Mick Squires
With over 20 years of experience, Mick has become a renowned figure in the tattoo industry, recognised both nationally and internationally for his expertise in colour realism. He has traveled the world, creating tattoos and hosting seminars to help other artists refine their craft in countries such as the USA, England, Germany, Singapore and New Zealand. Mick's specialisation lies in realistic black and grey and colour tattoos, ranging from pet portraits to wild animals and portraits of people. He also enjoys mixing styles such an illustrative and realism.
When he's not tattooing, you can find Mick building tattoo machines and tattoo equipment for other tattooists locally and around the world. Mick is also a staple at our Brew Bar, perfecting the art of coffee-making and doesn’t mind a round of Golf.
Kitty Dearest
With over a decade of experience, Kitty is just as passionate about tattooing today as she was during her apprenticeship, when there were few female tattooists in the industry. Her love for tattooing animals is evident in her signature illustrative style, particularly when it comes to pet portraits. Kitty is also known for her expertise in floral and botanical designs and has a soft spot for anything whimsical, cosy or book-related.
When she's not creating beautiful tattoos, Kitty can be found snuggled up with her French bulldog Pumpkin in her lap and a good book in her hand, ranging from classic literature to fantasy fiction. She also loves attempting not to fall on her face at a Pilates class, listening to and shopping for records she doesn’t have space for or traveling to any place that will have her in an endeavour to experience different ways of life.
Dan Mawdsley
Dan is an experienced tattooist with a passion for pop culture and realism. With 10 years of tattooing under his belt, he started his journey in a small town in central Victoria before settling in Geelong for university. He explored a few different industries before finding his true calling in tattooing at the age of 28.
Dan has worked in two local studios in Melbourne before joining The Black Mark team in 2017 where he is now part owner. He has also traveled extensively to learn from some of the finest artists and continuously improve his skills. Dan likes to travel for guest spots and conventions whenever possible to gain new experiences.
As a self-proclaimed closet nerd, Dan loves talking about pop culture with his clients, including movies, TV shows, music, art, comics, cartoons, anime, video games, and especially Star Wars. These are also his favorite subjects to tattoo, but he strives to be diverse and works across most styles.
When Dan is not tattooing or talking about pop culture, he can be found playing music, golfing, watching the NBA, or indulging in other sports that he loves.\
Elric Gordon
Elric is an accomplished tattoo artist who is a part owner of The Black Mark. With over 10 years of experience, having won multiple awards for his stunning black and grey tattoo work. From a young age, Elric knew that he wanted to be a tattoo artist, and his passion for tattoos and dedication to his craft is evident in every piece he creates. As an artist, Elric is always exploring new mediums and pushing himself to grow creatively, with charcoal being his favourite.
When he's not in the studio creating tattoos, Elric enjoys attending music gigs and relaxing with a good documentary. However, spending time with his partner Sara, his two wonderful children, and their furry companion Cai is what truly brings him joy. Whether they're skateboarding, playing basketball, drawing together, or watching funny YouTube videos, Elric cherishes these moments with his loved ones.
Fabz
With over 16 years of experience in tattooing, Fabian originally hails from the beautiful island of Vanuatu. After moving to the Gold Coast, Australia in 2003, he finally settled in Melbourne in 2014 to establish The Black Mark. Throughout his career, Fabian has traveled extensively, participating in conventions and guest spots all around the world. His passion lies in creating dynamic realistic images, in both colour and black and grey, as well as incorporating neo-traditional designs with a touch of realism.
When not tattooing, Fabian spends time with his amazing partner Natasha, their beautiful daughters and adorable long-haired dachshund Bella. He loves pushing his limits with heavy barbells and impressive gymnastics on his homemade and perhaps questionable Crossfit setup, or exploring the ocean through surfing or free dive spearfishing.
Daffy
Daffy is a black and grey realism tattoo artist based in Melbourne. Originally from Alice Springs, he has lived and worked across Australia, managing bars before discovering his passion for tattooing. In 2015, he managed a tattoo studio in Moonee Ponds before transitioning to an apprenticeship at another studio a year later.
Drawing on his experiences working with some of Melbourne's best artists and getting tattooed by talented artists from around the world, Daffy has developed a diverse range of skills and loves to tattoo a wide range of imagery. From religious statues and sculptures to dark horror and surrealism, Daffy is always eager to take on a new challenge and push his artistic abilities to the limit.
When he's not tattooing, Daffy enjoys spending time with Wife and dogs, indulging in his love of documentaries and cult TV shows like Game of Thrones and South Park.
Mitch Goldsbrough
Mitch is a talented portrait and realism artist who joined The Black Mark team in 2020 when he moved to Melbourne with his wife Oke. He started his tattooing journey in 2009 in a small tourist town in NSW and now co-owns the same studio where he did his apprenticeship.
