The Story of Den Drawing Tattoo
Den Drawing is a cozy, private tattoo studio hidden just off Waihī Beach’s Main Street at 23 Wilson Road. Owned by Métis Canadian artist Ayden Aislabie, the studio specializes in black and grey realism and fineline tattoos. Ayden creates a safe, relaxed space where clients can bring their ideas to life – whether it’s a tiny micro tattoo or a full sleeve.
Read on to hear Ayden’s story, how Den Drawing came to be, and what she loves most about tattooing in this laid-back beach town.
Den Drawing
Den Drawing
“Tattooing lets people open up and reflect deeper on themselves – when else do you get to sit with someone for hours and really connect?”
“I had always drawn throughout my life. It was something I loved but had never considered I could do for a career. We were at home just after my son was born when my husband Keegan asked me what I wanted to do. Previously, I had studied sports science / personal training. Finally I admitted that I wanted to be a tattoo artist. How the heck does one become a tattoo artist?!
We decided we would figure it out! Over the next six months, I would draw a portfolio to present to other artists in search of an apprenticeship. The time finally came for me to go and put myself out there- I was rejected (kindly I might add), by 5 tattoo shops and that afternoon I found out I was expecting my second child.
Fast forward nearly two years, I have a beautiful baby girl and we are ready to try again! The stars aligned and I found my mentor, Alexandria Montgomery, who is an incredible black and grey realism artist. My husband took leave from work so that he could stay home with our children and off I went!
I am incredibly thankful for this career and I hope to continue to learn and improve for many years to come.
What do you enjoy most about tattooing in a small beach town?
“I grew up in a very small town so the connection and community here feels familiar. It feels old school- the butcher, the baker and that tattoo artist. Although cliché, I love meeting different types of people and hearing their life stories. There is something about tattooing that allows people open up and reflect deeper on themselves and their experiences. When would you ever get the chance to sit down and really talk to someone for 2-6 hours in everyday life? “
“My tattooing style is black and grey realism / fineline!”
“Years ago, we were staying at the beach during lockdown with our kiwi family . Our neighbours were this beautiful little family – a builder, a very pregnant interior designer and their daughter. Katie, the interior designer, and I dreamt of building a creative hub where we could work alongside one another and raise our children at the beach.
A few years later, my husband and I were preparing to move our family to NZ. Katie called to say she’d found a space for us to lease. At this point I had completed my apprenticeship and was tattooing full time. We both took a chance and committed to the space. Once we arrived to NZ, the renovations began. Hamish, Katie’s husband, built us walls to separate our work spaces. A bit of paint, lights installed, wallpaper and here we are. White Wash Interiors x Den Drawing Tattoo Studio beside the Porch.”
What’s your ideal way to spend a day off in Waihī Beach?
“Morning walk along the beach down to the North end for coffee and breakfast with my family. The kids play in the stream and rock climb near the tire swing while we enjoy the morning sun and an ocean swim. Checkout the Beach Road Deli for great coffee and food! “
AYDEN AISLABIE
Den Drawing’s Creator
What’s one must-do experience you always recommend to someone visiting Waihi Beach for the first time?
What’s one must-do experience you always recommend to someone visiting Waihi Beach for the first time?
What’s one must-do experience you always recommend to someone visiting Waihi Beach for the first time?
“I would have to say, booking a sauna session with the Sauna Project. They generally park at the north end of the beach and have multiple sessions you can book online. I love jumping in the ocean between the intervals in the sauna. “
Quick Fire Questions
Quick Fire Questions
Share the Love
Share the Love
Three Words to describe Waihi Beach? – Healing. Unique. Soulful
Favourite Local Business? – Beach Road Deli
