Sonsley, Nairobi-based tattoo artist finds space in male-dominated field

How did you become a tattooist? In 2010, I took a friend to get a tattoo at Big Meech Tattoo Parlour in Nairobi’s CBD and I got hooked instantly. I made the parlour my second home as they offered me a chance to train for free, which entailed keenly following the artist’s hands. One day, I invited my brother for a tattoo and asked the artists to allow me to do it, which they agreed. However, when the owner found out that his employees had allowed me to work on a client, he got so angry and kicked me out of the premises, but I had already learned a lot. I found a new home at Sych Parlour in 2011, where I was hired on a part-time basis before getting a permanent position four months later. Eight months into the job, I moved to Kwemz Parlour. I am in my 10th year in business now and I also do body piercing. Which are the most prominent tattoo designs? The traditional or classic style is a darling of many; known for its bold lines, bright colours and iconic designs such as roses. Photo Realism style; known for its black and grey and colour portraits. Abstract style; known for its well-defined boundaries in shapes and dimensions. The Watercolour style, which looks like a brush is dabbled in watery pastels known for poetic pieces. New School style is cartoonish and wacky. It features caricatures and other exaggerated figures. Black and grey style applies to anybody art that is created using solely black ink. Are all tattoos permanent and what happens when a client changes their mind? Not all tattoos are permanent. There are two main options available for people who are regretful of their tattoos. One can choose to either do a cover-up or a laser tattoo removal treatment. A cover-up involves hiding one tattoo with another. A laser tattoo removal treatment involves using lasers that break down the ink particles in the tattoo into smaller particles. It is a process that is extremely painful. The pain can be compared to being whipped countless times. What is the average cost of a tattoo? The cost of a tattoo depends on the amount of surface covered and the complexity of the design. A client can get something done for as little as Sh1,500 or as much as Sh200,000. What challenges do you face in this profession? Unlike other artists who can rework their medium if they make a mistake, tattooists have only one opportunity to get their work right. I have to consistently do quality work because there are so much competition and an artist who does not deliver risks getting a bad reputation from clients. However, I always aim to stand out in my work. Many clients are sceptical of the expertise of female artists because they consider what I do as a man’s domain. How has being a tattoo artist influenced your life? Making a decent living will influence anyone’s life. I dress better, eat better, look better and I definitely feel better about myself. I have learnt a lot and my art has definitely grown, as I always challenge myself to grow and do better. I have travelled to many places, met many people and I am mentoring upcoming tattoo artists. Does your work affect your personal life? I am a professional, so I do not mix business with my private life. I am also open about what I do, so I would not date someone who has a problem with my work. How do you handle the many negative stereotypes associated with your line of work? Tattooists are generally perceived as lazy, uneducated and unprofessional, so I try to lead by example. Art pays just like any other profession. There are people who still think I should be a receptionist at my place of work, but I let my work speak for itself. Who has had the biggest impact on your career and why? My boss Bernard Komen, artists Kat von D and Ashley Malarkey — an Ink Master (American reality competition) contestant. They are perfectionists and inspire me to be better in my art. What are your future plans? I plan to go back to school and complete a diploma course in Graphic Design, 3D Animation and Media Arts. I would like to become a massage therapist and open a parlour of my own. I would also like to get into photography. What’s your advice to an aspiring tattoo artist? Follow your passion. Be original and daring. Do not copy.

Sonsley, Nairobi-based tattoo artist finds space in male-dominated field

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Sonsley, Nairobi-based tattoo artist finds space in male-dominated field

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