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Art

DIY DOCS: PAULAULART, LEANKA PLATT & CARLOS OLMO

Personalisation is in our DNA. This season, we have selected three tattoo artists from a variety of backgrounds who have customise a pair each month. Keep reading to see the boots and learn more about the artists.

Paulaulart 
Paul Vilaceque, aka Paulaulart, was lucky enough to be born into a family that places great emphasis on artistic creation, so it was from a very young age that he started drawing. His artistic evolution was largely influenced by his sense of detail and his desire for perfection. Since 2017, Paul has been experimenting with a new form of expression, that of tattooing. He is a versatile artist and adapts his style and techniques to the needs of those he tattoos while keeping an easily identifiable style.


1. What does Tough mean to you?

For me being strong means believing in my projects and not giving up – being confident in the path I have chosen and my artistic vision.

2.  Would you describe yourself as a resilient individual?

In a way yes, I don’t give up very easily. I am also not afraid of criticism; I try to stay as true to myself as possible while taking into account other people’s advice.

3. Do you feel like setbacks and challenges early in your career can push you further?

It can end up being helpful in a career like mine where the competition in that tattoo industry is extremely tough. The important thing is to remain determined no matter what.


“IN MY OPINION DR. MARTENS REPRESENTS A REAL STRENGTH BECAUSE THEY HAVE BEEN ABLE TO CROSS MANY ERAS AND WILL CROSS MANY OTHERS, LIKE HIS REBELLIOUS SPIRIT WHICH PERSISTS”

 

 

Carlos Olmo

Carlos Olmo is well versed in multiple art forms – as both a painter and illustrator he has been involved in the music scene for decades, designing record sleeves (Superbus, No One Is Innocent among others), silk-screen prints (Batman, Foo Fighters), comic strips, street art designs on posters, and has recently embraced tattooing – where his art takes on a more permanent quality.

1. What inspires you to follow your dream more – people who encourage you or people who try to knock you down?

I definitely am a very independent person. Although I appreciate the encouragement of those around me, I tend to follow my own intuitions. My ideas and dreams are my own and not influenced by anyone else. I feel like my professional success has allowed me to hit back at the people that have tried to stand in my way. These negative people actually ended up igniting my passion. Overcoming challenges is what pushes me to grow and succeed.

 

2. Why do you think DM’s have been so embraced by those fighting back and standing up for their beliefs?

In my opinion Dr. Martens represents strength – Docs have been around for many decades, crossing many different eras. Its rebel spirit isn’t going anywhere.

 

3. What does ‘tough’ mean to you?

For me, being strong means knowing one’s weaknesses and being able to fight one’s inner demons. It means being able to respect a strict moral code of conduct that makes us proud, without worrying about what others may think. This creates a state of inner peace, and gives me the courage and strength to move forward despite everything.

“DOCS ARE A SYMBOL, AND TO MOVE FORWARD IN LIFE WE ​​NEED THOSE SYMBOLS THAT MAKE US STRONGER AND IDENTIFY US AS DIFFERENT.”

 

 Leanka Platt

Leanka Platt is a Strasbourg-based tattoo artist who works in her tattoo studio called Lucky Electric Tattoo Club. She is influenced by all that is vintage, and her style is known for being witty take on “old school” tattooing. Her workshop is a place of positive energy and good vibes, all while being traditional in style. Her overflowing creativity of Leanka is reflected on the Dr. Martens boots that she customizes.

 

1. What inspires you to follow your dream more – people who encourage you or people who try to

People who encourage me of course – negative people do nothing for me. I have no ego (or much less than I used to), and it is useless to be motivated by threats and criticism. I have stories to tell and positivity, encouragement and being surrounded by decent people are what push me to succeed.

 

2.  Can you tell us about one time you bounced back from adversity?

I had an unpleasant experience a long time ago when I walked into an art gallery, the kind that tend to intimidate even the best of us: white walls, abstract paintings hanging everywhere, and contempt in the air. I presented my work to them, and they took great pleasure in explaining to me that in their opinion my work was subpar and insignificant. I left 30 minutes later feeling completely defeated with no desire to continue making art. It wasn’t until a month later that I was able to draw again, and not until much later that I was able to believe in my work again. In the end though I did not have a choice – the only way I am able to fully express myself is through art, so giving up was never an option.

 

“DR. MARTENS REPRESENTS THE UNCONFORMITY PAR EXCELLENCE. “

 

Click here to enter to win a pair of 2976 Black Smooth customized by Carlos Olmo. Contest open to France only from Friday, November 15 to Thursday, December 12, 2019.

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