Former diesel mechanic trades spanners for tattoo needles

Former Randburg diesel mechanic Vincent Leygonie never planned on tattooing, but he has built a career in the industry, established a private studio and launched a tattoo supply business.

Leygonie, who started tattooing in 2021, said his introduction to the industry came through his wife, who was already a tattoo artist at the time. As he spent more time around tattoo studios, he eventually developed an interest in drawing, painting and the creative process behind tattooing.

Read more: Tattoo artist’s secrets

He tried a tattoo machine for the first time on himself after convincing his wife to let him try. He admitted he was not the best, but was not the worst either. The experience ended with him and his wife realising he had a lot to learn, but that there was an opportunity for him to pursue the craft professionally.

He later joined Ting’s Tattoos as manager while developing his tattooing skills. Gaining valuable experience in studio operations, hygiene, design and client relations.

He later moved to Fallen Heroes, where Thys Uys mentored him in black-and-grey realism, design, client relationships and the business side of the industry. These experiences helped him develop his style, build a loyal client base and gain the confidence to establish himself independently.

When Fallen Heroes eventually closed as Uys considered migrating to the United States, the opportunity arose for the pair to open a private studio together. Today, Leygonie runs TV Tattoos, a name derived from the initials of Thys and Vin, alongside The Stache Family Tattoo Supply, a tattoo supply company he launched earlier this year.

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Leygonie said tattooing goes beyond creating striking artwork, offering the opportunity to help clients transform tattoos they regret and cover scars, burn marks and other marks associated with personal trauma.

“Sometimes people lose the confidence to show certain parts of their bodies. Being able to transform those tattoos into artwork that clients feel proud to show has become one of the most meaningful parts of my career. Being able to take something they’ve hidden for decades and turn it into a beautiful piece of art, giving them the confidence to show that part of themselves again, is probably the most fulfilling thing I’ve ever experienced,” he said.

Alongside creating artwork, he enjoys meeting different people and sometimes taking on the role of a therapist.

“I’m definitely not the best therapist in the world, but I will definitely listen to what you’ve got to say. Ultimately, tattooing allows me to do what I love while making a genuine difference in how people see themselves, and I think that is a pretty special thing to be able to do,” he said.

He further admitted that he faced challenges along his journey, but remains grateful for them, as the experience has taught him the importance of discipline, patience, humility and continuous learning. These challenges ranged from learning the craft itself to building a reputation.

“Drawing a good picture is one thing, but understanding how to translate that into a tattoo that works with the skin and still looks good 10 years down the line is a completely different skill. Beyond actually tattooing, you have to earn the trust of your clients and earn the respect of other tattoo artists. You can’t just talk your way into having a good reputation. You have to earn it,” he said.

Looking ahead, he has aspirations to continue building a strong client base, create recognisable work, expand to a bigger studio and grow The Stache Family Tattoo Supply into a major supplier. He also hopes to challenge perceptions of tattoo artists as intimidating or unapproachable, creating a studio environment where clients feel comfortable, listened to and involved in the creative process.

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