Frequently Asked Questions

Do you do piercing?

No. I also don't sell rings or other piercing paraphenalia.

Will the tattoo hurt?

Yes.

How much will it hurt?

Pain is very relative. There are so many variables to consider such as where we're going to place the design, your personal pain threshold, length of our session, use of numbing product beforehand, etc ... But, yeah, tattoos hurt. I've had ones that felt like a minor annoyance (outside of arms and legs), and some that I found unbearable (inner elbow-ditch). I'm happy to discuss this during our consultation.

Do you do Tāmoko?

As much aroha as I have for Māori, Te Reo and tikanga, I'm not Māori. There are amazing artists right here in Motueka who specialise in Tāmoko. If I were to ever get blessings from the local elders to do Tāmoko then I would consider it but, for now, I'm happy to humbly refer you to the experts.

Why don't you answer your phone?

I do answer my phone during business hours when I'm not with a client. I give clients my full attention and focus. I'll do the same for you when it's your time. It's also unhygenic for me to grab a phone during a session.

I do not ignore people. Leave us a message and I'll get to it ASAP. For discussing designs, I prefer face-to-face. I'm a visual person and like to sketch while we talk. Book a consultation. It's free and you're worth it.

Why do you charge a deposit? I've never had to do that before.

It is common practice in the tattoo industry (and other personal service fields) to charge a deposit. This deposit covers what I put into your session beforehand: the time I spend drawing up your design, preparing your stencil and setting up your session with hygenic materials I can't reuse once opened. It also covers the time I've set aside for you in my schedule. If you don't show up, I've lost that time and money. Someone else could have taken that spot.

The deposit is refundable or transferable to a rescheduled session if you give notice via email, phone or text 0204 108 0001 within 48-hours of your scheduled appointment.

Why do I need to book a half-day session? I only want a small tattoo. It shouldn't take that long.

Sittings are blocked out for half-days. If your session is shorter, you'll only be charged the agreed upon hourly rate or price that I've quoted you. I just don't generally take more than two sessions on the same day. For larger projects, you can book back-to-back sessions on the same day if advised in our consultation.

Why are your prices so high? I can get it done cheaper elsewhere.

Then go there. I charge according to the amount of time, money and work I've put into this artform. I value my time and my skills. If you want a cheaper tattoo, I have no problem with that. I just don't do them.

If you use my artwork with another tattooist ..... not cool. They should know better.

Do you use vegan inks?

All of my inks are vegan.

Can I bring my mates along?

I encourage you to bring just one person with you. I have a small private studio and I find it distracting when I feel the pressure to play host to a crowd. In fact, I find that having another person with you can actually make the process go smoother. Three is a magic number: you, your supportive +1 and me.

Can I bring my kids?

Unfortunately, I have a strict no-children policy. I love kids, raised three myself, but can't have them in my tattoo studio when I'm trying to stay focused on my work.

Can I bring my dog?

Mr. Fluffs needs to stay at home. I'm not a predjudiced cat person, but I can't have dogs in my studio as I work hard to keep it as hygenic as possible. This is for your safety and for others who come after you.

Do you mind if I bring some grog when I'm getting a tat, bro?

Yes, I do mind. Alcohol thins your blood, which makes tattooing very difficult. I need to see the stencil and my linework, and I need to see it clearly. I also need you to be able to sit still. If you're drunk, you're probably going to find that difficult. I reserve the right to refuse service to anyone who is intoxicated. It's nothing personal, I still love you. Just come back when you're sober. (You'll also lose your deposit for that session, so you may want to consider that.)

Your music sucks. Shouldn't we play my own playlist since I'm the client?

I'm pretty open to listening to your music, but my jams put me "in the zone", even if they're like fifty years old. Since I'm the one holding the needles, it makes sense that I'm the one "in the zone". Having said that, I'm not a DJ, I'm a tattoo artist. If you've got something amazing to share, then I'm all ears. But if you're just going to play the same 10 songs on repeat, I'll probably put my noise-cancelling headphones on.

Who are The Beatles?

Get out of my studio.

I'm kidding. But just .... wow. The Beatles are a band from the 1960s. They were kind of a big deal.
Here you go. You're welcome.

Do you have any problem with me using numbing cream before our sesh?

Nope. I love the stuff and have used it on a few of my own tats. Some artists say it changes the texture of the skin, but I've not noticed it enough for it to make a difference. You do need to apply it properly and keep it wrapped in cling-wrap for an hour beforehand for it to have any effect, though.

Are you LGBTQ+ friendly?

Yes. Enough said. Well, it should be enough, but I should add that, while I'm straight, I won't appreciate someone banging on about their phobic views during our session. I just don't go there.

Why did you get into tattooing?

I've always had a love for the visual arts since the time they hung my huge dragon watercolour in the front of the high school. I've done formal training in education and in digital tech, but I'm a late-bloomer when it comes to tattooing. My passion for this artform is intense, just ask my whānau and friends who have put up with nearly every conversation ending up about tattooing for the last few years.

How long have you been tattooing?

I started my tattoo journey in 2023, enrolling in courses, working on silicon mats and seeking advice/feedback from mentors with many years of experience. I started tattooing on skin in 2024. First myself, then on one of my mentors. I opened up for bookings in 2025. All of this is documented on Instagram, along with hundreds of my drawings.

Are you autistic or something?

Yes, I'm autistic. I'm also a tattoo artist. I'm also a parent. I'm also a husband. I'm also a friend. I'm also a spiritual seeker. I'm also a writer. I'm also a human. I'm a lot of things. To be perfectly honest, I love how I am most of the time. If reincarnation is a thing, I'm definately signing up for this again.

I grew up in an era where these things were not understood and were, instead, shamed and shunned. I'm pretty good at hiding it when needed, but I surround myself with people who understand the value of loving and being loved. At the end of the day, this is what matters.

I'm not a robot, I'm not a savant, I'm not a genius. I'm just another imperfect human who strives to give their best to others.

Who designed your website? It's mean as.

Me. Cheers!

Who did all the drawings on your site?

Me, again. ❤