Abbey Manson

Abbey Manson

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Tattoo artist based in Invercargill at Azurite Tattoo & Ship Shape Tattoo Studio in Auckland NZ.

Sponsors: @xtremetattooink @stencil.jam @biotat_ @darkhorseshadingblack @pepax.official @pepax.leve

Abbey Manson 29/07/2026

A progress update on Legion’s Neptune sleeve after two days on the upper arm. Lower half healed/healing.

Keeping in mind this is the first pass/mapping - still work in progress., but I’m happy with how it’s coming together.

Legion’s work limits the time we have to work on it, so this sleeve will be completed over multiple visit’s. I’ll keep posting updates as we make progress.

Sponsored by Xtreme Tattoo Ink PEPAX OFFICIAL PEPAX MACHINE OFFICIAL Stencil Jam Dark Horse Shading Black Biotat Ltd

Abbey Manson

20/07/2026

Side of the leg mythical dragon for James.

This piece is still work in progress, with some sections healed and others freshly tattooed.

Over the coming sessions it'll wrap around and become part of a full leg sleeve.

I'm looking forward to getting back into this one and finishing it.

Thanks for the trust, James. Looking forward to the next session.

21/05/2026

Here’s a look at the work in progress with Jaimee so far. Keep an eye on this page to see the final completed piece at a later date.

Jaimee came to me with the idea of creating a piece centred around the concept that, through the crystal ball, we’re all destined to die - a reminder of time, mortality and how temporary life really is.

20/05/2026

t’s been a while since we’ve done a giveaway… so it’s time 👀

We’re giving away a FULL DAY SESSION ✨

To enter:
• COMMENT below with your tattoo idea/design inspiration, where you’d get the piece tattooed and TAG 3 friends.

Terms & Conditions:
• Idea must be the one commented on this post.
• Prize is not transferable or redeemable for cash.
• Tattoo must be within the artist’s preferred style (no colour pieces)
• Winner must be 18+
•Please beware of scams/fake messages asking you to click links. I will not private message anyone until we draw the giveaway on 4th June 2026.
This is free entry and no payment is required.
•Piece must be done at Azurite Tattoo Invercargill.

T&C apply.

Good luck 🖤

Photos from Abbey Manson's post 07/05/2026

Over the last six months, we’ve been working through multiple sessions on this cover - up piece for Tracey, slowly bringing everything together one stage at a time. Tattooing around the rib area is never an easy process, and there were definitely moments where the pain kicked in, but she continued to push through every session with determination and patience.

This project is still very much a work in progress, with the torso and lower sections still to come. Large-scale pieces like this take commitment, trust, and endurance.

She sat like an absolute legend throughout every session, even during the tougher parts. The dedication she’s shown to the process has made this piece such a rewarding one to work on, and we’re excited to keep building on it over the next stages.

.official .leve .jam

Photos from Abbey Manson's post 18/04/2026

I found two forms of ink in my whakapapa.

Both holding history.

One exists on paper.

A notebook kept by Hoani Kahu.
Recording knowledge. Conversations.

Parts of it are still kept today.
Hockens Collections.

The other exists on skin.

Moko kanohi.

No decoration.
Identity. Whakapapa. Standing.

Something you could read.

Two different forms.

One written.
One worn.

Same purpose.

I found it interesting -
working with ink myself.

29/03/2026

Super grateful to take out Best Blackwork at Inked Expo in Melbourne, Australia.

A huge thank you to Katelyn — sitting for two full days straight is no easy task, and she handled it like an absolute legend. More than that, she trusted me completely with the process and the vision, which is something I never take lightly. Pieces like this are always a collaboration, and her commitment played a massive part in bringing it to life.

The blackwork category was seriously strong this year, with over 35 entries, so to be recognised amongst that level of talent means a lot. It’s always inspiring (and humbling) to be surrounded by artists pushing the standard higher and higher.

Big appreciation to my booth buds, Nathan and Hiro. Having good people around you at these events makes all the difference — the support, the laughs, and the shared respect for the craft never go unnoticed.

And a big thank you to Chris Jenkins for hosting such a well-run, high-quality event. It’s not easy bringing something like this together.

Lastly, thank you to everyone who stopped by, showed support, or just took the time to connect over the weekend. It all adds to the experience and keeps me motivated to keep improving.

NOTE: This piece is in progress and only stage one. Eventually this will continue over the buttocks/back. The full completion will be a whole body suit.

Done using .official .jam .leve

29/03/2026

Work in progress Continued work on Katelyn’s geometric leg sleeves. The geometric piece was designed to work in with her realism back piece, which will eventually finish in a full body suit. The process has been physically and mentally demanding for Katelyn at times but she has been a complete legend and remained fully committed and pushed through each session, including 2 days sitting at the in Melbourne.

Done using .jam .official .leve

25/02/2026

A bunny for Drew, tattooed over the past couple days. Had a lot of fun with this piece and adding my own twist to it.
Thank you for your dedication with your sleeve and for travelling down. Always appreciated!
For bookings/enquiries - [email protected] or message!

06/02/2026

Three sessions in on this David Bowie piece.
The beginning of a music memorabilia leg sleeve. One more pass to go before completion.

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Azurite Tattoo/25 Don Street (Connection Arcade, Room 4)
Invercargill

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 4pm
Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm

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