Mitch gained extensive experience and a versatile skill set during his "street shop" apprenticeship, learning every style of tattooing and the importance of creating tattoos that stand the test of time. He specialises in portrait and realism tattoos and brings his enthusiasm and passion to every piece, whether it's a memorial portrait, landscape, animal or even a car tattoo.
Clients appreciate Mitch's infectious energy and dedication, with one once telling him that they knew they were going to get a good tattoo when the artist was more excited than they were. Mitch's love for his craft has only grown over the years. When he's not creating art on skin, you'll find him hanging out with his Wife and Son, driving, fixing and racing classic cars, practicing boxing, or listening to country rap music.
Dylan Freeman
Dylan is a talented tattoo artist who specialises in American traditional designs. He has been tattooing for three years and honed his skills in Newcastle, NSW. Dylan's signature traditional American style is characterised by straight, thick, and crispy lines, which he is passionate about perfecting. Whether working from his flash designs or creating custom pieces, Dylan puts his heart and soul into each tattoo.
Outside of the studio, Dylan leads a light-hearted lifestyle and loves to laugh and goof around. Dylan is an avid gamer, diving head first into FPS’ and RPG’s, Rainbow 6 and The Last of Us being personal favourites.
He is a chilled-out sweetheart who is always happy to chat and make his clients feel at ease. With his expertise and laid-back personality, Dylan is sure to create your next favourite tattoo.
Aidan James
Aidan has been tattooing for over a decade and has vast experience in all styles of tattoos. However, his focus has shifted to solid line work, specifically relating to floral, mandalas, and black work styles. Aidan's ultimate goal is to create custom, individualistic pieces that align with his clients' personalities and body contours, thus establishing a deeper connection between the client and their tattoo.
Aidan enjoys spending time with his family and friends, particularly during the warmer months when camping trips and outdoor activities are in full swing. Aidan jumps at any opportunity to be outdoors, no matter the occasion.
In his free time, Aidan loves to explore his creativity through other mediums. He has a strong passion for music, leaning towards rock and roll and metalcore, and is always open to singing along to a good tune. He is also working on advancing his drumming skills and networking with other artists and musicians at gigs and festivals.
Yadokai
Yadokai is a seasoned tattoo artist with over 12 years of experience. He has honed his craft in Canberra and melbourne. His distinctive style draws inspiration from Japanese art, graphic novels and comic book art. Yadokai is a versatile artist with expertise in a wide range of tattoo styles. He particularly enjoys creating Japanese and neo traditional inspired work. Drawing inspiration from many sources of art and literature.
When he's not tattooing, Yadokai's passion for creativity extends to drawing, 3D sculpting, painting, and other artistic pursuits. A dedicated morning coffee ritual fuels his non-stop drawing and serves as a starting point for another day of mastering his craft.
Monika Ng
Monica is a versatile artist who has been tattooing for almost 7 years. She has worked in several studios, where she has developed a great passion for bold, rich colour tattoos. Her highly detailed pieces often reflect her love for the mythology and fantasy that influence art and she likes imagining back stories for her pre-drawn custom designs. She enjoys tattooing a range of different subjects in Neo and realistic styles, but admits she has a particular fondness for large painterly florals, oriental Knick-knacks and beautiful mysterious women.
Prior to fulfilling her dream of becoming a tattoo artist, Monica studied and worked in fashion and costume. She loves IceCube, Terry Pratchett, opshops and being a huge goof.
Simon Turner
Simon has been tattooing now for around 10 years, starting in Melbourne and spending several years in the USA developing and honing his style before returning back to Melbourne in 2019.
While specialising in black work and black and grey, with a background in graphic design and illustration, Simon has aimed to refine his own take on all things medieval, occult, religious and devilish in his designs and tattoos, drawing inspiration from classic old woodcuts, etchings and even 80’s styled thrash/skate design.
When not tattooing Simon enjoys rides, hikes, music, gigs, drinks with friends, and a good crate dig.
Nicklas Wong
Nick grew up up in Roskilde, Denmark. He was constantly exploring new artistic horizons, drawn to the vivid symbolism and dynamic mythology of Japanese culture. This infatuation with the East would go on to profoundly shape his artistic voice of intricate, tradition-steeped tattoo designs as well as my dynamic, anime-inspired illustrations.
Smel Wink
Smel is a tattoo artist with 17 years of experience, starting her journey in the vibrant old Kings Cross at Sleevemasters Tattoo Studio. Over the years Smel has honed her unique style, blending abstract watercolor techniques with tattoos, always pushing herself to learn and evolve. Smel’s goal is to create wearable works of art that my clients will cherish. Smel is passionate about tattooing animals, eyes, and flowing paint designs, and love transforming almost anything into a fluid, painterly piece.
Travel is a big part of Smel’s life, and she had the privilege of working across Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. When I’m not tattooing, you’ll find Smel in her studio painting, crafting quirky sculptures, or in her shed building random creations. Smel enjoy’s hiking with her dog, and honing in on her bbq skills and smoking all the delicious food.
