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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 preference for working with larger projects is to achieve the best possible result. The space allows the composition to be developed more effectively, including secondary elements without taking the focus away from the main one, as well as making 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.I do not copy tattoos, and I do not copy the style or language of other artists. I also do not repeat any project I have already done.If something does not work for the project, I will say so. I may suggest changes or refuse the work.As for size, every project will be adjusted to each person’s body area. I do not do small, standalone tattoos. I would rather not do a piece when I know the result could be much better with the appropriate space.

Two Paths

100% Authorial

You choose the project you like from those available.There are no alterations, substitutions or any 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 is indifferent to the result, leaving the choice to you.The construction of a Custom Authorial project is a partnership. No one controls 100%.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, 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 more developed project will be worked on 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 fine. 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.