Be Kind Tattooing

Be Kind Tattooing is a tattoo and piercing studio on Susman Avenue in Blairgowrie, Johannesburg. Reviewers describe a light, plant-filled space and a team of artists who are patient with nerves and hesitation, with several clients returning for large pieces.

What reviewers liked

• Complex custom work. Zee has trusted Nathan (Nate) Ferreira with unique designs and all her big tattoos for more than five years.
• Calm first tattoos. Chrissi, usually nervous of needles, said her first tattoo with Nate was calming and exceeded her expectations, and she noted his attention to detail.
• Gentle hands for painful spots. Filippa, who has been tattooed in studios around the world, called this her favourite and said Chey was attentive and gentle on her second big piece.
• Help with placement. Sarah said Pete was patient with her hesitations and helped her find the right placement.
• Warm touches. Sarah loved the plants so much that one of the artists wrote her a list of places to source them.

Good to know before you book

Several artists work here, including Nate, Chey, Pete and Sarah, so browse individual work before choosing. Dominique, who runs a Cape Town studio, wrote that Sarah and Nathan had visited as guest artists for a week, so it may be worth checking your artist's schedule in case they are travelling. Zee mentions the studio also does piercings. If you are hesitant about placement or pain, Sarah's and Chrissi's visits suggest the team will take time to talk it through.