Tattoo Artist Bianca Uyttenhoven

Meet Bianca Uyttenhoven of Handystyle Tattoos in our latest Tattoo Artist feature. Find out how she got into the industry, the style of work she enjoys creating and more below…
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Full name: Bianca Mary Ann Uyttenhoven

Shop: Handstyle Tattoos

Years tattooing: 6

Tattoo style: Traditional/Mix

Hourly rate: R1200

Give us some insight into you journey of become a full time tattoo artist?
It’s been a strange journey to say the least, I started working at a studio seven years ago as a manager and I had no intention or even thought of becoming a tattooer. I had taken art in school so I was always drawing in my spare time and the owner of the studio suggested I learn how to tattoo, and I haven’t looked back since. I have worked in a few studios since then, but think I have finally found my space.

If not tattoos, then what?
I would probably (hopefully) have a little coffee shop or patisserie as I have a love for baking and entertaining.

Where do you draw your inspiration from?
It really depends on what I’m doing at the time, but inspiration comes from everywhere. Nature, other tattooers, books and obviously the interwebs.

What does a day in your life usually consist of?
Coffee in the mornings with my wonderful partner, a very short drive to the studio. Then it’s getting set up and ready for the day, starting to tattoo or drawing. I like to go for walks in Melville in between to keep my brain and eyes fresh. Then it’s home and chill time with my partner, more drawing and perhaps some gaming and movies.

What do you like most about working out of Handstyle Tattoos?
I love that it’s so relaxed here, we all have diverse personalities so it makes the team vibe rad. We have such a diverse client base here in Melville and it makes it exciting as a walk in shop, you never know what tattoo you’re gonna do next.

How do you like to make sure you keep progressing as an artist?
I guess we all progress in our own little ways, I like to try new styles or new techniques when I can to do something different, more painting definitely helps with progress and I like to challenge myself with tricky stencils and learning how to make them work for you. Social media also pushes me to be a better artist, seeing what other great tattooers are doing.

What style of tattoo do you enjoy creating the most, and why?
I really enjoy the simplicity yet difficult avenue of traditional styled tattoos. You can do so much and so little at the same time. I love bold lines and saturated colour. I do enjoy fine-line floral a lot, I’ve come to notice it’s what I tattoo most of the time and I enjoy the amount of fine detail and lightness to these kinds of designs. Watercolour is also something I enjoy having artistic freedom with.

If you could guest work at any shop in the world, which would it be and why?
Smith Street Tattoo Parlour in Brooklyn, New York. Just such a classic traditional shop, I think I could learn a lot and who doesn’t want to meet Bert Krak?

What advice would you give someone thinking about getting their first tattoo?
Make sure you do your research on the artist you have chosen, look at their portfolio and quality of their work. Also make sure you’re going to love the tattoo in 10 years time.

For anyone wanting to book an appointment with you, what’s the next step?
Yay! Please email handstyletattoos@gmail.com or call 0725408368 to book a consultation with me.

Handstyle Tattoos
Contact: 072 540 8368 or handstyletattoos@gmail.com
Address: Shop 4B, 7th Street, Melville, Johannesburg.
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