How to support tattoo artists during quarantine

COVID-19 has thrown a gremlin in the works in many industries in New Zealand and around the world. As getting tattooed is a fairly intimate experience (aka: artists and clients are in close proximity to one another) it’s definitely hard to maintain the two metres of distance as recommended during the Coronavirus pandemic. Tattoo shops in Auckland, along with other service establishments like as barbers and hair salons have had to shut up shop to help do their bit and keep their communities safe from the devastating virus spreading further. So what can we do as clients, friends and art enthusiasts to help cushion the blow that our favourite creatives are feeling right now? Here are a few, easy ways in which you can show your favourite artists love right now:

Painted by Lucky Felix Tattoo.

SHARING IS CARING!
We know social media can be a bit of a groan or a major time waster sometimes, however it can be used for good, too. If you like so many others out there are glued to your screen right now, mindlessly scrolling, how about use that time to help show the world your favourite artists? Many tattoo artists are drawing, painting and creating so much cool art during self- isolation, and you can show your appreciation by engaging with them online, such as sharing a post to show your friends, family, and anyone who follows you. This is super easy, it takes hardly anytime at all and is free promotion for artists who may really be feeling uneasy about the current economic climate. Make sure you tag the artist if you repost, so people who see it on your feed or story knows where to check them out!

WIP: Healed front and shoulder project by Magali Corpas.

SHARE PHOTOS OF YOUR HEALED TATTOOS!
Tattoo artists LOVE seeing photos of their healed work. As well as showing your online bubble their creative isolation endeavours, you can also show off your healed tattoos from a pre-corona virus era.. Ahh, the good old days. Not only is it super helpful for artists to see how their work is settling in post healing, or how banging it looks a few years down the track, it can also give them content to share to their pages to help them pop up in peoples feeds or explore sections. Instagram is a really important tool for tattoo artists nowadays, as it’s essentially a virtual portfolio to show future clients their work. Much like line-drawing books, an instagram page is a way for people to scroll through and get inspiration for their next tattoo.

Healed collaboration from Manawa Tapu and Tom Tom.

MAKE FUTURE APPOINTMENTS!
Due to borders and regions potentially being closed for the foreseeable future, there’s a good chance you’re going to be stuck in Auckland or New Zealand for a little while. After a month no Uber eats, partying and online shopping, you could even be finding yourself better off financially than you were before the lockdown, especially if you’re fortunate enough to be in an industry that can easily operate from home. Been wondering when is a good time to start that back piece? Do it now! Love that piece of flash that’s still available? Book it in! When tattoo shops open back up when things are getting back to normal, there are going to be a whole bunch of people stuck in the area wanting to get tattooed, so skip the line and start making enquiries now.

BUY VOUCHERS!
We sell tattoo gift vouchers through our web-store. They make great gifts, either for yourself or somebody else. If someone you know loves getting tattooed and has a birthday coming up, vouchers are a great gift, as people can book in in their own time, with the artist of their choice. You can also buy yourself a voucher as a way to support the studio which is unable to operate, and help ease the burden of zero cash flow. A win win, as you get tattooed, and studios get to stay open! Consider it a pre-payment towards your next tattoo.

BUY APPAREL!
Keep your eye out for Corona-drip, in other words new apparel from your favourite tattoo artists! For announcements, be sure to be checking our facebook, instagram and website for up to date information.

Painting by Capilli Tupou, prints rumoured to be coming soon!

BE KIND!
The easiest and most important way you can show support is by being kind to one another. Make your interactions with artists positive, this weird time has got people feeling shaken up, and might be expressing themselves quite vulnerably right now. Feeling supported in a time of almost zero face to face social interaction can help people feel like they’re not alone in their uncertainty. A like, a share, a smile and a kind comment goes a long way right now. Treat yourselves and each other with kindness and respect, because at the end of it all, we are really all in this together.

Back piece concept painted by Horimatsu Bunshin, contact the studio for more information.

Sunset Tattoo is a friendly central Auckland tattoo studio, specialising in Japanese, Maori, western traditional
and black work tattooing. All welcome! To create a booking with an artist, an enquiry about a custom or flash design, or for any other guidance please contact the studio. We look forward to seeing you all again soon, stay safe and take care.

CONTACT:
www.sunsettattoo.co.nz
info@sunsettattoo.co.nz

Let's talk about tatts, baby! Lockdown interview with Tebori artist Horimatsu Bunshin.

