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INFORMATION

JAPANESE TATTOOING/HORIMONO 

Japanese Tattooing dates back several thousand years to the Edo period. There is much information online about this subject and the customer is invited to research for themselves. At The Tattooed Heart we offer traditional and contemporary Japanese Tattooing. A traditional Japanese body suit is the pinnacle of Tattooing/Tattoo Art/Horimono. A Japanese body suit incorporates Classic motifs tied together with a holistic approach to the person receiving the suit. The main subject usually is displayed on the Japanese backpiece with the limbs complementing the body suit. It is not uncommon for an entire body suit to be outlined before shading begins. In the western world it is common practice to begin Japanese tattooing with a sleeve, either half sleeve, full sleeve or full sleeve and chest panel, possibly a full leg tattoo (i.e. ‘leg-sleeve’ - a relatively new phenomenon). Japanese tattooing can be monochromatic or full-colour usually utilising a simple colour palette, but in modern times using many more bright western style colours. There is a traditional formula of balance between the dark background and the lighter brighter foreground. Adam Craft has spent 30 years travelling to japan and abroad studying his preferred style of Tattooing which is Japanese. He tattoos mostly by machine but will perform Tebori (handTattooing) upon request. All artists at The Tattooed Heart love & respect Japanese tattooing and are well versed in the style. Further reading: A history of Japanese body suit tattooing (Mark Poysden/Marco Bratt) The Japanese Tattoo (Sandi Fellman) Wabori - traditional Japanese tattoo (Kingyo press)


TRADITIONAL TATTOOING

The term traditional Tattooing or ‘old-school tattoo’ applies to any established cultural form of the art. More often it is associated with traditional Western Tattooing Americana and more recently neotraditional. The proud lineage of traditional Street Shop Tattooing worn by soldiers, sailors and working people for centuries is a tried and true form of Tattooing and is more popular now than ever. From military to hipster and all classes of people traditional Tattooing is easily recognisable and timeless. Following the basic rules of solid line work expressive black whip shading and bright bold colour is essential to creating the correct look of traditional Tattooing. At The Tattooed Heart the artists are experts at this formula and style. Whether you have a tattoo custom-designed in traditional style or select from the predrawn traditional flash designs, you will be guaranteed to end up with an excellent piece of art and history!

COVERUP TATTOOS

At The Tattooed Heart we are experts at coverups. If you have an old or unwanted tattoo, talk to us to explore your options. We have a state of the art high performance Q Switch YAG laser tattoo removal machine in store, this can be used to fade or completely remove an old tattoo. A quick consult can determine if laser fade is needed for your tattoo coverup and how many treatments may be needed. Alternatively we can rework an existing old, faded or inferior tattoo, giving it the upgrade you deserve. This usually would involve relining and/or recolouring the existing work. Adam Craft has 25 years experience in the art of tattoo coverups and is willing to accept any challenge. He acquired these skills from studying other tattooists and working with experts worldwide. Many tattoo artists will not perform coverups as they can not be sure of a good result, Adam has the ability to creatively visualise an excellent outcome to your coverup every time.

 

BLACK AND GREY TATTOOS

Black and grey monochromatic Tattooing takes many forms From fine line portraiture, monochrome traditional, single needle realism, jail style/Cholo style, joint style, grey wash, stippling, mandalas, etching, floral etc etc. At The Tattooed Heart the artists are experts at running the machines correctly to do this style. They are well versed in the traditions and the correct look of black and grey Tattooing.

STIPPLE/DOTWORK TATTOOS

Stippling or dot work Tattooing is a classic form of black work tattoo. Often used to differentiate between smooth grey shading stippling is an acquired skill. Frequently used to shade everything from Mandala’s, portraits, animals, skulls or flowers stippling can be varied and versatile. All the artists at The Tattooed Heart are experts in this style!


REALISM/PORTAIT TATTOOS

Realistic Tattooing has always existed in the Tattoo world. The massive resurgence in popularity of recent times has been driven by increased artistic ability, photo shop and a broader range of colour palette. Some photographic subjects lend themselves better to realistic Tattooing. Generally the larger scale the photo the easier it is to render onto the skin also giving it more longevity over the years as your skin ages. At The Tattooed Heart we can give expert advice regarding realism Tattooing and are more than capable of rendering an expert result.

LETTERING

Lettering in tattoos has always been common and is now more popular than ever! from tiny simple lettering to digital font, script both basic and fanciful, seriphs, flowing names, hearts, banners, traditional old school lettering at The Tattooed Heart we do it all large or small! custom or walk in. Freehand or design.


