From sketching Dragon Ball Z characters as a child to standing on an international stage in the United Kingdom, Venolin Govender has turned a lifelong passion for art into an award-winning career.
The owner of Trilla Tattoos recently made history by becoming one of South Africa’s first internationally award-winning tattoo artists after taking first place in the Anime category at a prestigious UK tattoo expo. The Durban North News sat On the Couch with Govender to talk about his journey, the sacrifices behind his success and why he believes dreams should never be limited by where you come from.
Durban North News (DNN): For those who haven’t met you yet, tell us a little about yourself and the journey that led you to become a tattoo artist.
Venolin Govender (VG): I’m Venolin Govender. I’ve always been passionate about art for as long as I can remember. Although I studied Industrial Engineering, I always had a vision of making a career out of my art. I started tattooing in my bedroom with very little—just a passion to learn and a dream of becoming one of the best. Today, I’m proud to be one of South Africa’s first internationally award-winning tattoo artists.
DNN: Was tattooing always the career you envisioned, or did life take you in an unexpected direction?
VG: Life definitely took a few turns. After studying engineering, I was job hunting, but tattooing was always where my passion was. Choosing art over a secure career wasn’t easy. Eventually, I realised I’d rather spend my life chasing something I truly loved than always wondering, “What if?” That decision changed my life.
DNN: Can you remember the very first tattoo you ever did?
VG: Definitely. Every artist remembers their first tattoo. It was exciting but also terrifying because you’re putting permanent artwork on someone’s skin. My cousin trusted me enough to let me tattoo him, and I’ll never forget that.
DNN: You own Trilla Tattoos. What inspired you to open your own studio?
VG: Opening Trilla Tattoos was about creating a space that reflected who I am as an artist. I wanted clients to feel comfortable, respected and confident. It’s a private studio, so there are no walk-ins or interruptions. Being able to bring international-level tattooing back home is something I’m proud of.
DNN: Tattooing is both an art and a profession. What do you enjoy most?
VG: The creative side is what I love most. Every tattoo is unique because every client has a different story. Being trusted to create something that someone will wear for life is a responsibility I never take lightly. I also enjoy constantly challenging myself because tattooing is a craft where you never stop learning.
DNN: Every tattoo tells a story. Is there one that’s stayed with you?
VG: There have been many memorial tattoos and tattoos representing people who have overcome difficult times. Those are always emotional because you realise you’re creating something with deep meaning. Moments like those remind me that tattooing is about much more than artwork—it’s about helping people tell their stories.
DNN: What was going through your mind when your name was announced in the UK?
VG: It was a moment of pride and validation. It wasn’t just about winning a title—it was seeing years of sacrifice, hard work and belief come full circle. People often base their dreams on what others have achieved before them. From the beginning, I wanted to do something that hadn’t been done before. Winning proved that no matter where you come from, if you believe in your vision and put in the work, you can achieve something extraordinary.
DNN: What was the competition like and how did you prepare?
VG: The competition was incredibly tough because I was competing against some of the best artists from around the world. Most of my preparation focused on brand awareness and setting up my booth. As for the tattooing itself, I didn’t prepare differently because this is what I do every day. I simply went there and stayed true to who I am as an artist.
DNN: What does this award mean to you personally and professionally?
VG: Personally, it’s proof that dreams really can become reality if you’re willing to work for them. Professionally, it’s recognition from the international tattoo community. It motivates me to keep improving because there’s always another level to reach, and it’s opened doors to more international opportunities.
DNN: What draws you to anime tattoos?
VG: It started with Dragon Ball Z. As a kid, I used to draw the Dragon Ball Z Tazos from Simba chips, and that’s where my love for anime artwork began. Anime tattoos are also technically challenging, especially when working in black and grey, and I enjoy pushing myself with that level of detail.
DNN: What’s one stereotype about tattoo artists you’d like to challenge?
VG: That tattoo artists aren’t professionals. The reality is we’re artists, business owners and professionals who spend years mastering our craft. We work in highly hygienic environments, continually educate ourselves and carry a huge responsibility because every tattoo is permanent.
DNN: Were there moments when you wanted to give up?
VG: Absolutely. Like anyone building a business, there were difficult times financially and mentally. I questioned whether I was making the right decision and even thought about going back to engineering many times. What kept me going was remembering why I started. I believed I could build something special, and I didn’t want fear to be the reason I stopped chasing that dream.
DNN: What’s the most rewarding part of being recognised internationally while still calling Durban home?
VG: Knowing I was the only artist representing Durban and South Africa on that international stage is something I’ll never take for granted. It’s also rewarding knowing that my clients receive internationally award-winning artwork right here at home.
DNN: What’s next for you?
VG: This award is definitely not the finish line. I want to continue competing internationally, collaborate with some of the best artists around the world and keep pushing my work to another level. Most importantly, I want to continue growing Trilla Tattoos internationally.
DNN: What’s one piece of advice for anyone chasing a dream?
VG: Don’t wait until everything feels perfect. Don’t set your goals based only on what others have achieved—it’s okay to aim higher. There will always be reasons to play it safe, but sometimes you have to believe in yourself before anyone else does. I left engineering to follow my passion. It wasn’t the easiest decision, but it was the right one. Stay disciplined, keep learning and refuse to give up when things get difficult. I didn’t travel to the UK hoping I belonged—I was personally invited because I had earned my place. Walking away with that title proved that the dream I’d carried for years had finally become reality.
