Meet Ava – Sinatras’ Realism and Portrait Specialist.

Ava grew up in Taupo and made the big move to Wellington in early 2020. After putting together a portfolio and reaching out to studios all over town, she scored an apprenticeship at Sinatra’s Tattoo Studio. Since doing her first tattoo in March 2021, she’s been rocking it for nearly 3.5 years.

Ava’s got a talent for realism, portraits, fineline, and micro tattoos, but she loves experimenting with all sorts of styles. She’s super excited about working at Sinatra’s—“Everyone there is awesome, we have a really cool boss, and the studios vibe and aesthetic is super cool and inspiring.”

When she’s not tattooing, Ava’s into painting, sewing, reading, and watching a ton of TV shows.

Drop by Sinatra’s and check out her amazing work!

Meet Shilo – Sinatras’ Fine Line and Ornamental Expert.

Born in the seaside town of Eastbourne, Lower Hutt, Shilo’s childhood was immersed in the water and boats, fostering a deep connection to nature and creativity. Her journey into tattooing began naturally, inspired by her husband, a tattoo artist, and their shared passion for creativity.

With almost two years of tattooing experience, Shilo’s learning journey has been both intense and magical, thanks to hands-on training from her husband. She specializes in fine line, ornamental, mandala, and floral tattoos, with a focus on how designs complement and flow with the human body. Shilo is also attuned to the spiritual aspects of tattooing, considering how placements and designs align with the body’s energy points.

At Sinatras, Shilo cherishes the tight-knit, family-like atmosphere where long-standing friendships and professional skills intersect, creating a supportive environment for artistic growth.

Outside of tattooing, Shilo enjoys a range of creative pursuits, including spending time with her family on the ocean or in the bush, caring for horses, pottery, and making music

Meet Raz – Sinatras’ Watercolour and Realism Specialist.

Originally from Cuba, Raz moved to New Zealand in 2015 and has been a dedicated tattoo artist since 2002. Starting out as an art student, Rav learned the art of hand poke tattooing from a classmate and graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts in 2004.

Raz specializes in watercolour tattoos, colour realism, and black and grey realism, blending artistic techniques to create stunning, lifelike designs. What Raz enjoys most about working at Sinatras is being surrounded by incredible artists and the vibrant, supportive environment they foster.

Outside of tattooing, Raz is passionate about photography, painting, and CrossFit, constantly exploring new creative and physical outlets.

Meet Ioane – Sinatras’ Realism, Japanese and Anime Expert.

Born and raised in Wellington, with roots in Arlington and Karori, Ioane’s journey into the world of art has been a vibrant adventure. From a young age, his passion for art was clear, but it was Miami Ink that introduced him to the intricacies of tattoo artistry, setting the stage for what would become a remarkable 13-year career.

For Ioane, realism is akin to watching a classic film—timeless and evocative. His Japanese designs capture a whirlpool of elegance and fierceness, while his love for anime reflects the nostalgic joy of childhood Saturday mornings.

When asked what Ioane likes the most about working at Sinatra’s he shares … “Imagine a big dining table with the family sitting around chilling, yarning, mocking, laughing hysterically. That’s what I enjoy the most.”

When he’s not perfecting his craft he’s exploring new corners of the globe, enjoying time with his small but cherished family, or diving into the world of anime.

Meet Kyle: The Artistic Force Behind Sinatras Tattoos!

Kyle is an accomplished tattoo artist originally from Upper Hutt, Wellington. His artistic journey began long before he picked up a tattoo machine; he has always been drawn to art, particularly portrait work. In 2008, after showcasing his impressive portfolio, he was offered a job by a local tattoo artist, a serendipitous opportunity that arose just as his previous employer made redundancies. This pivotal moment set him on a path to pursue tattooing full-time.

In 2011, Kyle fulfilled his dream by opening Sinatras Custom Tattoos. The studio name pays homage to the iconic Rat Pack, particularly Frank Sinatra, whose charisma and dedication to excellence serve as the inspiration behind the brand. Sinatras quickly became known for its vibrant atmosphere and high-quality artistry, starting in an old hair salon at the Grand Arcade on Willis Street. Here, Kyle hired fellow artist Damian and welcomed Ioane as an apprentice, fostering a collaborative environment right from the start.

After six successful years at the arcade, Kyle faced the challenge of relocating due to the mall’s redevelopment. He moved the studio to its current location at 192 Willis Street, where it continues to thrive. The studio has grown significantly, now housing a talented team of various artists, each bringing their unique style and expertise to the table.

