What Does Your Next Tattoo Look Like?

By Christian Jansen | June 16, 2025 |

Picture this:

You’re standing in front of the mirror, shirt off, arm tilted just right. There it is, your next tattoo. Not the rushed “let’s just do something” kind. No. This one feels like it belongs.

But what does it look like?

More importantly… what does it say about you?

Maybe it’s got Main Character Energy

The kind of piece that walks into a room before you do. Big. Bold. Confident. Maybe even a little dramatic. You know the one, it’s got fine lines, shadow play, maybe a full sleeve on the cards. It's the “Ja, I’m the canvas” moment.

These are the tattoos that don’t ask permission; they tell stories. Whether it’s a full-back warrior scene or a stylised portrait of your gran in her church hat (true story), this ink owns the space it takes up.

Want something that draws from heritage, culture or African iconography? This Pinterest collection of African tattoo designs is a solid starting point, rich in meaning and visually striking.

Or maybe it’s got Soft Power

Not every tattoo has to scream to be heard. Some whisper. Some hum.

Think watercolour florals trailing down your spine. A minimalist symbol tucked behind your ear. That tiny dandelion blowing across your ribs, gentle, but loaded with meaning.

These pieces are often just for you. They don’t fight for attention. They’re private jokes, quiet reminders, or memory markers you carry close.

If you're after something custom, tech might help. BlackInk AI is a tool that can generate tattoo design ideas based on your preferences, from subtle and spiritual to bold and layered with African motifs.

It says: “I know who I am. And I don’t need to explain it.”

It could be Your “Big Girl Pants” Tattoo

We all hit that point, post-breakup, post-job-switch, post-“you won’t believe what happened”, when it’s time to level up. A tattoo won’t fix your life, but it’ll damn well mark the moment you took the wheel.

It’s the phoenix on your ribs. The full-leg mandala sleeve you saved up for. The “start of my soft era” piece has just enough sparkle and sass.

This isn’t just a tattoo. It’s a declaration.

“Watch me. I’m back. And this time, I’m choosing me.”

It might even be a lekker inside joke

Come on. Not every tattoo has to be deep. Sometimes it’s a meme that lives rent-free in your head. Or a Spur birthday candle. Or the coordinates of your mate’s pool where you learnt to do a proper dive. Or that one moment at Oppikoppi that no one speaks of but everyone remembers.

South Africans love a story. These tattoos come with belly laughs and braai smoke, and that one uncle asking, “Is it permanent?” every single time.

Yes, Oom Paul. It’s permanent.

Maybe your next tattoo is Just Damn Beautiful

No metaphor. No heartbreak. No philosophical unpacking.

You saw a design and thought, “Yoh, that’s stunning.” You loved the symmetry. The vibe. The sheer sex appeal of a design done just right.

And that’s reason enough.

In fact, the design choices people are making this year say a lot. Curious about what’s trending? This guide on 2025 tattoo trends breaks it down beautifully from fine lines to storytelling sleeves.

How to Know You’re Ready

We won’t hit you with a checklist. You’ll know you’re ready when:

You stop asking everyone else what they think.
You’re excited, not just nervous.
You keep imagining it on your skin, and it makes you smile.

And when that happens?

We're here. Open 7 days a week, 8 to 8. With no-pressure consults, some of the best artists in the country, and a kettle that always works (even during loadshedding, because we’re clever like that).

Want to see what your next tattoo could look like

We’ve got:

Realism that'll make you question what’s ink and what’s photo.
Colour work that could brighten a Cape Town winter.
Fine lines for the minimalist at heart.
Custom design for people who want more than flash sheets and filters.

Let’s get real for a sec

We’ve seen a lot of “ragret tattoos.” Names. Dates. That one time someone tried to get a wolf and ended up with a weirdly aggressive corgi. Don’t let that be you.

Come chat to us.

We’ll help shape your idea into something:

That fits your story.
That fits your body.
That you’ll be proud to wear 20 years down the line.

Bottom Line?

Your next tattoo should feel like that moment when the beat drops and you know you’re in the right place, at the right time, doing the right damn thing.

We’ll make sure it does.