Taryn Nissen’s journey into the world of tattooing began with a spontaneous decision to tattoo her crush late one night. With no formal training, she ventured into the unknown and marked the beginning of her career as a tattoo artist. Despite the disastrous outcome of her first tattoo attempt, it sparked a passion within her that eventually led to the establishment of her boutique tattoo salon, True Love, in Linden, Johannesburg.
True Love has been a thriving hub of creativity for six years, showcasing a curated collection of breathtaking tattoo art. Nissen describes the studio as a reflection of a tattoo artist’s approach to the human body, treating the walls as skin to be adorned with stunning artwork. The ambiance at True Love is carefully crafted to exude a vibrant and welcoming vibe, mirroring Nissen’s infectious personality and unwavering optimism.
Raised in a household surrounded by artistry, Nissen’s upbringing in Benoni and Boksburg instilled a deep appreciation for creativity. Her artistic talents flourished from a young age, leading her to pursue a career as an artist. A serendipitous opportunity as an au pair in Knysna kickstarted her artistic career, culminating in the creation of oil paintings for a non-profit diving project.
Despite her lack of experience, Nissen’s pivotal moment came when her then-boyfriend entrusted her to complete a tattoo design on his foot. This impromptu session ignited her confidence in her tattooing abilities and set her on a path to becoming a renowned traditional tattoo artist specializing in old-school flash designs.
Nissen’s eclectic taste extends beyond tattoo artistry to her love for collecting porcelain cats, which adorn her studio alongside classic tattoo imagery. Her studio attracts a diverse clientele, ranging from the unconventional to the adventurous, with Nissen maintaining a discerning eye for projects that align with her artistic vision. While she welcomes a variety of tattoo requests, she knows when to decline designs that do not resonate with her style, ensuring a positive and authentic experience for her clients.
Tattooing, for Nissen, is a deeply personal and intimate process that fosters genuine connections with her clients. The studio serves as a sanctuary where individuals can express themselves authentically, free from judgment or negative energy. Nissen’s commitment to creating a positive space for self-expression underscores her dedication to making people feel more like themselves through the transformative power of tattoo artistry.
