Tattoo Artist Shayleen Asher-Wood

Working out of More Than Hype in Cape Town, we’re excited to introduce you to Shayleen Asher-Wood as our featured Tattoo Artist, focusing in Black and Grey Realism.
Brought to you by Zappa.

Full name: Shayleen Kathy Asher-Wood

Shop: More Than Hype

Years tattooing: 3 years

Tattoo Style: Black and Grey Realism

Hourly Rate: R1100 per hour

Give us some background into your life and what led to you becoming a tattoo artist?
I have always been very artistic, I went to an art school. Art has been my favourite thing to do for as long as I can remember. I did my apprenticeship in Durban and since the day I started I fell in love with tattooing.

What was the defining moment when you knew that becoming a full time Tattoo Artist was what you wanted to do as a career?
The day I did my first black and grey piece on my mentor I knew. I found a style of tattooing that I loved and I wanted to learn more and get better at.

How long did it take for your to learn the ins and outs of tattooing?
My apprenticeship was one year before I could officially tattoo but I’m constantly learning new tricks and techniques everyday.

What have been some of your most influential experiences that have moulded you into the artist you are today?
Working in different shops with different artists. I have worked with many different artists who all have very different personalities and styles, and being able to learn from all those artists has definitely moulded me into the artist I am today.

What does the tattoo industry mean to you?
Tattooing to me isn’t an industry it’s more of a family. It’s a culture.

What style of tattoo do you enjoy doing the most, and why?
I really enjoy black and grey realism and micro realism because that’s the style I used to draw growing up. It has come more naturally to me. I have just always enjoyed capturing something exactly how it is and making it look as realistic as possible.

To date, which has been your favourite piece you’ve created?
I would say my Taurus portrait, because I have a thing for mythical creatures and portraits, and to combine the two in a black and grey realistic style to me is just a perfect tattoo for me.

How do you like to make sure you keep progressing as an artist?
I like to follow my tattoo role models, I learn a lot from them. I also like to challenge myself with pieces out of my comfort zone to push and better myself.

Where do you see yourself in your career in 10 years time?
I would absolutely love to have my own shop as most tattoo artist do. I would like to do something a little more unique and different but we will just have to see.

What do you like to do with your downtime?
I only get one day off a week and when that day comes I love exploring. I try do something completely different once a week. Try something new or find a new place I’ve never been to.

Which local artist do you feel are at the top of their game at the moment?
Marion Duchene, she does such beautiful colour tattoos. Her flowers and Disney characters are incredible!

Which local or international tattoo shops would you most like to guest work in?
I would absolutely love to learn from Fred Thomasso I would have to say Exotic Tattoo Murcia Spain, but that’s more of a dream then anything else.

What advice would you give someone wanting to get their firs tattoo?
Don’t think so hard, don’t be scared to go bigger and not all tattoos have to have so much meaning.

For anyone wanting to book an appointment with you, what’s the next step?
You can follow me on Instagram @shayde_tattooartor find me at More Than Hype. Send me a message with what you are wanting, book a consultation and we will go from there.

More Than Hype
Contact: 021 462 5000
Address: 4 Hiddingh Avenue, Oranjezicht, Cape Town
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