FAQ’s about tattoos!

If you’ve never had a tattoo before and are considering getting one, then you’ll probably have some questions. It can be a daunting experience going to your first tattoo studio, and that’s why we’ve put together this short list of the most common questions asked when it comes to tattoos and tattoo designs.

Does it hurt?

The first thing that comes to people’s minds when thinking of getting a tattoo. The short answer is, yes, probably. Although a lot of that depends on you and your attitude. Pain is subjective, and some people have a higher threshold than others. If you’re ready for some serious ink, then the pain itself will be part of the experience, and how you feel about it will determine how painful it is. 

What design should I get?

Well that’s up to you! Many people get tattoos for many reasons, each one personal and meaningful to them. If you know you want a tattoo design, but are not sure what to get, pop into the studio and have a chat with us. We can help point you in the right direction and at least give you some ideas to think about.  

How long will it take?

Again, this is obviously dependent on individual tattoos. The size, detail and shading of the tattoo will all factor into how long the job will take. We can give you an estimate once you’ve picked a tattoo design. 

What if I don’t like it?

Well, it’s not the end of the world, so don’t panic. If you end up with a tattoo design you’re not happy with, then you have a few options. There’s always the possibility that you can cover it up with a design you do like, you can add to it, or as a last resort, you can have tattoo laser removal. The trick here is to make sure you’re happy with the design in the first place!

How much does it cost?

All tattoos are different, and much like the time it takes to complete, the price is largely determined on the design. The size, colour and detail of the design all play a factor in the final price of tattoos. 

How long does it take to heal?

Tattoos can take 1-2 weeks to heal. You will receive aftercare products and directions on how to best care for your tattoo from us. We also recommend you keep new tattoos out of direct sunlight for about six weeks.

Tattoo statistics in New Zealand

According to a recent survey, nearly one in five adult New Zealanders have been tattooed, and surprisingly, women are more likely to get one than both men and young people.

A UMR Research survey of people aged 18 years and over indicated 19 percent of adults have been tattooed, with the rate rising to 36 percent among the adults younger than 30.

Overall, 22 percent of women have been tattooed, compared with 17 percent of men.

Cultural divide

And there was an even bigger split on ethnic lines: almost half (47 percent) of Maori and Pacific Islanders had been tattooed but only 15 percent of other ethnicities.

"Polynesians gave the English language the word tattoo which is derived from the Samoan word tatau, so it should be no surprise that Pacific Islanders and Maori were also far more likely to have had tattoos than others," said a director of the research company, Tim Grafton.

Almost one third (32 percent) of parents with dependent children had a tattoo compared to 13 percent of the rest of the adult population.

Regrets? Na bro!

Few of those surveyed had any regrets, with 85 percent of people with a tattoo saying they did not regret it. Although out of the small minority that did, men were slightly more likely to have regrets than women. “The biggest reason for regretting a tattoo was getting someone’s name,” Tim says. “Guys are surprisingly sentimental when it comes to love lasting forever, whereas women aren’t that stupid.”

If you want to join the growing percentage of Kiwis with a tattoo, then give Sunset studio a call today. Our friendly, professional and experienced staff will be happy to have a chat with you about what you are looking for. Even if it’s your girlfriend’s name…

Announcing The Great Auckland Flash Party!

There’s a party coming and everyone’s invited!

On Friday 24th & Saturday 25th June, Sunset Tattoo will be hosting The Great Auckland Flash Party. It’s going to be a two days of awesomeness, with some of the best tattoo artists in the business plying their trade.

What?

For two days, eight of Aotearoa’s best tattoo artists come together to ink people at a special reduced price with some of their original and unseen artwork. No bookings are necessary, which is why this is an opportunity not to be missed!

Where?

At Sunset Tattoo studio in right here in the heart of Auckland. 4A Cross street, just off K-Road.

Who?

We have eight of the very best tattoo artists ready and willing to give you a design you’ll love for ever. Sunset’s own resident artists Fabian Bidart and Tom McMillan will of course be there, along with Capilli Tupou from Two Hands Tattoo. Sacred Tattoo studio will be represented by Dean Sacred and Steve Wood. Jacob Cross of Skinks Tattoo will be driving up from Hamilton, and we’ll even have Mike Todd and Rohan Skilton from Jackson Street Tattoo coming from as far as Wellington to join the party.

