BLOG
Micro tattoos – why they’re suddenly so popular
Micro tattoos are all the rage these days, but what exactly are they, is it just a fad, or are they here to stay?
Trends in the tattoo world come and go, although some things (think dragon tattoos) are constantly popular. The latest trend which seems to be here to stay are micro tattoos, which started to appear on celebrities and Instagram posts a couple of years back.
What are micro tattoos?
Micro tattoos are exactly what they sound like – very small tattoos.
Usually simplistic and plain black in colour, they became popular after Justine Bieber and Kendall Jenner got them.
They are found mostly on the hands and fingers, almost like jewellery, but of course can be put anywhere.
Why are they popular?
Well, apart from people following their favourite celebrity, micro tattoos are popular because they can be covered up for work, or for anyone who wants a tattoo, but is unsure where to start or what to get.
Micro tattoo designs are usually very simple, with tiny geometric shapes, animals, arrows all popular choices.
They are very popular amongst women, and are seen as cute, respectable, and refined, especially if they mean something personal.
Because of their size, they are quick to complete and cheaper than a normal tattoo.
Come see us at Sunset for a micro tattoo
If you would like a tattoo, but aren’t sure about what to get, where to get it, or you’re worried about how painful it’s going to be, then a micro tattoo is the perfect place to start.
They are small, cheap, and easy to hide, and if done right, still look great.
Come see us at Sunset Studio if you would like to talk about a micro tattoo and the options available.
Our friendly and helpful staff will be happy to talk you through any questions you may have, and will never pressure you to get a tattoo if you’re not 100% sure.
Calling all Backpackers! Get a tattoo memento before you leave!
Maori tattoos are stunning, unique, and packed with history and meaning. Bring one home today as a souvenir and have a piece of Aotearoa with you forever.
Backpacking is one of life’s great privileges. It’s an experience that not only stays with you, but changes who you are and your outlook on life.
And New Zealand is hands-down the best country in the world to backpack in. The friendly people, fascinating culture, and stunning natural landscapes all make it the perfect destination for any traveller.
If you’re here exploring our beautiful country, you’ll want a souvenir of your time here, and what other way is more perfect than a Maori tattoo?
Bring a piece of New Zealand back home to show off to your friends and family, and have a piece of Aotearoa stay with you forever.
Sunset Studio specialise in Maori Tattoos
If you’re interested in getting a Maori tattoo before you leave us, then you should come see Tristan at Sunset Tattoo.
From Hokianga in the Northland, Tristan is of Te Rarawa descent, and graduated in 2014 from the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts institute.
With his diploma in traditional wood carving (Whakairo Rakau), Tristan came to Tom and asked about bringing his knowledge of carving and Maori art over to tattooing.
He is now tattooing full time with Sunset, and specializes in Ta Moko, Blackwork, pattern work, geometric and dot-work tattoo styles.
Safe, friendly and professional
Tom McMillan opened Sunset Studio with his wife, well known New Zealand artist, Misery, and despite only being a few years old, Sunset Tattoo is one of the most respected tattoo studios in Auckland.
We pride ourselves on our dedication to our strict health and hygiene practices, using only the best materials and equipment. In fact, our desire to only use the best led us to create our own tattoo supply company, Tattoo Station.
If you’re passing through New Zealand and would like the perfect reminder of your time here, call in and see us for the ultimate souvenir, a beautiful, unique Maori tattoo.
Beware of dodgy tattoo ink!
Surprisingly, the tattoo industry in New Zealand isn't regulated, allowing anyone to tattoo anything, using any old shit they find in their garage. Not us.
You know what’s surprising? The tattoo industry in New Zealand is NOT regulated.
Of course, there are rules about health and hygiene, but as for specifics about tattoos – who can tattoo, where you can tattoo, what you can tattoo with… the government doesn’t give a shit!
That is why it is so important to go to a respected, reputable tattoo studio if you’re getting a tattoo.
Tattoo Ink In New Zealand
Of course, if the industry isn’t regulated, that means that tattoo ink isn’t regulated either.
One third of Kiwis under the age of 30 have a tattoo, and with one of the highest rates of tattooing in the world, you’d expect laws about tattooing, but there aren’t any.
There are guidelines set out, but these aren’t legally binding in any way, and following them is completely voluntary.
Kiwi tattooists are expecting New Zealand laws to change soon when it comes to ink, as the European Chemicals Agency just published a list of potentially toxic chemicals used in some tattoos.
Australian laws
Our Australian cousins across the Ditch are more on the ball when it comes to regulation.
Tattoo artists in Australia are required to have a licence before tattooing a person, with breaches resulting in jail time.