At Sunset Tattoo in Auckland, we are striving to be the official home of Japanese tattooing in New Zealand. We have a handful of super talented artists who have chosen to specialise in this widely revered style of tattooing. Today we’re talking to Horimatsu Bunshin, who was born in Osaka, Japan, and specialises in Tebori tattooing. Tebori is a traditional Japanese method of hand poke tattooing, using an instrument called a “Nomi”. A Nomi is a hand held, long instrument usually made from wood with needles at the tip which insert ink into the skin. “Tebori” translates to “hand carving” which sounds a little frightening, but most clients find this traditional process to be a lot less painful and traumatic on the skin. Horimatsu uses modern machinery when outlining his tattoos, as this is method is far superior when it comes to pulling clean lines, especially when the subject matter being tattooed has a lot of curve to it. All shading is done by Tebori. Horimatsu has travelled many places around the world to travel and tattoo, and when not tattooing at Sunset, you can generally find Horimatsu on Cross Street dining at his favourite lunch spot, the much celebrated dumpling spot Top Cafe (shout out to Frank!) or having a relaxed cold one in the sun post work day. Horimatsu Bunshin, Let’s talk about tatts, baby!

Ryu (dragon) Irezumi back piece by Horimatsu Bunshin - all shading done by hand using traditional Japanese method called “Tebori”.

Sunset: Hi Horimatsu, would you mind if I asked you a couple of questions over lockdown?
Horimatsu: Of course, let’s do it! We have plenty of time haha!

Botan (peonies) by Horimatsu Bunshin.

What is your name, where are you from and how old are you?
I am Horimatsu Bunshin, I’m from Osaka, Japan and I’m 37 years old.

Have you always tattooed using Tebori, or have you tattooed using modern machinery too? If so, what made you decided to exclusively use tebori?
Yes I have tried both. I couldn’t make tattoos as solid as I can with Tebori by using a tattoo gun. Tebori tattoo is my taste, what I want my tattoos to look like. All my work is shaded by Tebori, also some thick lines too. Normal outlining is done by machine.

What is tebori like? Does it hurt more, does it take a lot longer to tattoo?
Most of my customers said, Tebori hurts less than gun. I think so too.

What have you been up to during lockdown?
Watching Netflix, painting, playing with Tom’s kids* and little bit studying English.. just a little, haha!

Kitsune (fox) masks by Horimatsu Bunshin.

(*PSA: Tom and his family are of course in a bubble with Horimatsu, no social distancing rules being broken here!).

You’ve travelled a lot for work, have you lived in lots of different places?
I’ve lived in Melbourne and Barcelona, other times I was always on the road moving and travelling somewhere else.

Are there particular rules you have to pay attention to when doing Irezumi/traditional Japanese tattoos?
I really care about the correct combinations of subjects! To be honest I don’t care too much about meaning, I always love to tattoo good, orthodox, traditional Japanese subjects.

In 2020, what do you want to do more of tattoo wise?
Japanese background! I haven’t done a lot of big tattoos while I’ve been here, but big pieces with background are always good!

Are you enjoying living in Auckland?
I’ve been enjoying it here so far, I like it. It’s pretty different here!

Back piece by Horimatsu Bunshin!

When did you start tattooing? Did you do a typical apprenticeship?
No I didn’t. I learned tattooing by myself when I was 16 years old. In the beginning I was tattooing using only a machine. I started learning Tebori about eight years ago.

What do you like doing while you’re not tattooing?
I like having nothing to do, and to just chill.

I’ve never been to Japan, but I hear tattoos can be a bit of an issue. What do people think about tattoos in Japan?
Yes it is, that’s why tattoo are worth more in Japan, I think. Not many people have them, so it means you are quite different, it’s cool. That’s just my opinion though, most Japanese people wouldn’t think so. Most of Japanese people are scared of tattooed guys! So I wear long shirt and long pants in public places in Japan, even if it’s too boiling I do! Just our of respect for them. But for travellers, when you’re in Japan you don’t need to cover up your tatts, people wouldn’t be scared to you if you don’t look Japanese.

Torso dragon by Horimatsu Bunshin.

Where is the first place that you’re going to go and eat when you get out of lockdown?
Top Cafe. Is that the exact answer you wanted Rosie!?

How’s your kiwi slang going?
I don’t know.. just I like “Leshgooooo!!!” 

Sunset: LESSSHHHGOOOOO!!
Horimatsu: LESSSSHHGOOOOOOO!! 

