Googling an Auckland tattoo studio? You've found Sunset

Have you been thinking about getting a tattoo recently? Then you’ve landed on the right website.

Sunset Studio is a professional, clean and respected Auckland tattoo studio. We specialise in custom design skin art. We can design something unique that reflects your personal taste and will keep you happy for the rest of your life. But first of all … let’s make sure you want a tattoo!

Why get a tattoo?

A tattoo is a big deal, so maybe we should start with the reason why you should not get one. Don’t get a tattoo because you want to be cool or because you think it’s in fashion. Don’t get one because all your friends have one. Don’t get one because you want to express your undying affection for someone. You never know how long it will last (and laser removal is expensive and painful!)

Now, let’s consider why you should get a tattoo at Sunset Studios. If you want something that is unique and arty, if you want to express your individuality, and if you are over 18 and mature enough to handle the pain (that’s right, tattoos hurt), then you should call our Auckland tattoo studio right now. Because we love tattoos!

Why choose Sunset?

We take our profession very seriously, least of all our Health & Safety responsibilities. Getting inked in our Auckland tattoo studio is a safe experience. We practice the highest level of hygiene and meticulously adhere to the Auckland council Health & Safety guidelines.

Why not check out our artist’s pages and have a look at their recent works? Or call our Auckland tattoo studio today to book an appointment. 

Frequently Asked Questions here at Sunset Tattoo

How do I get myself a kick-ass tattoo?

The best way is to email us on info@sunsettattoo.co.nz, or call the shop (09)3763423. We are happy to help with any questions you might have. If you are after a custom tattoo, designed by one of our artists, you can send us a description of what you are looking to get done, and we can pair you with the right artist for the style you are looking for. From there usually you can come in for a free consultation. At the consultation we can help you with making your concept in to a great tattoo. If you already have an existing image that you would like to get tattooed, just send an image of it to us and we should be able to quote it for you. 

What kind of styles do you specialise in?

Our artists specialize in most styles of tattooing including Western Traditional, Japanese, Black and grey, lettering, Maori Tamoko, and Pacifica tattooing. We most definitely welcome enquiries of all styles and all sizes. 

Where are you located?

We are located in the heart of the city at 4a Cross Street Auckland 1010, which runs parallel to Karangahape Road and sits between Mercury Lane and Upper Queen Street.

Do I need to make an appointment?

We strive to have a tattoo artist available for walk in's at all time. A lot of our artists have designs ready to go and we love walk in's. Some of our artists have longer waiting periods than others, and do custom tattoos that can take a bit longer to design. 

How old do you need to be to get tattooed?

You need to be 18 years of age with proof of Identification to get tattooed. Parental consent for under 18 year olds is  NOT acceptable. And don't even try to fake it- we're not a bar.

What is the minimum price for a tattoo?

Our minimum charge is $100.00. This cost covers our minimum sterile set up, supplies, as well as wages for the artist. We strive to always have the highest possible quality supplies, tools, and utmost cleanliness, hygiene, and professional skill, and this is what the minimum cost is covering.

How much does a tattoo cost?

Cost depends on the time it will take to do your tattoo. The best way to get a quote is to come in to the shop in person or email us and we can give you an idea of price. Tattoos that can be done in one session can be quoted by the piece, and ongoing larger tattoos are charged by our hourly rate.

What is your hourly rate?

Tattoos are generally priced at an hourly rate of $175 per hour. Larger works are best booked in for a half day session (3 hours) at $500 or a full day session (6 hours) at $950

*We feel it is very important to note that we get this question a lot! Hourly rates are often irrelevant. If you are looking for a cheap hourly rate, you are most likely looking for a bad or inexperienced tattoo artist. And an inexperienced tattoo artist is often a SLOW one, and can end up costing you MORE. Or you might end up with one that might give you a tattoo you end up regretting. Generally the best tattoo artists in New Zealand will have a fairly similar rate, and your best bet is to pick an artist whose work you love and whose skill you trust. A busy artist has no reason to overcharge, and prefers to have happy customers who are return customers. A great tattoo artist usually simply loves their job and wants the best for their clients. 

How much do consultations cost?

Consultations are free and take place at 10.30am or 6.15pm Tuesday-Saturday.

Do I need to pay a deposit for my tattoo appointment and how much?

