Tattoo Artist of the Week Milo “Mr Lucky” Marcer

Milo “Mr Lucky” Marcer has built his himself up to be one of Cape Town’s most renowned Tattoo Artists, and with good reason. His tattoo work is up there with the best in the industry. We had the privilege of interviewing Milo and got to know more about the man behind the masterpiece tattoos. We bring him to you as our Tattoo Artist of the Week.

Full Name: Milo Marcer

Nickname: “Mr Lucky”

Age: Really…. Way to old already

Hometown: Wherever I lay my hat

Shop: Cape Town Tattoo Social Club

Years tattooing: 27

Tattoo style: Bright colorful, and traditional

Hourly rate: R1000

You are a renowned tattoo artist in Cape Town. Tell us about your journey that has brought you to where you are?
I lived and worked in JHB for a long time, but with the end of my marriage I needed something new, so I came to Cape Town.

How long did you apprentice for and what was one of the most valuable lessons you learnt during your apprenticeship?
2 years, and then the opportunities were few. I had to go overseas to find one. I think the most important thing I learned is that the tattoo isn’t about you being great, it’s about making your client feel great, hence giving them your very best at achieving what they want.

What is the vibe like in your shop and how many other artist work there?
There is one other artist, Jared “Le Petit Merde” Blanchard. We used to have another but as we are a tight knit group, and like family, it’s hard to find a good fit. I do have a young apprentice, Tanya, who is creatively astounding and is going to be a great asset to the industry. We then have our amazing burlesqueteer, Sophia Von Syren, who manages the shop amongst other things. I built the shop to feel and look like a Victorian lounge and we want clients to feel like they are visiting in my home, like extended family.

What style have you tried to portray through your shop?
We don’t really ascribe to a portrayal of style, we are what we are, and some will love that and others will hate it, we like to think we have great style [laughs].

“I love to tattoo. Every piece I do has its own challenges, so every needle puncture is important to me and doing my very best at that gives me great pleasure”

Cape Town seems to be ahead of the rest of the country when it comes to heavily tattooed people. What’s your explanation for this?
I don’t believe Cape Town is, I think JHB is. It’s so much more corporate so they are not showing off their work. I believe JHB is just exploding as I think people there have a lot more expendable luxury income. We just show ours of more as we have the awesome weather and amazing coastline.

What style of tattoo do you find you excel at and enjoy doing the most?
I love Traditional. It’s what I made a name with and it’s our heritage but to say one more than another would be false. I love to tattoo. Every piece I do has its own challenges, so every needle puncture is important to me and doing my very best at that gives me great pleasure.

What are some of your pro’s and con’s of how the tattoo industry and scene has changed over the past 10 years?
Pro’s, Con’s, I don’t really care. Too much has been said about change in the industry and it is inevitable like the rising of the sun. I think we will reap what we sow and in time we may regret what has become of our craft but I don’t think it could have survived without change.

Give us the details of one of your favorite pieces of work?
I can’t do that as there isn’t one I can choose. I have been so fortunate to have the kind of clients that allow me to express myself through the work they carry, so I have been very blessed by them and to single one out is impossible.

What has been one of your biggest achievements of your career and where would you still like to see your career take you?
The biggest for me is the fact that I’m still here. After all the shit thrown at me and still being thrown, I’m still here. I would just like to travel again, meet and work with new people. But, most of all I want to get Jared and Tanya on their feet and to where they can show the great potential they have. I want to see them succeed in this industry.

What slang or tattoo related term irritate you and why?
Tchap, Tat, ink or inked, they are just so demeaning to our craft. Oh yeah, tattoo gun, is another but I bet you get that from all artists.

For anyone wanting to book a session with you, what would the next step be?
Give us a call on 0799960029/ 0799960029 or 0214481231/ 0214481231, or E-mail us at info@capetowntattoo.com. We would be happy to book you in for a consult. If you are calling please note we are open Tuesday to Sunday from 12 noon till 8pm.
Address: 232 Albert Road, Woodstock, Western Cape.
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Some of Milo “Mr Lucky” Marcer’s work: