Callum Blaine Els Glasgow Scotland UK Insta: @moosetattooart Contact: moosetattooart@gmail.com

Selected from over 100 artists from around the world, Callum was chosen by a prestigious international jury as one of the top five tattoo artists in our DGN Tattoo Magazine International Competition. His style, dedication, and artistic vision also earned him the “Best Freestyle Colour” award, securing his place among the most outstanding talents in today’s tattoo scene.

His journey began with persistence, talent, and an unstoppable passion for art. From repeated rejections when seeking an apprenticeship to becoming a recognized artist who has traveled thanks to tattooing, his story reflects deep determination and love for his craft.

In this exclusive interview, he shares his path, his lessons learned, the dreams that continue to drive him, and the profound impact tattooing has had on his life.

1.Tell us about your beginnings — how did it all start for you?

I’ve always had an interest in alternative subculture and art which naturally lead me to tattooing. At first i was studying animation, but dropped out to pursue tattooing. I started my journey in the tattoo world by going to a local tattoo studio in Johannesburg South Africa with my portfolio and asking for an apprenticeship, which I was denied on multiple occasions until eventually after a couple of months of persistence they caved and gave me the opportunity to get my foot in the door. My biggest source of learning came from painting lessons and online tattoo seminars along with a drive to constantly better myself.

2.What do you enjoy most about this profession?

I would have to say the ability to be able to create for a living and to be able to meet some amazing people along the way. Some artists that I’ve looked up to for years have become friends and some clients with different backgrounds and professions that I would never have crossed paths with have also become friends.

3.Has your life changed since you started, or does everything feel the same?

My life has definitely changed since I started tattooing. I found direction in my life and before all this, let’s just say I was a bit of a lost cause. Tattooing gave me the opportunity to travel the world and now currently live in another country following my dreams. Tattooing has given me so much and I will forever be grateful.

4.What made you decide to take part in the DGN Tattoo Magazine International Competition, and how has that experience been for you?

I had seen some other artists participate in it a year or two before, but didn’t think I would be contacted to participate. When I was contacted for this years edition I was pleasantly surprised and thought why not. Especially when I saw the names of the artists that were judging. I couldn’t believe that I would have the opportunity to have these masters even just look at my works.

5.How did it feel to find out you were selected by top-level judges as one of the five best artists among over 100 participants from around the world?

It was surreal, I couldn’t believe that I had made it into the top five. It was really reassuring that I am on the right path with my vision and hard work. 

6.You also won in a category — what does that mean to you?

It means a lot, I had no expectations. I just thought that it would be cool for people and the judges to see my work. It was another surreal moment when I found out I won best freestyle colour. To be chosen from other really talented artists means a lot to me.

7.What’s next for you this year?

For me it’s to continue to learn and grow as an artist as much as possible, I will be doing some more conventions around the Uk this year. 

8.Is there still a dream you'd like to fulfill?

I have many more dreams and goals in tattooing to accomplish like winning and competing in conventions around the world and further down the line to open up something of my own

9.Do you live day by day, or do you already picture yourself as a long-term tattoo artist?

Definitely as a long term tattoo artist. It’s been a vision of mine since I was about 18 years old. Tattooing and art is everything to me and a major part of my life. I can’t imagine my life without it.

10.Who would you like to thank for supporting you on this journey?

I would like to thank my wife Rocio who is a really talented artist and is one of my biggest supporters, my friends and family back in South Africa who have done nothing but support my vision and goals. A really big thank you to the fellow artists that I have met so far along the way that are extremely talented and have been so generous with sharing information and techniques with me that have allowed me to advance my tattooing. Last but not least to my clients that see and resonate with my vision and trusts me enough to allow me to put a part of my soul into my pieces, without them I wouldn’t be where I am now.