Taboo Tattoo was opened in Blackburn 2002 by tattoo artist André Cleary. André began his tattoo career in 1988 shortly followed by a move to Hobart, Tasmania where he part-owned and operated Tasmania's longest established studio, working along side some of the best local and interstate artists. André later moved back to Melbourne in 1997 to work at Highline Tattoo in St.Kilda which he currently part-owns and operates. The experience gained throughout these past years encouraged André to open a new shop enabling him to provide the highest standard of tattooing possible.

At Taboo Tattoo they are extremely proud of the standard of hygiene. There is a separate sterilizing area, which is required by current state health department guidelines. The autoclave sterilizer is regularly serviced and spore tested. Brand new needles and examination gloves are used for each client, which are later discarded in Sharps and Bio Hazard waist containers. Anything that is not disposable (example: power box, clip cord, armrest) is covered with plastic to prevent cross-contamination between each customer. The studio is frequently inspected by the Health Department and operates above the high standards set forth by them.

Taboo Tattoo offers thousands of pre-drawn designs from all over the world to choose from in many classic and contemporary modern styles, as well as an extensive reference library if a custom design is preferred. André is happy to discuss in detail ideas regarding your future tattoo design. This way, you can be sure to receive exactly what you want!

When opening Taboo Tattoo, André not only wanted a shop where he could provide the highest standard of tattooing in a strict hospital grade sterile environment, but also to achieve a relaxed atmosphere where customers felt they could wonder in, spend time asking the questions they needed to allow them to feel comfortable with the decision they were about to make.

André Cleary is a highly skilled and versatile tattooist, dedicated and constantly striving to improve not only his own standards of tattooing but also the image and reputation of the tattoo industry. He is a member of the Professional Tattooing Association of Australia and has won numerous tattoo awards in Australia and in the United States. A customer of André's recently won an award for ‘Best Overall Female' in Anaheim, California against aprox. 50 tattoo studios. He has also had artwork exhibited at the National Art Gallery of Victoria.

Please feel free to contact André on (03)9877-8008 or drop in for a chat to discuss your individual design.