Tattoo Artist Micolene Jeanine Greeff

Having worked her way up and now the proud owner of Art&Soul Tattoos, we bring you Micolene Jeanine Greeff as our featured Tattoo Artist. Get to know her here…
Brought to you by Zappa.

Full name: Micolene Jeanine Greeff

Shop: Art&Soul Tattoos

Years tattooing: -+ 7years

Tattoo style: Fine line, Delicate, Black and Grey Realism

Hourly rate: Half day R3000. Full day R6000. Starting price is R750.

Tell us your story of how you became a full time tattoo artist?
I’ve always said the industry chose me. I’ve been an artist since a very young age. When I got the opportunity to be an apprentice I grabbed it with both hands! Leaving the corporate life behind without thinking about it twice. Never looked back since that day. Having worked at a couple of great studios, I am proud to be the owner of my own studio Art&Soul Tattoos.

What first sparked your passion for the trade?
I think my love for art, creating and expressing yourself in such a permanent form has sparked my passion for the trade. Tattooing is the ultimate art-form, creating and leaving your art on someone permanently is amazing. I am blessed to be part of the industry and do what I love every day!

What does a day in your life usually consist of?
I usually wake up early at around 5am to go to gym, a good healthy breakfast. Make my way to my studio, prepare my designs and start tattooing. Afterwards I work on my designs for the next day. I love cooking and socialising when I can.

When not working and tattooing, what do you like to do with your downtime?
I like to train, it’s important for me to be physically healthy and training helps with the mental state of being.Spending some quality time with the family as often as I can. Also shopping and eating, some retail therapy is always good for the soul on off days.

Which local artists do you feel are at the top of the game currently?
Rasty Knayles. He’s super talented, I love how he combines graffiti art with black and grey realism, his composition and signature style is very recognisable and I would love to get a piece from him.

If you had the opportunity to tattoo any one famous person, who would it be and why?
I’m a little obsessed with Monami Frost, so definitely her. She’s an inspiring female and has accomplished a lot. I’m also a big fan of her husband’s work, Anrjis Straume. And, yes I have a portrait of Monami, so definitely a huge fan!

How did you find the experience of learning how to tattoo?
It was scary yet exhilarating. You want to do it perfectly and you really do try to do your best, remember what you’ve been taught and just keep to the number one rule and don’t mess up! Back then I started with coil machines and I’m so thankful for that. I use a rotary machine now. You still learn something new every day. The thought of hurting someone is a feeling you also can’t really explain but you get used to it quickly, I don’t say sorry that often anymore for hurting my clients.

What style of tattoo do you enjoy creating the most and why?
I enjoy all styles, and had to learn all the different techniques for every style. Every tattoo needs strong lines, smooth black and grey shading and solid colouring. I love Black and Grey Realism, getting the tones just right and enjoying some high contrast pieces lately. Also love doing fine line tattoos with intricate detail.

Tell us something most people don’t know about you?
Well it’s funny that every time someone meets me, their first comment is, wow you’re shorter than what you look in your pictures. I’m like 1.58. Also l love racing and fast cars, but I’m a pretty bad loser. Luckily that doesn’t happen often. I’m a Reiki master and did a course in crystal healing. I can speak 7 languages, only kidding!

Where would you like to see your tattoo career take you?
Hopefully I get to tattoo for a couple of years still, would definitely like to grow as an artist and I’m excited to see how my own style evolves. I would love to guest spot at other shops in SA and abroad, definitely Europe, learning new styles and tricks from different artist and exploring different cultures etc.

For anyone wanting to book and appointment with you, what’s the next step?
To book an appointment with me, you can mail artsoultattoos@gmail.com or call on 081 269 6172 and then we’ll find a spot for you.

Art&Soul Tattoos
Contact: Tel: 081 269 6172 | Email: artsoultattoos@gmail.com
Address: 67 Van Der Walt Road, Dalview, Brakpan, Johannesburg.
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