
THE INK LINK: Two ‘halves’ have made Mark whole
Mark Leathers is not your typical lawyer. Based in Durban and serving clients across South Africa, Mark smashes the traditional mould of an attorney. Beyond his legal career, he’s a marathon runner, recreational pilot and – since 2020 – the proud bearer of two half-sleeve tattoos.
“I always had a big mouth, so I was pretty much earmarked for a career in law at an early age,” Mark jokes. But his ink tells a more personal story – a blend of passion, reflection and midlife reinvention.
Grabbing mid-life by the horns
“I only got my tattoos in 2020,” Mark explains. “I got divorced that year, and… well… mid-life crisis said, ‘Let’s go do something stupid.’” He laughs, but there’s a deeper layer to the story.
Mark’s tattoos are two intricate half-sleeves, each themed and detailed.
“I’ve got aviation on one side and nautical on the other,” he says. “The aviation is because, while most attorneys play golf, I fly for fun. One of the aircraft tattooed on my arm is my very first four-seater.”
On the other arm, Mark’s nautical tattoos hold a more personal meaning.
“That side is a bit more spiritual,” he says. “After my divorce, I felt like I needed to find direction in life, to figure out where I wanted to go and what grounds me. The tattoos feature an anchor and an old nautical compass, symbolising grounding and finding my way.”
Breaking stereotypes
Despite the stigma tattoos once carried, Mark’s ink has been well-received.
“Even in a professional environment, I’ve tried to move away from the old boring attorney collar-and-tie traditions. My office days are golf shirts, and most clients – big corporates included – are fascinated. They want to see the tattoos and hear the stories behind them.
The artist and the process
Creating these meaningful works of art took time and effort.
“Both my half-sleeves are very detailed,” Mark says. “They were done by a highly talented artist named Nicky Cooksley. Each arm took 15 to 20 hours to do, done over several sessions.”
For now, he’s not planning any new tattoos.
“The main reason is time,” he admits. “I spread myself between multiple businesses, serve on the Comrades Marathon board, and still manage to run. There’s just not much time left for more ink.”
Running the distance
Speaking of running, Mark is gearing up for his second Comrades Marathon. With the legendary David Ashworth as his coach, he is aiming for a sub-seven-hour finish… “but I will be happy with a sub-eight,” he says.
Mark’s tattoos are more than just body art; they’re a reflection of his journey, passions and resilience. They tell the story of a man navigating life’s challenges while embracing its joys.
“The old adage that tattooed people are gangsters definitely doesn’t apply anymore,” says Mark.
The Ink Link is an ongoing project at CN&CO that showcases the diversity of tattoos. One of the great things about a tattoo is that it goes against the commonly held viewpoint that “what you see is what you get”. There’s a misguided belief in certain quarters that only “”some”” people get a tattoo. We are putting paid to that perception through the stories showcased in the Ink Link. If you or anyone you know would like to be featured, please get in contact with us.