Authentink Tattoo Studio

Authentink Tattoo Studio has been based in Surry Hills, Sydney, since 2013, working as a home for Asian tattooing traditions under one roof. Twelve artists, many raised within the cultures behind the work, specialise in Traditional Japanese Irezumi, Tebori (hand-poked Japanese tattooing), Asian-influenced fineline, black and grey, oriental realism, and brushstroke Chinese calligraphy and graphic work. The studio positions itself around craft and intention rather than speed, describing tattooing as a permanent decision that deserves care, with lines by machine and, for some pieces, shading and colour done entirely by hand using studio-mixed pigments and hand-ground sumi ink.

The studio operates in a semi-private setting and is open seven days a week from 11am to 7pm, welcoming both walk-ins and appointments as availability allows. Clients can book a free Tattoo Planning Session, take an online quiz to match with the right artist, or arrange distance bookings, and guest artists rotate through the space alongside the resident team. All artists are NSW tattoo licensed, fully insured, and the premises are health department inspected. Authentink also produces its own aftercare and preparation resources, including guidance on tebori versus machine work, Japanese tattoo meanings, and a dedicated tattoo pain preparation tool for clients undertaking larger pieces.