We get to know Dudley Scott Landsberg in this week’s Tattoo Artist feature, as we discuss his career, how he first got into the trade, his style of work, and more…
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Full name: Dudley Scott Landsberg
Shop: Sin on Skin
Years tattooing: 5 years
Tattoo style: Bold Black and Grey and Realism.
Hourly rate: R800
What would you say is the best thing about your job?
Being able to be creative and giving people a piece of my art that will be with them for the rest of their lives. I love the primal aspect of it too. Tattooing has been around since humans were cavemen, and in different tribes and cultures. It’s not a new thing like some people think, and it’s very revered in some cultures.
When did you first know that you wanted to be a full time Tattoo Artist?
I’ve always loved drawing since I was a little kid and I always liked tattoos too. As I got older I became even more interested in tattoos and after I left high school I came across Miami Ink while watching TV, and it really sparked my interest on it being a “job”. I then went and got my first tattoo done (at the place I work now) and I fell in love with the tattoo shop environment after being in a shop for the first time.
How did you journey first start out, and ultimately lead to where you are today?
I used to go to Sin on Skin often to get tattooed by Jake (shop owner). I used to also bring my own designs for my tattoos and for friends of mine to get quotes. I guess he was impressed because he asked me if I would be interested in learning how to tattoo, which obviously I agreed to without hesitation. I started out going in on Saturdays to learn and help out at the shop because I still had a full time job at the time. Eventually Jake needed me on board full time and I quit my job to take up tattooing. It was a bit of a bumpy rough road along the way to get there so I’ve paid my dues, but thank Jake for the opportunity to be able to do what I do.
Where would you like to see your career take you?
One day hopefully my own shop, or private studio, or working in a different city in South Africa, or overseas eventually and focusing more on the style I like to tattoo the most.
What style of tattoo do you enjoy creating the most?
My favourite style is Realism and Black and Grey, but I do enjoy mixing it up also.
How do you like to make sure you keep progressing as an artist?
Sin on skin was traditionally a walk in shop from back in the day but we have been focusing on custom work and keeping updated with the times. I follow all the good artists from around SA and the rest of the world to see what everyone else is up to, and because I appreciate the artwork. Social media has made a huge impact on the progression of tattooing. So I just keep up to date and keep pushing to try evolve my work and not stay in the same place.
If you could spend the day in the life of any tattoo Artist, who would it be and why?
Probably Ami James or Chris Nunez. They seem to have pretty cool lives now that they’re world renowned artists and because they live in the U.S. Also because they seem like genuine old-school down to earth type of guys. Tattooing culture has become very hipster these days and there’s nothing wrong with that, I’m just more ‘old school’.
What does a day in your life consist of?
I have a bad lower back so I start my morning off with yoga with my girlfriend, then go to work. After work I do some boxing or Jiu-jitsu training and then go home to play around with my car or take our dog to the beach. Come home, spend time together and then I try read a bit before bed.
How would you best explain the vibe if Sin on Skin?
We are a friendly shop who welcome anyone no matter who or what type of tattoo they want. We don’t have attitudes and try keep our environment and interactions with clients as relaxed as possible, but still professional.
What do you think the next tattoo fad will be?
Hmm.. tough one. Tattoos have become so custom and individual these days it’s hard to say. I think maybe the simple line-work type of tattoos seem to be getting really popular.
What are you hoping it won’t be?
Anything that has to do with being silly or some kind of joke or crude image. I don’t think every tattoo has to have some kind of deep meaning, some can just be for art or aesthetics but I dislike tattoos that makes tattoos and tattooing in general look like a joke.
For anyone wanting to book an appointment with you, what’s the next step?
I’m available on email dudleylandsberg@gmail.com or WhatsApp 062 884 1432.
Sin on Skin
Contact: 083 700 0459
Address: 24A Glenwood Village, Moore Road, Glenwood, Durban
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Tattoos by Dudley Scott Landsberg
Photos by Ballyhoo Agency.
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