Tattoos aren’t just full sleeves, bold lines and sailor designs anymore. Melbourne/Naarm is home to some of the best tattoo studios and artists in the world, from the traditional gunslingers to the stick-and-poke cult icons. With a tattoo studio on almost every corner of Melbourne, it can be difficult to decide where to get your next one.
Tick getting a tattoo off your bucket list with Urban List's guide to the best of Melbourne, regardless of whether you’re thinking of immortalising an inside joke, paying your respects to mum or just some good ol’ Western traditional flash.
Sanctum Studio
Rear 270 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
Image credit: Billy Brown | Supplied
There's a certain originality that comes with the work from the current roster of artists at Alterations. Several artists here specialise in flash, like Billy Brown/@butmay.be—whose aesthetic focuses on predominantly black ink complemented by subtle hits of colour—has earned quite the reputation around Melbourne.
Those after something more delicate can peruse the work of Tessa Claire, tapping into flora and fauna, as well as more whimsical styles. Most artists at Alterations run their books privately, so your best bet is to check out their Instagrams for details on how to book.
Image credit: Tessa Claire | Supplied
From Above
Level 1, 282 Smith Street, Fitzroy
A relatively new studio headed up by artist @Breakkytime, whose hyper-realism pieces and pop-culture references has made him one of Melbourne's most in-demand tattoo artists. There's a full gamut of styles at From Above, where each artist brings a unique take to what's going on your skin.
Oculus Tattoo
561 High Street, Thornbury
A favourite of many tattoo enthusiasts for hyper-realistic and larger pieces, and considered by many as one of the best tattoo studios Melbourne has to offer. Depending on what you're after, you can opt for heavier linework, colour, or pieces rich in detail and scenery—check out artist @mattatat__ for a peek into some of the work coming from Oculus Tattoo.
Alchemy Tattoo
754 Burke Road, Camberwell
Hawthorn tattoo local Alchemy is known for its massive artist lineup, all with their own individual styles and tattooing techniques. They specialise in creating a custom tattoo design based on your ideas and leveraging the artist’s talent. No matter what you’re looking for, Alchemy will be able to link you up with their best artist for the job.
Blue Lady Tattoo
Level 1, 67 Hardware Lane, Melbourne CBD
Blue Lady Tattoo is a spacious converted loft-warehouse with sun beaming through the full-length windows. Typically on the best tattoo in Melbourne list for a reason, the walls and cabinets are adorned with tattoo flash designs and random trinkets, and thanks to a previous tenant, there's even a Jacuzzi in the bathroom. Along with the incredible set-up, the amazing artists here prefer traditional and blackwork pieces, but are happy to create custom pieces as well.
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Hamsa Tattoo Melbourne
15 Paisley Street, Footscray
Image credit: Hamsa Tattoo | Supplied
Recently opening its doors with a successful flash tattoo day, Hamsa Tattoo has become known as an inclusive studio that welcomes everyone into their space. Owner Bobbie Dazzler (below) has curated a roster of artists each with their own style and aesthetic, where you'll find a mix of more delicate work, right across to larger pieces and of course a healthy grip of flash. Take a look through their Instagram for what's happening at Hamsa Tattoo at the moment.
Dynamic Tattoo
71 Swan Street, Richmond
A true tattoo institution, open since 1991, the renowned team at Dynamic Tattoo has seen it all. The resident artists here mostly specialise in old-school Japanese style tattoos; with classic Western, bold geometric and dotwork designs available here too. Over the years, the art from the team has even been exhibited in the National Gallery of Victoria, so you’re sure to be in some extremely capable hands.
Melbourne Tattoo Company
2/2 Somerset Place, Melbourne
Set up in one of Melbourne’s historic buildings a stone’s throw from Captains Of Industry, this studio is now home to Melbourne Tattoo Co., one of the most reputable tattoo parlours you’ll find around. With over 25 years of tattoo experience combined with some of the best Melbourne tattoo artists, Western and neo-traditional flash designs are readily available here.
Good Luck Tattoo
454 Church Street, Cremorne CBD
A classic shop front with tattoo flash designs lining the walls inside, the artists of Good Luck’s place emphasis on Western traditional and modern designs. With their varying styles, the team here produce some amazing pieces for Melbourne’s tattooing community. They’ve remained as one of the best tattoo studios in Melbourne for the past seven years and will last well into the future.
Hidden Moon Tattoo
1/474 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne CBD
You’ll find some of the most unique tattoo styles in Melbourne at Hidden Moon—think realistic dotwork, vintage, and black and grey surrealism. The spectrum and calibre of artists here has made for quite the name in Melbourne’s contemporary tattoo scene, so it’s no surprise that getting an appointment here is highly coveted.
Victims of Ink
515 Chapel Street, South Yarra
Despite the slightly intimidating name, Victims of Ink has created the ultimate relaxed vibe for new and returning clients. Here you’ll find a range of talented artists having fun with creative pop culture designs, another specialising in South Korean fine line and RGB designs, along with an artist combining Asian and Western trad designs to form his distinctive style. A big contender for some of the best tattoos in Melbourne as there’s truly a style and design for everyone here.
Fine Line Tattoos
23 Berkeley Street, Carlton
Image credit: Fine Line Tattoos | Supplied
Since their arrival, the crew at Fine Line has completely disrupted the tattoo game here in Melbourne. The clean lines and the high quality of the elegant tattoos they produce are unmatched, creating an almost-cult like following. In a beautiful interior space, Cholo and his crew will ensure you feel right at home during your sessions.
Crucible Tattoo Co.
333 Racecourse Road, Kensington
Crucible is another studio redefining the intimidating nature of getting a tattoo. The range of contemporary styles here varies from colourful surrealism to traditional, but the diverse artists there would be more than happy to accommodate any crazy tattoo ideas you have.
Devils Ink Tattoo
18 Hall Street, Newport
Devils Ink is a flash and custom design studio established in 2002 and has since become a staple in the Melbourne tattoo scene. Specialising in traditional and street-style tattoos, look no further for your next American traditional-inspired sleeve or custom tattoo; especially when you’ve got four reputable, award-winning artists ready to help you out.
The Scarlet Temple
56 Howard Street, North Melbourne
Known for their highly distinctive and detailed blackwork designs, the crew at The Scarlet Temple isn’t afraid to get creative. Gigantic witchcraft-inspired pieces, along with fable and nightmare-ish designs are found here courtesy of Baba Vešterka, one of the resident artists. Hit this tattoo parlour up for a unique piece you won’t be able to find anywhere else.
Fill up before or after at one of Melbourne's best:
Main image credit: Billy Brown Supplied
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