Inked in the City of Sails: Exploring Auckland's Vibrant Tattoo Scene

Lovingly referred to as the City of Sails, Auckland is known for many things. The stunning harbours showcase the city's connection to the water, the dynamic cultural scene displays the amazing array of backgrounds present in the city and the vibrant and diverse tattoo scene offers a perfect glimpse into the creativity and passion of the tattoo enthusiasts who call this place home. Auckland's tattoo culture offers many beautiful, fun and interesting styles.

Tattoo Styles That Are Popular In Auckland

If you look at different tattoo shops in NZ, you'll see plenty of various styles and creative choices, including:

Traditional Maori Tattoos. Maori culture is deeply connected to Aotearoa, so it's no surprise that you'll find many people proudly sporting stunning Maori-inspired tattoos. These tattoos can range from staunch replications of traditional tattoos to modern art that carries inspiration from Maori culture while still having a 2024 twist on them. If you're of Maori descent or have a strong connection to the culture, a tattoo symbolising your ties to the culture might be perfect for you. 

Minimalist Art. While big and bold tattoos can be striking and awe-inspiring, minimalist tattoos can have a strong impact without taking up too much space or ink. These Auckland tattoos reflect the global trend of simple, clean designs. They often feature fine lines, small symbols or subtle script, making them perfect for those looking for understated elegance or first-time tattoo getters who don't want to get anything too big.

For instance, fine-line tattoos of animals are extremely popular. These beautiful tattoos are a great way to display your favourite animal or creatures you feel connected to. Marine creatures could showcase a connection to the water, a majestic wolf could display power tied to loyalty and so on. 

Delicate lines can also be used to create art like permanent jewellery, adding to your look without being overwhelming.

Geometric Tattoos. Geometric tattoos are another Auckland tattoo trend, and they are appreciated for their symmetry and precision. These beautiful designs can range from simple shapes to complicated patterns and often incorporate elements that are meaningful to the person getting the tattoo. Geometric art can integrate elements of nature, animals, important people or even abstract concepts. They're a fantastic choice if you want to get a meaningful tattoo or simply want something beautiful on your body. 

Watercolour Tattoos. Watercolour tattoos expertly mimic the gorgeous appearance of watercolour paintings, with vibrant colours and fluid brushstrokes that make it appear as if a master painter used you as a canvas. This style can be easily used on both small tattoos that can be easily concealed and large tattoos that take up plenty of space. Just like the art form itself, these tattoos can depict a variety of subjects, so you can get a tattoo that holds meaning for you while enjoying this beautiful style. 

Blackwork Tattoos. In contrast to the often colourful nature of watercolour art, blackwork tattoos use only striking black ink to create bold, high-contrast designs. This style can be impactful and solid, or it can use intricate patterns and shading to depict complex art. One advantage of these deep black tattoos is that they tend to age well, maintaining clarity over time.

What To Think About When Choosing Your Next Tattoo In Auckland

What should you consider when picking your newest tattoo?

Personal Meaning. When picking your new art, it's essential to consider what it means to you. Is it a tribute to a loved one? Symbolism for something important to you? An expression of your identity? 

However, it's also important to know that it's not required for your tattoo to have layers of meaning. Sometimes, people just want something cool, cute or fun on their skin, and that's still a perfectly valid reason to get a new tattoo. These tattoos, although lighthearted, can still show off your unique personality - they say you're someone who cares about art, appreciates life or even that you're someone who just loves making others smile. 

Placement And Size. Of course, think about where you want your tattoo to be and how large it will be. Do you want a beautiful large display on your back? A petite tattoo on your wrist? Or a medium-sized tattoo somewhere else? Remember that some parts of the body are more painful to tattoo, so be sure to research the pain levels and care for different tattoo locations. 

Aftercare And Healing. Proper aftercare is essential to make sure your new tattoo heals well and retains its quality. Before you get your new tattoo in Auckland, speak to your artist about aftercare and the healing process. Healing times can vary, so being aware of what you'll need to do for your specific tattoo is important. 

Discovering Your New Favourite Tattoo Shop In Auckland

One of the most important steps when getting a new tattoo is finding a tattoo shop with talented artists you can trust. At Artero Tattoo, we strive to provide our clients with an incredible experience that ends with tattoos that they'll cherish forever. 

If you'd like to discuss your tattoo dreams with us, we'd be glad to speak with you. To get in touch or to learn more about our booking policy, please call us on 0211478496 or use our contact page.

Artero Tattoo: Step in for a life-changing experience, leave with art you'll treasure.