Gabby

My name is Gabrielle, Gabby for short. Born and raised in South Africa, living in Tāmaki Makaurau since 2017 and i am so grateful to call it my home. I’ve known I wanted to tattoo since I was a young child watching tattoo reality programs on MTV, but it is a very small industry in conservative countries. It was only when I moved to Aoteoroa that i found community and started pursuing this career full time after a lifetime of making art in other mediums. 

My style of choice is heavily influenced by vintage designs – specifically Art Nouveau – and the reworking of old artworks. I also have a lot of experience with blackout work and have recently been dipping my toes into the world of realism tattooing with a keen focus on chrome effects, with a twist!

I strongly believe in the interconnection between fine art and tattooing, strengthened by my Bachelor of Fine Art obtained at Whitecliffe College of Fine Art in 2019. We are all walking canvases and the art we choose to have on our bodies is a direct reflection of ourselves and how we see ourselves situated in the world.

I try to take a holistic approach to tattooing, centring the client in our interactions and making sure they’re in control. I will offer a word of advice when needed, but ultimately believe the person receiving the tattoo needs to maintain agency in the appointment, granted mutual respect is present. I need the client to get the tattoo, just as much as they need me to do it for them. This connection is pivotal to a beautiful and well-rounded tattoo experience.