Tattoo Art Portfolio by Erika
I started my tattoo apprenticeship on the infamous K Road in Auckland with Rob Krause. After he lost his shop, I was forced to complete my apprenticeship in a rough-as-hell Townsville placement, where I felt like a cash cow for a gang.
Once I broke free from that, I had an incredible time networking and learning from some of the best: Phil Mathias in Auckland, Noel Messer “The Wizard” in Te Atatu, NZ, and many other artists along the way.
After spending eight years back in NZ, enduring the 2008 GFC and its economic fallout, I crossed the ditch again to work at Bondi Ink for a year. By October 1, 2013, I was thrilled to finally be working as a fully licensed tattoo artist, just as new industry licensing regulations were coming in to clean up the trade.
I never understood the common link between tattooing and gangs. Sure, they wear the ink, but most lack the patience and humility that good artists need. Something that still baffles me is the chokehold over the industry — it must be the cash, because it sure isn’t about the art or the artists.
I eventually started my own independent shop, facing all the challenges that come with it, adding color to my story.
Now, after 20+ years in the industry — including 8 years running my own shop in NZ and 10 years in Australia — I’m sharing my pitfalls and lessons with the hope of creating a better future for tattooists, or at least helping others avoid the same mistakes I made.
#Inkanomics – Business beyond the chair
My Tattoo Art, Gallery as an all-rounder, tattoo artist is below.
Tattoo Client Testimonials
Erika was amazing and so caring and understanding and helped me get my confidence back by covering my scars with her amazing tattoo work. I was so happy that I came back and got some more work done! I would definitely recommend her to anyone that wants to cover up any scars they have!
Thank you Erika!
Erika is by far the best tattooist! My whole family have been tattooed by Erika but today my mum got a meaningful tattoo done. It is a photo of my dads face as a portrait. She got this because he has suddenly passed away. It is identical to the picture that we gave Erika. Thank you so much for doing this for my mum!!
Erika is the best. She makes you feel at home, confident, comfortable and she is so gentle. She listens and you end up with an awesome tattoo, a great experience and friend for life. I have had the pleasure of 3 sessions with Erika and 5 tattoos, I literally travelled from Sydney to Queensland to see this amazing lady, wouldn't go anywhere else
Erika is hands down the best tattoo artist I've seen so far. Very professional and best at what she does.
Me along with my friends got our first tattoo from her and we are very happy with the tattoos. We are planning to get our tattoos from her on here onwards and recommend all our friends as well.
Keep up the good work Erika B Armstrong.
I met Erica many years ago and have been a regular visitor for my tattoo needs, her talent is amazing, particularly when you give her a tricky job, like my family tartan tattoo she completed for me. I recommend her to friends plus bought my brother a session with her as a Christmas gift. Given the opportunity I will be back ASAP with Erica to get more work done . Highly recommended tattoo artist in my opinion.
I love this place and also my tattoo artist Erika Armstrong, she is so talented and experienced,to be honest I have done all of my tattoos with her and guess how many tattoos I have? Well around 30 and she inked all of them, I am so happy that I found this place and of course her, believe me you going to love it when you inked by her and you will definitely come for more.