Does dark skin make a difference with tattoos?

There is plenty of advice out there for getting a tattoo if you're white, there’s not much out there for those with darker skin.

People from African, Indian and Pacifica backgrounds are often forgotten about when it comes to basic information and advice, that's why we’ve put together this short article to explain a couple of things about getting ink when you’ve a higher melanin content.

Talk to your artist first

Good advice for anyone getting a tattoo, regardless of skin colour. Talking to your tattoo artist before going under the needle is always a good idea.

By booking a consultation, you can get a better feeling of what’s possible and understand the limitations involved.

If you have darker skin, your initial idea might not be plausible, or won’t come out as you’re expecting. Talk to your tattoo artist first, they are the ones with the experience and know what they're doing. Let them help you make the right choice.

Avoid lighter colours

Despite what bullshit you may read on the internet, there are NO special inks for dark skin. Tattoo ink isn’t made for skin types, but the quality of the ink can vary widely.

Tattoo ink is generally translucent, so the skin underneath will show through. This means, the darker your skin, then less lighter-colours will show.

Black or grey ink usually works best on darker skin, evidenced by this cool MF.

Genetics can affect scar tissue

If you're of African ancestry, your skin may be prone to keloids, which is an overgrowth of scar tissue.

Knowing whether or not you are prone to keloids can help before getting a tattoo, as your artist may need to use different techniques to limit the scar tissue, including reducing power to the tattoo gun, and not going over the same area twice.

Call us today at Sunset Tattoo, and we can help you with your first tattoo.

The different tattoo styles you'll find at Sunset

At Sunset Studio you'll find experience, professional Tattoo Artists, and if there’s a specific design you would like, then we’ll be happy help. But each of our artists specialise in our their style of tattooing.

Tattoos come in all shapes, sizes and styles, and each style is completely different. From photo-realistic to Anime, each style has its own distinct features and traditions.

TRADITIONAL TATTOOS

Traditional tattoos are the oldest “modern” tattoo styles. Obviously they’re not the oldest types of tattoos, but in the modern era, these are the ones that started it all. Made popular by sailors, this style- also known as American traditional- first began around the end of the 19th Century, and is linked to the invention of the first tattoo machine by Sam O’Reilly.  This style is noticeable by its solid black outlines, bold colours and classical images such as hearts, tigers, anchors, skulls, daggers and roses.

If you’re interested in a traditional tattoo, call Fabian.

JAPANESE TATTOOS

Japanese tattoos are some of the oldest known, with evidence of tattooing in Japan dating back 5,000 years. This style follows a very strict code- using imagery, colour, direction and symbolism. Japanese tattoos will have images such as dragons, koi, cherry blossoms and lotus flowers.

If you would like to know more about Japanese Tattoos, speak to Tom.

TRIBAL TATTOOS

Tribal tattoos are the oldest form of tattoos known, dating back over 7,000 years. Polynesian tattoos typically had thick black lines, which over time, became more intricate and symbolic. Often using symmetry and geometrical design, tribal tattoos can be very complex, and can often tell a story. Maori tattoos are now popular the world over, and many backpackers come to New Zealand and leave with ink as a reminder of their wonderful experience.

If you would like a tribal tattoo, call Sunset and ask for Tristan

Tattoo Styles here at Sunset

We here at Sunset Studio are Tattoo Artists, and if there’s a design you want, then we’ll be happy to do it. But each of us specialise in our own style of tattooing. Tattoos come in all shapes, sizes and styles, and each style is completely different. From photo-realistic to gothic handwriting, each style has its own distinct features and traditions.

Traditional Tattoos

Traditional tattoos are the oldest “modern” tattoo styles. Obviously they’re not the oldest types of tattoos, but in the modern era, these are the ones that started it all. Made popular by sailors, this style- also known as American traditional- first began around the end of the 19th Century, and is linked to the invention of the first tattoo machine by Sam O’Reilly.  This style is noticeable by its solid black outlines, bold colours and classical images such as hearts, tigers, anchors, skulls, daggers and roses.

If you’re interested in a traditional tattoo, call Fabian.

Japanese Tattoos

Japanese tattoos are some of the oldest known, with evidence of tattooing in Japan dating back 5,000 years. This style follows a very strict code- using imagery, colour, direction and symbolism. Japanese tattoos will have images such as dragons, koi, cherry blossoms and lotus flowers.

If you would like to know more about Japanese Tattoos, speak to Tom.

Tribal tattoos

Tribal tattoos are the oldest form of tattoos known, dating back over 7,000 years. Polynesian tattoos typically had thick black lines, which over time, became more intricate and symbolic. Often using symmetry and geometrical design, tribal tattoos can be very complex, and can often tell a story. Maori tattoos are now popular the world over, and many backpackers come to New Zealand and leave with ink as a reminder of their wonderful experience.

If you would like a tribal tattoo, call Sunset and ask for

Introducing the tattoo artists here at Sunset

At Sunset tattoo studio, we have put together a team of dedicated, varied and talented tattoo artists. From home-grown talent to artists from the other side of the world, everyone here has their own style and speciality, making it easy for you to find the exact tattoo you’re looking for.

Let us introduce Sunset’s tattoo artists

Tom McMillan

Tom opened Sunset Tattoo in 2014 after working around the world as well as in some of New Zealand's best tattoo studios. He has been tattooing for over a decade and specialises in his own unique take on western traditional and Japanese tattoo styles. Tom switches easily between large-scale, full body tattoos to palm size one-shot tattoos, and is always on the lookout for new, original design challenges. If you’re looking for a Japanese style tattoo, give Tom a call.

Tristan Marler

Tristan is of Te Rarawa descent, from the Hokianga in the far north. He is trained in Whakairo Rakau (traditional wood carving). He has been blending his knowledge of carving and Maori art over to the art of Tattooing. Tristan is now tattooing full time, and specializes in Ta Moko, Blackwork, pattern work, geometric and dot-work tattoo styles. If you’re interested in a Maori tattoo, Tristan is the man to call.

Fabian Bidart

Growing up in Santiago, Chile, Fabian was initially drawn to tattoo artistry through the local music scene, and soon started working from a friend’s shop when he was still just a teenager. From working with and learning from other tattoo artists in Spain, Fabian finally settled in New Zealand in 2007 where he continues to refine his art. If you’re searching for classic traditional tattooing, Fabian is your man!

Jacob Cross

Jacob Cross does a regular guest spot at Sunset Tattoo. He is always available for consultations. He is fast becoming one of New Zealand's best known Traditional tattoo artists. His no-nonsense, bold, bright, traditional style has its roots firmly in American and European tattoo history.