Founder of Mana’o Tattoo Studios, Manu Farrarons is a leading figure in contemporary Polynesian tattooing.
Since 1991, he has explored and developed various expressions of Polynesian tattoo art, with a particular focus on Tahitian and Marquesan traditions, approached with discipline, sensitivity, and deep respect for their cultural heritage.
His work is internationally recognized, especially for his fine and elegant feminine compositions, which have become enduring artistic references over time.
With more than thirty years of experience, Manu has developed an advanced mastery of adapting tattoo compositions to the body’s natural lines, seeking a lasting, balanced, and harmonious visual result.
Alongside his artistic career, he has welcomed, trained, and mentored over the years approximately twenty young artists. The majority of them are now established, recognized tattoo artists, and several have opened their own studios. This commitment to transmission is a core element of his approach.
After beginning his career in Tahiti, Manu moved to Los Angeles, California, where he founded Mana’o Tattoo LA. This period marked strong international recognition, shaped by significant artistic and professional achievements.
In 2019, he was honored with inclusion in Who’s Who in America, followed by Who’s Who in the World in 2020, in recognition of his professional integrity, career, and contributions to his field.
Less than a year after its opening, Mana’o Tattoo LA was voted Best Tattoo Studio in 2019, and again in 2020, in Studio City, California.
In 2021, after a fulfilling and accomplished period in the United States, Manu chose to return to Tahiti to reconnect with his roots.
He now works at Mana’o Private Studio, his personal studio located in the hills of the island’s west coast, offering a private and exclusive tattoo experience within an intimate and refined setting.
To contact Manu and book a private session:
www.manufarrarons.com
The career of Manu Farrarons reflects sustained recognition for both artistic excellence and cultural contribution, in French Polynesia and internationally.
Publications, interviews & recognition
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2021 — Featured in the August issue of Hine Magazine, Tahiti
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2020 — Included in Who’s Who in the World
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2020 — Interview and feature “LA’s Most Inspiring Stories” in Voyage LA, USA
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2019 — Included in Who’s Who in America
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2019 — Interview and feature in Tatt Mag USA
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2018 — Interview published in the June issue of Inked Cartel Magazine, USA
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2018 — Interview and feature in the December issue of Tattoo Magazine USA
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2016— Interview and feature in the October issue of Reva Tahiti Magazine, French Polynesia
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2015 — Interview published in the October issue of Pain Magazine, USA
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2010 — Featured in the July issue of Inked Magazine, Australia & New Zealand
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2010 — Featured in the June issue of Tattoos Down Under Magazine, Australia
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2009 — Featured in the July issue of Tatouage Magazine, France
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2008 — Interview and feature in the June 19th issue of Les Nouvelles, newspaper, Tahiti
Artistic awards
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2020 — Mana’o Tattoo Los Angeles awarded Best Tattoo Studio in Studio City, California (second consecutive year)
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2019 — Mana’o Tattoo Los Angeles awarded Best Tattoo Studio in Studio City, California
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2016 — Best of the Day, NZ Tattoo & Art Festival, New Zealand
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2016 — Voted Best Ethnic Style Tattoo Artist at Art Gathering LA, Long Beach, California
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2016 — First Prize – Polynesian Tattoo at Art Gathering LA, Long Beach, California
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2015 — Voted Best Tribal Artist, Ink-N-Iron, Long Beach, California
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2015 — First Prize – Polynesian Tattoo at the International Ink & Iron Festival, Long Beach, California
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2013 — 1st place – Open Category, Polynesia Tatau Convention, Tahiti
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2011 — Voted Best Tribal Artist, Ink & Iron, Long Beach, California
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2011 — First Prize – Polynesian Tattoo at the International Ink & Iron Festival, Long Beach, California
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2010 — 2nd place – Polynesian tattoo (male), Sydney Tattoo Expo, Australia
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2010 — 2nd place – Polynesian tattoo (female), Sydney Tattoo Expo, Australia
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2008 — Voted Best Tribal Artist, Ink & Iron, Long Beach, California
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2008 — First Prize – Polynesian Tattoo at the International Ink & Iron Festival, Long Beach, California
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2005 — Best Polynesian Tattoo of the Day, Tattoonesia Convention, Moorea, French Polynesia
Cultural engagement & roles
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July 2025 — Co-organizer of “Ia Nu'u Te Tatau,” a Polynesian cultural and tattoo festival, Tahiti
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April 2016 — Lecturer at California State University Channel Islands, delivering an academic presentation on Polynesian tattooing and its cultural heritage to faculty and students, USA
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2015 — Ambassador for Air Tahiti Nui
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2014 — Lead contributor to the documentary “Tatau, the culture of an art” (France Télévisions)
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2014 — Jury President, Polynesia Tatau Convention, Tahiti