Tattoo Artist Kevin Bruwer

We get to know Kevin Bruwer of Hand of Mysteries Tattoo, his career as a Tattoo Artist, and his work. Read through our exclusive interview below.
Brought to you by Zappa.

Full name: Kevin Bruwer

Shop: Hand of Mysteries Tattoo

Years tattooing: Around 6 years

Tattoo style: Blackwork, illustrative, and what I call dark femme tattoos (like dark weird stuff that’s still feminine)

Hourly rate: R1200 per hour, but try to charge per piece

Give us some insight into your journey of becoming a full time tattoo artist?
I’ve always wanted to be a tattoo artist, since first seeing tattoos on musicians when I was 11. I tried to get into it in high school but mom asked me to just finish school and try get a degree. I studied graphic design for two years and then dropped out after becoming super depressed and self-destructive. I worked as a mechanic apprentice to make some money and when I got the opportunity, I drove four and a half hours to an interview for a tattoo apprenticeship, moved into a caravan in my uncles driveway a week later and never looked back.

When did you first realise that this was the industry for you?
My youth pastor actually gave me a burnt CD with a bunch of Christian metal on – I went onto YouTube and got consumed by the art as well as the art they had on their bodies. I was hooked from then, at 11 years old.

How would you best sum up the tattoo scene in South Africa?
Well this is tough, it goes from elitist artists to artists doing amazing work without recognition. A lot of backstabbing and sh!t talking, because everyone wants to see their own success instead of a successful industry as a whole. Tattooing here is still catching up to the rest of the world, hopefully as it grows the people involved do as well, and we get more of a community.

What do you feel has been the main progression of tattooing in recent years?
More people are getting tattooed, from all different professions and walks of life. I guess people are just becoming more accepting of the culture and art.

How do you like to ensure you keep progressing as an artist?
Personally, keeping myself active in other art-forms such as jewellery making and painting helps to not get complacent in one area, and see things from a different view. Never being 100% satisfied with what I do, makes me not lose sight of where I want to go.

What style of tattoo do you enjoy creating the most, and why?
Anything with lots of line-work and that borders on somewhat creepy and dark. Also just anything that I draw for fun is awesome to get to tattoo on someone.

Where would you like to see you tattooing career take you?
Hopefully to the international scene, either on a permanent basis or just traveling and seeing the world.

Given the opportunity to tattoo any one person, who would it be and why?
My mom. I mean coming from a small farm town in the Free State, tattooing was never really prominent in my life till later and always viewed in a negative light. My mom never wanted me to do this, but has become very supportive and is the person who shaped me and made me who I am. I would be honoured to tattoo her, even if it’s something really small.

For anyone wanting to book an appointment with you, what’s the next step?
DM me on Instagram, that’s probably the fastest way to get a response. @the_bruwery_tattoos.

Hand of Mysteries Tattoo
Contact: 079 054 3772
Address: Shop 20, Devon Valley Centre, 122 9th Avenue, Weltevreden Park, Johannesburg.
Facebook| Instagram | Website