Tattoo Artist Christo Olivier

In our first Tattoo Artist feature of 2022, we bring you Christo Olivier of Outcast Tattoos 818. Get to know more about him and his work below.
Brought to you by Zappa.

Full name: Christo Olivier

Shop: Outcast Tattoos 818

Years tattooing: 13 years

Tattoo style: Traditional/ Neo Traditional/ Black and Grey Realism

Hourly rate: R1200

How did your journey into becoming a full time tattoo artist begin?
I was always passionate about art overall but I wanted more, I wanted to belong to something bigger. I then started hanging out with Tattoo Artists and saw that we all have something in common, so they took me in and helped me become the Artist that I am today.

If not tattooing, then what?
Photography. I also have a big passion for photography – portrait shots and landscape shots.

What does the tattoo world mean to you?
Tattooing is my life. Being a Tattoo Artist is more than an art form, it’s putting a joyful smile on a random stranger’s face, the joy they have in their eyes once you’re done with a piece, whether it’s a tiny Tattoo or a portrait, the smiles’ always hit differently.

What do you feel were some of the hardest skill to learn when first starting out?
Line work, pulling the cleanest line was always my main goal when starting out Tattooing.

Which artists do you draw inspiration from?
There are a few; Mashkow, David Vega, Paul Booth and Dean Gunther.

How do you like to make sure you keep progressing as an artist?
Just keep on being a “sponge” and just soak in everything you see, observe techniques, observe advertisement strategies, and always taking the perfect photo.

What do you enjoy most about working out of Outcast tattoos, and why?
Working? Nah, it’s not work, it’s vibing with like-minded people that have your back non-stop. We spend 80% of our day together, I would say that’s pretty close to Family [laughs].

What style of tattoo do you enjoy creating the most, and why?
Realism Portraits and Traditional.
Realism Portraits: because of the challenge each portrait gives you.
Traditional: I mean come on, a clean thick line?! Nothing more beautiful than that.

Where do you see your career taking you?
I can see myself definitely growing into something bigger and better, you can only be better than you were yesterday, am I right? I would definitely like to go overseas and make a worldwide name for myself.

What advice do you have for anyone wanting to get their first tattoo?
Make sure you’re 100% sure of the design you would like to get, start small, get the feel of a Tattoo first before deciding to do half a sleeve or a full leg piece. Always eat before your appointment, bring entertainment with and some snacks for yourself.

For anyone wanting to book an appointment with you, what’s the next step?
You can give me a follow on Instagram – @TattoosByChristo, Facebook – Christo Olivier, or contact me on 0662336767.

Outcast Tattoos 818
Contact: 0649180109 or infoatoct@gmail.com
Address: Shop 18, K90 Centre, Northrand Road, Boksburg, Johannesburg
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