Mr. Universe Becomes Vegan Tattoo Artist in London

Winner of the 2014 Mr. Universe bodybuilding competition Barny du Plessis recently embarked on a new career as a cruelty-free tattoo artist. The weightlifter—and avid vegan advocate—currently works at London-based tattoo and piercing studio Demon Inkorporation where he refuses to use inks, lubricants, and after-care products that contain animal ingredients or practice tattooing on pig skin—a common practice in the industry. After a period of reflection with his wife Josie Keck (who is also a vegan bodybuilder), du Plessis made the career change in December—upon completing a two-year apprenticeship program—as a way to promote ethical veganism in a new industry. “As vegans we passionately believe that animals are our fellow beings,” du Plessis said. “It was very important to continue with this ethos in all aspects of our lives including work, so we decided to source and provide vegan-friendly tattoo products in line with our ethics and beliefs.” The couple plan to open their own vegan tattoo studio in the near future.