Japanese Tattoo,
hand‑drawn in Melbourne.
Timothy Dywelska — twenty‑three years devoted to Irezumi. Dragons through cloud, koi against current, full body suits built across years.
Specialising in Japanese irezumi — dragons, koi, hannya and full body suits.
Tim has been tattooing for over twenty years and works exclusively in the traditional Japanese style from Vic Market Tattoo, Raglan St, North Melbourne VIC 3051 — a small private studio operating by appointment only.
Every design is drawn by hand for the person and the placement — large‑scale sleeves, back pieces and body suits built session by session. Between tattoos, Tim paints original sumi and ink works on paper.
Six lifelong studies, one shared root.
Irezumi
Traditional Japanese tattooing in the classical style.
Dragons (Ryū)
Coiled storm dragons through clouds and waves.
Koi (Sakana)
Ascending koi — perseverance made flesh.
Hannya · Samurai · Yokai
Classic Japanese figures, drawn by hand for each body.
Full Body Suits
Multi-year work built around a single vision.
Original Paintings
Sumi, ink and marker paintings on paper.
A few pieces from the last few years.
From those who wear the work.
“Tim is a master of his craft. Sat for my back piece across two years and every session felt like he'd been thinking about it all week. Real Japanese work, no shortcuts.
“Walked in nervous, walked out with a koi I'll have forever. He listens before he draws. The studio is welcoming and the work is world class.
“Old‑school in the best way. No ego, no flash on the walls — just decades of traditional Japanese tattooing done right. Highly recommend.
“Travelled from Sydney for him. Would do it again. Probably will. Honest pricing, immaculate technique, beautiful design work.
“The detail and patience in Tim's work is unreal. He takes the time to draw something that actually fits your body — not just slap on flash.
“Booked in nearly a year out and worth every day of the wait. A genuine craftsman who cares about the tradition.
“Tim is a master of his craft. Sat for my back piece across two years and every session felt like he'd been thinking about it all week. Real Japanese work, no shortcuts.
“Walked in nervous, walked out with a koi I'll have forever. He listens before he draws. The studio is welcoming and the work is world class.
“Old‑school in the best way. No ego, no flash on the walls — just decades of traditional Japanese tattooing done right. Highly recommend.
“Travelled from Sydney for him. Would do it again. Probably will. Honest pricing, immaculate technique, beautiful design work.
“The detail and patience in Tim's work is unreal. He takes the time to draw something that actually fits your body — not just slap on flash.
“Booked in nearly a year out and worth every day of the wait. A genuine craftsman who cares about the tradition.
Begin your piece.
Consultations are personal. Bring an idea — or just a feeling — and we'll shape it together across however many sessions the piece asks for.