Tattoo Artist of the week Pepi Dimevski

The names Pepi Dimevski and SA Hardcore Tattoos are no strangers to the tattoo industry in South Africa, and it’s about time we bring you Pepi as our Tattoo Artist of the week.
Get to know more about this legendary artist who has 20 years of experience under his belt, and if religious black and grey style tattoos are what you’re looking for, Pepi is your man.

Full name: Predrag Dimevski

Nickname: Pepi

Age: 37

Hometown: Born in Macedonia Kumanovo, living in Johannesburg

Shop: SA Hardcore Tattoos

Years tattooing: 20 years

Tattoo style: Religious black and grey

Rate per hour: R1000

Tell us your story of how you got into the tattoo industry and how you became a tattoo artist?
Once upon a time, at the age of 12 years old I was asked by my teacher what I wanted to be when I grow up, I said “tattooist”. She asked me again, so I said, “I want to be a tattoo artist”.
A few years later, in my neighbourhood a few people would come out of serving their time in prison where they learnt how to tattoo, and I started learning from them. Starting with needle poking and hand made tattoo machines. A few years later I then started with professional tattoo equipment.

How many shops did you work in and how many years had you been in the industry before opening SA Hardcore Tattoos?
I had my own shop back in Macedonia and when I came to South Africa, 11 years ago, I worked for Kevin’s Custom Tattoos. Seven years ago I started SA Hardcore Tattoos.

Based in Parkhurst, what is the vibe of the area like and how does it fit in with SA Hardcore?
The vibe in Parkhurst in very trendy and our clientele come from all over the country. Being situated where we are we have a lot of tourists that visit our shop, as well as celebrities.

How many artists do you have working in the shop and what do they all bring to the table?
We have 4 artists working here, all with different styles. From old school to new school, from writing specialists to realistic black and grey and colour. Between the four of us, we cover every style of tattooing that’s out there.

In your opinion, how does SA Hardcore Tattoos differ from other tattoo shops around the country?
With no disrespect to any other shops in South Africa, but SA Hardcore is a unique shop with a welcoming, homely vibe. With traditional, iconic artwork that our clients love and makes them feel comfortable.

When it comes to tattooing, what do you do to make sure you keep progressing to stay on top of your game?
It is very important to stay on top of your game as the industry is constantly evolving with new styles and better artists. I do believe that tattooing for 20 years I have made a good name for myself and have stayed on top for all these years.

What type of tattoos do you enjoy doing the most?
I enjoy religious tattoos as they never go out of style, and as I personally come from a religious tradition background it makes me feel good about my craft and what I do.

You are probably one of the best-dressed tattoo artists in the country. Tell us about your style and why you like dressing up for work?
I do believe I take the industry to a new level with my appearance. My appearance and gentlemen’s lifestyle, I believe, is what sets me apart from the rest. I am sponsored by Frank Bespoke and Ben Sherman and I do believe that style is very important in the tattoo industry.

You have quite the collection of tattoos yourself. How many mean or stand for something, and how many are just for the artwork?
I have quite a few tattoos with meaning and some that don’t. But they all remind me of certain times in my life where I come from.

Which international tattoo artist’s work do you admire the most and why?
Mo Coppoletta from The Family Business Tattoo created a very unique style and Mark Mahoney from The Shamrock Social Club who still tattoos with the single needle prison style. They are both innovators in their own right and I appreciate what they have done for the industry worldwide.

Where do you see the tattoo industry heading over the next 10 years?
I can’t speak for the rest for the industry but SA Hardcore will always be here. Bigger and better than before.

You are also known for being involved in the local music industry and being a band member of Bloodline LTD. How’s that side of your life going and what can fans expect next?
Music is my life and I have been involved in it all my life. Unfortunately Bloodline is no longer around but my new project called Gunshot Blue is what I’m busy with now and is satisfying my need for musical creativity.

Cycling. Why, what when?
Back in Europe I was a pro cyclist and when I came to SA I stopped for a few years. In the last 3 years I reached all my goals, won national champs in Europe, competed at World Champs and had many podium finishes. I have now retired to focus more on my work and my shop.

For anyone wanting to get tattooed by you, what are the do’s and don’ts?
I expect people to put the relevant thought into what they want to get done, and don’t come get a foot tattoo with smelly feet.

What’s the best way for someone to get booking with you?
I prefer the clients to come and do a face-to-face consult and discuss what they want to achieve. In that way I believe that clients are more relaxed and get what they want out of their tattoo.

SA Hardcore Tattoos details:

Phone: 011 327 2812 / 083 724 4063
Email: sahardcoretattoos@gmail.com
Address: 16A 4th Avenue, Parkhurst, Johannesburg.
For more info visit the SA Hardcore Tattoos Facebook Page.