Sunshine Coast tattoo artist Sam Clark sells ‘golden tickets’ to handle worldwide demand

A superstar Noosa tattooist has had to turn himself into a ‘Willy Wonka’ of sorts to deal with the global demand for his incredible artworks. Read how he’s done it.

A Sunshine Coast tattoo artist phenomenon says he’s had to transform into a “Willy Wonka” of sorts to handle worldwide demand for his ancient, vibrant art style.

Sam Clark Tattoos founder and award-winning tattooist Sam Clark has had to take steps to cope with the avalanche of demand for his unique services.

The 38-year-old founded his business in 2010.

The father-of-two now has 214,000 Instagram followers and demand for his artwork has exploded from 200 to about 5000 inquiries a year, forcing a drastic rethink of his booking system.

“It just became too out of hand,” he said.

Today, he sells limited tattoo vouchers every six to eight months for keen customers.

Mr Clark said he picks up clients on a boat and takes them across the river to his Noosa North Shore studio to get inked, relax, and listen to music.

Sam Clark Tattoos tattoo artist Sam Clark. Picture: Supplied.

“It’s like a Willy Wonka golden ticket,” he said.

While it was a tough call to limit bookings, he said it created a sought-after and special experience for those “hungry” for his art.

Before he picked up a tattoo gun, Mr Clark drew as a kid while growing up in Sydney, studied and quit graphic design and worked as a landscaper while making airbrush art on surfboards in his spare time.

Sam Clark Tattoos tattoo artist Sam Clark. Picture: Supplied.

Mr Clark, then a 23-year-old surfer, said he got the idea for tattooing after a happy customer of his surfboard art suggested he take up the career.

“I laughed and said, ‘hell no’,” he said, thinking the tattoo industry was off limits.

Sam Clark's tattoo collection. Picture: Supplied.

But he took the idea seriously after becoming inspired by tattoo artwork online by overseas artists and his wish to replicate their art in Australia grew.

Mr Clark soon fell in love with tattooing after teaching himself.

He started off by inking fruit, himself and friends before people started lining up for him.

Mr Clark said he was successful because of his passion, work ethic, and creating vibrant, flowing and 1800s styles.

Mr Clark was currently travelling around Australia with his family, tattooing people as they go.

Originally published as Sunshine Coast tattoo artist Sam Clark sells ‘golden tickets’ to handle worldwide demand