This is something New Zealand may copy soon, with terrible “homers” causing infections and blood poisoning.
This is bad for the industry as a whole, with professional studios and artists like us, being lumped in with a bunch of aresholes doing tattoos in their garage for their mates.
We only use the best tattoo ink at Sunset
Here at Sunset, we are proud to be an official distributor of the world-famous Eternal Ink.
Made from organic pigments, deionized water and hamamelis water, this bright coloured ink is free of animal by-products and even suitable for vegans.
They arrive sealed in a medical grade bottle, ensuring hygiene, and the ink pigments are regularly tested and comply with all health and safety regulations.
Eternal Ink is not tested on animals, so there’s no guilty conscious tagging along with every purchase.
Eternal Ink are very picky about who they let sell their high-quality products. We are the only distributors in Auckland given this privilege and we take it seriously.
Contact us today if you’d like to order some of the finest tattoo ink at the cheapest prices, or head on over to our sister site, Tattoo Station and take a look at the other tattoo supplies we offer.
Only 4 weeks until the Great Auckland Flash Party of 2018!
Only one month to go until the third annual Great Auckland Flash party!
It’s that time of year again when some of the best tattoo artists in country descend on Auckland for a weekend of tattoo madness!
The Great Auckland Flash Party is now in its third year in the Auckland Tattooing scene, and it’s all happening right here at Sunset Studio a month from now.
Doors open 11am on Friday 6th and Saturday 7th of April, get down early because there are no bookings!
It’s first come first served, and we have hundreds of line drawings to choose from, so the first people here get a bargain with our special, one-time only, Flash Party prices!
Each artist will put a variety of fresh new line drawings up in the shop, with lower than usual pricing, ranging from around $100-$300.
Some of these artists are booked months ahead or live in different cities, so it’s a great opportunity to get an affordable, one-off tattoo from one of your favourite artists.
Which artists are tattooing?
We have some of the very best tattoo artists in the country ready and willing to give you a design you’ll love for ever.
The team from Sunset will be there of course, including TomTom, Capilli Tupou, Tristan, Magali, and Mash Primrose.
Daniel Octoriver from Goodluck Tattoo in Melbourne will be crossing the Tasmin for the Party, as will Adrian Hing, Sashimi roll, and Moses Mezoghlain.
Other artists from around New Zealand will be heading to Auckland, including Sam Carter from Gypsy Kidds in Napier, Steve Wood and Graeme Allan from Sacred Tattoo and our good friend Jacob Cross.
For two days only we have hundreds of designs at special flash day prices!
Don’t forget to check out our Instagram for daily posts of our guest artists work! @sunset_tattoo_nz
Anchored Tattoo Stencil solution by Nikki Hurtado
Nikki Hurtado is one of the most respected tattoo artists in the world, and we now sell his excellent Anchored Tattoo stencil solution.
The artists here at Sunset have decades of combined experience, and as a result, we only use the best for our tattoo supplies.
That’s why, after a lot of research and testing, we have landed on Anchored Stencil Solution, by world-renowned artist Nikko Hurtado.
Every artist will tell you that a good tattoos begin with a good stencil, and we now stock the very best.
Nikko Hurtado
Born in California in 1981 to Hispanic heritage, Nikko Hurtado grew up in the high desert drawing cartoons and characters for fun.
He went to the Art Centre of Pasadena for a few years in his teens, but it wasn’t until his early 20s when Nikko’s career changed. After calling in to see a friend in his tattoo studio, he was offered an apprenticeship.
He started tattooing the next day, and now his Instagram has 1.5 million followers, celebrities like The Rock adorn his work, and he is one of the most successful and famous tattoo artists in the world.
Trial and Error achieves results
After years of development, testing, trial and error, Nikko Hurtado has perfected a tattoo stencil solution.
With his own unique formula, the respected tattoo artist has created an effective solution, producing crisp, clear lines which last for hours.
Guaranteed to be loved by tattoo artists around the world, this special tattoo stencil solution provides an even truer representation of the original drawing.
The long-lasting formula will stay crisp for hours, allowing you to work from start to finish without having to worry about fading or missing parts of the design.
Come see us at Sunset for your tattoo supplies
Sunset Tattoo have also been in the game a long time, and we’ve discovered what works and what doesn’t.
That’s why we started our own Tattoo Supply store, Tattoo Station with all the equipment and essentials that we use ourselves for our work.
We sell everything from our own special range of Botan Needles, through to the world famous Eternal Ink, and now we’re delighted to add Anchored Tattoo Stencil solution to the list.
Contact us today if you have any questions about our range.
