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Welcome to The Dark Essence Tattoo Gallery, Melbourne’s Premium tattoo studio!
If you’re looking for a high-quality tattoo shop in Melbourne, you’ve come to the right place. Our tattoo parlour offers the best in custom tattoo designs, executed by our team of highly skilled artists. Whether you’re after a small and delicate piece or a full sleeve, we’ve got you covered.
Our tattoo studio in Melbourne is designed to create a comfortable and safe environment for all of our clients. We take pride in our commitment to hygiene and safety, utilizing state-of-the-art equipment and employing only the best quality inks and disposable tools.
At The Dark Essence Tattoo Gallery, we understand that a tattoo is a personal and meaningful choice. That’s why we work closely with each of our clients to ensure that their tattoo design is unique and perfectly suited to their individual style and personality.
We welcome walk-ins to our Melbourne tattoo shop, and we are always happy to discuss your ideas and answer any questions you may have about the tattooing process. Whether you are a first-time tattoo client or a seasoned tattoo enthusiast, our friendly and professional team is here to help you create the perfect tattoo.
So if you’re looking for the best tattoo Melbourne has to offer, look no further than The Dark Essence Tattoo Gallery. Book your appointment today and experience the difference that a premium tattoo studio can make.
We’re proud to be a family-owned business that’s passionate about tattooing and the tattoo community. Our crew is made up of a diverse group of creative individuals, with different nationalities and backgrounds, who all share a common love for the art of tattooing. Whether you’re looking for a traditional tattoo, a custom design, or something in between, our crew is dedicated to providing you with a unique and unforgettable tattoo experience.
We’re dedicated to providing our clients with the best possible experience at our tattoo studio. Your feedback matters!
We are proud to host some of the greatest tattoo artists from all over the globe here at The Dark Essence. This allows us to always offer you unique experiences.
We have new tattoo artists every month so keep an eye on our instagram or sign up to our newsletter for updates about which artists we have coming!
If you are an artist interested in joining us, email info@thedarkessence.com
We’re absolutely thrilled and grateful that you’ve trusted us with bringing your vision to life. We promise to give you our absolute best, because your satisfaction is our top priority.
You’re in the hands of Melbourne’s best tattoo artists, so rest assured that you’re in good hands. Thank you again for choosing us and we can’t wait to see your amazing tattoo!
We want to make sure that we can give you the best possible experience when you visit us for your tattoo appointment. That’s why we require a deposit for all bookings, to secure your spot and ensure that we have everything we need to make your vision come to life. We hope you understand that deposits are non-refundable, but we’re happy to work with you to reschedule your appointment with a minimum of 72 hours notice.
If you’re in the area and don’t have a booking yet, we would love for you to come in and see us! We’ll do our best to find a spot for you, so that you can experience the artistry and creativity of our Melbourne-based tattoo artists. Thank you for your understanding and we can’t wait to see you soon!
Another incredible piece by @mill.younger
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@metrixtattoo #metrixneedles
#thedarkessencetattoo #blakandgreyrealismtattoo #statuetattoo #realismtattoo #melbournetattoostudio #melbournetattooartist
Another incredible piece by @mill.younger
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@metrixtattoo #metrixneedles
#thedarkessencetattoo #blakandgreyrealismtattoo #statuetattoo #realismtattoo #melbournetattoostudio #melbournetattooartist
⚜️ ARTIST SPOTLIGHT ⚜️
Weronika @kaniathai.tattoo has been at the Dark Essence since March 2023.
She’s originally from Poland and specialises in her unique and graphic bold line style!
What made you want to get into tattooing?
My brother got a tattoo from a girl we met on a holiday while camping, She was doing stick and poke tattoos in her caravan. We were so excited about it that after coming back home we ordered all the things that are needed for stick and poke tattoos. I started learning by practising on my brother, he also used me for practise too. After I learned how to stick and poke I wanted to do bigger designs so I started learing how to tattoo with a machine.
How long have you been tattooing?
I started about 4 years ago, in the beginning I was just tattooing my friends and family from time to time. I joined a studio in Poland two and a half years ago, this is when i really started to think of myself as a professional tattoo artist.
Any tattoos you regret?
For sure the ones that I did on myself when I was first learning how to use a tattoo machine. I tattooed my thighs. It’s a disaster im waiting to get it lasered off hahaha.
Whats something we can look forward to from you as an artist?
For a while i have been thinking about learning how to do realism style tattoos, im hoping to do my first one soon!
Stayed tuned and cross your fingers for me!
Im very excited about this as it feels like a new chapter is starting for me!
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#thedarkessencetattoo #melbournetattooartist #melbournetattoostudio #artistspotlight #blackworktattoo #tattooideas #tattooQandA
⚜️ ARTIST SPOTLIGHT ⚜️
Weronika @kaniathai.tattoo has been at the Dark Essence since March 2023.
