Australian tattoo designs
If you’re a traveller looking to commemorate your trip to the land Down Under or a local with deep ties to the culture and landscape, an Australian-themed tattoo can be a powerful way to connect with place, memory and identity. These designs can be symbolic or cheeky, serious or surreal, it really depends on your story and your imagination. At Blue Lady, we’ve tattooed everything from simple outline designs, native flora and fauna, to a kangaroo having a beer, we’ve done it all. From Taylor Swift’s road carpenter to the toughest marines, many a traveller has opted for a custom drawn Australian tattoo. No idea too small, or too strange, a Koala drinking a Pina Colada? Or eating a jar of Vegemite? A jar of Vegemite eating Vegemite on toast? Steve Irwin holding a croc? There’s no such thing as too weird or too specific, in fact, we kind of prefer it that way. These designs make great souvenirs, but they also hold meaning for those who grew up in this landscape. Whether you want something minimal or something loud and full of detail, we can help bring your Aussie-inspired idea to life. Come by the shop, have a chat, and let’s see where it takes us.
Australian Tattoo Gallery
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Small tattoos
Small Tattoos
Small tattoos might take up only a little space, yet they carry immense significance and personal meaning. Many people choose them for their subtlety. A tiny symbol, a single word, a short line of script, an abstract mark no one else would interpret the same way. They can be placed somewhere just for you or somewhere visible enough to share when you want to. In Melbourne and beyond, small tattoos have become a go-to for first timers, for people marking milestones and for tattoo collectors who like to build stories across the body over time. A hand-poked style dot, a fine line flower, an inside-joke icon among friends, or a matching design done on the same day, they all work well at a smaller scale. Small tattoos have become a popular choice for those looking to make a statement without the commitment of a larger piece. Placement matters. Areas with tighter skin like the wrist, ankle, finger sides, collarbone edge, or behind the ear are popular, but we can work almost anywhere as long as the design reads at size. Line weight and spacing are important because tiny details can blur as a tattoo ages. Our artists will guide you on what will hold up, whether you want single-needle delicacy or something a little stronger for longevity. Come by the studio, browse through our designs, or chat with one of our tattoo artists about your idea. You can bring a rough idea, a reference image, or just a meaning you want captured. We’re happy to help you start or add to your collection.
Small Tattoo Gallery
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Red line tattoos
Red Ink Tattoos
Red ink tattoos are a unique variation where the main outline or part of the design is done in red ink. Instead of black outlines, a special red pigment is used on all or on part of the tattoo. This subtle shift in ink creates a completely different mood and finish. Much like a fine line or small tattoo these designs tend to lean toward simplicity, often featuring symbols, lettering, or floral elements that speak directly to the wearer. The minimalism allows the red ink to stand on its own without overwhelming the skin. Script tattoos, fine line botanicals, and small meaningful motifs are some of the most popular uses for red ink, though every design can be tailored to suit the individual. It’s important to note that red ink behaves differently in the skin compared to black or coloured pigments. Some people may experience mild irritation or sensitivity, and over time, the tone may shift slightly depending on how your skin heals. That’s why we recommend chatting with one of our artists first. We’ll walk you through the process, show you examples, and help you decide if red line work is the right fit for your idea. So give us a call today or pop by the shop to discuss your new red ink tattoo.
Red Linework Tattoo Gallery
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Black tattoos
Black Tattoos
Simply put, black tattoos are created using only black ink. No colour, no grey, just bold, unapologetic black. At Blue Lady Tattoo, we don’t just use black ink; we use the darkest black ink available, up to three times darker than regular ink you might find at other shops. The scope of black ink tattoos is huge. Whether you’re drawn to the classic, bold lines of American Traditional, the intricate and delicate detail of fine line work, or something more abstract, illustrative, or even dotwork, black ink consistently holds its depth and contrast beautifully over the years. From classic motifs like skulls, eagles, and daggers to soft florals, lifelike portraits, or meaningful script – just about anything looks sharper, stronger, and more striking in black ink. At Blue Lady Tattoo, we pride ourselves on our diverse team of talented artists, many of whom specialise exclusively in blackwork and black-only tattoos. Their portfolios are bursting with incredible examples, showcasing both intricate flash designs ready to be tattooed and breathtaking custom pieces tailored to individual visions. You’re welcome to bring your own idea or browse our available blackwork pieces for inspiration. The elegance and power of a strong black tattoo is hard to match.
Blackwork Tattoo Gallery
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Colour tattoos
Colour Tattoos
Life is full of colour, so why shouldn’t your tattoo be? Colour work offers a level of vibrancy and expression that can’t be achieved with black ink alone. With today’s pigments, artists can create tattoos that range from soft and delicate to rich and intense. Flowers, beautiful lady heads, beach scenes, your dog, your favourite fruit…the subject matter is as broad as the colour spectrum itself. At Blue Lady Tattoo, we have artists that specialise in colour work and know what pigments and shades will stay bright and true. Some shades fade faster than others, and the way colours interact with each other can completely shift the tone of a design. Our artists can guide you through these decisions with care and experience. You can bring your own design or come in with a rough idea and we’ll help you shape it into something that fits. Whether you’re thinking of something playful or intricate, bright or more muted, we’ll work with you to find the right direction. We’ll help you refine the tattoo design, talk you through placement options, and work with you to build a piece that feels right. Whatever your idea, we can bring it to life, in full colour.
Colour Tattoo Gallery
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Traditional tattoos
Traditional Tattoos
American Traditional or simply Trad, is a tattoo style that uses simple bold designs and solid colour with heavy black shading. It’s one of the most iconic and instantly recognisable tattoo styles. The simple shapes and bold colours are a stand out feature, the trick is to remove all the information that is not needed, leaving only the essence of the subject matter to tell the story. It looks simple, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. There’s a high level of control and intention behind the simplicity. Every line has a purpose, every colour has weight, and nothing is included unless it needs to be. A good Trad artist is carefully curating every line and every colour choice. Imagery from panthers, ships, eagles, roses, skulls and lady heads, were all popular with sailors and members of the armed forces. Symbolising everything from strength, honour, loyalty and love, American Traditional has stood the test of time, as solid as the bold outlines that are the architecture of this style. If you like classic tattoo imagery or something more abstract done in a classic style, the American Traditional or Trad tattoo style is a great choice. As the saying goes “Bold will hold”.
Traditional Tattoo Gallery
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Fine line tattoos
Fine Line Tattoos
The fine line tattoo style covers a lot of ground artistically speaking. Almost any subject matter can be translated into a fine line tattoo. Subtle and delicate, a fine line tattoo uses very fine precise needles to render the image. We have the finest needles in town. As such, they have an understated illustrative quality that’s very unique and elegant. Their beauty lies in their simplicity, almost any subject can be rendered in fine line style. Floral elements, snakes, skulls, simple lettering, abstract designs, matchbox icons, even tiny cowboy boots – they all lend themselves well to this technique. The linework itself becomes the focus, so there’s no need for shading or colour to make the piece stand out. At Blue Lady Tattoo, we use the sharpest, highest-quality fine line needles available. Our artists have worked with this style for years and know how to create designs that not only look great but also hold their detail over time. You’re welcome to choose from our existing fine line flash or bring in something personal to you. If you’re unsure how to start, we’re happy to guide you through the process. Drop us a message or visit the studio to chat about your fine line idea.
