Tattoo Artist Travis Buddingh

A solid year in the trade and focussing on Neo traditional style tattoos, we bring you Travis Buddingh as our featured Tattoo Artist. Here’s his story…
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Full name: Travis Calvin Buddingh

Shop: Levitation Tattoo Studio

Years tattooing: A solid year

Tattoo Style: Neo traditional/ Traditional/ Japanese/ Black work. Anything with a nice thick outline

Hourly rate: R600

Give us some insight into your journey of becoming a full-time tattoo artist?
I was a full-time musician and then Covid happened. Graciously my girlfriend, Chanre Joubert, who is a tattoo artist took me up as her apprentice and I have not enjoyed anything as much as tattooing since.

What did you want to be when growing up?
I just wanted to create. Whether it was building stuff like furniture or making music or drawing.

If not tattooing, then what?
I’m either drawing, doing Jiu-Jitsu, making music or just straight up vibing with my dudes.

What were some of the hardest skills to learn when first starting out?
How to pull a solid line and soft shading.

How do you like to make sure you keep progressing as an artist?
Drawing every day and criticising my own work. I have a diary that I write in after every tattoo.

What style of tattoo do you enjoy creating the most and why?
Neo Traditional tattoos, because I love the freedom that comes with them, you can be as open as you want.

Explain the vibe of working out of Levitation Tattoo Studio?
It’s great! Everyone here is a pleasant person and there’s a very calming atmosphere. The natural light is impeccable, and it’s got the best view out of any shop I’ve ever seen.

Where would you like to see your tattoo career take you?
As far as humanly possible… I would love to go travel, do some international conventions, guest spot in some cool shops and just learn from everyone I tattoo with.

Given the opportunity to guest work out of any shop alongside your favourite artist, which/ who would it be?
I would love to tattoo out of the shop ‘Atilier le Filou’ in Germany with my favourite artist Filouino.

For anyone wanting to book an appointment with you, what’s the next step?
You can contact either the shop or myself via DM on Instagram (@buddinghart) or on 063 164 8842.

Levitation Tattoo Studio
Contact: 063 164 8842
Address: 51 Highcliff Way, Northcliff, Johannesburg
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