Well, there’s lots I could say about my stay in Cape Town… The beautiful girls, the great nightlife, the chilled, laidback nature of your average Capetonian, the mountain, the relaxed way they drive here... Well, in fact it’s all these things and more! I’ve met some fantastic people during my “guest appearance”, so much so that I’ve decided to extend my stay until (at least!) the Southern Ink Xposure, which runs from 23 to 25 January 2009.

My hosts Simon and Manuella have helped to make Cape Town my home away from home! My luck’s continued at the coast, with a number of new clients now sporting the latest Mr Lucky designs. Similarly, a special word of thanks to my loyal patrons from Johannesburg that have been making the roundtrip to Cape Town to have their tattoos completed and new pieces designed. It must be change of scenery that’s caused my portfolio to expand very rapidly in the few months I’ve spent near the ocean.

BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL

As more clients request work from me and the current trend of “saying no to pocket size” continues, I’m inking larger designs which limits the number of appointments I can fit into a day. The weather’s also starting to heat up, which means that it’s heading for that time of year: Cape Town’s summer tourist season, which explains why the desk crew at Wildfire is run off their feet! So, to avoid unnecessary delays, call +27 (0)21 5515722 well in advance. I’d hate to miss seeing you because of something as silly as bad timing! Likewise, don’t be shy to drop by Wildfire in Canal Walk to say “hi” or show off your newly healed tattoo, it’s always great to meet up with a satisfied client!

TO FLASH, OR NOT TO FLASH

To get you started, have a look at the Mr Lucky flash displayed, both here on my website and at the studio. You’re welcome to ask any of the shop crew to show you the flash designs on offer and also to look through my portfolio showing my latest work. Some of my clients swear by flash, instantly finding a piece they can’t wait to have inked. Alternatively, meet me to discuss the creation of a unique custom tattoo design. It’s simplest to call the desk to check when there’s a slot open between bookings.

I believe that a great custom tattoo becomes an extension of your personality, showing your unique style, likes and dislikes much more than your clothes, shoes, hair or jewellery could! Ensuring that you get the best possible tattoo takes time and effort, as the subject, size, placement, colour and even your skin tone needs to be considered. Despite being in my early thirties (nudge, nudge) I have over 20 years of hands-on, practical experience - so this could be one of the few times when good advice does make it possible for you to learn from someone else's mistakes. More of my clients are realising that a Milo Macer design includes all the key elements of an original artwork, as I draw from my extensive experience in tattooing, sketching, etching, sculpture, painting and other skills gained during my training in the fine arts.

When I design a custom tattoo, I aim to create something truly unique that you will want to live with forever. This process can include finding your own reference material in books, magazines or on the internet, having a look through my flash designs and portfolio, and discussing your thought and ideas, for me to draw a custom design from scratch. Remember, tattooing remains an art form limited only by your imagination and the skill of the artist!

Finally, also browse my online gallery to view some of the ideas, dreams, visions and inspiration I’ve captured in ink. For many clients, their first tattoo is a life changing event…