Astrological tattoo ideas – Taurus, Gemini and Cancer

Continuing on with our Astrology tattoo ideas, part two sees April 20th through to July 22nd with Taurus, Gemini and Cancer.

Taurus

April 20th – May 20th is Taurus, the sign of the bull. As an Earth Sign, Taurus traits include patience, reliability and responsibility, disliking sudden changes or insecurity. Being represented by a bull, there are plenty of cool tattoo ideas for Taurus, from the photo-realistic to the zodiac sign of a circle with 2 horns.

Gemini

Gemini is the twin sign, but in one person means there are two different personalities and you never know which one you’ll get! Born between May21st and June 20th, Geminis are gentle and affectionate, but nervous and indecisive. With a simple, symmetrical sign, Geminis have a great start for tattoo ideas.

Cancer

Anyone born between June 21st and July 22 falls under the sign of Cancer. Represented by a crab, Cancers are imaginative, loyal and persuasive. Guided by their heart, Cancers are intuitive and sentimental. The crab sign of Cancer can result in some strange but wonderful tattoos!

Why you shouldn’t drink before getting a tattoo

Ok, we shouldn’t have to tell you this, but getting drunk before getting a tattoo isn’t a good idea. If you come into our studio drunk, we won’t serve you, and here’s why…

You need a clear head

Yeah, so apparently alcohol impairs your judgement? That’s the rumour anyway.

Look, we understand getting your first tattoo can be scary, and you might need a little Dutch Courage to get you through the experience, but getting hammered isn’t going to help you. For a start you might pick a tattoo you’ll regret, and when you sober up you’ll realise you have this thing for life.

You’ll need a clear head at every stage of the tattooing process – your decision is final on what the design is and where it goes. You can’t do that if you’re drunk.

Alcohol thins the blood

Booze will thin your blood, and this isn’t ideal when getting a tattoo. It means you’ll bleed more, and while that sounds scary, don’t worry, you’re not going to bleed to death. It just means that you’ll take longer to heal and the pigment in the tattoo ink will become diluted, resulting in a “watered-down” design.

And remember, it’s the amount of alcohol you drink that thins the blood, not when you drink it. Wo if you were out on the piss last night and are sober (but hungover) today, your blood will still be feeling the effects of the booze.

More difficult for the artist

There another reason you shouldn’t drink before getting a tattoo; we don’t want to deal with you.

When everybody’s drunk it can be fun. When one person is drunk and everyone else is sober, it can be a nightmare. Most tattoo artists can’t be arsed with you drunken bullshit, so won’t even entertain the notion of tattooing you.

There’s also the fact that drunk people tend to fidget, and this will result in a bad tattoo anyway. And then when you sober up and come back complaining about the shoddy workmanship, we’ll break out the security footage which shows you doing the macarena while we try and work on you.

Only joking, you won’t even get through the door.

Come to Sunset for a Maori tattoo in Auckland

New Zealand is easily the best country in the world to go backpacking. It’s safe and friendly, with incredible landscapes and a fascinating native culture. It's no surprise then that we attract millions of tourists each year, with our beautiful country living long in the memory after they return home.

Some people go that extra step and bring with them a permanent reminder of New Zealand culture in the form of a Maori tattoo.

Why get a Maori tattoo

A Maori tattoo is the perfect memento of New Zealand. It's a unique part of our culture, signifies a special time in your life, and of course, it looks amazing. And that’s where we come in.

Tristan is our resident artist who specialises in Maori tattoos and Pacifica designs. Being Maori himself, and studying at the New Zealand Maori Arts & Crafts Institute, he understands the meaning, complexity and history behind genuine Maori tattoos. If you're interested in an authentic Maori tattoo in Auckland, then this is the man to talk to.

History of Maori tattoos

There are no written records before Europeans arrived in New Zealand, so it’s impossible to know when Tā Moko first started. Instead, historians have had to rely on archaeologists and the accounts of the first European settlers.

Excavated sites have found tattooing tools dating back to the very earliest settlers, using the technique of rhythmically tapping a bone chisel, lashed to a small wooden shaft into the skin.

Some of the earliest accounts of Maori tattoos were by Captain James Cook’s artist on board the Endeavour, Sydney Parkinson. Parkinson sketched and painted local Maori displaying their Moko, and described in detail the different styles and patterns he witnessed.

Call us today for a Maori tattoo in Auckland

If you’re backpacking or holidaying here in New Zealand and would like a stunning reminder of your time here, call in and see us for the perfect souvenir - a beautiful, unique Maori tattoo.

To request a booking or consultation you can send us an email, call us, or pop into the studio.

Please note that some of our tattoo artists are booked up for weeks so it pays to book in advance if you have a specific date in mind that you want to be tattooed on. As for consultations, they usually take around 10-20 minutes and are free of charge. For Maori tattoo in Auckland, there's simply no one better to come to.

Spoil yourself – or someone else – from the Sunset shop

We have good news and great news. The good news is Ross and Rachel DID end up together on Friends, and the great news is we’re now selling some kick-ass merch through our website.

We’ve got some really sweet prints for you to frame, or unique shirts and hoodies to wear and let everyone know you’re cooler than they are. If you’re buying for someone else and are not sure what to get, then grab a Sunset Gift Certificate, redeemable on the merchandise or on a tattoo!

Check the shop out here and spoil yourself with some Sunset designs. They’re the next best thing to having a tattoo!

Astrological tattoo ideas – Aquarius, Pisces and Aries

Everyone has a star sign, and if you believe in astrology, then getting something that represents your sign is a nice personal and unique tattoo idea. We’re going through the calendar 3 signs at a time, starting with January and working our way through the year. So let’s start with…

Aquarius

Anyone born between January 21 and February 19 is an Aquarius, the zodiac symbolized by the water bearer or an urn overflowing with water. People born under this sign are considered to be sociable but are known for sticking to their rules and values. Aquarius tattoos can range from the small symbol of 2 wavy lines through to huge pieces with ornate water bearers pouring urns out.

Pisces

People born between February 20- March 20 are born under Pisces Zodiac sign, and they are generally considered to be caring and intuitive, although sometimes often introvert and shy. The symbol consists of two fish swimming in opposite directions tied to each other, representing the duality of the people born of this zodiac sign. The two fish fit well with another tattoo favourite – the carp (or koi). Pisceans are known to be very artsy and creative and that is why a tattoo is something that they might love especially it is their own zodiac sign.

Aries

Aries fall between March 21st and April 19th, and people born under this sign are quite independent, positive and are often very generous and kind. With the sign of the ram, there are many really cool tattoo ideas out there!