She’s originally from Poland and specialises in her unique and graphic bold line style!
What made you want to get into tattooing?
My brother got a tattoo from a girl we met on a holiday while camping, She was doing stick and poke tattoos in her caravan. We were so excited about it that after coming back home we ordered all the things that are needed for stick and poke tattoos. I started learning by practising on my brother, he also used me for practise too. After I learned how to stick and poke I wanted to do bigger designs so I started learing how to tattoo with a machine.
How long have you been tattooing?
I started about 4 years ago, in the beginning I was just tattooing my friends and family from time to time. I joined a studio in Poland two and a half years ago, this is when i really started to think of myself as a professional tattoo artist.
Any tattoos you regret?
For sure the ones that I did on myself when I was first learning how to use a tattoo machine. I tattooed my thighs. It’s a disaster im waiting to get it lasered off hahaha.
Whats something we can look forward to from you as an artist?
For a while i have been thinking about learning how to do realism style tattoos, im hoping to do my first one soon!
Stayed tuned and cross your fingers for me!
Im very excited about this as it feels like a new chapter is starting for me!
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#thedarkessencetattoo #melbournetattooartist #melbournetattoostudio #artistspotlight #blackworktattoo #tattooideas #tattooQandA
Crying Lightning by @bomb_squad_ink !
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#thedarkessencetattoogallery #metrixtattoo #blackworktattoo #lightningtattoo #articmonkeystattoo #lineworktattoo
Crying Lightning by @bomb_squad_ink !
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#thedarkessencetattoogallery #metrixtattoo #blackworktattoo #lightningtattoo #articmonkeystattoo #lineworktattoo
Check out this awesome @micah_ulrich design done by @lauralauralaw !
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#thedarkessencetattoogallery #metrixneedles #blackworktattoo #micahulrich #tarottattoo #redtattoos #lineworktattoo
Check out this awesome @micah_ulrich design done by @lauralauralaw !
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#thedarkessencetattoogallery #metrixneedles #blackworktattoo #micahulrich #tarottattoo #redtattoos #lineworktattoo
Cyber sigilism back piece done by @bellawild.tattoo !!
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#metrixneedles #thedarkessencetattoogallery #cybersigilism #cybertribaltattoo #cybersigilismtattoo #blackworktattoo #finelinetattoo #melbournetattoo
Cyber sigilism back piece done by @bellawild.tattoo !!
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#metrixneedles #thedarkessencetattoogallery #cybersigilism #cybertribaltattoo #cybersigilismtattoo #blackworktattoo #finelinetattoo #melbournetattoo
Bringing back this hyper realism bear by @nicksanna_tattoos !
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#thedarkessencetattoogallery #metrixneedles #animalportrait #beartattoo #blackandgreytattoo #realismtattoo #blackandgreyrealism
Bringing back this hyper realism bear by @nicksanna_tattoos !
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#thedarkessencetattoogallery #metrixneedles #animalportrait #beartattoo #blackandgreytattoo #realismtattoo #blackandgreyrealism
Tattoo Flash by @bellawild.tattoo is available now from only $100 (or $80 for the tiny ones)! Check out the highlights on Bella’s page to see more. Get in quick as the offer is only for the first 10 clients who book in. DM Bella or The Dark Essence Tattoo to book!
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#thedarkessencetattoo #tattooflash #melbournetattooflash #melbournetattoostudio #flashdesigns #cutetattooideas #smalltattoos #minimaltattoos #tattooflashmelbourne #finelinetattoo @finelineflashtattoo
Tattoo Flash by @bellawild.tattoo is available now from only $100 (or $80 for the tiny ones)! Check out the highlights on Bella’s page to see more. Get in quick as the offer is only for the first 10 clients who book in. DM Bella or The Dark Essence Tattoo to book!
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#thedarkessencetattoo #tattooflash #melbournetattooflash #melbournetattoostudio #flashdesigns #cutetattooideas #smalltattoos #minimaltattoos #tattooflashmelbourne #finelinetattoo @finelineflashtattoo
⚜️ ARTIST SPOTLIGHT ⚜️
Meet @shanetalaytattoo, one of our longest running resident tattoo artist at The Dark Essence Tattoo and the king of fine line tattoos. You’ll often catch him playing the same country songs on repeat.
How long have you tattooing?
9 years
Favourite thing to tattoo?
Fine line, or anything challenging
What’s your strong opinion?
I don’t like people bartering with me
Any tattoos you regret?
A stoned rabbit head about the size of a 50c piece on my arm. Got it covered up though. It was my first tattoo!
#thedarkessencetattoo#melbournetattooartist#melbournetattoostudio#artistspotlight#finelinetattoo#tattooideas#tattooqanda
⚜️ ARTIST SPOTLIGHT ⚜️
Meet @shanetalaytattoo, one of our longest running resident tattoo artist at The Dark Essence Tattoo and the king of fine line tattoos. You’ll often catch him playing the same country songs on repeat.