WATER COLOUR TATTOOS

The term watercolour Tattoo has become very popular recently but it has existed for quite some decades, Ed Hardy truly mastered this form. There are no limits as to what can be done with watercolour style tattoos, for a consultation of work of this type contact us here at The Tattooed Heart


TATTOO PAIN RELIEF

Does it hurt? You bet it does! All tattoos have a degree of discomfort or pain involved unless you use pain relief. The best management for pain is being healthy, well fed and well rested. There are three basic types of pain relief for tattoos: 1: External predeadener anaesthetic. 2: External numbing agent for use on broken skin. 3: Internal numbing agents. At The Tattooed Heart we use and recommend an excellent pre-deadening pain relieving cream that we stock and sell in store. This has been thoroughly trialed and tested prior to being used on customers and has guaranteed results. Apply the cream to the area being tattooed one hour prior and wrapped in plastic wrap. During the tattoo process we can apply a numbing agent to the area that is outlined and if left for five minutes it will numb the skin for 1-3 hours. Internal numbing agents include substances taken orally such as paracetamol or other painkillers. Caution should be exercised in these matters! Alcohol and drugs are not recommended for pain relief.


 

F.A.Q

HOW DO I BOOK IN FOR A TATTOO?

For the fastest response please call us on 093792662 with any questions you might have, or fill out a tattoo request form on our website and we will get back to you ASAP. Please include tattoo subject, size, placement and any other relevant information.
If you are after custom tattooing by one of our artists, we can advise of the best artist for the style. Reception can book you a consultation to discuss your tattoo idea. Consults are usually in the morning or the evening.
Once you and the artist decide on a design they can give you an idea of how long it will take as well as an estimate or quote.
Alternatively, you can call ahead for availability or try a walk-in.

WHAT STYLE OF TATTOOING DO YOU DO?

The artists at The Tattooed Heart are experts in all styles of tattooing and specialise in a diverse range of forms including traditional ‘old school’ tattooing, americana ‘flash’, neo traditional modern, Japanese (horimono/irezumi), Black and grey (Cholo style), script lettering, Maori Ta Moko, Pacific (tribal tattooing), black work, realism (full colour), fine line, stippling, dot work, fantasy & illustrative.
The shop has a huge range of pre-priced tattoo ‘flash’ designs available and we can custom draw anything for you.
We are capable of everything from the smallest tattoo to complete tattoo body suits.
‘Large or small, we do it all!’

WHAT IS THE PRICE FOR A TATTOO?

The cost of your tattoo will vary depending on the size degree of difficulty and time it will take. The best approach is to book a consultation with the artist of your choice to discuss your options.
Alternately feel free to view the pre-priced tattoo flash designs in store.

WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED?

The Tattooed Heart is in the heart of Te Atatu Peninsula in the prominent building - The Point. You will find us on the Gunner Drive side of the building.

 

The Tattooed Heart
Unit 4B, The Point

571 Te Atatu Rd

Te Atatu Peninsula

Auckland 0610
 

Easily found on Google maps.


Parking: There is ample street parking outside the studio and in the surrounding streets.

DO I NEED TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT?

We usually have tattoo artists available for walk-ins most times. All the artists have tattoo flash designs ready to go and are happy to do them for you, time permitting.
Custom Tattooing will usually need an appointment as it can take longer to design, unless it is free hand.
Some of the tattooists at The Tattooed Heart have longer waiting times than others but will fit you in ASAP.

HOW OLD DO YOU NEED TO BE?

The Auckland Council bylaws specify a person must be 18 or older (with ID) to get tattooed, the exception is 16 years old with parental accompaniment, ID & signature.

WHAT IS THE MINIMUM PRICE?

For the sterile set up the minimum is $150.
We provide quality work using the highest standard equipment, hygiene and skill.
You know you are in safe hands at The Tattooed Heart.

DO YOU HAVE ANY SPECIALS?

All of the tattoo artists flash designs are specially priced as these are pieces they would especially like to do.
Our hourly rate for large scale ongoing work is $200 per hour.
We have NO amateurs working at the studio so we don’t have an apprentice rate.
All of our artists have years of experience so are highly skilled and fast workers guaranteeing you value for money.

DO I NEED TO PAY A DEPOSIT FOR AN APPOINTMENT?

Yes, Normally the deposit is half of the total amount for the tattoo depending on the cost and time involved.
Deposits are nonrefundable and are redeemed at the completion of the tattoo.
Cancellations or rescheduling requires 48 hours notice, if you postpone your tattoo the deposit will be held as a credit.
The deposit system is in place to protect the artist and client and ensure obligations are met.

WHAT ARE YOUR SHOP HOURS?

Tuesday to Saturday 10am-6pm.
Sunday and Monday by appointment only.
Often the artists work after hours by appointment.

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO FOR MY APPOINTMENT?

Please be on time for your appointment.
Be well rested and well fed, no alcohol, drugs, or hangovers please.
The healthier you feel, the better your experience will be.
If you wish to use numbing cream from The Tattooed Heart please shave the area, apply the ointment & wrap in plastic one hour before

HOW DO I LOOK AFTER MY NEW TATTOO?

Remove the bandage after one hour.
Wash your tattoo twice daily in hot soapy water.
Gently pat the tattoo dry, apply after-care cream from The Tattooed Heart twice daily.
Do not pick, scratch or rub your fresh tattoo .
Keep your tattoo out of the dirt, sunlight, salt or chlorine water for 10 days minimum.
If you exercise or sweat on the fresh tattoo, wash it and apply fresh ointment.

ARE YOU GUYS THE BEST?

Yes we are! Hope to see you soon, thanks.

 

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