Yes, you read this right, this beautiful space is a dedication to art with a dedicated gallery space and tattoo studio that goes by the name, Tatt Brat. Brought to us by local creative and fine line tattoo artist, Zoe Jones, Tatt Brat is the newest addition of creative studios to pop up in Newcastle.

Before we get your hopes up, Tatt Brat is currently mostly booked out until May with over a thousand people on the waitlist, but don’t be disheartened as appointments are always being rescheduled.

Whilst you wait for your appointment, it won’t stop us from oohing and aahing over the divine design of this iconic architectural building in the city’s CBD and appreciating the one-of-a-kind offering created by self-proclaimed Tatt Brat, Zoe Jones.

Newcastle born and bred, Zoe has always had a passion for art and the overall creative community. Originally starting her creative career as a portrait commission artist followed by a graphic designer, she landed her tattoo apprenticeship by surprise in 2017.

“I had a shop-owner email me through my graphic design website asking if I wanted to do a tattoo apprenticeship,” Zoe shared.

Thus started her journey in the world of tattooing! Having spent the past five years in three different studios across Newcastle, she developed her own distinct style of fine line designs which has seen her work become increasingly popular for not only Novocastrians but for people as far as North Queensland wanting to engage in her work.

“I started getting really busy and I had a waitlist that was really growing. So, I knew I needed some help, but also, I really wanted to go out, do my own thing, and create my own vibe in my own space. It was my partner that actually really pushed me to jump in!”

Landing the location in one of the iconic buildings on Bolton St back in June last year, Zoe, her partner, and builder Michael Bell Construction worked tirelessly over six months to bring the run-down space to life and inject the Tatt Brat personality into the venue before opening on the 29^th of November.

“It was really hard to find the right space. But when we found this one it was a pretty easy decision. I just love heritage buildings; I feel like they’re a piece of art in themselves. It’s such a huge space that gives me so much room to grow and the owner has just been really great to work with.

“We had a massive demo before we could focus on any of the design. There were little cubicles everywhere and I just wanted this big open space which meant we had a lot of demo ahead of us!”

Whilst the core of the venue’s offering is, of course, Zoe’s tattooing, she wants the space to be a dedication to so much more. Ultimately, Tatt Brat is a place for artists, creativity, workshops, and so much more.

Walking through the Tatt Brat doors, located on the second floor of this architectural beauty, you’re welcomed into a vast open white gallery space, with local artists’ work donning the walls.

“There was a definite vision for me to get local artists in to have their work showcased. I guess this came from my first love, which was pencil to paper. I wanted to incorporate that into my tattooing because I don’t just want to do tattooing. I want to do art as well. Especially, because of it being so hard for me starting as an artist, I wanted to create an outlet for people to have a bit of exposure.”

Currently, the Tatt Brat studio has two local artists’ work on the walls. Pieces by Indigenous Artist, Ren Whaleboat, and funky designs by another local artist, Squidless Studios.

“I’ve had so many people walk in and ask about the art. Some of the artists have received commission enquiries too which is exactly what I wanted from this space.”

Tatt Brat ultimately has been designed for Zoe to carry out her work in a space that reflects her personal philosophy. Whilst going to tattoo studios can often be a scary experience, Zoe has every intention to change that mindset with the Tatt Brat experience.  

“It’s a safe space for people to come to, feel relaxed, and have a good experience. I do definitely push it being more about the artwork hence the gallery and tattoo studio being combined.”

Whether you’ve been searching for the right tattoo artist, are a lover of all things local art, or just love spying out a beautifully designed space, be sure to check out Zoe Jones and her newest venture, Tatt Brat.