This comes after two South African tattoo artists, Tony Weintraud of Tattoo Tony in Lynnwood Ridge, Pretoria; and Llewellyn Calitz of Otherworld Tattoos in Port Elizabeth, were selected to be sponsored artists of World Famous Ink, which according to Alex Fernandez, co-owner of Tattoo Addict, is a first for the South African tattoo industry and an astounding achievement. The two artists will be sponsored by World Famous Ink with ink for an indefinite period.
Speaking at an exclusive event held in Lonehill, Fernandez said, “In the world arena of tattooing, South Africa is a little speck on the map, so it is a big thing to be able to say that we’ve managed to get two local artists sponsored by World Famous Ink.
“For us, it is very exciting to be at this phase of tattooing where we are able to bring something like a World Famous Ink sponsorship to the tattoo community. Our aim is to develop the tattoo industry in South Africa, to keep improving it and to push the artists to do better because, ultimately, people who get tattoos will benefit.”
Fernandez explained that artists were selected based on the quality and variety of their work. “Tattoo Addict was required to submit a list of South African tattoo artists and World Famous Ink made the final decision, based on the artists’ work.”
Guests attending the event were also treated to a live demonstration by international tattoo artist Alex Perticucci, popularly known as Alex Pi, who also gave tips and advice to 30 of Tattoo Addicts’ top clients who were invited to the exclusive event.
Calitz said he was honoured to have been selected and the sponsorship was definitely an opportunity to do better work.
Weintrand said he too planned on putting out the same intensity of work using the World Famous Ink products and encouraged South African tattoo artists to work together, share knowledge and ultimately expand as an industry.
Details: www.tattooaddict.co.za; www.worldfamoustattooink.com
