HOEDSPRUIT – After 20 years working as a tattoo artist, Hoedspruit resident and founder of Bundu Tattoo, Gareth Putter, is closing up shop.

But he is not lost for conservation. Putter will now turn his attention full-time to wildlife painting.

A career shaped by community, family and creativity

Reflecting on his two-decade-long journey as a tattoo artist, Putter expressed gratitude to everyone who supported him along the way.

“I started tattooing at 25 as a way to make a living until I could pursue my true passion, wildlife art for conservation,” he said.

Tattooing not only provided financial stability but also opened doors to pivotal life experiences. It brought him to a town that shaped his personal journey, introduced him to his wife, Tami, and gave them three sons, Thorne, Callum, and Hunter.

Tattooing opens global doors

Tattooing also allowed Putter to co-found the NPO Rocking for Rhinos, which hosts large-scale music festivals, art exhibitions, and conservation events.

His work has taken him across the globe, from bike rallies and air shows to hotel rooms and music festivals, and even led to one of his career highlights: tattooing an elephant on Tyler Hubbard of Florida Georgia Line while on holiday in Kenya.

Despite these successes, Putter says tattooing has always been personally stressful.

“I’m a perfectionist, and I often feel I can’t achieve in tattoos what I can on canvas or paper in my own time. It’s taken a toll over 20 years,” he admitted.

Now, he feels fully ready to dedicate himself to wildlife art and conservation.

Putter’s love for conservation is already well established.

After spending three years abroad in Oman as a safari park manager at Adam Safari Park, he returned to South Africa to be closer to his family and to focus on his conservation work. Beginning his career as a guide at 18, he gained extensive experience in environmental education, safari guiding, and overland tours across Southern Africa.

“My diverse skill set allows me to handle a wide range of challenges in lodge and reserve management roles,” Putter said.

Ambitions to influence global wildlife conservation

As founder of Rocking for Rhinos, he has organised five Woodstock-style music festivals, art exhibitions, auctions, and the Rhino Tower activation at Montecasino Casino, raising awareness and funds for rhino conservation.

His work has involved liaising with high-profile sponsors like Red Bull, Coca-Cola, SAB, DSTV, and several national radio stations, as well as coordinating with SAPS, municipal fire departments, and EMS teams.

As an artist, Putter’s wildlife-inspired tattoo designs have garnered widespread popularity in South Africa.

Looking ahead, he is committed to using his art to influence and inspire large-scale conservation initiatives.

“Tattooing was always a stepping stone to my career as a wildlife artist,” Putter said. “Now, I aim to be the most influential wildlife artist the world has ever seen and to create some of the most exciting conservation projects and events the world has ever witnessed.”

With Bundu Tattoo closing its doors, Putter embarks on a new chapter, one that merges his artistry with his lifelong dedication to wildlife conservation.