Meet the artist with divine inspiration
Tattoist uses his God-given talents and extends his artwork to branding.
Some call it graffiti and art, while others call it rubbish or evil.
Either way, talented artist Matt Brandt (32) can bring a vision to life, whether on skin, canvas or, in this case, brick. Many might know Brandt as a talented tattoo artist and have his artwork to prove it.
Brandt, who hails from Secunda but now stays in Johannesburg, was recently seen in the Secunda CBD doing graffiti on the wall at Checkmate.
He has been on some adventures since leaving Secunda two years ago. He married Christine Brandt (34). Brandt’s career as a tattooist began 13 years ago. He said the art and his love for it grew when he was young.
“The tattooing industry has evolved so much since I started. We would never have thought what we can do now would ever be possible,” said Brandt.
He draws inspiration for his tattoos and artwork from Ben Kaye (aka DBKaye) from New Zealand. As for graffiti, his inspiration is Jeks from Greensboro, USA, who adds much attention to detail, as described by Brandt.
“I take a bit of realism, like a face, and let it morph into elements like a clock and flowers. This way, you get a different style and a tattoo that stands out boldly. I like to overcomplicate tattoos.”
He said he likes detailed art and puts in a lot of effort to capture as many elements. This effort makes it a ‘wow’ tattoo, not just a nice one.
When asked if there is one artist he could meet now, he said, “God. He is the best artist. I take everything from Him. He is where I get my references from. He is the best artist and created us in His beautiful image.”
Tattoos can be a controversial subject, with some believing that people with tattoos are associated with drugs and gangs and that having one makes you evil.
“I have gone through a lot of change. I was a hardcore atheist and did not believe in anything. We all get examples of ‘who God is’ through people, which is not always the right way, not knowing the context of who He is and seeking a relationship with Him. A lot about me and my heart has changed and how I see and interact with people.”
“I have tattoos I am not proud of and wish I had done better in my life’s journey, but it is okay because I have a story to tell that inspires others.
“I have gone through the journey of drugs, alcohol, and gambling, but my life has changed completely. I give all the glory to God for changing me. There is a bigger plan. We just need to get out of our comfort zone.”
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He believes God is using him to reach people where others cannot.
“The only judge is our Almighty God. People look at what is on the outside, while God looks at the inside, what your heart is thinking and doing and its intentions. I don’t let negative people’s opinions discourage me.”
Brandt has a talent where he can put his creativity on paper, needle to skin and art to concrete walls.
“God gave all of us different gifts and talents. We must glorify Him in everything we do. When using our gifts, be confident, accept the gift He blessed us with and use it.”
Brandt continuously pushes himself to improve and has focused a lot on graffiti. He was commissioned to do graffiti for brands such as Suzuki SA, Play Energy Drink and Orange UK. His latest work can be seen locally at Checkmate.
“God is using me for greater things than I expected. I never thought I would be where I am today. Graffiti is a different approach than your usual billboard marketing.
“It is becoming a popular way of branding because you can do it on the outside of your building or the inside walls, anywhere you want, just as long as you get the proper permission.”
Brandt brings his graffiti to life and does his best to give the clients what they want. It took him nearly three days and over 80 cans of spray paint to complete the project at Checkmate. He researched what the business offers, used the client’s references and incorporated the artwork and décor from inside the shop.
“It was a nice break away from tattooing and just to let the creativity in my mind flow, where it was just me and the wall.”
You can see more of Brandt’s artwork on Facebook or his Instagram account, matt_tattsart. You can send him a WhatsApp message on 076 513 1947.
