Classic Ink is the newest addition to open its doors on Alexandra’s Tarbert St, and everything is finally falling into place for the owner.

Artist, husband and father of three Steve Rohlandt has spent the past five months renovating the corner site himself.

The studio is on the corner of Tarbert and Limerick Streets, tattooing is carried out discreetly behind a screen in the newly renovated building. PHOTO: The Central App

Originally from South Africa’s Richards Bay, a three hour drive from Durban, Alexandra has been home for Steve and his family for the past 18 months.

They emigrated to Christchurch in 2012 and Steve did five months on his own, working as a builder, before his wife and kids joined him. 

The inside of the studio is spotless, sporting trendy concrete floors and a beautiful wooden counter. PHOTO: The Central App

“I left for my family… it was straight into carpentry, I worked really hard… it was [starting] at the bottom again.”

Steve said he’s always been an artist and this means he can work across many different tattooing styles including black and grey, realism and portraiture.

Flower power… Steve’s style is varied and he said working together with clients is something he enjoys. PHOTO: Supplied

“I was an artist for theme parks first… I worked in Durban at Shark and Marine World and then in Dubai at a themed mall.

“I remember winning my first art competition, when I was about three.. The prize was some Lego…. That memory has stayed with me”

Steve is self taught in tattooing and started out tattooing part time while working as a carpenter.

He’s been doing it for around ten years but credits time spent in his 20s with his aunt, a famous painter, for helping him hone his artistic skills.

Classic Ink has been open for ten days and Steve is still managing the school drop offs for his three children (aged 13, 11, and 10) every morning. 

The newly refurbished shop is over 100 years old, and an original curved brick arch has been kept as a nod to the past.

Steve said the shop has been empty for a year and it has had many iterations including a milk bar and butcher shop.

It’s been a labour of love bringing the studio to life. He had to lay a new concrete floor, build a new interior wall, plaster, paint, build a wooden countertop and install studio signage.

There’s a few finishing touches to go and the new kitchen to finish but he’s pleased with the result.

“I used to work out of a small private studio in our house… I was looking for a shop, then I left it [for a bit].

Black and grey forearm piece - a classic that won’t fade. PHOTO: Supplied

“This place was a complete dump, the roof was leaking and the walls were skewed.”

He talked to the landlord about working on the renovation and providing the labour himself and the pair came to an agreement to make it happen. 

“I’ve got a two year lease… Everything is falling into place and bookings are coming in nicely.

“I’ve always liked to do my own thing… opening here I’ve [taken] a bit of a leap of faith with Covid-19… the response has been mostly positive.”

Realism is another skill in Steve’s portfolio of work. PHOTO: Supplied

When The Central App asked Steve about what motivates him he said “seeing happy clients” and watching how it all comes together is always “very cool”.

“It’s all about how tattoos can change lives and it’s always nice to do something special for someone with…meaning.”

Then there are the client's yarns, like a hairdresser or a barber, he hears about anything and everything.

Portraits are something else he is building a strong reputation in. PHOTO: Supplied

“I hear all the life stories… yes, I enjoy a chat, and it takes the focus off their pain.”

If you’re after some new ink, you can find Steve and Classic Ink on Tarbert Street.

A later piece connected to the Western theme. PHOTO: Supplied