Tattoo Artist Ted Flintstxne

Introducing Ted Flintstxne as our featured Tattoo Artist. We get to know more about the Cape Town based artist who focuses on Black and Grey work, which ranks with some of the best work we’ve ever featured.
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Full name: Ted Flintstxne

Shop: Descriptive Art Collective

Years Tattooing: 6 years

Tattoo Style: Black and Grey

Hourly Rate: R1100 per hour / R6500 full day

Tell us bout your journey into becoming a full time tattoo artist?
Well first off, I started rather unconventionally for my time, but more commonly found in today, coming up as a self-taught artist. Moving around between universities setting up in student rooms, as well as neighbourhood garages, eventually settling down at my first spot. I occupied the laundry room at Greatlines Hair Salon owned by a good friend of mine’s mum. Patricia was the best and I was so sad to leave when I eventually got a call up to play with the big boys. My first shop I worked at was Sleight of Hand with Leigh Soulink, later moving onto More Than Hype with Baked, and finally opening up shop with the best black and grey artist in Cape Town, Ricardo da Silva.

What first attracted you to the industry?
I can’t say I was attracted to the industry at all, bar my own curiosity and too much spare time. Having failed one subject while studying graphic design, I was obligated to redo that subject before progressing to the next year. Tattooing started out as something to keep me out of trouble.

What were some of the most challenging skills to master during your learning phase?
Being “self-taught” firstly meant that you never had a traditional apprenticeship to begin with, so there’s that. Trial and error, reading, watching content and seminars, learning on the job was what was required, however being somewhat technically proficient on paper the techniques of tattoo application and design work were progressing naturally. The hardest by far was learning to communicate with people. Selling an idea to clients with no creative IQ, that’s the trick.

What style of tattoo do you enjoy doing the most and why?
Out of the various styles I do, my favourite is not one I do nearly as often as I would like. Lettering tattoos are by far my favourite. I simply love the art of calligraphy and penmanship, and tattooing allows me to borrow some of its techniques.

How do you like to make sure you keep progressing as an artist?
Staying humble enough to learn from everyone around me. Art shows itself in everyday life and being present minded to be inspired has helped me a lot.

If you were not a tattoo artist by profession, what do you think you’d be doing with your life?
Having played piano for 10 years of my life and think performing as a pianist in an orchestra or somewhat would probably come naturally.

What does Descriptive Art Collective mean to you?
DAC is like family away from my family. We stand for each other in a big way and it has become my place of belonging. I feel most comfortable and powerful within these walls.

What are some of the pieces you are most proud of creating?
Ah man, I’m so proud of so many of the tattoos I do so choosing one is a bit tough. There was one in particular that I couldn’t believe I managed to pull off. It was a double exposure portrait and it had some city lights in the background. I felt that to be a very technically good tattoo.

Are there any local and/ or international artists that you draw inspiration from?
Artists not tattoo artists right? [laughs]. Casey Baugh – he’s work is phenomenal.

Where would you like to see your career take you?
Toward the end of this year I’m off to Italy for a bit hopefully. I’ll be studying sculpting for a few years. I am very intrigued by Japanese tattoo art and culture, so ideally I’d like to make my way over there. I guess traveling and being inspired all around the world is what I’d like to experience. Anything that pushes the destination of my journey a bit further. Settling down is not anywhere close to my mind just yet.

If you could guest work in any tattoo shop, which would it be and why?
Macko Tattoo Shop in Italy or Bang Bang in New York. I love the presentation and marketing of their craft. Finding a balance between an artist and a businessman is paramount in sustaining a career in art. These two shops are at the top of the game in doing this.

For anyone wanting to book an appointment with you, what’s the next step?
Well that’s simple enough. Email the shop. Attach any photos or references you may have that inspires the tattoo idea and indicate the desired placement. Rebecca, our amazing shop manager, will see you through the rest.

Descriptive Art Collective
Contact: 021 447 2777 or descriptiveart@gmail.com
Address: 135 Albert Road, Woodstock, Cape Town.
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