Hi! I’m André Melo,

Brazilian Tattoo Artist,based in Porto, Portugal.I have over 10 years of experience as a tattoo artist. My work is developed within my own artistic language, with influences from Blackwork, Sketch, Watercolour and Abstract.I create unique tattoos, impossible to copy.

If you’ve made it this far, it’s because something caught your attention and you want to know a little more about my work.Hi, my name is André Melo, I’m “mineiro” and sometimes I let out a “uai”. I was born in Belo Horizonte, the capital of Minas Gerais. Of course, I like pão de queijo, but if there is one “trem” that I really like, it is “paçoca”.

My language | style

What led me to the language and style I have today started with the lack of tattoos in Sketch. I was already used to making more finished Sketches: I would leave the lines loose and finish with some defined lines, leaving all the marks necessary in the construction.Something that was always present was the desire to do something different. At the time, there were not many professionals doing Sketch in tattooing.Over time, my work evolved and I started mixing Blackwork techniques. As I have always liked colour, the freedom of Watercolour captivated me. I started painting with this technique when I began studying application techniques and how to tattoo.Over time, I started adding details such as stains and splashes, abstract lines, brushstrokes and other abstract forms.All the fluidity, freedom, contrast and chaos present in my work have been built over the years.

My journey

Despite being “mineiro”, I only learnt and started tattooing in 2015, when I was living in São Paulo, the capital.I eventually worked in cities such as Belo Horizonte, Brasília, among other cities in Brazil.I spent a long period in Dublin, Ireland, in 2022, and a short period in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in 2023.Since 2024, I have been tattooing here in Portugal.

Awards

During my first two years of tattooing, I took part in several tattoo conventions and was awarded 11 times.There were 7 award-winning Blackwork tattoos and 4 award-winning drawing series: 1 colour series, in Watercolour, and 3 black-and-white series, in Blackwork.

How I Work

Artistic Approach

My language has been built over the years through the combination of different techniques and forms of expression.I work with influences from Blackwork, Sketch, Watercolour and Abstract, exploring fluidity, freedom, contrast, stains, splashes, brushstrokes, loose lines and abstract elements.My work also incorporates techniques and visual elements commonly associated with Fineline, Whip Shading, Woodcut and Engraving, incorporated into my own artistic language.

I prefer working on larger projects because they allow me to achieve the best possible result.The appropriate space allows the composition to be developed more effectively, including secondary elements without taking the focus away from the main one. It also makes the project easier to read, which contributes to a longer-lasting tattoo. In addition, a larger project creates a much more interesting visual impact on the body.As for size, every project will be adapted to the person’s body and the area where it will be tattooed.

I do not repeat any project I have already done. Each project becomes unique to each client.I do not copy tattoos, and I do not copy the style or language of other artists.I do not continue the work of other artists.
Cover-ups may be considered in some cases and require an assessment.
I rarely rework existing tattoos;
the best approach is to assess what can be done to achieve the best possible result.
In cover-ups and reworks, the client cannot impose limitations on the project. I need the freedom to work without restrictions in order to achieve the best possible result.

If something does not work for the project, I will say so. I may suggest changes or refuse to do the work.

I do not do small tattoos.Seeing many clients eventually regret having small pieces frustrates me. It is not always because the small tattoo turned out badly or looks bad. Over time, the person realises that something is missing and often does not know exactly what it is. The relationship between the tattoo and the body, the composition and the available space all make a difference, and this can lead to the need to keep filling spaces to try to fix what is missing.Besides that, a small tattoo ends up being just another one among others, and will never have the same impact as a well-placed project, with a well-constructed overall composition from the beginning.

Two Paths

100% Authorial

You choose the project you like from those available.There are no alterations, substitutions or intervention from the client in the project.Before booking, it is necessary to check whether the project is suitable for the area where you intend to have it tattooed.The project will not be adapted to work alongside existing tattoos, unless they can be covered. In that case, an assessment is necessary.

Custom Authorial

The project starts from your idea.You tell me what you have in mind and I develop the project within my language, following my approach to composition, as well as size.With this path, you participate in the development of the project. We will analyse ideas, test possibilities and choose what works best.I will tell you what works and what does not, and explain why. I will also tell you when something does not make a difference to the result, leaving the choice to you.The construction of a Custom Authorial project is a partnership. Neither of us controls 100% of the process.When possible, a quick 3D projection of the project will be made for an initial alignment.If many adjustments are needed to the project presented, that is a strong sign that it is not working. It will be discarded and a new project will be started. If there is a change of mind, the development of a new project may be charged separately, or an in-person meeting may be necessary for a new alignment.The project will be further developed during the week and presented only on the day of the tattoo. It is not a finished piece of artwork. On the day, we will adjust some details according to the body and the area before proceeding with the tattoo.

If you do not agree with the way I work, that is ok. It is best to find another professional who works in the way you are looking for. Do not try to force what you want into my work.

Process

Projection 3d

Sketch | Decal

Final Art | Tattoo

FAQ

No. I do not do small tattoos. I would rather not do a piece when I know the result could be much better with more space.

I explain the reasoning behind this approach in the “How I Work” section. I invite you to read it and understand how I think about this; perhaps it will make sense to you.
Yes, but with many reservations. I need to assess what you want to cover or rework. I need more freedom and no limitations in order to work.
If the project has not yet been tattooed, of course. You can choose one of the available projects.
Yes. In this case, we will work in the Custom Authorial format. See “How I Work” in the How I Work section.
No. I do not make copies, I do not copy other artists’ styles or languages, and I also do not repeat projects I have already done.
I prefer that you do not send me any references. This allows me to present something that has not already been thought of.

It is better to talk about your idea, the elements you want, and let me think about how to make it work. This way, nobody is tied to a pre-defined idea.
When possible, I will make a quick 3D projection for initial alignment and approval.

The more developed project is worked on during the week of the procedure, and the sketch is presented on the day of the tattoo. I do not create a finished piece of artwork.
This is unlikely to happen because, in most cases, it is possible to make an initial projection for approval.

When I realise that many adjustments are needed, this is a sign that the composition is not working. In that case, we need to discard it and start again.

I generally present one or two different compositions, and this is usually enough for us to move forward. In a few cases, the best option is an in-person meeting so we can align everything.

Read the How I Work section and see if the way I work suits you.
The size is determined according to the project, the person’s body and the area where it will be tattooed. I explain more about this approach in the “How I Work” section.
The price depends on the project, the area, the details, the colours and other factors. The price is determined after analysing the project.
Through the form. It was designed to make it easier for you to explain your idea, while also allowing me to obtain the information needed to make the project viable.

If I need to make any considerations, I will contact you before providing the quote and explaining the booking process.
I am currently based in Porto, Portugal, and occasionally travel to other countries.
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Testimonials

Brad“You can send him ideas and he will use his refined taste and experience to shepherd you to a great result.”

Luke“He was able to take all of my ideas and adapt them to his style while keeping true to the idea.”

Shane“I came across Andre on Instagram and immediately loved his style. After scrolling through nearly all his work on his page I knew I wanted Andre to do my first Tattoo!”

Maverick“His style is unique to him and I felt it was almost a privilege being tattooed by him.”