Today we are very honored to feature Steve Butcher, one of the finest artists in the world, originally from Auckland, New Zealand. With 15 years of professional experience, Steve has become a huge name in hyperrealism, thanks for his incredibly lifelike portraits and pop culture pieces that look more like photos than tattoos. From iconic sports moments to emotional portraits and comic book heroes, his work captures movement, emotion, and detail like no other. His talent and passion have earned him worldwide recognition, and it’s easy to see why.
Hello Steve, how would like to introduce yourself?
My name is Steve Butcher, I was born and raised in Auckland, New Zealand. I’m 35 years old and have been tattooing for nearly 15 years.
Where did your fascination for tattoos come from?
I have a fascination with all art forms, and tattooing is no different. As much as I love realism, I’m a huge fan of Japanese tattoo art and surrealism. I just think it’s so amazing what we as tattoo artists are able to pull off on skin. It’s a one-shot painting or piece of art that the client wears forever! How is that not fascinating?
How and when did you start tattooing?
In 2008, my nana passed away from lung cancer. A year later, as I was heading into art college, a friend of mine saw the painting I was carrying onto the train and said, “Bro, you should really try tattooing!” Shortly after that, I felt the need to get my first tattoo—a portrait of my nana. He was the only person I knew who was tattooing, so I went to him. After seeing the process and everything involved, I really got into the idea. I bought my own kit online and started tattooing friends out of my house with his guidance. That’s where it all began.
By 2010, I had graduated, and a few months later I was working at a street shop in Newmarket, Auckland.
Where are you based?
I’m currently based out of Huntington Beach in Southern California. I have an awesome private studio just four minutes from the beach.
How would you describe the tattoo scene in California these days?
The tattoo scene in California is getting over-saturated; too many artists and not enough clients. I believe this is the case all over the world. I feel like social media has kind of destroyed our industry. No one seems to care about quality anymore; they just want to be tattooed by the next person who blows up on TikTok. I guess we’ll just be doing a bunch of cover-ups in a few years.
How would you define your tattoo style?
I’d define my tattoo style as hyperrealism. I really enjoy recreating photos or action scenes and trying to capture the mood of the image. Using motion or bokeh effects really helps add to the realism and tricks the eye into believing there’s depth there.
What kind of tattoo projects do you like to do the most?
I really love anything pop culture! I love comic books and movie characters. I love doing animal tattoos, and of course, the sports ones—those images are always the best for trying to capture movement and emotion.
What’s the main source of inspiration for your tattoos?
The main source of inspiration for my tattoos would be other artists. I really love Dmitry Samohin’s work and have always kind of used that as the bar. I don’t necessarily compare myself, but I look at other artists’ work to pick apart my own and grow from there.
What’s the most challenging aspect of being a tattoo artist in 2025?
I’d say the most challenging part is having to be a content creator. These days, it’s expected to make videos that have nothing to do with the actual tattoo; like showing your daily life or behind-the-scenes stuff. For me, it’s frustrating. I just want to show my art. I don’t have time for all the extra bells and whistles that come with making trendy content, but it’s become a necessity in today’s world.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a tattoo artist?
The most rewarding part is creating a piece of art that truly moves the client—like a portrait of a lost loved one, their pet, or their child. When we’re done and they look in the mirror and start crying or are just deeply moved by the work—that, for me, is the biggest reward you could ever receive.
What’s your experience at tattoo conventions so far?
I love tattoo conventions—it’s like a big reunion every time. I get to see friends I haven’t seen in a while and really connect with the industry. Other artists might complain like, “Oh, that show was slow,” or “It wasn’t worth it,” but I’m usually oblivious to that because I just had a great time with friends.
Do you remember the first tattoo convention you have ever been to?
Yes! The first show I ever did was in New Plymouth, New Zealand. I remember being super nervous and intimidated because I didn’t know anyone. But once I started mingling and let my guard down, I found everyone to be super friendly. It was like a giant sigh of relief—and it definitely helped build my confidence.
What’s your primary reason to attend a tattoo convention?
Exposure. Social media is great, but people need to see the work in real life. Being able to come to a show, show off my work, and talk to clients and potential clients—it’s priceless.
What’s your favorite tattoo convention so far? And why?
My favorite show in the world was the London Tattoo Convention, but that was all pre-Covid. Since Covid, I haven’t been able to leave the U.S. due to visa issues, so I’ve been out of the international loop. But soon I’ll have my green card and will be able to attend overseas shows again—I can’t wait!
What advice would you offer to someone considering a career as a tattoo artist?
In today’s world, it’s really hard to stand out. So my advice is: develop a unique style that sets you apart and gives your work something special people will remember.
Who are the people you admire the most within the tattoo community?
There are so many to name! The artists I admire most would be Dmitry Samohin, Murran Billi, Benjamin Laukis, Yomico Moreno, and Robert Hernandez, to name a few.
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