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7 things to consider before you book a tattoo in Melbourne
So, you're thinking of getting a tattoo in Melbourne? Whether you’re booking your first tattoo or adding to your collection, asking the right questions will help you avoid surprises and ensure a great experience.
Thinking about your next tattoo? Here’s a checklist we made to help you find the perfect studio or artist.
1. Do They Follow Council Health Regulations?
In Melbourne, tattoo studios are not required to hold a specific tattoo license, but they must meet health and safety regulations set by the Victorian Department of Health and local council. Studios typically required undergo inspections by their local council health inspector and are often issued a certificate of approval to operate in that area if proven to meet the criteria set by the council and state.
Pictured above Eleven Pillars Tattoo Studio shop front in Oakleigh.
At Eleven Pillars Tattoo Studio in Oakleigh, our certification was issued by Monash City Council, and we display it at the front of the studio. We passed both planned and surprise health and safety inspections. Health and safety standards for tattoo studios can differ between local councils. If you're curious about the specific guidelines in your area, it's a good idea to consult your local council's website or contact their health department. They can provide detailed information on the regulations and requirements for tattoo businesses in your area.
In Victoria, tattoo artists don’t need individual licenses like they do in some other states, so it’s extra important to do your research before booking.
2. Do They Specialise in one Tattoo Style or Offer Multiple Styles?
Some studios focus on a single style like traditional, realism, or Japanese. That can be ideal if you already know exactly what you want and want to work with an artist deeply immersed in that genre.
At Eleven Pillars, we’ve structured our studio to house specialists across multiple tattoo styles under one roof. Our Melbourne team includes professional and award winning artists who focus on fineline, realism, neo-traditional, blackwork, ornamental, and cybersigilism, making it easier to match you with the perfect artist for your vision.
Pictured above a kneedala tattoo done by Eleven Pillars artist Hayley. Check out her Instagram here.
3. How Is Pricing Quoted?
Each tattoo studio has its own system. Some charge by the hour, others by the piece. The most important thing is to make sure you understand the pricing structure beforehand so there are no surprises.
At Eleven Pillars for example, we quote by the piece. That means whether your tattoo takes 5 hours or 20, the price stays the same as originally quoted. You’ll know the full cost up front with no unexpected add-ons. Our prices always include the custom design, tattoo & a free touch up session* (if required).
*fingers tattoos excluded!
4. When Will You See the Design?
Some artists prefer to reveal your design on the day of your appointment. This is a common and accepted practice in the tattoo industry. This method helps protect original artwork from being copied or used elsewhere. Other artists may share designs ahead of time, allowing room for feedback and adjustments.
Both approaches are standard, and neither is better than the other, it just depends on the artist’s workflow. What’s most important is understanding how your chosen artist operates so you know what to expect.
Think about what works best for you. Do you prefer to see your design in advance, or are you comfortable viewing it on the day? Keep in mind that any time spent refining the design on the day comes out of your session time, and you’re paying for the artist’s time regardless. That’s why booking a face-to-face or virtual consultation beforehand can be a great idea. It helps ensure you're both aligned on the vision and maximizes the time spent actually tattooing.
At Eleven Pillars, we generally send your design one day in advance. Changes within reason are welcomed and free of charge. Some artists may limit the number of revisions, so be sure to clarify this before you book.
Pictured above a delicate fineline & dotwork chest tattoo done by Eleven Pillars artist Toni. Check out her Instagram here.
5. What’s the Studio Vibe?
You’re going to be spending hours, or even multiple days at the studio you choose, so make sure it aligns with your personal preferences.
Some people prefer a private 1:1 experience, while others enjoy a creative group setting. Eleven Pillars is themed as a vintage cinema-inspired collaborative studio, complete with authenticated cinema posters, arcade machines, and a big screen that play movies, shows, or anything we want to watch. It feels like being in a cinema with others going through the same tattoo journey.
Need privacy? We’ve got you covered. Our portable block-out screens can create a quiet, 1:1 private space just for you & your artist.
Pictured above Eleven Pillars artist Nado. Check out his incredible work here
6. Can You View Verified Work and Social Media?
Most people explore tattoo artists and studio portfolios on Instagram, but don’t overlook platforms like TikTok and YouTube. They offer a more dynamic look at an artist’s style, healed work, and the overall vibe of the studio. In 2025, the majority of artists and studios showcase their work online, making it easier than ever to research and find the right fit for you.
When researching your artist online, here’s what to look out for:
Style consistency: Does the artist show a grasp of the style you want (e.g., fineline, realism, ornamental). A clear and consistent portfolio usually indicates confidence and experience in that style.
Healed results: Fresh tattoos often look great, but healed results reveal how well the artist understands skin, ink placement, and technique. Most artists will periodically post healed shots to their feed or story so make sure you compare and get a good idea of how your piece may heal!
Client feedback and tagged posts: Go beyond the curated feed. Check tagged photos and client reviews to get an unfiltered look at how people felt about their experience. Were they happy with the result? Did they feel supported and safe?
Video content: Short clips on TikTok or YouTube can give you insight into the artist’s personality, hygiene practices, and how they interact with clients. This matters especially for longer sessions or sensitive placements.
Pictured above a black & grey forearm realism tattoo by Eleven Pillars owner Chris. Check out his Instagram here.
Red flags: Be cautious of:
1. Overuse of filters or blurring (to hide mistakes or lack of detail)
2. Very few healed tattoos
3. No client feedback
4. Vague or inconsistent information about pricing, process, or hygiene
Taking a few extra minutes to properly research your artist can save you time, money, and potential regret.
Want to know more about us? Browse the Eleven Pillars channels below!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eleven.pillars
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@eleven.pillars
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elevenpillarstattoos
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chrissinclairtattoos
7. What Are the Payment Options?
Each studio may have different preferred payment methods. Make sure you’re prepared to pay in a way that suits both you and the shop.
At Eleven Pillars, we accept:
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Cash (please bring the exact amount if you can)
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Bank transfer (no surcharge)
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Card and Afterpay (1.4% surcharge applies)
Cash-only studios aren’t necessarily a red flag, but it’s worth considering when weighing up the overall experience. Use all of the points in this blog post to help you decide.
Note for international visitors: Tipping is not expected or required in Australia. You’re welcome to tip if you’d like to, but it’s certainly not a legal or social obligation, so don’t feel pressured if you’re visiting from abroad.
Pictured above a black & grey neo-traditional chest tattoo by Eleven Pillars artist Nado. Check out his Instagram here.
Final Thoughts
Melbourne is home to some incredibly talented tattoo artists, and with so much creative talent out there, knowing what to look for can make all the difference. We hope this blog has helped you feel more informed about how to approach your tattoo journey, or at least given you some insight into what to expect along the way. If you're thinking about your next tattoo, we’d love to hear your ideas and provide you with a custom quote here.
