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3 tattoo ideas that are straight out of left field
Check out these three tattoo ideas which aren't exactly your usual "Mom" tattoo.
Traditional tattoos are the most common type of tattoo and have been for over 100 years. But the more we push the boundaries of what’s possible, and supplement that with advances in technology, the more creative we become. Here are three cool tattoo ideas to think about…
Your children’s drawings
Some parents put their kids’ drawings up on the fridge, but those parents obviously don’t love their children enough.
Having that drawing inked forever on your body is a recent trend in the industry, and one which is adorable by anyone’s standard.
This is an incredibly sweet tattoo, taking a snap shot of your child’s development and keeping it forever. Plus you know no one else has this design!
Man’s best friend
Ok, there is one thing cuter than kids – puppies.
For those of us who don’t want children (and there are a lot), pets are the most precious thing on earth. Nothing - and we mean nothing - beats the love and loyalty of a dog.
While paw print tattoos are nothing new, having your own pet’s paw inked has become a recent trend. And with our canine friends only living a few short years, it’s a perfect way to remember them after they’re gone.
DNA tattoos
Ok, this is a new one.
A company called Everence has created a new technology which allows someone’s DNA to be mixed in with tattoo ink.
The idea is you can carry a loved one around with you at all times, as part of yourself, for as long as you live.
One part creepy to one part cool, the DNA is purified and enclosed in microscopic capsules, protecting it from the body and keeping it in the tattoo itself.
It can be added to a new tattoo, or an old, existing one, and certainly is a unique way to be close to a loved one.
Russian prison tattoos – their significance and meaning
Russian prison tattoos are some of the most recognisable in the world, but what do they symbolise?
Back during the Soviet era, a strong culture of prison tattoos developed in Russia. They were used to tell who was in prison for what, and what authority they had in the criminal world.
The practice under the Gulag system grew in the 1930s, peaking in the 1950s and declining in popularity in the 1970s and 1980s.
History
Branding criminals in Russia was commonplace long before tattoos came on the scene. Deserters from the army were branded with a cross, while prisoners sentenced to hard labour had their forehead and cheeks branded with the word "VOR" (thief).
In the thirties, criminal gangs began to emerge, and with them a tattoo culture to define rank and reputation.
During the Stalin years, political prisoners were sent to the gulags by the thousands, and tattoos were used to differentiate between political prisoners and the Vor criminals.
The tattoos themselves show a "service record" of achievements and failures, prison sentences and the type of work a criminal does, such as safe breaking or assassination. Anyone adorning a tattoo who didn’t have the “right” to, could be punished by death, or forced to remove them themselves with a knife, sandpaper or a shard of glass.
Some of the designs came from English sailor tattoos, such as the flying tall ships, a heart pierced by a dagger, anchors, a serpent-entwined heart or a tiger baring its teeth.
Symbolism and meaning
From the 1960s to the 1980s, Arkady Bronnikov visited prisons all over the Soviet Union and photographed thousands of tattooed inmates to decode their body art. His findings actually helped solved crimes by tracing criminals back to their deeds and locations. Through his work we now know what the following symbols mean.
Stars - One of the most recognizable tattoos is the eight-point star, often placed on the chest and on the knees. This tattoo, when placed on the knees, means "I won't stand on my knees before the authorities." When placed on the shoulders it shows rank as Thief.
Lenin or Stalin – Often tattooed on the chest, partly from a belief that a firing squad would never follow orders to shoot such an image.
Medals – Can indicate rank or, if done in pre-Soviet style, indicates contempt for authority.
Orthodox church – Indicates a thief, usually a chest tattoo, with the number of cupolas indicating the number of convictions
Suns – Rays can be used to indicate number and length of sentences served.
Snake – A snake around the throat can represent drug addiction.
Hooded Executioner – A prisoner who has murdered a relative.
Eyes – When on the stomach indicate the owner is gay (with the dick becoming the nose), or on the buttocks can indicate a passive homosexual
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.
