few words 'bout me

Chris Downing

I have always had a passion for art and tattoo. The journey into tattooing was long and winding, taking me to the other side of the world. Then a phone call came from my mate inviting me to come and work for him and learn tattooing. I became excited about the prospect and quit my career in engineering on oilrigs and made my way back to Dunedin.

Via the world 6 months and many miles later I was home, ready to try something new. 13 years on and my passion and commitment to my craft is stronger than ever.

Large color pieces are my strenght, enjoying most styles of tattoo. Working under the guidance of Greg Burt at White Tiger Tattoo in Dunedin for my first 4 years and I am still working in our original studio after Greg left for Queenstown.

Spending time later with Steve Johnson of Down Under Tattoos in Christchurch, now Steve Johnson's City of Ink I developed a fusion between two styles of tattoo: Greg's tribal predominately black and Steve's bold colour, somewhere between I found my unique style.

I have won numerous awards both locally and internationally, eg. Townsville Tattoo in Australia in 2008 and 2009, Sturgis Rally in USA in 2003 and multiple awards in Oamaru, Invercargill and Christchurch in New Zealand, during my career.

I have also been instrumental in the development of hygiene standards with the Dunedin City Council which included health by laws and standards in tattooing and body piercing.