Pricilla Mukokobi
Former banker Lorenzo Prins traces his passion for drawing back to his early years. However, it was a turning point in 2012, inspired by the TV show LA Ink, which prompted him to take a bold leap. In his last year at the bank, he made the life-altering decision to resign, purchase a tattoo machine, and venture into the tattoo industry.
Reflecting on this pivotal moment, Prins regards it as the best decision of his life. The journey from banking to tattooing allowed him to tap into his true happiness and discover the fulfillment of creating tattoos as an art form.
“I was eager to try it. It wasn’t easy at first, but when I got the hang of it, I couldn’t stop,” he added.
One of his biggest highlights was being named the best student at the Tattoo Academy in South Africa, Pretoria in 2018, where he obtained his International Tattoo Certificate, and achieved 1st place for the best tattoos done.
“I’m very proud of that moment, and being able to host Namibia’s Tattoo show convention. Proud moments I will never forget. At the time, there were very few tattoo artists in Namibia, not very good ones. He saw an opportunity to prosper and make a name for himself in an unknown industry.”
For Prins, the joy of his craft lies in the process of transforming individual concepts into one-of-a-kind tattoos. By embracing the creative input of his clients, he collaborates with them to bring their visions to life on the canvas of skin. This approach not only adds a personal touch to each tattoo, but also allows him to showcase his versatility as an artist.
“Most clients just give me an idea, and give me the freedom to create the best artwork. I hardly pre-design tattoos. On the day the tattoo is being done, I explain what I will be doing. If it’s agreed, I start tattooing. I design the tattoo in my mind, and put it on skin. I love doing tattoos that way. I always try to keep each client’s tattoo as unique as possible,” he enthused.
The fast-paced nature of the tattoo industry presents challenges which inspire Prins to elevate his work, and maintain a distinctive edge. The love for challenges becomes a driving force, propelling him to explore uncharted territory and push his artistic boundaries.
By overcoming challenges, he not only refines his skills, but also contributes to the richness and diversity of the tattooing landscape.
He also feels that communication when tattooing is very important to calm a client through the process. He likes talking to many people while tattooing. It settles their nerves.
“I have so many memorable tattoo stories, but my fondest memory was tattooing a Namibian national rugby player (Mr Forbes). When the team went to play New Zealand, after the game, some All Blacks’ players were fascinated by my work on the Namibian player.
I will never forget that, and I felt honoured because the people from New Zealand are big on tattoos. I can even call them a tattoo nation. That moment in the locker room was recorded and put on social media (Facebook), and I saw it. You have no idea how that made me feel; felt like I won the lottery,” he beamed.
If he’s not tattooing, he’s on the internet watching anything related to tattoos. There is always something to learn every day, and he still pushes himself to become better and better.
“There’s not much to it, but dedication and hard work. Long nights, long hours, constant competing with yourself. It has to be in you, you have to want it. If you have that... you will prosper,” he continued.
-priscillamukokobi@gmail.com