Tattoo Artist Tshepang Mashaba

Focusing on Fine Line Realism tattoo work, we bring you Tshepang Mashaba (@kidt_ink) as our featured Tattoo Artist.
Brought to you by Zappa.

Full name: Tshepang Mashaba

Shop: Hillside Tattoo Studio

Tattoo style: Fine line realism, Singe needle, Fine lines

Hourly rate: R700

What first sparked your interest for the tattoo industry?
I fell in love with tattooing because of Dr Woo, but also because I’ve always been drawing and wanted to do something with my skills. The way he tattoos always caught my interest and I basically wanted to tattoo like him and become as good a tattoo artist as him.

Tell us about your journey of becoming a full time tattoo artist?
I started tattooing with my friends when we were playing around with a homemade tattoo machine, once I started developing I moved onto private tattooing where I would travel to clients and do the tattoos. A year ago I joined the Hillside Studio team and have been with them since.

What does the world of tattooing mean to you?
Tattooing is one of the best forms of artwork because we get to try out new styles and techniques on a daily basis. The industry is constantly changing and evolving so it keeps us as artists on our toes to always do our best, keep our heads up and work hard to make sure the artwork remains relevant, and us as tattoo artists as well.

What do you feel are some of the hardest skills to learn when first starting out?
Communication because there is a major language barrier between me and some of the clients as English is not my first language. My English has grown a lot and I’m more comfortable with speaking to people. Also having the ability to know what to say to people without offending anyone.

What style of tattoo do you enjoy creating the most and why?
Fine line realism. It’s something different to the norm and it’s the perfect way to showcase my art. On the side of being a tattoo artist, I do fine line pen art.

How do you like to make sure you keep progressing as an artist?
I try my best to keep up to date with what’s happening in the world. So I’m always researching new techniques to keep improving my work. Not everyone is the same, so a simple conversation with a client also helps because it’s best when information is always bouncing around. In our studio we are always trying to challenge one another to do our best because we have set high standards for ourselves

How would you like to see the tattoo trade evolve in South Africa in the future?
To have a better support structure in the industry. I would love it to become more of a community of artists instead of everyone competing against one another.

What does a day in your life usually consist of?
Normally going into the studio and doing some tattoos whilst having a good conversation with my colleagues about anything. Keeping track on my social media to ensure people know that I am still making sure to keep things moving. Once I get home I watch videos of other artists out there. Be it fine line pen drawing artists or other tattoo artists because it’s always good to maintain an ear to the ground.

Where would you like to see your career take you?
I would like to be known for my craft in fine line realism but also I would love to travel and tattoo around the world. Going to different places and experiencing the different tattoo styles.

For anyone wanting to book an appointment with you, what’s the next step?
If anyone would like to book an appointment with me they can simply go to our website www.hillsidetattoo.net or they can send a WhatsApp message to 068 422 0848. They can also email at hillsidetattoojhb@gmail.com.

Hillside Tattoo Studio
Contact: 068 422 0848 or hillsidetattoojhb@gmail.com
Address: 396 Jan Smuts Avenue, The Valley Center – Shop No2, Craighall Park, Johannesburg.
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