Kalia Tattoo Australia | Carl Cocker – Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth

🙋‍♂️ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who is Carl Cocker of Kalia Tattoo?

Carl Cocker is a master tattoo artist based in Brisbane, Australia, specializing in authentic Polynesian, tribal, and blackwork tattoos. With over two decades of experience, Carl brings a rich cultural heritage from Tonga, Fiji, and Aotearoa New Zealand, Malaysia and SouthEast Asia culture into his designs. He has tattooed internationally renowned athletes, celebrities, and cultural figures, and is recognized for his signature fusion of Pacific Island traditional art with modern body art techniques.

2. Where is Kalia Tattoo located?

Kalia Tattoo is based in Brisbane, Queensland, and operates by appointment only. Carl also travels to Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth for tattoo projects and guest sessions upon client request or during major tattoo expos.

3. What styles of tattoo does Carl Cocker specialize in?

Carl is known for:

• Polynesian tribal tattoos

• Tongan tattoo tatatau

• Fijian masi design tattoo

• Samoan tattoo tatau siapo art

• Marquesan tattoo Patutiki

• Maori tattoo Tamoko

• Niue tattoo

• Rotuma tattoo

• Cook Islands tattoo

• Tokelau and Tuvalu tattoo

• Micronesian and Melanesian tribal art

• Polynesian Tattoo designs

• Blackwork sleeves and chest panels

• Custom lettering and modern interpretation pieces

Each tattoo is hand-designed and based on your story, combining cultural meaning with contemporary detail.

4. How do I book a tattoo with Carl Cocker?

All bookings require:

• A booking request form submission via www.kaliatattoo.com

• A non-refundable deposit to secure your appointment

• Consultation by phone or email to discuss your design and quote

Due to high demand, Carl’s schedule fills quickly—early bookings are highly recommended.

5. Does Carl travel to other cities in Australia?

Yes. Carl regularly travels for tattoo bookings in:

• Sydney

• Melbourne

• Perth

If you’re based in these cities, submit a booking inquiry through the website and note your preferred location. Carl also participates in major tattoo festivals and conventions across Australia.

6. How much does a tattoo cost at Kalia Tattoo?

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Pricing is determined by:

• Tattoo size

• Complexity and detail

• Body placement

• Time required

• Design elements (solid black, shading, layering, etc.)

Minimum charge starts at $300 AUD.
Half-day sessions (4–5 hrs): $1,000 – $1,200
Full-day sessions (7–8 hrs): $2,000 – $2,500+

Final cost will be quoted after your consultation. Each project is custom, so there’s no fixed “per hour” rate for larger, cultural tattoos.

7. What if I only want a small tattoo?

Carl focuses primarily on large-scale cultural tattoos, such as:

• Full sleeves

• Chest panels

• Leg sleeves

• Back pieces

However, smaller tattoos that carry deep meaning or cultural connection may be considered. Submit your idea via the website.

8. How long will my tattoo take?

Timing varies:

• Half sleeves: 10–20 hours

• Full sleeves: 20–40+ hours

• Back/chest panels: 30+ hours

• Leg sleeves: 20–50+ hours

Each client’s skin type, size, and pain tolerance affect the overall tattoo duration.

9. Does Carl design the tattoo ahead of time?

No. Carl designs your tattoo on the appointment day after an in-depth consultation.
This ensures:

• Authenticity

• Cultural relevance

• Real-time creative flow

• Customized adaptation to your body

Carl believes in honoring the ancestral process—each tattoo is a living, breathing expression of your journey.

10. What makes Kalia Tattoo different from other studios?

Kalia Tattoo is not a walk-in studio or trend-focused shop. It’s a culturally driven art practice offering:

• Authentic Polynesian tattoos

• High-level storytelling through tattooing

• One-on-one private appointments

• Strict hygiene standards

• Top-tier inks and equipment

• A legacy rooted in Tongan, Fijian, Samoan, Maori traditions

Carl’s tattoos aren’t just designs—they are cultural artifacts on skin.

11. How should I prepare for my tattoo appointment?

Before your session:

• Stay hydrated

• Eat a healthy meal

• Avoid alcohol and blood thinners

• Wear loose, comfortable clothing

• Get a good night's rest

• Moisturize the skin leading up to your appointment

12. What is the aftercare process?

Carl provides detailed aftercare instructions at your session. Generally:

• Keep tattoo clean and dry

• Avoid heavy workouts for 48 hours

• Apply recommended ointment (no petroleum-based creams)

• Do not pick at scabs

• Avoid direct sun and pools for 2–4 weeks

Healing time:

• Outer layer: 7–14 days

• Full healing: Up to 6 weeks

13. Can I get a tattoo if I have a skin condition?

It depends. Conditions like eczema, psoriasis, acne, or scarring can affect tattooing.
If you’re unsure, consult with a dermatologist before booking and mention it during your consultation.

14. Does Carl cover up old tattoos?

Yes—but only if:

• The existing tattoo is not heavily scarred or dark

• There’s enough skin real estate to work over

• The new design is culturally aligned

A proper consultation is required before cover-up approval.

15. Can I bring my own design?

You can bring references or inspiration, but Carl creates original designs only.
Every piece is custom, cultural, and crafted with intention—no copying or duplication of other artists' work.

16. What payment options are available?

• Bank transfer (preferred)

• Cash (day of appointment)

• Non-refundable deposit required for all bookings

• For multi-session projects, payment can be broken into installments with each appointment.

17. Is tattooing safe?

Yes—when done by a trained professional like Carl.
Kalia Tattoo uses:

• Sterile, single-use needles

• Hospital-grade disinfection

• Top-quality vegan ink

• Clean, private studio setups

All equipment is fully sanitized and disposable materials are never reused.

18. What are the risks of tattooing?

Minor risks include:

• Redness and swelling

• Temporary pain or itching

• Allergic reaction (rare)

Serious risks are rare if aftercare is followed and tattooing is done by a professional.

19. Can I get tattooed if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

It’s recommended to wait until after pregnancy and breastfeeding to avoid risks.
Your body goes through hormonal changes that may affect healing and ink retention.

20. How do I request Carl for a tattoo convention or guest spot?

Use the contact form at www.kaliatattoo.com and provide:

• Event name, dates, and location

• Type of clients/designs you’d like Carl to focus on

• Booth or travel arrangements if applicable

21. What does "Kalia" mean in Kalia Tattoo?

"Kalia" is a traditional Tongan double-hulled voyaging canoe, symbolic of navigation, strength, and ancestral wisdom.
It reflects Carl’s mission to carry Pacific Island culture forward through skin art—every tattoo is a vessel of identity, pride, and connection.

22. Does Carl tattoo non-Pacific Islanders?

Absolutely.
Carl welcomes clients from all backgrounds—but he respects and protects Polynesian cultural symbolism.
If you're requesting cultural designs, be open to learning the meaning, responsibility, and story behind them.

23. What should I expect during my tattoo session?

Expect:

• A private, focused environment

• A creative experience, not just a transaction

• Time to breathe, pause, and stretch

• Culturally respectful conversation and storytelling

Carl does not rush. He works with your skin, not against it.

24. Can I bring someone with me to my session?

One moral support person is allowed if you’re nervous—but no children, pets, or large groups.
Sessions are long and require full focus and calm energy.

👣 Final Thoughts

Kalia Tattoo isn’t just about ink—it’s about preserving ancient knowledge, celebrating identity, and honoring the ancestral language of skin.

Whether you’re in Brisbane or requesting Carl in Sydney, Melbourne, or Perth, you're not just getting a tattoo—you’re receiving a piece of cultural heritage.