Sunset: Thank you very much Horimatsu! Can’t wait to catch up with everyone once we’re out of lockdown!
Horimatsu: LESSSSSHGOOOO.

For requests and bookings with Horimatsu Bunshin, please contact the studio:
www.sunsettattoo.co.nz
info@sunsettattoo.co.nz

What you need to know about cover up tattoos

If you saw the 90s theres a chance you’ve got a tattoo you’re thinking about getting covered up. Perhaps an awkward Chinese character you thought mean into “fire” (because you’re an Aries!) actually translates closer to “BBQ lamb shoulder”. Although many of us wear these nostalgic mementos with pride, sometimes you just want to see them gone. So what are your options? Can tattoos be covered up? Can tattoos be removed? Do I have to cut my skin off? I don’t even eat lamb! Help! 

Husband hands!?

The answer is yes.. sort of, mostly. We are lucky enough to live in a day and age that we do not have to keep the tattoos we can’t stand on our bodies forever. We have options now! One of these options is a cover up. However there are a few rules and guidelines when it comes to cover up tattoos that you should know.

Certain styles work really, really well as cover ups. Generally speaking, your best options are American/western traditional, Japanese and heavy blackwork. Tattoos have to bright, bold and solid in order for ink to cover up the existing tattoo underneath. Also, the tattoo will usually have to be quite a lot bigger than the original for full coverage. It’s important to consult with an artist to plan it out properly, to make sure you’re on the same page and it can physically be done. Our artists who specialise in these styles are super good at covering up tattoos, and are more than happy to talk to clients about what can work.

Certain tattoo styles such as realism, fine line and pattern work such as Ta Moko are a little trickier, as these styles usually require a lot of negative skin space to be effective. Due to this, our artists who specialise in these styles rarely do cover ups. 

Somke weed everyday.

If something with more negative space such as Ta Moko is what you’re really wanting, and no other style will do, don’t give up hope! The best thing is to talk with an artist who specialises in your chosen style, and talk to them about the tattoo you want covered up. They may suggest laser lightening treatment for the tattoo, which will (over time) blast away and lighten the pigment in the skin. During the course of your treatment, keep in touch with your artist and when it’s lightened enough you can get the tattoo you have always wanted without any restrictions in terms of style. Laser, however, is not an instant and quick fix, it does take time. So patience is necessary!

So if you’re thinking about getting a cover up, do some research into styles that work really well, take some photos of the existing piece and get in touch to organise a consultation to make a plan with an artist. If the style you’re into is known to be a bit more tricky, get in touch with the artist anyway as they will advise you the best course of action. Don’t be discouraged, every tattoo is different and there is generally a solution for every tattoo mishap! Sunset Tattoo is here to help you get the tattoo of your dreams :)

Mermaid by Sunset Tattoo resident artist Milky - American traditional works really well to cover existing tattoos!

Contact:
www.sunsettattoo.co.nz
info@sunsettattoo.co.nz
(+649)3763423

Beautiful sleeve study by Bernard Kwok.

Our newest resident artist, Bernard Kwok, joined our team in February and we’ve loved every minute of him being in the studio.

Bringing his high calibre, uber slick and unique Hong Kong and Japanese influenced Western Traditional tattoos to Auckland, New Zealand, Bernard has a loyal clientele at Sunset Tattoo already. Once lockdown is over we’re expecting this to go through the roof.

As well as wild one shot tattoos, Bernard loves doing larger scale work. Here is a recent sleeve study he’s been working on while in isolation. The colour work is super solid and eye catching, and once this is in your skin it isn’t going anywhere! The styles Bernard has been influenced by are tried and true, time crushing classics, and will continue to look good as the years go by.

Sleeve study by Bernard Kwok.

If you’re keen to get this sexy lady tattooed on your body, contact the studio for requests! Also make sure you’re keeping your eyes peeled on ours and Bernards social media for more sneak peeks!

CONTACT:
www.sunsettattoo.co.nz
info@sunsettattoo.co.nz
(+649)3763423

Tattoo aftercare advice from Sunset Tattoo

A simple internet search of “how do I look after my fresh tattoo” can often leave you more confused than informed. Since anyone can put information on the internet, it can be difficult to know what the best instructions to follow are.

At Sunset Tattoo, your artist will talk you through aftercare instructions during your appointment. We also have instructions at reception for you to take home, whether it’s your first tattoo ever or if you’re an old veteran in need of a refresher. 

