Cape Town - Cape Electric Tattoo, in association with ShowHorse Productions, is presenting the first annual South African International Tattoo Convention that will be taking place at the CTICC in Cape Town between 24 -26 March.

With the South African tattoo industry growning in rapid strides over the past five years due to a widespread acceptance of the art form, the South African International Tattoo Convention provides a platform for local tattoo artists to showcase their skill alongside some of the most renowned international artists from around the globe.

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about the SA tattoo convention

Below meet 5 of the artists that will be attending the convention. (See a full list of all the artists here)



1) Matt Curzon

What kind of style tattoos would you like to do at the convention?

I want to showcase my specialist style in Cape Town, so I'm looking to do some big, high impact colour tattoos with a dark twist at the convention.

Where do you come from?

I’m based in Melbourne, Australia.

When did you take up tattooing and how did you evolve into your profession today?

I started tattooing six years ago as an apprentice (of sorts) in a professional environment (of sorts). After changing home base a few times and a lot of traveling, living and working overseas I've continued to try and develop and improve the style and technical quality of my work.

What is your favourite part of working as a tattooer?

The lifestyle, for sure. Everything about being a tattooer suits me perfectly.

Name 3 of the best songs to play in your tattoo shop

Picture of the Moon by Gary Moore, Holy Diver by Dio and So Fresh So Clean by Outkast





2) Amanda Wachob

What kind of style tattoos would you like to do at the convention?

Something tells me I'll be doing a lot of flowers!

Where do you come from?

New York City

What is your favorite part of working as a tattooer?

I have so much freedom. And I get to do something that I love, every day that I want.

When did you take up tattooing and how did you evolve into your profession today?

I evolved into my profession by questioning everything.

Name 3 of the best songs to play in your tattoo shop?

Alone Again by Crow People, Lava Lamp by Tongue Party and Flesh War by Total Control.

3) Gareth Lloyd

What kind of style tattoos would you like to do at the convention?

Traditional tattoos or some smaller Japanese stuff.

Where do you come from?

I work at Cape Electric Tattoo in Cape Town, South Africa.

When did you take up tattooing and how did you evolve into your profession today?

I've been Tattooing for about 8 years now. I started getting tattooed as much as possible when I was younger, and from there I managed to get myself an apprenticeship.

What is your favourite part of working as a tattooer?

Being able to draw for a living is probably the greatest part, and meeting some of the greatest people I know throughout my career that I probably wouldn't have met if it wasn't for tattooing.

Name 3 of the best songs to play in your tattoo shop?

Anything from the Rolling Stones, Cowboys from Hell by Pantera and The Veil of Isis by The Sword.

4) Ross K Jones

What kind of style tattoos would you like to do at the convention?

I like to do traditional American style tattoos that are bold with heavy black shading and bright colors. The kind of tattoos that stand out from across the room and look good and classic forever. I prefer to do medium sized (palm sized) tattoos at conventions so we can finish them in the same sitting.

Where do you come from?

I am from Idle Hand Tattoo in San Francisco, California.

When did you take up tattooing and how did you evolve into your profession today?

I began tattooing in 2000/2001 while being apprenticed by Theo Mindell of Spider Murphys tattoo in San Rafael, Ca. I had always been interested in classic American traditional tattoos and have pretty much always done that kind of tattooing. From working in many different shops and cities over the years and learning from countless experiences in tattooing I like to think that my style has evolved into what it is today. I believe that I will continue to grow and evolve to be a better tattooer and artist as long as I continue to strive to learn more by continually getting tattooed and traveling to work with other amazing tattooers.

What is your favourite part of working as a tattooer?

My favorite part of working as a tattooer is the freedom of traveling to new places and meeting new people. Many times they become new friends thru the experience of getting tattooed or working with new people. And I get paid for it. It's still amazing.

Name 3 of the best songs to play in your tattoo shop?

Hmm always so hard to pick three songs but just for today how about...1970 by The Stooges, Strangers by The Kinks and Black Sabbath’s Children of the Grave.

5) Austin Mamples

What kind of style tattoos would you like to do at the convention?

I would like to tattoo American traditional tattoos at the convention.

Where do you come from?

I am from San Francisco, California based out of Idle Hand Tattoo.

When did you take up tattooing and how did you evolve into your profession today?

I started my apprenticeship at 18 years old in Santa Rosa, California and have been tattooing professionally since the age 19. I evolved into the tattooer I am today with help from my amazing peers and the amount of traveling for that I have done.

What is your favourite part of working as a tattooer?

My favorite part about tattooing in the community that you get to be apart of, not only the tattooers the clients just as much.

Name 3 of the best songs to play in your tattoo shop

Horse With No Name by America, Mr. Blue Sky by ELO and the Daft Punk Random Access Memories album.

TICKET INFO:

Friday only: R180

Saturday only: R260

Sunday only: R220

Full Weekend Pass: R450

VIP Pass (includes SAITC T-shirt & collector's pin): R580

Buy your tickets to the SA Tattoo Convention here!