How long have you tattooing?
9 years
Favourite thing to tattoo?
Fine line, or anything challenging
What’s your strong opinion?
I don’t like people bartering with me
Any tattoos you regret?
A stoned rabbit head about the size of a 50c piece on my arm. Got it covered up though. It was my first tattoo!
#thedarkessencetattoo#melbournetattooartist#melbournetattoostudio#artistspotlight#finelinetattoo#tattooideas#tattooqanda
Bringing back this Travis Barker sleeve by @andrewsmithtattoo
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@metrixtattoo #metrixneedles
#thedarkessencetattoo #melbournetattoostudio #melbournerichmond #blackandgreyrealismtattoo #blackandredtattoo #travis barker #travisbarkertattoo #scripttattoo
Bringing back this Travis Barker sleeve by @andrewsmithtattoo
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@metrixtattoo #metrixneedles
#thedarkessencetattoo #melbournetattoostudio #melbournerichmond #blackandgreyrealismtattoo #blackandredtattoo #travis barker #travisbarkertattoo #scripttattoo
Full day sticker tattoo session done by our amazing apprentice @fingergunstattoo !!
Her books are currently open at apprentice rates, send her or us a DM to book in!
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#tattooapprentice #thedarkessencetattoo #thedarkessencetattoogallery #metrixneedles #patchworktattoo #blackworktattoo #melbournetattooists
Full day sticker tattoo session done by our amazing apprentice @fingergunstattoo !!
Her books are currently open at apprentice rates, send her or us a DM to book in!
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#tattooapprentice #thedarkessencetattoo #thedarkessencetattoogallery #metrixneedles #patchworktattoo #blackworktattoo #melbournetattooists
Witches Sabbath by @kaniaothai.tattoo !!
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#thedarkessencetattoogallery #metrixneedles #blackworktattoo #boldtattoos #witchytattoo #melbournetattoo #uniquetattoos
Witches Sabbath by @kaniaothai.tattoo !!
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#thedarkessencetattoogallery #metrixneedles #blackworktattoo #boldtattoos #witchytattoo #melbournetattoo #uniquetattoos
⚜️ ARTIST SPOTLIGHT ⚜️
This week we are shining the spotlight on our resident artist @ivanpeesy_vision
Originally from Italy, Ivan has been at The Dark Essence Tattoo for over a year now.
What was your first tattoo? Either on yourself or on a client?
My first tattoo was a script tattoo, it was “HATE” in Chicano style on the thigh just above the knee. It was on a friend but I charged him anyway haha!
What is the most painful area to get tattooed?
I guess that the most painful area to get tattooed could be the chest, ribs or neck!
What got you into tattooing?
I always dreamt of being a tattoo artist ever since I was a kid, has felt very natural to get into it!
What is your biggest tip for people wanting to become a tattoo artist?
The best tip that I can give to first timers is to just start as soon as possible and believe as strong as you can that you’re gonna get better everyday even if the results take at while!
#thedarkessencetattoo #melbournetattooartist #melbournetattoostudio #blackandgreyrealism #realismtattoo #colourrealism
⚜️ ARTIST SPOTLIGHT ⚜️
This week we are shining the spotlight on our resident artist @ivanpeesy_vision
Originally from Italy, Ivan has been at The Dark Essence Tattoo for over a year now.
What was your first tattoo? Either on yourself or on a client?
My first tattoo was a script tattoo, it was “HATE” in Chicano style on the thigh just above the knee. It was on a friend but I charged him anyway haha!
What is the most painful area to get tattooed?
I guess that the most painful area to get tattooed could be the chest, ribs or neck!
What got you into tattooing?
I always dreamt of being a tattoo artist ever since I was a kid, has felt very natural to get into it!
What is your biggest tip for people wanting to become a tattoo artist?
The best tip that I can give to first timers is to just start as soon as possible and believe as strong as you can that you’re gonna get better everyday even if the results take at while!
#thedarkessencetattoo #melbournetattooartist #melbournetattoostudio #blackandgreyrealism #realismtattoo #colourrealism
Scale by @shanetalaytattoo
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@metrixtattoo #metrixneedles
#thedarkessencetattoo #scaletattoo #illustrativetattoo #armtattoo #patchworktattoo #melbournetattooist #melbournetattoostudio
Scale by @shanetalaytattoo
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@metrixtattoo #metrixneedles
#thedarkessencetattoo #scaletattoo #illustrativetattoo #armtattoo #patchworktattoo #melbournetattooist #melbournetattoostudio
Check out this killer thigh piece by @lauralauralaw
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@metrixneedles #metrixtattoo
#thedarkessencetattoo #trustnoonetattoo #trustnoone #thightattoo #snaketattoo #scripttattoo #melbournetattoostudio #tattooidea #melbournetattooist #tattooreel #tattooreveal #tattoostencil
Check out this killer thigh piece by @lauralauralaw
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@metrixneedles #metrixtattoo
#thedarkessencetattoo #trustnoonetattoo #trustnoone #thightattoo #snaketattoo #scripttattoo #melbournetattoostudio #tattooidea #melbournetattooist #tattooreel #tattooreveal #tattoostencil
The more you look the more you see…
Incredible work by @mill.younger
DM him directly to book!