Wait, there’s more!

We have an extra special guest coming to the party! Kokura Horimatsu will be joining us all the way from Japan, and we are truly honoured to have him. Kokura is one of the finest tattoo artists in the industry, and you can book a session with him by calling Sunset or take your chances on the day and hope he’s free!

This is your chance to get a unique tattoo from your favourite artist. Some of these flash cards have never been tattooed before! You can either come fashionably late to the party, or book ahead with your chosen artist by emailing olwen@sunsettattoo.co.nz

Tattoo Styles here at Sunset

We here at Sunset Studio are Tattoo Artists, and if there’s a design you want, then we’ll be happy to do it. But each of us specialise in our own style of tattooing. Tattoos come in all shapes, sizes and styles, and each style is completely different. From photo-realistic to gothic handwriting, each style has its own distinct features and traditions.

Traditional Tattoos

Traditional tattoos are the oldest “modern” tattoo styles. Obviously they’re not the oldest types of tattoos, but in the modern era, these are the ones that started it all. Made popular by sailors, this style- also known as American traditional- first began around the end of the 19th Century, and is linked to the invention of the first tattoo machine by Sam O’Reilly.  This style is noticeable by its solid black outlines, bold colours and classical images such as hearts, tigers, anchors, skulls, daggers and roses.

If you’re interested in a traditional tattoo, call Fabian.

Japanese Tattoos

Japanese tattoos are some of the oldest known, with evidence of tattooing in Japan dating back 5,000 years. This style follows a very strict code- using imagery, colour, direction and symbolism. Japanese tattoos will have images such as dragons, koi, cherry blossoms and lotus flowers.

If you would like to know more about Japanese Tattoos, speak to Tom.

Tribal tattoos

Tribal tattoos are the oldest form of tattoos known, dating back over 7,000 years. Polynesian tattoos typically had thick black lines, which over time, became more intricate and symbolic. Often using symmetry and geometrical design, tribal tattoos can be very complex, and can often tell a story. Maori tattoos are now popular the world over, and many backpackers come to New Zealand and leave with ink as a reminder of their wonderful experience.

If you would like a tribal tattoo, call Sunset and ask for

Introducing the tattoo artists here at Sunset

At Sunset tattoo studio, we have put together a team of dedicated, varied and talented tattoo artists. From home-grown talent to artists from the other side of the world, everyone here has their own style and speciality, making it easy for you to find the exact tattoo you’re looking for.

Let us introduce Sunset’s tattoo artists

Tom McMillan

Tom opened Sunset Tattoo in 2014 after working around the world as well as in some of New Zealand's best tattoo studios. He has been tattooing for over a decade and specialises in his own unique take on western traditional and Japanese tattoo styles. Tom switches easily between large-scale, full body tattoos to palm size one-shot tattoos, and is always on the lookout for new, original design challenges. If you’re looking for a Japanese style tattoo, give Tom a call.

Tristan Marler

Tristan is of Te Rarawa descent, from the Hokianga in the far north. He is trained in Whakairo Rakau (traditional wood carving). He has been blending his knowledge of carving and Maori art over to the art of Tattooing. Tristan is now tattooing full time, and specializes in Ta Moko, Blackwork, pattern work, geometric and dot-work tattoo styles. If you’re interested in a Maori tattoo, Tristan is the man to call.

Fabian Bidart

Growing up in Santiago, Chile, Fabian was initially drawn to tattoo artistry through the local music scene, and soon started working from a friend’s shop when he was still just a teenager. From working with and learning from other tattoo artists in Spain, Fabian finally settled in New Zealand in 2007 where he continues to refine his art. If you’re searching for classic traditional tattooing, Fabian is your man!

Jacob Cross

Jacob Cross does a regular guest spot at Sunset Tattoo. He is always available for consultations. He is fast becoming one of New Zealand's best known Traditional tattoo artists. His no-nonsense, bold, bright, traditional style has its roots firmly in American and European tattoo history.