Tattoos are one of the oldest forms of body modification throughout human history. The art form has been around for thousands of years and has been used as a symbol of status, wealth, and power. Nowadays, almost everyone is thinking about getting one as it’s one of the most prominent forms of self-expression. Even if it was once considered taboo, tattoos are now slowly becoming a lot more accepted – even normalised!
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So You Want To Get Inked?
There are a lot of things to consider before getting a tattoo. You can’t just google “tattoo parlours near me” and call it a job well done. You have to know what kind of design you’re going to go with, how it would look on your skin colour, and whether it would work on your body part of choice.
One thing you should always consider before getting your tattoo is the tattooist. Like any other artist, different tattooists have their own unique flavour and style so it’s important to know what your artist is capable of before booking. If you’re going to get yourself inked, the wrong tattoo artist could spell disaster! Lucky for you, we’ve taken the trouble to scour the internet and list you the top 5 best tattoo artists in Melbourne.
Best Tattoo Artists In Melbourne
5. Trevor McStay, Dynamic
If you’re looking for Japanese style tattoos, Trevor McStay is your guy. He’s known globally for his Irezumi-esque tattoos and has had over 33 years of experience in tattooing. He has worked with some of the best tattooists in the world and was mentored by Paul Jeffries when he worked in the famous Smilin’ Buddha Tattoo. Trevor McStay has a lot of years of experience under his belt, so expect nothing less than awesome work.
More than an artist, Trevor McStay is also an entrepreneur! He founded Dynamic back in 1991 and has been continuously dishing out the freshest tattoos since. His studio is currently housing six other artists with varying styles from traditional Japanese to American and is considered to be one of the best tattoo parlours in Melbourne.
Studio: Dynamic: 71 Swan Street, Richmond, Vic 3121
Price: Available upon request
4. Matt Curzon, Empire
Matt Curzon has only been in the tattoo industry for 8 years, but don’t be fooled by his newbie status – he’s already made his mark in the industry. In fact, Matt is one of the most sought after tattooists in the world! His unique take on colour theory (combining dark, heavily contrasted themes with solid colour saturation) is one of the reasons why his designs are so talked-about.
He began his inking journey by doing nomadic stints in the U.K. and Europe, learning as much as he can from different artists. He is known to be one of the hardest working artists around the world and also the most active in terms of travelling. He brings his private studio wherever he goes.
Studio: Empire Private Studio
Price: Available upon request (no walk-ins)
3. Monica Halliday, Alchemy
Fine line tattoos are growing in popularity among the younger generation. This style of tattooing offers a very minimalist but ornate look. And since the outlines are a lot finer, it enables the artist to insert a lot more detail without being too loud and in your face.
While fine line tattoos look great, it takes a skilled artist to pull it off beautifully. That’s where Monica Halliday comes in. A tattooist under Alchemy, Monica specialises in both dotwork and fine line tattoos with designs ranging from flowers to hyper-realistic cats.
Studio: Alchemy Tattoo Studio. 615 Glenferrie Rd, Hawthorn
Price: $AUD90.00 minimum
2. Kane Berry, Vic Market Tattoo
Ever had an idea for a tatt but thought that it might be too weird? Don’t worry! For Kane Berry, the more bizarre the request, the better!
Berry’s tattoos are inspired by traditional styles, but with an added abstract twist. He uses bright colours, bold lines, and abstract imagery to create out-of-the-box designs which look straight out of a ‘50s cartoon. Some of his tattoo designs have the occasional pop culture reference, while other designs come from the client’s imagination.
He is currently working at one of the oldest tattoo shops in Melbourne, Vic Market Tattoo.
Studio: Vic Market Tattoo. 324 Victoria Street, North Melbourne VIC 3051
Price: $AUD100.00 minimum charge, $AUD 180.00 hourly rate
1. Pavel Ivacha, City Of Ink
Czech tattooist Pavel Ivacha brings European tastes to the Australian tattoo scene and he was deservedly welcomed with open arms. The 31-year-old tattooist has travelled the world to perfect his craft. He tattooed in Canada for a year, New Zealand for another year, and now finds himself in Melbourne tattooing under City of Ink.
Pavel’s tattoo designs don’t hold back when it comes to colours. His tattoo style is heavily inspired by cubism, graffiti, and fauvism colouring. His use of fine lines and saturated colours make his works stand out and his unique style makes him one of the best tattoo artists in Melbourne.
Studio: City Of Ink, 216 Clarendon Street, South Melbourne VIC3205, Australia
Price: Available upon request
Other Tattoo Parlours You Can Consider
- Oculus Tattoo – Offers tattoo removals at Occulus Repair.
561 High Street, Thornbury, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
- Third Eye Tattoo Studio – Offers walk-in services, cover-ups, and large custom designs
700 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy North 306
- Victims Of Ink – Houses 10 different artists from all around the world
380 Chapel Street, South Yarra
- Blue Lady Tattoo – Award-winning tattoo parlour and voted #1 best tattoo parlour in Timeout.
Apartment 1, Level 1, 67 Hardware LaneMelbourne 3000
Conclusion
Tattoos aren’t cheap and the process hurts; that’s why getting one is such a big deal! Tattoo artists are easy to find, but great tattoo artists are like hidden gems. So, we hope this list has served as a guide for you to navigate the tattoo scene in Melbourne!
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