Sunset now sell their own tattoo supplies!

Sunset Tattoo are excited to bring you our new sister site: Tattoo Station.

If you’re looking for great deals on high-quality tattoo products and equipment, then look no further. We only sell the very best of everything, all at an unbeatable price.

The very best in tattoo supplies

After years of buying tattoo supplies at huge mark-ups from people who don't even tattoo, we became frustrated and decided to do it ourselves. This new range of products is for tattoo artists, by tattoo artists. We know the difference between quality tattoo equipment and the cheap, nasty stuff, and we make sure you don’t get the latter.

Tattoo aftercare products

Tattoo Aftercare is an essential part of the tattooing process, and we like to make sure it’s getting done right. From basic health reasons (don’t pick at it) to aesthetic reasons (moisturise to keep the colours bright), there are do’s and don’ts to follow once you get a tattoo. Follow them and everything should be fine.

Protat Tattoo Aftercare Cream

At Sunset, we suggest Protat Aftercare Cream. Protat are the world’s first tattoo aftercare company. By using chemists from their development team and overseas they are constantly researching new ingredients, with natural products receiving special attention.

Each Protat product has been precisely formulated with highly experienced members of the tattoo and piercing profession. New developments by Protat can only benefit the industry and enhance respect for body art practitioners everywhere. Protat Premium After Care cream has been designed to be the primary product in the Protat range. It utilises the technology of the Soothing After Care Cream with the added ingredients.

So there you have it, our new venture into the tattoo supply business. Please take a look at our new site, Tattoo Station, and if you have any questions about tattoo supplies for your studio, don’t hesitate to contact us.

3 tips for getting a tattoo if you’re dark skinned

While there’s plenty of advice out there for white people getting tattoos, there’s not much for those with a higher melanin content.

People from African, Indian and Pacifica backgrounds are often forgotten about when it comes to information about getting a tattoo.

We’ve put together this short article to explain a couple of things about getting ink when you’ve got darker skin.

Make a consultation first

Good advice for anyone getting a tattoo, regardless of skin colour. Talking to your tattoo artist before going under the needle is always a good idea.

By booking a consultation, you can get a better feeling of what’s possible and understand the limitations involved.

If you have darker skin, your initial idea might not be plausible, or won’t come out as you’re expecting. Talk to your artist first, they are the ones with the experience, and can help you make the right choice.

Avoid lighter colours

Despite what bullshit you may read on the internet, there are NO special inks for dark skin. Tattoo ink isn’t made for skin types, but the quality of the ink can vary widely.

Tattoo ink is generally translucent, so the skin underneath will show through. This means, the darker your skin, then less lighter-colours will show.

Black or grey ink usually works best on darker skin, evidenced by this cool MF.

Genetics can affect scar tissue

If you're of African ancestry, your skin may be prone to keloids, which is an overgrowth of scar tissue.

Knowing whether or not you are prone to keloids can help before getting a tattoo, as your artist may need to use different techniques to limit the scar tissue, including reducing power to the tattoo gun, and not going over the same area twice.

Call us today at Sunset Tattoo, and we can help you with your first tattoo.

Meet the Sunset Tattoo Artists

From humble beginnings just a few years ago, Sunset has grown into one of Auckland’s most thriving and respected tattoo studios.

Tom McMillan opened Sunset with his wife, well known NZ artist, Misery only 3 short years ago, and now Sunset has taken on more artists on a permanent basis, along with special guests popping in from time to time.

Tom McMillan

Tom Tom opened Sunset Tattoo in 2014 working around the world as well as in some of New Zealand's best tattoo studios. He has been tattooing for over 10 years and focuses on specializing 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 look out for new, original design challenges.

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 specializes in Ta Moko, Blackwork, pattern work, geometric and dot-work tattoo styles.

Thomas Clark

Thomas has been a full time Ta Moko artist for the past 12 years. Thomas is a well-respected Māori artist whose formal training and applied practice allows him to cross several artistic disciplines – Tā Moko (Traditional Markings on Skin), Kirituhi (Applied Skin Design), Rauangi (Abstract Painting), Whakairo Uku (Clay Sculpture).

Mash Primrose

Mash specialises in bold western traditional tattooing with his own unique take.  His tattoos are perfect for anyone looking to get a traditional tattoo with a modern stylish twist. 

Jacob Cross 

Jacob is fast becoming one of New Zealand's best known Traditional tattooers. His no-nonsense, bright, bold, traditional style has its roots firmly in American and European tattoo history. 

If you would like an awesome tattoo by one of our friendly and talented artists, please don't hesitate to contact us today.

3 reasons not to copy someone else’s tattoo

For anyone wanting their first tattoo, it’s very tempting to see one you like and simply copy it, but this isn’t necessarily the best thing to do.

There are a number of reasons why you shouldn’t copy someone else’s design, and we’ve put together the top three for you in this short article.

It’s personal to someone else

Maybe the best reason not to copy someone else’s tattoo design is simply this; it’s not yours.

We don’t mean you didn’t create it, so you can’t use it (more on that later), we mean it’s nothing to do with you, and everything to do with someone else.

If someone has that design on their skin, it’s probably going to mean something to them on a personal level. It may have been specially designed to remind them of a person or a memory, so you taking it not only degrades that memory, but doesn’t fit with you and your life.

Find a design that suits you, that’s personal to you, and this way it’s yours.

It’s an insult to the tattooist

It’s one thing to sit down with an artist and design a tattoo, or even bring one in you’ve designed yourself. It’s quite another to bring a design in another artist has created and demand that.

It’s insulting to the tattoo artist. It’s like bringing a packed lunch into a restaurant and wondering why the chef is pissed at you.

Any tattoo artist worth their salt can create a design for you, so asking them to copy someone else’s is a big faux pas.

It’s intellectual property theft

This is more a moral issue, although sometimes it can be a legal one.

Stealing someone else’s design is no different than stealing their novel. It’s their creativity in a physical, material form, and it should be respected.

Copying their work is not only morally wrong, but disrespectful to the original artist. And it may also get you into legal trouble.

Stay clear of all these problems by simply designing your own tattoo or using your artists previous designs.

If you would like an original tattoo, then come see us here at Sunset.

FAQ about tattoos and Sunset

How do I get myself an awesome tattoo from Sunset?

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 into 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 specialise 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 Protat 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.