Cook Islands female artists are thriving in the tattoo industry after overcoming several challenges over the years in what might be perceived as a male-dominated field, particularly in Polynesian culture.

Among them is Hinano Wearing, a 30-year-old female tattoo artist, who doesn’t feel the need to move overseas for greener pastures as her tattooing career has gained popularity among both locals and visitors.

In an interview with Cook Islands News, Wearing talked about the challenges she went through after joining the profession at the age of 17.

“Challenges in the start of my career would have been one, trying to get my name/art out there amongst the already established tattooist on the island,” she said.

“With my craft, it isn’t accepted among some of the locals, fortunately now because of the revival of tātatau it is slowly being more accepted.

“I was 17 when I started my apprenticeship, I kind of just fell into tattooing. I’ve always loved arts and drawing.”

At the age of 16, Wearing attended a tattoo convention, and “that kind of sparked it for me”.

“Growing up here in Rarotonga, at that time, tattooing wasn’t a thing although it is now reviving as part of our culture but back then it wasn’t but I’ve always loved drawing.”

Wearing had a passion for art in school and design drawing skills, and tattoo artistry seemed like the perfect path for her.

She took a portfolio of her work around to different tattoo shops until she found one with an opening.

At 19 years old, after training and observation in an Auckland tattoo shop for two years, Wearing finally started tattooing.

Wearing has a custom tattoo shop in Rarotonga called “Wearing Ink”. She works with clients to design something original.

The process is incredibly rewarding, says Wearing, and her favourite part is seeing the end result of each creation.

For her, learning never stops, and over the years of tattooing, her skills have constantly improved.

Most of Wearing’s clients are tourists and she encourages them to get something meaningful. She draws freehand Polynesian tattoos and “a little bit of everything”.

There isn’t much competition among tattooists on the island, and Wearing will sometimes recommend another tattooist who has a better handle on a particular design.

Wearing says there are opportunities on the island for local women.

“I suppose there are opportunities out there for women whether that be with businesses already formed or create your own, be innovative and creative,” she said.

Her advice to young local women “wanting to start their own thing, I say just do it! Stay true to yourself, trust the process as you’ll grow and learn on the way.”