A few simple instructions, along with some common sense will keep you new tattoo clean, hygienic and help you to make sure your tattoo looks good for life. Remember a new tattoo is essentially an open wound, so cleanliness is super important!

Listen to the advice of your tattoo artist.
Your tattoo artist is a professional in their specialist form of art. Although there are guidelines for tattoo aftercare, something very solid and heavily saturated may need to be treated differently from something finer lined, with little shading and lots of negative space. Just like any wound, the more trauma that is caused (aka the bigger the tattoo) the more healing your body will have to do. So listen to the artist who did your tattoo, as they are the experts and will give you the best advise for healing your unique piece.

Remove bandage after two hours, wash well with warm soapy water and pat dry with a clean towel.
When your tattoo is finished, your artist will wrap your tattoo in plastic wrap or a bandage. This is to be kept on for a minimum of two hours, and can be left on for longer if you aren’t going home straight away. This is where common sense comes in to play. Of course there are a few do’s and don’ts after getting tattooed, including going to the gym and mud wrestling right after your tattoo session. However, if you are returning to work, or going out for dinner after your session you can absolutely leave your wrap on until you return home or to a hygienic environment to clean it properly.
Once the wrap is removed, clean your fresh tattoo with warm, soapy water (the shower is the easiest way to do this) using a liquid soap. An antibacterial soap works really well, as does mild unscented soap. Pat the area dry with a clean paper towel, and definitely not your damp towel you’ve left hanging in the bathroom for a few days!

Let air dry, and apply a small amount of tattoo aftercare cream.
Once you’ve dried the area with a paper towel, let your tattoo breathe and air dry for awhile. Remember your tattoo is an open wound, and it needs to be kept as clean and dry in order to heal. Once fully dry, apply a very small amount of aftercare cream to the area, rub in well (but not aggressively). A good piece of advice for this is LESS IS MORE. This is not sunscreen, you don’t need truckloads. It is to help soothe and protect your tattoo, but it doesn’t need to be lathered onto the skin or leave a thick, heavy barrier. 
We sell an aftercare cream called Protat at the studio, and you can also find options at the pharmacy, such as bepanthen. Light, unscented moisturisers such as cetaphil work really well, just make sure its something that will not irritate the your sensitive healing skin. When in doubt, contact the artist or studio you were tattooed with before using. Repeat twice daily for two weeks.

Protat aftercare cream - we sell and recommend this at Sunset Tattoo

Do not soak in water, swim in the sea or swimming pool.
This is a big one! For two weeks please do not swim. Whether it’s in ocean, lake, river, pool, spa/jacuzzi, what have you! This can really mess up the healing of your tattoo, as well as expose your healing skin to any nasty bacteria which may be in the water. This extends to soaking in the bath, sauna, steam room, etc. Showers and washing is absolutely fine, just no soaking for long periods of time.

Do not expose your tattoo to the sun until completely healed.
Keep your fresh tattoo covered up with loose, comfortable clothing. Exposure to the sun is what fades your tattoo the most, especially while healing. Once your tattoo is healed, you should always put sunscreen on your tattoos to keep them in good shape. Your traumatised skin is also incredibly sensitive during the healing period, so you are a lot more at risk for a nasty burn from the suns damaging UV rays.

No scratching, itching or picking!
This is a no brainer, but do not pick, scratch or itch your tattoo. Your tattoo is going to get itchy. This is where the tattoo cream can be very handy in soothing the itch. Please do not let anyone else touch your tattoo. We are unsure why, but people seem to love touching fresh tattoos on other people. Would you touch someones grazed leg!? We don’t think so. A good rule to follow is unless you are cleaning your tattoo, don’t touch it!

Keep clean at all times.
Just to reiterate: Keep your tattoo clean! Wash and dry regularly, wear clean, lose clothing. Change your sheets regularly and don’t touch it. Simple, really!

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the healing of your tattoo, you should contact the studio you were tattooed at. Everyone has different skin and different immune systems, but if you follow these simple rules you should have no problem at all. If you notice your tattoo becoming inflamed, painful or oozy, you should contact both your tattoo artist and your GP to seek medical advise. Infections are rare, but can happen, and are usually very easily treated with a short course of antibiotics. Sometimes skin can also react to the alcohol your skin is cleaned with prior to the tattoo, or develop a slight rash from when the area is shaved. This is pretty normal, but again contact the studio if you have any questions or concerns, we are always happy to help you out!

CONTACT:
www.sunsettattoo.co.nz
info@sunsettattoo.co.nz
(+649)3763423