From skin to paper: when Caroline Karénine “Tattoos” the notebook

From Skin to Paper, Caroline Karénine Transposes the Art of Tattooing onto Unique Kraft Notebooks, Blending Design, Craftsmanship, and Limited Editions with La Compagnie du Kraft.

Caroline is as discreet as she is talented. Her art—just as impactful and confident as a Keith Haring painting—finds its primary canvas on skin, but not exclusively. Gradually, she’s begun exploring new mediums, stepping willingly outside her comfort zone. In collaboration with her emerging reference publisher, La Ligne Noire, we at La Compagnie du Kraft co-created a series of 4 notebooks showcasing the same design through different marking techniques. These “tattooed” notebooks challenged us to innovate technically. What follows isn’t a biography of the artist—it’s a look into her desire to shift the boundaries of her work.

Caroline Karénine: From Tattooing to Objects

"Being a tattoo artist means adapting to new constraints every day," says Caroline. She approaches this work off the skin with the same mindset: bringing her world to new mediums while achieving the best possible visual impact. Her holistic vision—lines, strength, dynamism—now serves objects designed to be carried, used, and passed on: in this case, the notebook.

“Tattooed Notebooks”: A Collaboration Between LCK × La Ligne Noire

The series created with La Ligne Noire and La Compagnie du Kraft explores multiple techniques... A single design, various textures and reliefs to enhance the material. The goal: to craft a kraft notebook whose graphic style remains faithful to the artist’s intent, while upholding our commitment to craftsmanship and sustainability.

Want to see more pieces? Browse our collections: notebook collections and limited editions.

Inspiration & Materials: From Travel to Kraft Paper

Travel, architectural details, vegetation, ethnic adornments, and henna work all feed Caroline’s imagination. Transposed onto our notebook covers, these motifs converse with our kraft paper interiors and refills—practical, understated, and authentic.

Questions for Caroline

Is this “off-skin” work a continuation of tattooing?

Being a tattoo artist means adapting every day to new constraints, new people, and new expectations. I approach this off-skin work with the same mindset: it’s a continuation. I bring my world into new formats, facing different challenges I adapt to in order to achieve the best visual outcome.

Is it easy to step outside of tattooing? What does this expertise bring to accessories?

I imagine it the same way: finding a harmonious design that dresses the object as aesthetically as possible. My way of reading the body—emphasizing lines, adding strength and energy—translates into objects: using their features and functions to enhance them.

Your world, your values—how do they translate?

Travel, captured imagery, architectural details, paintings, plants… I’m also drawn to feminine imagery: adornments, henna, depictions of strong and kind women. I weave these influences together and adapt them to the constraints of each medium.

How do you see this work evolving on accessories?

Just like tattooing: pushing the boundaries, aiming for greater impact, and deepening the emotional connection.