Tattoo artist Kaylene Padayachy on her love for realism and creative expression
Born and raised in Johannesburg, Kaylene discovered her artistic gift at a young age—a talent that soon blossomed into a lifelong passion.
After studying fine art at the University of Johannesburg, she honed her skills, specializing in the intricate art of realism. Today, Kaylene's artistry extends beyond canvas as she crafts stunning tattoos. We got to know more about her and her creations.
GQ: Hey Kaylene, can you tell us a little more about your artistry?
My personal preference in art is realism as I have an eye for detail and 3D is my craft. Being an artist by nature, I extended my scope by studying aesthetic and prosthetic make-up which is widely used in the theatre and film industry. These days, given that my studio is flourishing and that I am in high demand with tattoos, I do theatre make up and prosthetic make up as a hobby.
GQ: How long have you been tattooing and what led you to the path of being a tattoo artist?
My artist flare naturally steered me towards fine art but I have always had a fascination with the human body. In my mind, I see the body as a canvas that can tell one’s story and how more privileged can I be than to help people tell their story; each so unique and each so profound. I see my work as helping others express their identity, their passions, their pain and above all the story that expresses the stirrings of their human heart.
GQ: What do you like to tattoo and what would you like to do more of?
Tattoos are permanent and very personal, it's important that that be clear and I therefore enjoy tattooing black and grey realism because it exploits my technical ability and challenges me to constantly up my game. I am also highly skilled at dot-work but it is a tattoo style that people are not very familiar with and I would really like to do more of that because its different not only in technical skill but also in artist appearance.
GQ: What has been your experience of being a female tattoo artist?
Skilled and professional female tattoo artists are rare in South Africa. One can imagine that there is a natural pressure to compete with your established male counter-parts. I, however, have been privileged and mentored by some of the top male artists in South Africa or have complimented my natural skill and artistic ability. I operate a successful private studio and am extremely customer focused. I ensure that I observe the highest protocols in terms of hygiene, quality of products and client consultations. This takes away the focus of my gender and rather creates a space where clients can come to feeling completely comfortable. I have a large repeat client base that prefers a female tattoo artist, concluding that this profession has a need and place for more female tattoo artists.
GQ: What do you think about the tattoo scene, and its creativity and level of artistry in SA?
While inspiration does still come from countries out of South Africa like the USA, in my practice, I am seeing more local creativity moving away from pop culture towards self-expression. Art is deeply rooted in South African culture and both abstract and geometric designs are not foreign to us as you would find for example in the Ndebele and Xhosa tribes. I see a lot of these local flavours coming through the Gen-Z’s where older clients prefer traditional tattoo designs. Some of the tattoos on my body have been locally inspired.”
GQ: What do you do to keep yourself motivated and interested in your work?
Tattooing is hard work; particularly the kind of detail that I do. I see clients at all hours of the day when it is convenient for them, including the weekends. This fact does create a level of stress and does impact my social calendar. Its probably my passion for art and that look of deep satisfaction which clients have post tattoos, that keeps me motivated. Human expression is a phenomenal trait which I’m privileged to experience after every tattoo. My client’s expression of gratitude grounds me and teaches me gratitude too.
GQ: Do you tend to critique your own work or are you pretty sure about your talents and what you create?
As an artist, I am never satisfied. This is probably the weakness of every artist as we strive for perfection. I am often my own worst enemy as I would want to perfect a tattoo often beyond a degree of necessity where the ‘so called flaw’ is only visible to me as the artist.
GQ: What was the biggest opposing force that you encountered on your creative journey?
Art is under-valued in South Africa compared to other parts of the world. Artists and their skill and talent get less recognition than they deserve. Most artists in South Africa be it musicians, actors or tattoo artists struggle to build a brand and to achieve what they deserve in society.
Being an entrepreneur comes with its own set of challenges as it does not come with a comfort as one would have in a corporate role. It is for this reason that pertinent basic necessities such as health insurance and retirement savings are neglected. Had it not been for a supportive family who believed in me, I would probably have lacked guidance and had a lot more opposition in trying to establish myself as an artist.
GQ: Do you have any kind of creative process behind your tattoos?
Indeed, I do. Clients often select designs and decide on tattoos impulsively while I earn a living by being an artist, it is in these situations where I have to subscribe to the code of ethics and assume the role of advisor to the client. I have in the past persuaded clients not to be tattooed or delayed them from finalising a design. Post tattoo regret can be highly stressful and I try by all means to shield my clients from it. The initial client consultation is probably the most important part of the creative process as it is in this consultation where I get to understand the client’s motivation, how they selected the design, where they are emotionally, what health conditions they might suffer from and a bit about their character. I never compromise on client consultation.
Once the consultation is concluded, we move into the design phase. It is here where the client and I co-create the design considering everything discussed in the consultation and most importantly the placement of the tattoo. Not all designs can work on any part of the body as there are various elements to consider such as texture, density of skin, surface area and anatomical complications.
There are also certain technical considerations that must be considered beyond artist design as tattoos are supposed to be permanent such as the movement of skin affecting negative spaces and colouring tones. Only once the design and placement along with the client’s psychological commitment is established, I proceed with the tattoo. Obviously before tattooing, the hygiene and safety measures are explained as well as what the client can expect to experience during the tattoo along with post care advice.
GQ: Which culture or country do you think has the coolest tattoos?
Personally, I have a deep appreciation for maori tribal designs. Japanese tattoos are cool too.
GQ: What do most people not realise about life as a tattoo artist?
It is intense and highly stressful. It can also physically and mentally tire you.
GQ: While all tattoos are personal pieces of art, some designs definitely are more memorable than others. What's the most memorable tattoo you've ever done?
My most memorable tattoo is my first tattoo which I did on myself to try and understand the sensation of a tattoo as well as the control of the needle on skin. I have to date tattooed 5 intricate pieces on myself.
GQ: How do you strive to be unique in your creative endeavours?
As an artist, I draw inspiration from many things around me; my family, my environment, my friends, my experiences and my clients. I often find myself reinventing my thoughts, influencing my own trademark designs. This is a benefit that my clients have when consulting me as I am not a fan of just duplicating pictures or patterns. My gift to my clients is giving them a tattoo experience and design as unique as they individually are. This is one of the traits that sets Kaylene’s Ink ahead of the pack.
You can check out more of Kaylene’s work here.