Ten of the best movie tattoos

Today sees the New Zealand International Film Festival kick off, a celebration of film on the finest screens in Aotearoa.

Now in its 51st year, the festival showcases over 150 different features in Auckland and Wellington over 2 weeks, with a further programme travelling around a dozen other towns around the country.

We all love a good movie, so to celebrate the festival, we’ve scoured the internet for 10 of the best movie tattoos we could find to inspire you to pay us a visit!

Monty Python

While there are plenty of iconic moments to choose from when it comes to Monty Python, the black Knight from Monty Python and the Holy Grail has got to be the best!

The Crow

Brandon Lee tragically died on the set of this movie, making this tattoo even darker.

Toy Story

Why get a single small tattoo of your favourite character when you can get the entire cast done!

Pulp Fiction

Certainly Tarintino’s best movie, and arguably the best movie of the 90s, Pulp Fiction was that rare mix of critically acclaimed, a blockbuster, and a cult movie.

A clockwork orange

Stanley Kubrick’s movie version of Anthony Burgess's novel drew criticism from pretty much everyone when it was first released, resulting in a ban in the UK until the director’s death.

Harry Potter

No list of movie tattoos would be complete without a Harry Potter addition! This gorgeous Deathly Hallows tattoo is an elaborate version which would fit in with any Victorian jewellery box!

Back to the Future

Yep, we know what you’re all thinking - we’re well past 2015, so where’s our hoverboards?

Reservoir Dogs

Back to Tarantino again and his Directorial debut is one of his most iconic. The shot of the bank robbers walking along after planning their heist is burned into the memory of every art student from the 90s!

Alien Vs Predator

Two great movie franchises meet in the Alien Vs Predator series, but this mash up with Disney’s The Fox and the Hound is too cute!

Batman: The Dark Knight

Heath Ledger’s performance as the Joker won him an much-deserved Oscar for 2008’s Batman sequel, but unfortunately, as we all know, he never lived to see it.

On the fridge or on your arm? Kids drawings and tattoos

The latest trend has hit the tattoo industry and it’s adorable.

More and more parents are getting their kids artwork tattooed on their bodies as a way to keep those memories forever.

From adorable love notes to questionable portraits and crude stick figures, it doesn’t matter. In the eyes of these devoted parents, these are masterpieces that deserve to be frozen in time.

Twitter has hundreds of examples, including the awesome one below:

Even celebrities are doing it! This is David Beckham’s one from his daughter Harper:

And, of course, it’s not just for parents. Cool Aunties and Uncles can get in on the act too!

So if you would like something deeply personal and not just your average run-of-the-mill ink, get your kid to draw your next tattoo… and who knows, maybe one day they’ll work here at Sunset!

10 of the best Pride tattoos for Pride Month

As we come to the close of Pride Month, we’ve scoured the internet for 10 of the best Pride tattoos out there. As usual, all credit goes to the original artists.

1. Love is all you need.

Let’s start with the obvious thing that needs stated, everyone deserves the right to love and be loved. If you don’t agree with that, fuck off.

2. Couples Tattoo

Once you’ve finally found that significant other, let the world know by getting matching tattoos! Because we all know gay couple’s never break up. :)

3. A rose by any other name

This gorgeous rainbow rose doesn’t necessarily have to be about gay pride, but it certainly looks the part!

4. For the gay musicians out there

Combining your passion with your identity is a great idea for a tattoo.

5. Just as nature intended

It doesn’t always have to be rainbow colours to proclaim your true identity, a simple, yet perfect sentence can send the same message loud and clear.

6. Minimalist tats

We love this simple, small, yet effective pride tattoo.

7. Was Batman gay?

We’re not saying Batman was gay, but he did spend a lot of time running around in tights and a mask, playing with a teenage boy.

8. Traditional Gay

Of course, we couldn’t have our list with Sunset’s speciality; traditional tattoos.

9. Gay Angels

This absolutely stunning tattoo not only represents gay pride, but looks fucking amazing!

10. Gay dinosaurs

No one knows for sure if dinosaurs were gay, but until scientists prove otherwise, we’re betting that’s why they became extinct.

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.