In-demand tattoo artist credits mentor for opening door, and mom’s motivation

Talented Clinton Pretorius is so booked and busy as a tattoo artist, his clients have to wait up to two months for an appointment.

This still surprises the 35year-old from Qonce, who started doing tattoos as a hobby a decade ago.

Pretorius studied graphic design at Buffalo City College, which helped him reimagine his ink designs on skin.

He described his journey as having humble beginnings, as he started with no equipment, to now running a successful business, King Tattoo Studio.

Pretorius said he felt honoured by the support he received from clients, and that some even travelled from across the province to get their tattoos done at his studio.

There is a reason his schedule is overflowing with appointments, bringing a customer’s vision to life on their skin takes time.

Pretorius said on average a small tattoo took 30 minutes while at the other end of the scale, the most complicated one took 12 hours. His pricing depends on time and design.

Pretorius was introduced to the art by the late Mitzie Smith, who owned a tattoo studio in Vincent, in East London.

Smith saw his potential and provided him with equipment to start his own business.

“I started ten years ago by chance and when I started it was more like a hobby because at that time it was just something I did for fun.

“I did my first tattoo in East London. The next week I visited [Smith’s studio] again,” he said.

Smith then invited him to spend a week at his studio, before offering him an apprenticeship.

“After that I never looked back,” said Pretorius.

“I learnt and ended up establishing my own tattoo business and this is where I am at today.

“At the moment I am getting booked two months in advance."

Pretorius said he was looking at expanding his service offerings with a partner who would manage the body-piercing side of the business.

“There is something in the pipeline. There is a lady who resides in Port St Johns, she specialises in piercing, micro blading and so on.

“We are hoping to have an inhouse thing, so our clients can get everything at one place without having to look for other services elsewhere.”

Pretorius said he was grateful to Smith who had helped him get his career going, and to his mother for always motivating him.

“I am a very optimistic person. I said to myself if I don’t do this, someone else will.

“Though I became demotivated at times, my mother always motivated me.

“She told me I had pushed all these years, why do I want to give up now."