I'm based in Melbourne, Australia. Appointments are by enquiry only, so get in touch through the enquiry form or on Instagram and I'll share studio details and availability directly.
Tattooing has been my life for over 15 years.
I create custom neo-traditional tattoos in Melbourne, with a focus on strong design, natural flow, thoughtful placement, and work that still looks good years from now.
Every piece is drawn specifically for the person wearing it. I care about how the tattoo fits the body, how it heals, how it ages, and how it feels once it becomes part of you.
I work mostly in colour, but also love black and grey, large-scale projects, animals, nature-inspired work, and pieces with a strong sense of character.
Appointments are by enquiry only.
MERCH collection
BEAUTIFUL TATTOOS - HEAVY OVERSIZE
$70.00 AUD
Heavy Faded Embroidery TT
$70.00 AUD
The Official Full Day Sit Mug
$1,300.00 AUD
HALF Day Sit Mug VOUCHER
$700.00 AUD
Over the past few years, I’ve been fortunate to receive recognition from some of Australia’s top tattoo exhibitions — including:
- 🥇 Best Tattoo of Friday – Rites of Passage 2023
- 🥇 Best Neotraditional – Rites of Passage 2023
- 🥇 Best Neotraditional – Inked Expo 2024
- 🥇 Best Neotraditional – Inked Expo 2025
- 🥇 runner up Best Neotraditional – Inked Expo 2026
While I don’t tattoo for trophies, I’m proud of the consistency in my craft and the connection my work has with both clients and judges. These awards are just a reflection of the energy I bring into every tattoo I create for my clients.
What clients say
5.0 ★ on Google. Read all reviews · Leave a review
“100% worth it”
I've wanted a large scale Japanese dragon tattoo for about 20 years now. His attention to detail, the way he works with each individual body and his use of colour and shading caught my eye more than anyone else has.
I fly across State each session to work with Tim. The extra time and money spent doing so is 100% worth it.
“Above and beyond”
He spent time free-handing the design directly onto my chest, meticulously adjusting and reshaping it until the composition worked perfectly with my body. You could genuinely see how much care he was putting into making the tattoo fit me.
Not only an insanely talented artist, but a genuinely great human being.
“11/10 would go to again”
Tim is professional, super talented and made me feel really comfortable. His work is incredibly beautiful and he's also just an all round chill dude to spend hours with getting tattooed. 11/10 would go to again.
Where is Tim Tavaria based?
What styles do you tattoo?
Mainly neo-traditional, plus nature and wildlife, Japanese, mythology, ornamental, blackwork, black and grey and large-scale work. See all styles.
Do I need a finished design before I book?
No. Some of my favourite tattoos started with a fairly simple idea we developed together. I design most work on the day, often freehand on the body.
Do you do cover-ups?
Yes. Send clear photos of the existing tattoo and I'll give you an honest assessment of what's possible. More about cover-ups.
I live interstate. Can I still book?
Yes. A lot of my clients travel to Melbourne for their sessions, and I'm happy to plan full days around your trip.
How do I book?
Through the enquiry form on this website or by messaging @timtavaria on Instagram. I'm currently booking February to April 2027.
