Welcome 2 new artists to Sunset!

One of the major benefits of being the best tattoo studio in Auckland is how the best artists from around the world want to come and work with you.

This month' we’ve got two of the best in the business join us here at Sunset, Chingy Fringe and Roger Moore!

Chingy Fringe

We are super excited to have the amazing Chingy Fringe as a guest artist at the studio from the 19th - 22nd of June.

Chingy began tattooing in 2012 on the Gold Coast before doing a stint in Brisbane, and returning to the Coast to work at Alfred Street Tattoo.

He loves tattooing classic traditional imagery based on designs from those that came before him. Chingy aspires to make tattoos that last a lifetime. You can check out his Instagram page here: https://www.instagram.com/chingyfringe/

Chingy was in New Zealand for the Great Auckland Flash Party back in April, so if you missed out on seeing him then, now is your chance!

Roger Moore

Joining the Sunset family permanently is Kiwi artist Roger Moore.

As you can see below, Roger’s work is balls-to-the-wall amazing and we’re stoked to have him here with us. If you’d like to book an appointment with him, simple email use at info@sunsettattoo.co.nz

Check out his work on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/rogermoore_tattoo

How to pick a tattoo you won’t regret later in life

Many people have their heart set on getting a tattoo, but it’s a double-edged sword; what you think is cool now might make you squirm with embarrassment in just a few years.

Here are a few tips when it comes to getting your first tattoo and not regretting it down the line.

Think about it first!

We don’t recommend getting a tattoo (especially your first) on the spare of the moment. Take your time with your choice, do a bit of research first. Ask others of their opinion, especially people who already have a tattoo.

Don’t join the crowd!

This can be tough if a group of friends all want to get the same tattoo to show their love for each other. If you don’t like the design someone chooses, then say so, don’t be peer-pressured into something you’ll immediately regret! Plus (spoiler alert) the BFF you have at 18, you’ll probably never see again once you head off to University.

Where you get it is just as important as what you get!

It’s all about location, location, location. Just because you’re in love with your new ink now, doesn’t mean everyone else will be. You may think it’s hilariously ironic to get Love and Hate tattooed across your knuckles, but your boss won’t get the joke. Nor will any potential future employers. In an ideal world we’re not judged on our appearances, but who lives there? If you insist on getting a neck tattoo, just know that you will absolutely be judged for it.

Talk to your tattoo artist first

Before you make a life-long decision about a tattoo, it’s best to talk to the experts first.

Call in and see one of our guys for a friendly chat and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you might have, or any worries you’re experiencing.

Welcome Fern to the Sunset Family!

We are super excited to welcome Fern Ngatai to Sunset Tattoo as the shop apprentice!

Fern has been working hard behind the scenes to get herself up to scratch and is ready to tattoo people at a great apprentice price.

Working closely under Manawa Tapu she will be studying Ta Moko and Maori art and is looking for people who want to jump in and help her learning process while getting themselves some brand new tattoos!

Ferns apprentice price for a limited time will be $80 per session! So get down quick and get yourself an awesome tattoo from one of the industry’s future stars.

Email info@sunsettattoo.co.nz to make a booking, and give Fern a follow on Instagram @flows_by_rau

Maori and Tribal tattoos at Sunset

Fern is lucky to be under one of Auckland’s most respect artists specialising in Maori tattoos, Manawa Tapu.

Manawa is of Te Rarawa descent, from Hokianga in the Northland, and understands the meaning, complexity and history behind genuine Maori tattoos.

With his diploma in traditional wood carving (Whakairo Rakau), he specializes in Ta Moko, Blackwork, pattern work, geometric and dot-work tattoo styles.

It’s safe to say Fern is in good hands.

If you would like a beautiful, unique Maori tattoo, then come and see us here at Sunset.

Flash event for a great cause!

On Sunday, June 9th at Sunset Tattoo, our artists Magali Corpas, Milky and our apprentice Horiyama will be participating in a worldwide flash event called Still Not Asking For It.

All the proceeds will be donated to our charity of choice, the Women’s Refuge. Please feel free to come down and get tattooed and support this great cause!

A great cause

Still Not Asking For It is a global flash event and fundraiser, born in 2015 to raise awareness and visibility for sexual abuse and assault victims.

Back in October of 2015, tattoo artist Ashley Love was feeling “desperate to make a statement” about the industry she was living and working in. A year earlier she’d been sexually assaulted by a co-worker who she’d considered a friend.

The assault was traumatic, but so was the way her community reacted to it. To her, people seemed more concerned with excusing the behavior of the man who assaulted her for the sake of his comfort than with creating an environment that felt safe for her. She decided to take action.

“Hosting a fundraising tattoo flash event seemed like the perfect way to gather the tattooers who cared, and raise money to help support the battle against sexual violence at the same time… [it] also proved to be extremely healing and empowering,” says Love. Her event, Still Not Asking For It, has been running in tattoo shops across the US ever since.

Since its conception, Still Not Asking For It has raised over to $350,000 to aid survivors in their recovery process.

Six of the best Game of Thrones tattoo ideas

Well, after almost a decade, this weekend sees the last ever episode of Game of Thrones. And despite the scriptwriters driving off a cliff since they ran out of source material, the final episode will be watched by millions around the world, as one of televisions’ greatest ever shows comes to an end.

To commemorate this watershed moment of pop culture, we’ve picked out 6 of the best Game of Thrones tattoos from the internet, just in case you want to explain to your kids in 20 years what the fuck a Khaleesi is.

House Sigils

Each of the great houses in Westeros has its own sigil and motto, with this rocket taking a liking to House Targaryen. Then again, three dragons do look pretty cool.

Speaking of dragons

This minimalist tattoo looks great, with Emilia Clarke herself having something similar on her wrist. But then again, she is the Mother of Dragons. You’re not.

The Hand of The King

The Hand of the King is perhaps the most important job in all the land. As the saying goes “What the king dreams, the Hand builds," but the lowborn say, "The king eats, and the Hand takes the shit."

Photorealistic Jon Snow

We couldn’t compile this list without having a stunning photorealistic piece, and this one of Jon Snow (who, incidentally, knows nothing) is a beaut. The little red specks of blood really add to the overall effect. Gorgeous.

Traditional style Game of Thrones Tattoo

Winter didn’t just come, it arrived, it stayed and everyone’s bloody freezing. This great wee tattoo takes House Starks words and gives it new life in a traditional form.

Hodor

Hodor.

Hodor, Hodor.