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@metrixneedles #metrixtattoo
#thedarkessencetattoo #chesttattoo #stomachtattoo #blackandgreyrealism #realismtattoo #melbournetattooist
The more you look the more you see…
Incredible work by @mill.younger
DM him directly to book!
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@metrixneedles #metrixtattoo
#thedarkessencetattoo #chesttattoo #stomachtattoo #blackandgreyrealism #realismtattoo #melbournetattooist
⚜️ ARTIST SPOTLIGHT ⚜️
Kicking off a new series of artist Q&A with the owner of The Dark Essence Tattoo Gallery is @joemetrixtattoo.
How long have you been tattooing?
Ive been tattooing for around 12 years now.
How would you describe your style?
I do mostly large scale realism pieces in full colour or black and grey.
Favourite things to tattoo?
I would have to say portraits and flowers are among my favourites.
What advice would you give to someone getting their first tattoo?
It fu*king hurts, but try to relax and don’t drink any alcohol at least 48 hours beforehand
@metrixneedles #metrixtattoo
#thedarkessencetattoo #melbournetattooartist #melbournetattoostudio #blackandgreyrealism #realismtattoo
⚜️ ARTIST SPOTLIGHT ⚜️
Kicking off a new series of artist Q&A with the owner of The Dark Essence Tattoo Gallery is @joemetrixtattoo.
How long have you been tattooing?
Ive been tattooing for around 12 years now.
How would you describe your style?
I do mostly large scale realism pieces in full colour or black and grey.
Favourite things to tattoo?
I would have to say portraits and flowers are among my favourites.
What advice would you give to someone getting their first tattoo?
It fu*king hurts, but try to relax and don’t drink any alcohol at least 48 hours beforehand
@metrixneedles #metrixtattoo
#thedarkessencetattoo #melbournetattooartist #melbournetattoostudio #blackandgreyrealism #realismtattoo
Check out this awesome Hanya mask done by @andrewsmithtattoo 🔥
Send him a dm if you’re interested in booking your next tattoo with him !
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#metrixneedles #thedarkessence #thedarkessencetattoogallery #hanyamasktattoo #colourrealismtattoo #japanesetattoo
Check out this awesome Hanya mask done by @andrewsmithtattoo 🔥
Send him a dm if you’re interested in booking your next tattoo with him !
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#metrixneedles #thedarkessence #thedarkessencetattoogallery #hanyamasktattoo #colourrealismtattoo #japanesetattoo
Hallelujah to Cholula by @bomb_squad_ink
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@metrixneedles #metrixtattoo
#thedarkessencetattoo #thedarkessence #hotsaucetattoo #colourtattoo #tattooreel #tattooswipe #cholula #cholulatattoo
Hallelujah to Cholula by @bomb_squad_ink
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@metrixneedles #metrixtattoo
#thedarkessencetattoo #thedarkessence #hotsaucetattoo #colourtattoo #tattooreel #tattooswipe #cholula #cholulatattoo
@fingergunstattoo is now available to tattoo! DM us or Han directly to book, apprentice rates apply ⚜️
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#thedarkessencetattoogallery #thedarkessencetattoo #melbournetattoostudio #tattooapprentice #tattooideas #patchworktattoo #cartattoo #cowboyboottattoo #melbournetattooists
@fingergunstattoo is now available to tattoo! DM us or Han directly to book, apprentice rates apply ⚜️
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#thedarkessencetattoogallery #thedarkessencetattoo #melbournetattoostudio #tattooapprentice #tattooideas #patchworktattoo #cartattoo #cowboyboottattoo #melbournetattooists
Fine line and cosmetic tattooist @bellawild.tattoo will be joining the team at The Dark Essence from the 11th of September ⚜️
Call or DM us or Bella to enquire!
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#thedarkessencetattoo #thedarkessence #cosmetictattoo #finelinetattoo #tattooartist #newtattooartist #melbournetattooartist #richmondtattoo
Fine line and cosmetic tattooist @bellawild.tattoo will be joining the team at The Dark Essence from the 11th of September ⚜️
Call or DM us or Bella to enquire!
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#thedarkessencetattoo #thedarkessence #cosmetictattoo #finelinetattoo #tattooartist #newtattooartist #melbournetattooartist #richmondtattoo