Usually we take a deposit of $50-$150 depending on the time involved in the project. Deposits are always cashed out at the end of the project. Deposits are non- refundable. If you need to cancel or move your appointment and give us more than 48 hours notice we will keep the deposit as shop credit for you.

Why do I need to pay a deposit?

Deposits are there to protect the artists from no-shows and last minute cancellations. They are a way of ensuring that the job will happen and that the client is serious. If you don't show up to your appointment your artist does not get paid. Failure to notify us within 48 hours or more than 3 reschedules will result in the loss of your deposit and the need to pay a new one to secure a new time.

Shop hours:

We are open from Tuesday through to Saturday from 10am till 6pm. Often our artist work after hours by appointment.

Things to remember before your appointment: 

Be on time for your appointment. It's best if you've had a good nights sleep and eaten something substantial before getting tattooed. The healthier you feel the better the experience will be. 

Aftercare: 

Remove bandage after two hours, wash well with warm soapy water and pat dry with a clean towel.
Air dry and apply a small amount of our recommended after care cream. Repeat twice a day for fourteen days.
Please do not soak in water, do not swim in the sea or swimming pool, do not expose your tattoo to the sun until completely healed.
Do not itch, scratch or pick your tattoo. Keep clean at all times.

Come to the professionals for a tattoo

Tattoos have always been part of the sub-culture, but recently they’ve moved into the wider community. In New Zealand especially, tattoos are quite prevalent, with one in three people under 30 sporting ink of some description.

But like everything in life, tattoos and piercings come with a risk. Tattoos are a great and popular form of self-expression, but anyone wanting a tattoo should always go to a professional tattoo studio. Here at Sunset Tattoo, we have all our licences in Health & Safety, so you know there’s no chance of us skipping hygiene procedures or putting you at unnecessary risk. Luckily tattoos and piercings are safer than ever, but before visiting us, you should still do your homework. If you’ve any questions about tattooing then we’ll be happy to sit down with you and have a chat.

You’ve been working on a cool design and saving up for your first tattoo, for the love of god don’t go round to your mate's. Just because he was good at art at school and bought a tattoo gun off Trade Me, doesn’t mean he knows what he’s doing! It’s unsafe and let’s be honest, you’re probably not going to be happy with his “masterpiece”.

Getting a tattoo from un-sterile equipment and inexperienced artists can put you, and the artist, at risk for life-threatening infectious diseases. Hepatitis or skin infections can be caused by certain bacteria, so make sure you come to a studio that’s professional with a good reputation. A studio with experienced and skilled tattoo artists. A studio that has a long list of satisfied customers. 

A studio like Sunset.

Check out Sunset Tattoo's YouTube channel!

Sunset Tattoo have now set up a YouTube channel, showcasing some of our finest work, and announcing the latest news and happenings in Auckland's tattoo scene.

Make sure to subscribe to stay up-to-date with the latest in the world of tattoos. If you would like to book in for an appointment, please contact us today. Our friendly and helpful staff will be happy to help in any way they can.

Tattoo artist gets a tattoo machine prosthetic arm

Imagine losing your arm when you’re an artist. That’s that career over, right? Well not if you’re JC Sheitan. After losing his arm when he was just a child, the Frenchman retrained himself to become left-handed, and incredibly, fulfilled his dream of becoming a tattoo artist. 
And that’s not even the cool part.

At a recent tattoo convention in Devezieux, Sheitan met fellow Frenchman and artist JL Gonzal. The two of them talked about ways for Sheitan to use his right arm again, and Gonzal, who also happens to be an engineer, came up with this:

 
In case you’re wondering what that is, it’s the world’s first prosthetic arm tattoo machine. 
Sheitan can control the prosthetic arm with his shoulder, but Gonzal is still working on perfecting the prosthesis and hopes the next prototype will give Sheitan more wrist mobility. At the moment, it’s not precise enough for detailed work, but it can be used for filling and shading. The needles are of course disposable, and the prosthesis can be cleaned like a regular tattoo machine.

The machine isn’t as futuristic or as complicated as it looks. It’s really just an old prosthetic arm with a tattoo machine stuck on it, but being an artist, Gonzal gave it a fantastic steampunk look. After adding parts from a typewriter and gramophone, he then gave it a rusty paint-job, and the result is a mean-machine of epic proportions.

Sheitan has said that this only version one, so we’ll have to wait and see what version two has in store. Check out the video below and for updates and examples of JC Sheitan Tenet’s work, be sure to check out his Facebook page.