Ferndale artist Ty Nqovela trades architecture for ink
After stepping away from architecture, a Randburg creative turned his passion for visual arts into a thriving career as a tattoo practitioner and painter.
Ferndale artist Tyric ‘Ty’ Nqovela is carving out his space in the creative world as a tattoo artist and painter.
Nqovela’s love for art began at an early age, but he initially explored a conventional career path by enrolling to study architecture. However, he soon realised that his true passion lay in visual art, leading him to leave his studies.
“I’ve always been an artist throughout my whole life. I grew up in the streets of Yeoville,” he said. “I ended up doing artwork, learning artwork since Grade 9. One of my teachers advised me to go take some art courses. I never knew that I was going to be a tattoo artist; neither was it my goal.”
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After finishing school, Nqovela studied printmaking. His journey into tattooing was later inspired by his brother, whose body art sparked Nqovela’s curiosity. Friends also encouraged him to buy a tattoo machine.
“My brother kept on getting more tattoos, and I was inspired. After a while, my brothers bought me a tattoo machine, and then after that I got my first tattoo done on myself.”
He used his leg to practice. The moment Nqovela picked up a tattoo pen, he connected with the craft and never looked back.
Nqovela continues to develop his skills as a tattoo artist while pursuing his passion for painting. He creates and sells his art, allowing his creativity to live beyond the tattoo studio.
For Nqovela, art is a calling. He also pursues photography and videography in his spare time.
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