The Colourful Koi

Koi is the informal name for nishikigoi, which are colourful Amur carp. They live between 25 – 35 years and represent strength, prosperity, determination, independence, perseverance, and good luck. Japanese people respect and admire the Koi fish and they are a common symbol in tattooing.

Here are some amazing large scale Koi tattoos that have been done here at Sunset.

Traditional Japanese Back piece and Leg Sleeves by @tomtom_tattoo

Koi Fish by @horiyama_

Full traditional Japanese Tebori tattoo sleeve by @horimatsu_bunshin

Full traditional Japanese back piece by @tomtom_tattoo

Feeling inspired? Get in touch with us today info@sunsettattoo.co.nz!

This is just a tribute.. (you've gotta believe it)

Feast your eyes on a selection of tattoo’s our artists have done in tribute to some amazing musicians. Whether you’re a fan of timeless rock or it’s rap your passionate about, you can show your love for your favourites through iconic imagery that will last the test of time!

Email info@sunsettattoo.co.nz for your own music related piece today. Our artists would love to help!

Grateful Dead Skull by Bernard Kwok (@b_kwok)

Gucci Mane Ice cream by Milky (@milky.tattoo)

Grateful Dead bear by Milky (@milky.tattoo)

Thin Lizzy dragon by Bernard Kwok (@b_kwok)

Lord Quas by Milky (@milky.tattoo)

Grateful Dead bear by Milky (@milky.tattoo)

NZ Herald feature our Resident artist Manawa Tapu

Our resident artist and good friend, Manawa Tapu aka Tristan Marler has been featured in the New Zealand Herald! Flip open their Canvas magazine or head to their website to have a read of the write up HERE

We are proud to have Tristan on our team at Sunset Tattoo and it is awesome to see him and his talents recognised in New Zealand’s biggest newspaper!

Tristan (Manawa Tapu) is of Te Rarawa descent, from the Hokianga in the far North. He is trained in Whakairo Rakau (traditional wood carving), graduating from Te Puia National School of Carving. He has been blending his knowledge of carving and Maori art over to the art of Tattooing. Tristan specializes in Ta Moko, Blackwork, pattern work, geometric and dot-work tattoo styles.

Manawa Tapu has been with Sunset Tattoo since it's inception, starting his tattoo career as Tom Tom's apprentice. He is now applying his unique take on this traditional art form to clients from all over the globe.

Check out Tristan’s available prints for sale on his website HERE

If you’d like to book with Tristan for your Tā Moko, please get in touch via email! info@sunsettattoo.co.nz or use our contact form.

Image taken from NZHERALD.CO.NZ

Guest Artist: Jessi James

We are thrilled to announce that the incredible Jessi James will be joining us for a two week stint at Sunset Tattoo! Jessi is a multi disciplined artist who uses illustration, tattooing and photography to study the relationship between mathematical and natural forms.

Hailing all the way from the UK and having recently been in Scotland for a few years, we feel honoured to have Jessi join us for two weeks at our studio.

Spots are filling up fast so get in touch with her to secure your booking whilst she’s still in NZ!

Get in touch with her to make a booking! jessijamestattoo@gmail.com