Tattoo Artist Maks Trenkić

After getting his first tattoo at the age of 15, Maks Trenkić fell in love with the industry and the exclusivity of it. It’s a no brainier that he is now one of the country’s top tattoo artists, and we get to know him and his story below.
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Full name: Maksimilian Trenkić

Shop: Outcast Tattoos 818

Years tattooing: Roughly 13

Tattoo style: Black and Grey, Realism, Animal Portraits

Hourly Rate: 1500 an hour

Give us some background story into your career in the tattoo industry?
I started getting tattooed at the age of 15, fell in love with the industry and the exclusivity of it pretty much from the get go. Three years later started my apprenticeship with Cathy Jacobs (then Proctor) and put the hours, months and years in.

What first sparked your interest and passion for the industry?
The honest truth is Music. Punk Rock and Metal to be exact. All my favourite musos had a huge amount of tattoos of all sorts but specifically Kerry King of Slayer.

What was the experience of doing your first tattoo like?
[Laughs] My first Tattoo was on my mentor luckily, but straight away I felt like my problems disappeared. As nervous as I was, I was hooked.

How old were you when you got your first, and what was it?
As I mentioned I was 15 years old when I got my first. Was a Nautical Star on my forearm. That type of sh!t was edgy back then [laughs].

What style of tattoo do you enjoy creating the most?
My favourite style to tattoo is definitely a black and grey\ realism vibe. I’m not too fussy as to content as long as I can put a bunch of saturation in, I’m happy.

How do you like ensure you keep progressing as an artist?
I stay hungry and humble no matter where or what I’m tattooing or creating. I believe in learning daily. As a tattooer I’m my own worst and best critic.

What does a day in your life usually consist of?
Mornings are spent in the gym and breakfast straight after. Preparation for my first client after breakfast. Talking sh!t and drinking loads of coffee with my shop family before the work day starts. 10am to 6pm is when my clients have my full attention and I spend majority of it tattooing. 6pm to 9pm is family time with my son and wife. Of course dinner in between. Then 9pm to 10:30pm is spent drawing most of the time.

How would you best sum up the evolution of tattoos and tattooing over recent years?
In my personal opinion, I truly believe that tattooing as a business as well as an art form is finally getting the recognition it deserves. I love the old school ,don’t get me wrong, but I do prefer the way tattooing has evolved.

What does the world of tattooing mean to you?
Tattooing is everything to me. It’s not a 9 to 5, never has been and never will be. It is a lifestyle, a culture and an addiction. There’s no place like home, and Home will always be Tattooing to me.

Give us some insight into the Outcast Tattoos shop and what visitors can expect from it?
Outcast is all about family and I mean that in every way possible. We don’t give a f*ck what walk of life you come from, everybody is welcome and everyone is equally important. As a business we strive to make all our clients feel comfortable and taken care of. Plus the team are a bunch of funny guys and gals. Always laughter throughout the day.

For anyone wanting to book an appointment with you, what’s the next step?
To book with me you can contact Outcast Tattoos on +27649180109. Alternatively directly get in touch with me on +27826907779, or…DM me on Instagram: @tattoosbymaks.

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