El Vardo Tattoo, at 8A Husheer Place in Onekawa, Napier, has been tattooing since 2010 and describes itself as a serene, private studio. The website says it keeps to strict health and sterilisation standards and specialises in custom artwork across a range of tattoo styles. Clients choose a preferred artist from the studio's team and can upload up to three reference images with their enquiry. The artists work in different styles: western traditional with heavy black outlines, organic and ornamental work in black and grey, and a hard-to-pin-down blend of American and European traditional. The studio also sells tees and prints, and shares hand-printed flash from its artists.
Customers describe the studio as relaxed, with friendly staff and talented artists. One customer says a last-minute booking was possible and that the studio is a beautiful workspace. Another calls it their favourite tattoo studio, and says the team create the best vibes and are welcoming. A third says a piece on their thigh turned out stunning. Our pick in Napier for custom tattoo work in a calm, well-kept studio.