How Tattoo Artists See Wellington’s Tattoo Scene (Spoiler Alert: It’s Buzzing)
Words by Zoë Mills (she/they)
Wellington has a thriving tattoo scene that sets it apart from the rest of Aotearoa. With an annual tattoo convention that welcomes hundreds of eager customers every year, and a thriving independent tattooist scene, Wellingtonians are spoilt for choice when it comes to getting some great ink. As the stigma of tattoos decreases and the number of artists increase, artists are now facing a more competitive industry than ever. Does the rise in numbers of independent artists threaten the quality of tattoos? How does that affect artists in Wellington today? I chatted with two local tattoo artists to understand the current state and future of Wellington’s tattoo scene.
Jun (known as @junbugtattoos on Instagram) is one of the many independent tattoo artists in the city. Being independent means they are not tied to a singular studio. Traditionally, tattoos were only accessible through tattoo shops, but recently more artists are choosing to work from their homes or private studios. “I didn't want to practice in studios… just because I kinda heard from [my friends] that they weren't having the best time,” Jun tells me, referring to the stereotypical ‘boys-club’ culture of traditional tattoo shops. “As a queer person, a person of color already…I didn't really want to have to go through what they were going through just to let them, you know, ‘prove themselves’,” they explain.
The traditional route of becoming a tattoo artist via apprenticeship is notorious; the hazing of apprentices by higher-ups often causes aspiring artists to quit due to mistreatment. Traditional apprenticeships can take years to complete before artists can work, depending on the shop. Now, access to information online has meant that artists can learn how to tattoo without the pressures of the traditional apprenticeship route. Jun bought their first tattoo gun online and soon began tattooing from their bedroom, allowing them to have more creative freedom. “The tools will always be out there for people to access, and it's better that people are able to access information [online] about how to use things safely,” Jun explains.
Jun attributes toxic shop culture to the decline in apprenticeships being taken up in Pōneke. While there are plenty of places that are inclusive and cooperative, Jun notes that there are still a lot of shops where there is a major power imbalance between apprentice and employer. “It can be a bit of an old boys club, and that inherently excludes anybody else that doesn't fit that mould,” Jun explains.
The decrease in available apprenticeships has also led to a major rise in independent artists like Jun working across Pōneke. Independent artists tend to appeal to a younger clientele, mostly students. In a post-covid economy, working independently allows artists to earn more without having to pay for a studio space.
However, tattoo artist John Roberts doesn't think that traditional tattoo parlours in Wellington are losing out on business anytime soon. John explained that there are still people that are “far more comfortable to go into a tattoo shop than they are to go to someone's house or flat and into the personal space and get stuff done,” he explains. “You also have a bit of recourse [in a shop] if something doesn't go well. It is a safer place to be tattooed,” he says. “I had a studio in Hawke's Bay for 23 years, and that was always inclusive. It was raucous at times… but it was still a safe place to get tattoos. We were about doing tattoos. It [was] not about being assholes,” he says.
John Wayne Roberts (@john_monsta on Instagram) has been tattooing for over 25 years. Now 53 years old, John is well-established in Wellington's tattoo scene as an artist specialising in bold, neo-traditional Japanese designs. “Wellington is pumping,” John tells me, describing the scene as “very busy” yet lacking in skilled artists. He practises both at Union Tattoo in the CBD and at ATB Tattoo in Ōtaki. Now more than ever, there are thousands of online resources teaching amateurs how to tattoo from the comfort of their own home. I ask him if he thinks this is a bad thing. “[It’s] kind of good, because I do cover ups, so I can fix it,” he chuckles. “I think people are gonna do it anyway, I did it,” he tells me.
Both Jun and John agree that social media strengthens their business, but John also describes it as “necessary evil”. While social media has allowed both independent and studio artists to reach a wide range of potential clients, the nature of Instagram can force artists to conform to the algorithm. “It's so hard for us to play into the algorithm because neither of us want to show our face,” Jun sighs. “The tattooing process is supposed to be a respectful, private space that is in the control of the person getting tattooed. And I feel like if I was in a vulnerable position, I wouldn’t really want a camera in my face,” they explain.
So what’s trendy in Wellington? John and Jun both said “fine line”.
Fine line tattoos have exploded in popularity in the last decade, largely due to the stigmatisation of having tattoos in the workplace. Since 2017, “fine line tattoo” has increased in Google searches by 90%. The popularity of the style can be attributed to its subtle nature. This means that clients no longer have to commit to bold traditional styles to experience getting inked. John notes that while fine line work is simple, it’s difficult to execute well. “Things at the moment have gotten really simplistic,” John tells me.
Even though he specialises in more traditional tattooing, John frequently finds himself working on fine line pieces. He tells me that “flash days”—events where pre-designed ‘flash’ tattoos are given all day—are getting increasingly popular with young people as well. He finds younger clients are more likely to show up and “pick shit off a wall” than ask for custom designs. While John’s regular clientele is “maybe ten clients, which is a pretty small number”, most of his clients are interested in getting very large pieces done.
In comparison to John’s bold style, Jun’s portfolio displays an eclectic mix of delicate linework, fairies, and illustrative magical beings. “I will never get bored [tattooing] femme figures, flowing fabrics, fairies, and little cute animals,” they say. Jun describes their clientele as a “really nice little circle” of individuals aged 20-30, and uni students who “walk a similar way of life”.
It’s clear that Wellington’s tattoo scene is absolutely pumping and is unlikely to slow down anytime soon. And as more artists swap pens for tattoo guns, Jun says that it’s up to the emerging artists to honour the process and to keep client respect at the forefront of the practice. “Tattooing is a very specific art form. Because it's not just you doing it individually, your actions are going to impact the life and health of another person,” they explain. “You need to respect that and also the other person. And if you're not doing that, you probably shouldn't be tattooing.”