Business Details
46 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Custom Tattoo Art in Townsville
Established in 1980 by industry pioneer Les Bowen, Second Skin Tattoo remains Townsville's longest-operating tattoo studio and a globally recognised name in body art. Our team of award-winning artists, including Dan, Harry, and Tanya - all personally trained by Les - deliver custom-designed tattoos using the highest hygiene standards. We utilise single-use needles and sterilised equipment, with all artists completing microbiology training and holding relevant licenses.Our reputation for excellence spans nearly four decades, attracting clients from across the globe who return for our artists' exceptional skill and dedication. Studio manager Robyn ensures every client receives personalised service, whether booking a consultation with Les or creating a spontaneous design. We offer gift vouchers for unique presents and maintain a welcoming, family-friendly environment where your vision becomes lasting art.
Services
Custom Tattoos
Walk-in Tattoos
Appointment Tattoos
Cover-up Tattoos
Gift Vouchers
Details
- Year established: 1980
Highlights and features
- We have over 40 years of experience in the tattoo industry
- Our team includes award-winning artists trained by industry legend Les Bowen
- We maintain the highest standards of hygiene with single-use needles and sterilised equipment
- We offer custom-designed tattoos tailored to each client's vision
- Our artists have completed microbiology courses and hold all applicable licenses
What people say
Bright and beautiful
Patience of a saint
Perfect design
Amazing colors
Thrilled with the job
Services
Custom Tattoos
Second Skin Tattoo offers bespoke tattoo designs crafted to individual preferences. Our artists collaborate closely with clients to transform ideas into unique body art. With decades of experience, we ensure precision and creativity in every piece.
Walk-in Tattoos
For those seeking immediate body art, our skilled artists create high-quality tattoos on short notice. This service suits clients with clear design concepts or those seeking smaller, simpler pieces completed in a single session.
Cover-up Tattoos
Our experts specialise in transforming existing tattoos into new artwork. Using advanced techniques, we effectively cover unwanted ink while maintaining design integrity and skin health through professional aftercare.
Gift Vouchers
We provide flexible gift vouchers for tattoo services. These make ideal presents for special occasions, allowing recipients to choose their preferred artist and design at their convenience.
Artist Consultations
Clients can book private consultations with our senior artists, including industry legend Les Bowen. These sessions focus on developing detailed tattoo concepts, discussing placement, and ensuring design satisfaction before inking begins.
People
Les Bowen
Founder & Senior Artist
With 58 years in the tattoo industry, Les Bowen pioneered professional tattooing in Australia. He has trained multiple award-winning artists and received international recognition, including the National Tattoo Association's Lifetime Achievement Award.
Dan
Award-Winning Tattooist
Dan combines technical precision with diverse style expertise, creating flawless detailed work. Trained by Les Bowen, he specialises in pop-art, animation, and intricate lettering while maintaining a patient, client-focused approach.
Robyn
Studio Manager
Robyn oversees daily operations and client consultations at Second Skin Tattoo. With extensive industry knowledge, she ensures smooth bookings and provides expert guidance to clients throughout their tattoo journey.
Harry
Tattoo Artist
Harry specialises in creating comfortable tattoo experiences for first-time clients. His portfolio includes detailed designs that balance artistic flair with technical precision, earning consistent positive feedback from new and returning customers.
Tanya
Senior Tattoo Artist
Tanya has built a reputation for vibrant colour work and complex cover-ups. Her attention to detail and ability to translate client visions into striking body art make her one of Second Skin's most sought-after artists.
Questions
How do I book an appointment with Les Bowen?
Les works by custom appointment only. Contact studio manager Robyn via phone (07) 4723 5366 to discuss availability and design concepts before scheduling your session.
What hygiene standards does Second Skin Tattoo follow?
We use single-use needles and autoclave-sterilised equipment. All artists complete microbiology training and hold current licenses to maintain the highest hygiene standards in the industry.
Do you offer walk-in tattoo services?
Yes, Dan, Harry, and Tanya offer walk-in services for smaller designs or clients with clear concepts. Availability varies daily, so contact us before visiting for walk-in availability.
What tattoo styles do your artists specialise in?
Our artists excel across multiple styles including pop-art, animation, stencil work, lettering, and detailed colour pieces. Each artist brings unique strengths while maintaining Second Skin's quality standards.
Are gift vouchers available?
Yes, we offer flexible gift vouchers for tattoo services. These make ideal presents, allowing recipients to choose their preferred artist and design at their convenience.
Reviews (7)
Austin McKey
Jan 20, 2022
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Critical:Professionalism
There goes my $100 deposit. Wish I could have at least seen the sketch? Seems like a good artist but I wouldn't know. He kept cancelling or delaying our appointment at the very last second. I get it, life happens, people get sick, appointments change. But twice, with less than an hour (or 30 min) advanced notice?
There goes my $100 deposit. Wish I could have at least seen the sketch? Seems like a good artist but I wouldn't know. He kept cancelling or delaying our appointment at the very last second. I get it, life happens, people get sick, appointments change. But twice, with less than an hour (or 30 min) advanced notice?
Stephen Anderson
Jan 09, 2022
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Positive:Cleanliness,Professionalism,Quality
Amazing experience. Super nice employees and clean shop. Anthony did a top notch job!
Amazing experience. Super nice employees and clean shop. Anthony did a top notch job!
Pixie Wings
Oct 26, 2021
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Positive:Cleanliness,Professionalism,Quality,Value
Fynn was my daughter's artist. Wonderful artist strong line work. Beautiful black and gray butterfly with script. Fynn gave her a tattoo that will age beautiful over time. Looks like I've also found my new tattoo artist as well.
Service:Tattoos
Fynn was my daughter's artist. Wonderful artist strong line work. Beautiful black and gray butterfly with script. Fynn gave her a tattoo that will age beautiful over time. Looks like I've also found my new tattoo artist as well.
Service:Tattoos
Serena Frasier
Mar 28, 2021
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I was visiting Columbus and my boyfriend and I decided to impulsively get a tattoo and I'm so glad we did. They accepted our walk in and Kyle did an amazing job! I was really nervous and he was so friendly and helped me calm down, would def recommend checking it out!
Julia Van Der Walt
Oct 25, 2020
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SS is a great shop, it is very clean the staff are courteous, creative, & just fun to be around In general. Ive worked with Eli and Kyle personally and they are amazing artists That have very fun personalities, they really listen to what you want and help you flesh out your ideas into something that can actually be put onto your skin. If you are looking for your first tattoo or are already covered this shop is definitely the one for you.
Anna M.
Oct 19, 2020
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Loved my experience here. I got a half sleeve done by Kyle and he did incredible! I ran my ideas by him and he brought the tattoo to life, made it even better than it was in my head. He gave me updates on the design process, worked with me on how much to do each session, and helped me pick colors. I'll definitely be back for more tattoos by Kyle!
Rachael Bitzer
Jul 08, 2020
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Great shop! Over the years Ive gotten 7 tattoos here - my most recent of which I got last month from Kyle Hunter. He did a fantastic job and I am so happy with how it turned out - it has healed perfectly with his guidance and the color is absolutely gorgeous! Kyle is super friendly and professional and I would definitely get tattooed by him again in the future. If you are new to Columbus or looking for your first tattoo - one thing I think sets Stained Skin apart from other shops in this part of the city is them having a bit more of a private setting. Each artist has their own studio area