Black Thorn Studio is a tattoo studio in Hornby, Christchurch, owned and operated by Tim Thorn, described on the studio's site as a renowned, award-winning tattoo artist. The studio positions itself as a top tattoo establishment and point of interest for tourism in Ōtautahi (Christchurch), aiming to offer a welcoming, comfortable environment throughout the tattooing process.
Black Thorn Studio works with a team of talented artists dedicated to bringing clients' tattoo ideas to life, prioritising client satisfaction from initial consultation through to completion. The studio's portfolio, shared largely through its gallery and Instagram, spans a wide range of styles — traditional (trad) work like eagle designs, dragons, watercolour pieces, fine line and linework tattoos, blackwork (including large-scale sternum and stomach projects), anime and pop-culture pieces, Polynesian-inspired designs, and ongoing sleeve work. The studio has also hosted guest artists for limited-time sessions.
Black Thorn Studio is located at 401 Main South Road, Hornby, Christchurch, 8042, and clients can get in touch directly to enquire about bookings or request a free online quote through the studio's website.
Black Thorn Studio is owned and operated by Tim Thorn, described on the studio's own site as a renowned, award-winning tattoo artist. Based in Hornby, Christchurch, the studio has positioned itself as a top tattoo establishment and even a point of interest for visitors to Ōtautahi, aiming to be the go-to destination for people seeking high-quality permanent body art in the city.
The studio describes its approach as centred on making clients feel at ease throughout the entire tattooing process. An exceptional, strong team of talented artists works to bring each client's tattoo inspirations to life, with the studio emphasising close collaboration from the first conversation through to the finished piece. The philosophy is straightforward: a tattoo is a reflection of who you are, and the artists aim to be well-trained and confident enough to create designs that genuinely capture that individuality.
Judging by the studio's gallery and social media, Black Thorn Studio's artists work across a broad spread of tattoo styles. Traditional (trad) work features prominently, including bold eagle designs, alongside dragon pieces, watercolour tattoos, and delicate fine line and linework. On the larger end, the studio has completed substantial blackwork projects, including a sternum and stomach piece described as a huge undertaking. Anime and pop-culture references show up too — from Dragon Ball Z tributes to a Crash Bandicoot piece — alongside Polynesian-inspired designs and cuffs blending different cultural motifs, plus ongoing sleeve work built up over multiple sessions.
Beyond its resident team, Black Thorn Studio has hosted guest artists for short, limited-time sessions, giving clients access to visiting talent alongside the studio's regular lineup. Availability for both resident and guest artists tends to be shared and updated regularly through the studio's social channels, so clients looking to book are encouraged to check in directly for current openings.
For anyone considering a new piece or looking to add to existing work, Black Thorn Studio offers a Free Online Quote option through its website, making it easy to start the conversation before committing to a design or session. The studio's Gallery and Our Team pages give a closer look at past work and the artists behind it.
Black Thorn Studio is located at 401 Main South Road, Hornby, Christchurch, 8042. The studio invites anyone considering a tattoo — whether enhancing existing body art or starting something new — to get in touch and experience what it calls the Black Thorn Studio difference for themselves.