Ink That Speaks – Black & Grey Tattoos That Last
There’s a moment, right after the machine stops, when the room shifts. You can feel it ⎯ The breath gets deeper. The shoulders drop. Something invisible lets go...
That’s my favourite part of tattooing — not the stencil, not the shading, but the silence that comes after. The release. It’s in the tears people didn’t expect. The laugh that breaks through the quiet. The look they give the mirror — like they’re meeting the strongest version of themselves for the first time. People think tattoos are about pain tolerance. They’re not. They’re about transformation tolerance. Ink has this strange kind of magic — it turns the hardest chapters into something beautiful. It rewrites what tried to break you into something that now protects you. What used to feel like a wound becomes a reminder of your power. The story that once made you heavy becomes the art that helps you rise. It’s not therapy — it’s ownership. It’s claiming space in your own skin again. It’s saying, “That happened… and I’m still here. Stronger. Clearer. Proud.” That’s the real high of tattooing. Not the adrenaline. Not the look. But the freedom.
Ink speaks the words we can’t always find — and when it does, it leaves people lighter, stronger, and just a little more in love with who they’re becoming.
Ink That Lasts, Art That Speaks
Located in the Stunning Eastern, BOP, NZ.
19 Jellicoe Court,
KAWERAU.
Email: judgemyinktattoos@gmail.com
BUT bEFORE WE GET INTO ALL OF THAT
STEP 1 — Understand Your Why
Before you pick a design, slow down.
Ask yourself:
“Why do I want this tattoo — and what do I need it to say for me?”
Some people already know exactly what they want — they just want an artist who can translate it into something deeper. Others just feel ready, but don’t quite have the words yet. Either way, start with your intention.
- Is this tattoo for healing, expression, memorial, or milestone?
- Does it represent an old chapter closing, or a new one opening?
- What do you want to feel when you see it every day?
'' Tip: If you can describe the emotion — not just the image — we can help bring it to life.
Think of your “why” as the heartbeat of your design. Everything else flows from that.
STEP 2 — Explore Your What & Where
Once you’ve found your why, start shaping the what.
'' Design Considerations
- Theme or Style: Black-and-grey realism, fine line, portrait, sacred symbolism, abstract — what energy fits you?
- Size: Do you want a statement piece or a subtle one?
- Longevity: Tattoos age; bigger areas and smoother shading last better than micro detail.
'' Placement & Flow
- Where will it live? Arm, leg, chest, back, ribs?
- Does it need to line up with something you already have?
- Do you want it visible daily or easy to cover?
Think long-term. Your body is a gallery — we’re just the curators helping the stories flow together.
'' Judge’s Tip: Tape a printed outline or draw a shape where you’re thinking.
Live with it for a few days — see if it still feels right.
STEP 3 — Get Artist-Ready
Once you know your direction, it’s time to prep for the conversation.
Have these ready before messaging:
- A short description of what you want or what it means to you.
- Reference images or keywords (vibe, mood, tone — not someone else’s exact tattoo).
- Placement + size estimate (e.g. “inner forearm, about 15 cm”).
- Availability — half-day, full-day, or date preferences.
- Budget range — we’ll guide you on what’s realistic.
Being ready with this info helps us quote accurately and design something perfect for you.
It also shows you’re serious — and that earns you priority in the booking queue.
'' Artist’s kōrero: Tattoos aren’t impulse buys — they’re collaborations.
The more you prepare, the more powerful the final piece becomes.
If you’re done all 3 of those then ‘Congratulations’ your Awesome! Let’s have a chat.
Make an enquiry
