Manamea Art Studio — Attraction in Upolu

Terribly disappointed with my tattoo, which I really hoped would complete my time in New Zealand and Samoa. The hand-drawn design is not at all symmetrical, and the lines are sometimes very thick and sometimes thin. The position taken to tattoo my spine was not good as my skin was taut. Once I'm standing normally upright, the skin is relaxed and so the drawings are very coarse and close together.

On expressing my dissatisfaction, I learned that the ink used was not the same colour as the previous one. Having asked for something in harmony with the previous one from New Zealand, I would have liked to know that the colour would not be the same. I would have refused to have two different colours of black for the same tattoo.

I'm not questioning the design because it's a lovely idea, but unfortunately the technique used means that it doesn't look very good. Using baby wipes is certainly not very good for wiping the tattoo between each pass.

Unfortunately, on top of the 350talas spent on this tattoo (which is the same price as the one done in New Zealand for a bigger piece, with more hours of work and a much better result), it's going to cost me x10 more to have it removed by laser.

I was really looking forward to having the honour of wearing a Samoan tattoo, but not in these conditions. A Samoan friend told me that the style was pretty but that the tattoo was very badly done. So I'm going to be forced to have it removed by laser, which will take me over a year.

As far as the studio is concerned, I didn't get a very good response after pointing...

Thank you Lalovai & Nikki. We had a great experience getting our family members tattooed, and all of us are pleased with our finished products. A great space where creativity is oozing out the door. The in-house gallery has some beautiful artworks exhibited, so pop on in & purchase. #supportlocal...

Had A sleeve done by Lalovai Peseta. Absolutely amazing. Wearing it proud, he put an amazing amount of time, planning and detail into it and I will never forget the experience. Thank you Uso for giving me something to remind me of home, and to walk proud in my culture....