death, a sleeve inspired by the French Revolution reimagined as a chess game, and another themed around the Prohibition era in the United States with Al Capone. I’m very interested in early 20th-century history and the photos that document it. I also have a leg with a dark/romantic theme and many female portraits.
Did you start with one tattoo, or did you go straight into a bodysuit?
— I started with my first tattoo on my back, then moved on to larger pieces, which I later decided to connect to create a bodysuit.
How were the tattoo sessions for you in terms of pain? Which areas were the most difficult?
— I try to manage the pain as best I can, even though it’s not always easy. Some days hurt more than others — it depends on many factors like fatigue or diet. The most painful areas for me were the stomach and chest.
How did your friends and family react? Did you tell them you were going to get a bodysuit, or did you let them discover it on their own?
— They reacted well. I didn’t tell them I was going for a full bodysuit because I didn’t even know it myself when I started. Over the years, my body gradually filled up, and eventually, the bodysuit project was born.
I see you still have some space left — do you plan to have your whole body tattooed by Teodor Milev, or do you have other plans?
— I plan to finish my bodysuit with Teodor. We’ve been working together for several years, ideas come quickly, and the tattoo process is efficient. We often share the same vision for the tattoos, which helps us work fast and effectively. At this point, I don’t think I could trust anyone else with my body.
How do people on the street react to your tattoos?
— I think the way people look at you really depends on their background. Sometimes there are disapproving looks, but I think that’s mostly tied to religion. Generally, people compliment my tattoos and ask if it hurts. Sometimes they’re curious and want to know the “meaning” behind my tattoos and how painful it is. There still aren’t many people in France or Switzerland with full bodysuits, so it definitely draws attention.
What does it feel like to have a bodysuit?
— For me, it feels like I’m always dressed — and I think that’s awesome!
Do you have any final words before we wrap up the interview?
— Yes — live your life to the fullest, try new things even if you make mistakes, but go for it. Don’t be afraid to provoke or shock. Stand out from the crowd, whether it’s through your thoughts or your style. Be unique — and most importantly, get tattooed!
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