In response to the pandemic’s challenges, Kyle made a strategic decision to open a second studio in Cuba Mall. With international travel halted and an influx of artists moving to Wellington, this expansion allowed him to accommodate more clients and provide additional workspace for artists. The Cuba studio featured three artists while the Willis Street location had eight. After two years, Kyle chose to consolidate both studios into one cohesive space, enhancing the collaborative spirit and atmosphere at Sinatras.

Kyle specializes in a variety of tattoo styles, including realism, surrealism, Japanese, and Chicano. His meticulous attention to detail and commitment to quality have earned him a loyal following among clients who appreciate the artistry and passion behind each piece.

What Kyle loves most about working at Sinatras is the community. The studio is filled with positive energy, and he values the connections made with both fellow artists and clients.

Outside of tattooing, Kyle finds joy in spending time with his family and exploring his creativity through various outlets. He enjoys designing clothing, brainstorming new product ideas, and indulging in oil painting, which allows him to express his artistic vision in different mediums.

Kyle’s dedication to his craft and his commitment to creating a supportive and inspiring atmosphere at Sinatras Tattoos make him a standout figure in the Wellington tattoo community.

Meet Damian – Sinatras’ Jack of all trades.

Originally hailing from Upper Hutt, Damian has been bringing his passion for tattooing to life for the past 15 years. His journey began with a deep-seated passion for art and he was inspired by his brother Kyle, who was already in the industry.

Damian dove into the art form with the goal of expressing himself through ink. With a versatile tattoo style that embraces a bit of everything, he thrives on creativity and refuses to be pigeonholed—always seeking new artistic challenges. Damian has a diverse style that embraces everything from intricate designs to bold pieces. He thrives on creativity and is determined to explore every avenue of tattoo art.

What Damian loves most about working at Sinatras is the tight-knit team atmosphere. With family members like his cousin Brooke and siblings Kat and Kyle by his side, the studio feels like home. This supportive environment allows him to flourish both as an artist and a person.

When he’s not tattooing, you can find Damian cycling, gaming, or enjoying quality time with his family.

Meet Hollie Sinatras Tattoo Artist on the Rise.

Hollie, originally from Masterton, has made Wellington her creative playground since 2019. With a lifelong passion for art, she embarked on a gap year volunteering in England, searching for her true calling. After dabbling in SFX makeup and realizing it wasn’t for her, Hollie discovered the world of tattooing, inspired by friends and family who sport ink of their own.

Now, nearly two years into her tattoo journey, Hollie is honing her craft with a focus on fine line work and micro realism, capturing the beauty of faces, florals, and ornamental designs. While she loves the delicate details of her current style, she’s eager to expand her horizons with larger pieces, drawing inspiration from surrealism, Greek mythology, and Art Nouveau.

Surrounded by an amazing team that feels like family, Hollie thrives in a chill, fun environment—after all, who else gets to go to Japan for a work trip? When she’s not creating art, you can find her dancing at festivals, soaking up the sun at the beach, or indulging her love for travel and good food. Follow Hollie on her artistic journey as she continues to bring her unique vision to life, one tattoo at a time!

Meet Fraser – Sinatras’ Anime, Fine Line and Feminine Designs Expert.

Born in the small town of Dannevirke, Fraser made a major leap to Wellington at the age of 15—an undeniable gain for Wellington and a huge loss for Dannevirke. During the COVID era, his best friend Kyle, noticing a lack of “sex appeal” at the studio, welcomed Fraser with open arms, and thus began his four-year journey in tattooing.

Fraser’s tattoo style is a blend of anime, delicate feminine designs, fine line work, and intricate detail, reflecting his unique artistic flair. Alongside his craftsmanship, he’s known for his bad jokes and questionable advice.

He thrives on the camaraderie of his colleagues, taking great joy in making people happy and creating artwork they proudly wear.

Outside of work, Fraser enjoys spending time with his family, avoiding people when he can, and hitting the gym to stay fit

Meet Kat – Sinatras cosmetic tattoo, laser tattoo removal and apprentice tattoo artist

With a background in hairdressing spanning more than 24 years, her passion for the beauty industry seamlessly transitioned into the world of tattoos. Kat specializes in enhancing natural beauty through expert cosmetic tattoos and also offers laser tattoo removal services, ensuring her clients can achieve their desired look.

Her traditional tattoo style reflects her dedication to timeless artistry, while her favorite part of working at Sinatras is the incredible team atmosphere.

In her spare time, Kat loves attending classic car shows and exploring the great outdoors through hiking. Visit her at Sinatras to discover how her expertise can elevate your beauty, remove unwanted ink and enhance your skin with new tattoos.