Amazing Ink: The world’s best tattoo artists gather in Cape Town for the SA International Tattoo Convention

122 of the world’s best tattoo artists gathered at The Lookout in Cape Town for the sixth instalment of the South African International Tattoo Convention (SAITC) over the Easter weekend. While the majority of the tattoo artists were from South Africa, tattooers also came from Germany, Australia, Bali, Namibia and Brazil among other far-off places.

Words and captions by Carmen Gee. Photos courtesy Grant Payne.

Waldo Binneman, one of the event’s organisers, told blunt that he looks at the quality of an artist’s work, as well as their proven experience and professionalism, before sending them an invitation. Any previous exhibitors are immediately reinvited and Binneman also aims to maintain a healthy balance between male and female artists. 

Whether you prefer geometric, American traditional or ornamental, there is an artist that specialises in every style imaginable. In fact, there were so many incredible flash designs from around the world on offer this year that the choice was quite overwhelming.

Some of the amazing flash on offer.

Whether you prefer geometric, American traditional or ornamental, there is an artist that specialises in every style imaginable. In fact, there were so many incredible flash designs from around the world on offer this year that the choice was quite overwhelming.

Amazing tattoo artists came from far and wide

Youness Lafdali and Victor Pastier of Gizah Tattoo Studio travelled from France to be part of the event. The pair have been to conventions all over Europe, as well as in Taiwan and New Zealand, and still rate SAITC as one of the very best thanks to its intimate feel and the high standard of tattooers. 

Paige Bates may have only been tattooing for three years and is one of the event’s newer artists, but this was already her second SAITC. The Durban-based artist is known for her precise fine-line tattoos and was almost fully booked, having tattooed thirteen people at this year’s convention.

Paige Bates returned to SAITC for the second time.

Peter Blim, from Germany, exhibited his work at the event for the first time. He was accompanied by his thirteen-year-old daughter, who could be seen drawing on her iPad at his booth. The dad and daughter shared a birthday on the 28th of March, the day before the convention started, and enjoyed a special time celebrating in Cape Town.

With over 143k followers on Instagram, Alexis Hepburn, from Australia, was one of the event’s most anticipated tattooers. Her unique style kept her busy all weekend and she drew a special flash sheet inspired by South Africa, which included a protea, a shark and a herd of elephants.

So what keeps these incredible artists coming back year after year? After speaking to at least a dozen tattooers, it is clear that the organisers, Waldo Binneman and Romy Van Tonder, truly take care of the artists. Special outings are planned that show off the very best of what Cape Town has to offer, making this much more than just a ‘work trip’ for the tattooers. 

True Love Tattoo was the tattoo studio that had the most representation, with seven of the Randburg studio’s artists exhibiting at SAITC this year. All of the True Love tattooers created beautiful handpainted banners, which caught the eye as you walked by. 

Adel Nicolette from True Love Tattoo in Randburg.

So what keeps these incredible artists coming back year after year? After speaking to at least a dozen tattooers, it is clear that the organisers, Waldo Binneman and Romy Van Tonder, truly take care of the artists. Special outings are planned that show off the very best of what Cape Town has to offer, making this much more than just a ‘work trip’ for the tattooers. 

A memorable event 

SAITC welcomes people of all ages, and it was great to see young families walking around The Lookout, checking out all the booths, with curious toddlers in tow. There were also plenty of adorable dogs (on leashes, of course).

Woody, an 81-year-old attendee who got his first tattoo at 18, said he had been looking forward to the convention for months. He refers to himself as a ‘tattoo collector’, and this year he got tattooed by Lucky Luke from Port Elizabeth. 

81-year-old Woody in conversation with another attendee.

Attendees were also treated to a stellar music lineup, which included bands like We Kill Cowboys, The Man Motels and Face Jackson. Music forms an integral part of tattoo culture and the atmosphere at SAITC, so the organisers carefully handpick the bands every year.

Those who built up an appetite could treat themselves to a range of culinary delights, including pizza, tacos, burgers, pastries, coffee, and kombucha. All the food vendors were very friendly, with vegan and gluten-free options available.

We Kill Cowboys took to the stage on Friday night to kick off the live music.

Overall, the sixth SAITC was a massive success and remains one of the most anticipated events on the alternative calendar each year. With talented tattooers, mind-blowing art, and epic bands, what more could you ask for? See you all next year.

Check out SAITC on Instagram.

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