On a recent episode of Bush Radio 89.5 FM’s Morning Cruise, host Jordan sat down with Matthew Ciaran, a rising tattoo artist making waves in Cape Town’s vibrant body art scene. From his unexpected career pivot to his philosophy on creativity and human connection, Matthew shared insights into his journey, inspirations, and the future of tattooing.
From Therapy to Tattoos: Matthew’s Unconventional Path
Matthew’s journey into tattooing began with a childhood fascination for art. At just 10 years old, he experimented with a fake tattoo machine kit gifted by his parents. Though he briefly pursued music, he circled back to art, blending his passion for creativity with a desire to connect with people. “I wanted to be a therapist and an artist,” he laughed. “Tattooing felt like the perfect middle ground—I get to draw on people, and they often share more with me than their therapists!”
His career
officially took off after a two-year apprenticeship in Strand, where he honed
his skills in traditional styles like American and Japanese tattooing. “The
challenge of simplicity—thick lines where mistakes are glaring—keeps me sharp,”
he explained.
The Art of
Connection: Stories Under the Needle
For Matthew, tattooing isn’t just about ink—it’s about storytelling. He’s etched everything from memorial pieces for lost loved ones to quirky designs like chicken wishbones. “The weird ones stick with me,” he admitted. “But the most rewarding part is seeing someone’s perspective shift when they love their new tattoo.”
When asked
about pain, Matthew acknowledged the irony of his anxiety clashing with his
job. “I feel guilty if clients are in pain, but I’ve learned to
compartmentalize. The adrenaline rush they feel? It’s almost spiritual.”
Matthew’s tips for tattoo newbies? Don’t overthink it. “Your first tattoo should be meaningful, but trust me—you’ll end up with random wishbones later!” He emphasized the importance of eating beforehand to avoid fainting (a lesson learned from a client who passed out mid-session).
For aspiring tattoo artists, he stressed the value of apprenticeships over DIY kits. “Persistence and a solid portfolio matter. Avoid ‘kitchen magicians’—untrained artists working out of garages. Skin isn’t paper; there’s so much to learn about depth, color, and technique.”
Collaboration,
Cannabis, and Cape Town’s Tattoo Culture
Matthew is currently setting up a bold new studio space in collaboration with chef Jan Krueger. The venue will blend tattoos, food, and cannabis culture—a creative hub where “people can get inked, grab a meal, and relax.” He teased the project as a response to Cape Town’s evolving creative scene: “Collaboration is everything now. Why not mix art with a good meal?”
Tattoos vs.
Tech: Why Human Touch Matters
When asked about tattoo-printing machines, Matthew shrugged off the threat. “A robot can’t hug you or adapt to your energy. Tattooing is about the experience—the pain, the trust, the stories. Machines can’t replace that.”
Where to
Find Matthew
Catch Matthew’s flash tattoos every Thursday (for winter) at Dayos on Kloof Street , where live music and quirky designs reign. Follow his work on Instagram: @dsmt.cpt_tattoos.
Final Words of Wisdom
To anyone
struggling, Matthew offered this: “Tattoos are a reminder of resilience.
They’re a story you carry—whether it’s your mom’s name or a random wishbone.
Start small, pick a hidden spot, and just feel
the journey.”
Tune into Bush Radio
89.5 FM’s Morning Cruise for more inspiring local stories. Keep creating, Cape
Town!
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