Questions you've probably answered if you have tattoos

If you’re big into your ink, then you’ll know that people asking you about your tattoos is nothing new. Some are genuinely interested, others use it as a passive-aggressive way to show their disapproval. Check out some of the most common questions those with tattoos are asked, and the most common responses.

Did they hurt?

Well, yes, probably. Being stabbed repeatedly tends to hurt. But here’s the thing- pain is subjective. What makes someone wail like a Banshee might not even be noticed by someone else. And where you get a tattoo is also a big factor in how painful it is. Where the skin is thin tends to hurt more than the meatier part of the body.

What do they mean?

It’s a tough question to answer because people without tattoos expect them to have some sort of deep and personal meaning. The problem is, if they do, then it’s personal, and if they don’t, then the person asking the question thinks you’re an idiot. Some tattoos can represent an important time in a person’s life, or a loved one that’s maybe passed away. Other tattoos may be the result of a drunken night out. Either way, if feel yourself wanting to ask someone this question, it’s probably best you think carefully first.

Do you regret them?

Nine times out of ten the answer will be no. Obviously, there’s always one or two decisions in our youth that we look back on with incredulity. Some people get tattoos of their significant other, only to find out their significant other wasn’t that significant. Others were just too young to know what they wanted for a tattoo or why. These cases tend to be the exception, rather than the rule, so overall, no, people don’t regret them.

If you have any questions about tattoos, give the team at Sunset Studio a shout. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have. Just don’t ask us what our tattoos mean.

The different tattoo styles you'll find at Sunset

At Sunset Studio you'll find experience, professional Tattoo Artists, and if there’s a specific design you would like, then we’ll be happy help. But each of our artists specialise in our their style of tattooing.

Tattoos come in all shapes, sizes and styles, and each style is completely different. From photo-realistic to Anime, 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 Tristan

Talk to Tristan about a Maori tattoo design

If you’re interested in getting a Maori tattoo design, then you should come see Tristan at Sunset Tattoo.

Tristan is of Te Rarawa descent, from the Hokianga in the far north. He graduated from the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts institute in 2014 with a diploma in Whakairo Rakau (traditional wood carving). Not long before Tristan graduated, he approached Tom about learning the craft of tattooing and bringing his knowledge of carving and Maori art over to the medium. Tristan is now tattooing full time with Sunset, and specializes in Ta Moko, Blackwork, pattern work, geometric and dot-work tattoo styles.

When researching your Maori tattoo design, it’s a good idea to come talk to Tristan first. A little knowledge about Maori culture and Maori tattoo design will help you make an informed choice about what it is you want. The art of tattooing is a rich and historic part of Maori culture, and is therefore deserving of respect. In Cultural terms, each Maori tattoo design had a deeper meaning, represented a milestone, or told its own story.

The original tattooing method consisted of cutting into the skin, rather than inking the top layers. This method has been documented as one of the oldest in the world, going back generations. Today it isn’t quite as painful or dangerous, and people don’t need to be heading off to war in order to get one. Maori tattoo design are more popular than ever, with more and more complex patterns and designs adorning everyone from housewives to CEOs.

So if you’re interested in a Maori tattoo design, come and see us at Sunset Tattoo. Book an appointment with Tristan, even if it’s just for a chat about your options. Our studio is relaxed, cosy and clean; everything you want in a tattoo studio.

Health & Safety is paramount here at Sunset Tattoo

Hygiene is paramount when getting a tattoo, and we here at Sunset take our responsibility very seriously. When selecting an Auckland tattoo studio you should make sure that they follow the strict Health & Safety guidelines of the Auckland council.

Sunset Tattoo is the Auckland tattoo studio you can trust. Coming to us for a tattoo is not only an enjoyable and stress-free experience, but also a safe one. We practice the highest level of hygiene and meticulously adhere to the Auckland council Health & Safety guidelines. Our studio itself is spotless, never mind our needles!

How do we make our Auckland tattoo studio safe and sterile?

We always keep our tattoo accessories in the most sterile condition. Before we start working on your tattoo, our tattoo artist will disinfect and shave the area where you want your tattoo. We do this with disposable razors that we only use once. We will also show you the sealed tattoo needle and open the pouch in front of you. After we’re finished with your tattoo, we’ll throw the needle out. Each needle is only used once, and you can see this for yourself, putting your mind at rest.

It is likely that your skin will bleed a little when getting a tattoo. That’s why all our tattoo artists are wearing gloves throughout the entire tattooing process. It’s safer for you and for them. You could walk into a hospital and not notice the difference. That’s how clean and hygienic our Auckland tattoo studio is!

For a safe, and friendly tattoo experience, visit our Auckland tattoo studio today, or contact us via phone: +64 (9) 376-3423 or drop us an email on: info@sunsettattoo.co.nz

Facebook removes Maori tattoo for “breaching standards”

When do tattoos cross the line from art to indecent? And how do you draw the line when it comes to cultural identity? Well, apparently Facebook knows the answer to all these questions. They recently removed a photo of a traditional Maori body tattoo (a pūhoro) by Auckland tattooist Hirini Katene.

Facebook claimed it breached their community standards policy, but Hirini has been left confused by the decision. "I don't know why the video was removed - when everybody else looks at it, it's a piece of art," he says.

A pūhoro is a tattoo on a thigh, and this is where the problems seem to have come from. The photo shows... wait for it… someone’s tattoo’d arse! Of course in this day and age of mass shooting, suicide bombs and constant warfare filling people’s newsfeeds, someone’s bum is clearly crossing the line.

Hirini wasn't sure if someone had made a complaint or if Facebook's own monitors had removed the photo, but says he "was pretty let down." He told One News some people chose to see the nudity rather than the artwork the video was intended to showcase, and that there was nothing sexual about it.

Like genuine Maori tattoos, the patterns on the Pūhoro are linked back to where he's from, his whakapapa, his genealogy, all his ancestors, they're all put into that piece. "I've just done this amazing piece and that's what I'm trying to show off, nothing else.”

When researching your Maori tattoo design, it’s a good idea to come to Sunset and talk to Tristan first. A little knowledge about Maori culture and Maori tattoo design will help you make an informed choice about what it is you want. The art of tattooing is a rich and historic part of Maori culture, and is therefore deserving of respect. In Cultural terms, each Maori tattoo design had a deeper meaning, represented a milestone, or told its own story.

Contact us today for more information.