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Solid black tattoo with curling koru-style swirls left as negative space skin lines

Blackwork Koru Swirl Tattoo

Heavy saturated blackwork full coverage piece with koru-inspired swirls carried in negative space, the skin itself drawing the spirals. Working in reverse like this needs careful planning so the gaps stay even after the fill heals. I let the swirls flow with the natural curve of the canvas rather than sitting flat against the underlying muscle.

The effect is graphic and confident, closer to a ta moko silhouette than a fine illustration. That visual register holds up well at distance, which is one of the reasons I've had clients pick negative-space blackwork over more delicate styles for full coverage work. This approach has become one of the things people come to me for. Custom blackwork projects in this format get booked through my Wellington studio.

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By Rhys Thomas at Whitetail Tattoo, Level 3, 41–47 Dixon Street, Te Aro, Wellington, New Zealand

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Common Questions About Blackwork in Wellington

Does blackwork hold up better than colour?
Generally yes. Solid black ink stays denser and more legible over decades than colour, which can soften and shift. If you want something that still reads clearly in twenty years, blackwork is the safest long-term bet.
How long does a blackwork piece take?
Small blackwork pieces run one to two hours. A palm-sized graphic piece is usually a single sitting of two to three hours. Larger panels (forearm, calf, back placements) are typically booked across multiple sessions.
Can blackwork cover an old tattoo?
Often yes. Bold blackwork is one of the strongest cover-up languages going, especially over faded line work. Send me a clear photo of the existing piece in your DM and I can plan around it.