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.
Portfolio
If you’re here, 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”.
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.
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.
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.
Deer Skull — an award-winning Blackwork tattoo on the forearm, awarded in the Blackwork category at the VII Piracicaba Tattoo Fest in São Paulo, Brazil, in 2018, created as a bespoke project. One antler rises towards the inner arm and the other towards the outer arm and shoulder, with a spider descending, holding a black rose.
Tattoo artist André Melo’s 11th award-winning work at a tattoo convention.
Raven Skull with a “little horn” — a Blackwork tattoo on the arm, awarded in the Blackwork category at the 3rd Convención Internacional Paraguay Tattoo Fest in Ciudad del Este, Paraguay, in 2018.
Tattoo artist André Melo’s 10th award-winning work at a tattoo convention.
Blackwork drawing series, awarded in the Black-and-White Drawing Series category at the 1st Pouso Alegre Tattoo Fest in Pouso Alegre, Minas Gerais, Brazil, in 2018.
Tattoo artist André Melo’s 9th award-winning work at a tattoo convention.
Sunflower Blackwork, a tattoo awarded Best Blackwork at the 3rd Tattoo Rock Food Motors convention in Araras, São Paulo, Brazil, in 2018.
A large sunflower covering much of the back.
Tattoo artist André Melo’s 8th award-winning work at a tattoo convention.
This design is part of a prize-winning series of drawings from the same convention.
Double Award-Winning Work at the 3rd Tattoo Rock Food Motors convention in Araras, São Paulo, Brazil, in 2018.
Blackwork drawing series, awarded in the Black-and-White Drawing Series category, and Sunflower Blackwork tattoo, awarded Best Blackwork at the 3rd Tattoo Rock Food Motors convention in Araras, São Paulo, Brazil, in 2018.
Tattoo artist André Melo’s 7th and 8th award-winning works at a tattoo convention.
Blackwork drawing series, awarded in the Black-and-White Drawing Series category at the 3rd Tattoo Rock Food Motors convention in Araras, São Paulo, Brazil, in 2018.
Tattoo artist André Melo’s 7th award-winning work at a tattoo convention.
Rhinoceros Beetle — a Heavy Dark Blackwork tattoo, awarded in the Blackwork category at the 8th BH Tattoo Festival in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil, in 2018. On the front of the body, from shoulder to shoulder, covering the neck and running down the abdomen.
Tattoo artist André Melo’s 6th award-winning work at a tattoo convention.
This design is part of a prize-winning series of drawings from the 2018 Pouso Alegre Tattoo Fest in Pouso Alegre, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Flamingo — a 100% Authorial Heavy Blackwork tattoo by Andre melo, awarded in the Blackwork category at the 2nd Expo Tattoo Promissão in Promissão, São Paulo, Brazil, in 2018.
On the back of the leg, from behind the thigh down to the calf. “The flamingo is a large pink bird that knows and points to the light. A symbol of the ascending soul that leaves the darkness to find the light.”
Tattoo artist André Melo’s 5th award-winning work at a tattoo convention.
This design is part of a prize-winning series of drawings from the 2018 Pouso Alegre Tattoo Fest in Pouso Alegre, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Heavy Dark Blackwork tattoo, awarded in the Blackwork category at the 1st Tattoo & Arte convention in Cotia, São Paulo, Brazil, in 2018.
A reinterpretation of a drawing, on the front of the leg (thigh, knee and shin). The theme: “No one ever truly knows another person’s real self; you never know what is happening beneath the mask.” A tormented soul.
Tattoo artist André Melo’s 4th award-winning work at a tattoo convention.
Goat Skull in a Heavy Dark Blackwork Tattoo, 100% Authorial Project, awarded 1st place for Best Blackwork at the VI Piracicaba Tattoo Fest in São Paulo, Brazil, in November 2017.
A large chest piece, from shoulder to shoulder.
Tattoo artist André Melo’s 3rd award-winning work at a tattoo convention and his 1st award-winning tattoo.
This design is part of a prize-winning series of drawings from the 2018 Pouso Alegre Tattoo Fest in Pouso Alegre, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Watercolour Painting Series, awarded in the Colour Drawing Series category at the Golden Tattoo International convention in São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil, in September 2017.
Watercolour artworks featuring insects, birds, flowers, fruit, giant mammals, rodents, reptiles and marine animals.
Tattoo artist André Melo’s 2nd award-winning work at a tattoo convention.
Sketch Linework Drawing Series, awarded in the Black-and-White Drawing Series category at the Tattoo Pró Arte convention in Indaiatuba, São Paulo, Brazil, in April 2017.
Animals in a mix of linework and sketchs, with some geometric abstract elements.
Tattoo artist André Melo’s 1st award-winning work at a tattoo convention.
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, integrated 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 of other artists. 🚫🚫 I do not continue the work of other artists. 🚫✅ I also work with characters from anime, manga, comics, films, series and games, as well as portraits of real people and pets. The original features and overall structure may need to remain faithful to the source to keep the subject recognisable, while the execution and finishing follow my own artistic language. ✅⚠️ 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 prefer DO NOT do small tattoos.It frustrates me to see clients regret getting small tattoos over time. 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.
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.
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. Thank you for visiting.
Choose your path and submit your project.
I review the information and contact you if needed.
3D projection when possible. Composition alignment and approval.
Once the composition is approved, I send the quote.
Quote approved → initial payment → booking confirmed.
The project is refined during the week.
Sketch → final adjustments → size adjustment → tattoo.
3D projection
Sketch | Decal
Final Art | Tattoo
Explore real client testimonials and conversations showcasing tattoo experiences.
Brad
“Andre is part artist, part visionary and part shepherd. His ability to create a concept from an idea is incredible. You can see that clearly on his instagram feed. What you can't see is that he is genuinely curious and interested. I brought him an obscure French Canadian folk tale that I wanted to represent in a tattoo. Andre invested the time to learn the story and to advise me on which details would be best to capture. Equally he told me which were simply too much and would drown out the work as a whole. Working with Andre is a lot of fun. You can send him ideas and he will use his refined taste and experience to shepherd you to a great result.
My advice for anyone working with Andre is to provide him with lots of input so that he can form an idea and then shut up and listen.
Andre's experience in colour and placement will ensure that you end up with a tattoo that you're proud of. I'm certainly enamoured with mine.”
Maiara - Part 1
“Right, now that I’ve almost given my nearest and dearest a heart attack, I can finally share my thoughts on this work publicly!
I’m not going to speak to anyone else, I’m speaking to you, André! I have no words to describe how happy I am with my tattoo. You didn’t just give me a beautiful drawing. You gave me all the feelings I wanted to convey and didn’t know how, and you turned all the love I feel for my family into art!”
Free translation from the original Portuguese.
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.”
If you’ve made it this far and want to continue, choose your path and let’s start your project.
Have an existing tattoo you want to cover or rework? Submit it for an assessment
