Her Magazine is New Zealand’s only women’s business lifestyle magazine! Her Magazine highlights the achievements of successful and rising New Zealand businesswomen. Her Magazine encourages a healthy work/life balance.
Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/76572
:the thrill of the permanent Tattoos are an expression of . . when I turned to put the machine down he fainted and caught me straight on the nose. I put a paper towel up it to stem the bleeding and when it stopped we packed it out and finished the tattoo! Q: How much does a tattoo cost? A: A tattoo can start at $120. Anything that takes more than four hours will be charged an hourly rate of $140. Q: Is there anything you wouldn't do? A: We won't do anything gang related and it's a personal choice not to do anything socially unacceptable like swastikas. Placement wise, we generally won't tattoo the face, neck or hands, but everything else is totally open for discussion. Quite often we'll talk someone out of a design if we feel it would cause them problems or prevent future employment. We're all judged by our appearance first off and although tattoos are widely accepted in workplaces there is a stigma attached to visible tattoos. Q: Are females in your industry treated any differently to males? A: Not so much now, but it used to be difficult for females to get a start in this traditionally 'blokey' industry. You've got to be pretty tough as a chick to make it. Some people you tattoo are a little on the rough side. The whole industry is realising it's more about the art than the attitude. Q: What does someone need to do to become a tattoo artist? What training/education do you need? A: You need to do an apprenticeship ideally so you can learn safely. There are not many spots and you have to be dedicated and work hard. Q: What benefit does participating in conventions and shows have? A: It's hard to be out of the studio environment, but it's good to keep you on your toes and get some exposure to other artists. It's good to be thrown out of your comfort zone working on an adrenaline rush having people watch you work. Q: Where do you see the art of tattooing 10 years from now? A: More people will get tattooed until it becomes so main stream it won't be cool anymore then it will die off like the piercing industry did. Only the strong will survive. 5 pieces of advice to consider before you get a tattoo: 1. Research your artist and studio. The best way is by word of mouth. 2. Check the place is sterile and your safety is being addressed – autoclaved equipment, single use needles, clean environment. 3. Don't hunt based on price 4. Listen to the artist's ideas and advice 5. Care for your tattoo as instructed. Bonus tip: Winter is the best time to get full backs or sleeves done because you can cover up while it's healing and before the big reveal when it's finished. Tattoos are an expression of . . 28 | www.hermagazine.co.nz | www.hermagazine.co.nz Photographer: Matt Cook