With over a decade of experience etched into skin, Celia Dunne has built a reputation for transforming the human body into a cathedral of black and grey ornamentation. Creating tattoos that feel more like armor than decoration: protective, evocative, and unapologetically bold.
In this raw interview, Celia discusses themes such as discipline, sacrifice, and the relentless work ethic required to thrive in the tattoo industry, explaining why tattooing is not just a career but a total commitment to art and life itself.
Hello Celia, how would you introduce yourself?
Hi, I’m a tattooist of 12 years currently based in Sydney, and also traveling to a city near you! I work primarily in black and grey, freehand metal lettering and dark ornamental, drawing inspiration from gothic artwork and literature, or even something as subliminal as an Alexander McQueen fashion show. I draw elements from everything to create something weird and wonderful just for you. When I’m not tattooing, I’m compulsively painting, reading and researching. My entire life is my craft and what I’m loyal to primarily.
How did your journey in tattooing get started?
Seeing tattoos on others as I was growing up was a core memory. The concept of making art while also earning a regular income blew my mind. I always knew that was what I wanted to do with my life and was going to stop at nothing to achieve it.
How and when did you start tattooing?
Art has always been ingrained in me before I could walk or talk, so tattooing felt like the natural next step. I was studying art at university but needed a job to pay rent, so I dropped out after four months and applied to a Mexican restaurant up the road. That just happened to be near a tattoo studio that was hiring an apprentice a few months later. I applied in my early teens and the rest was history.
How would you describe the tattoo scene in your Australia these days?
Australia is blessed with overwhelming talent. Styles vary by state Sydney has a huge Japanese and Traditional scene, while Melbourne is known for crazy blackwork and black and grey.
How would you define your tattoo style?
Black metal blackwork; evil and ornamental, transformative armor. My partner once aptly called it “horror catholic,” which is actually pretty fitting.
What kind of tattoo projects do you like to do the most?
I love large-scale freehand work. The more a project wraps around and flows with the body, the more effective and form-fitting it is. I’m really lucky to have a client base that gives me a lot of trust and freedom, which allows my style to keep evolving. You’re truly nothing without your clients.
What’s the main source of inspiration for your tattoos?
Everything. Cliché, but true. Classical art periods, fashion and runway shows, anatomy, architecture. My view of tattooing goes beyond the subject matter. I want the work to convey emotion, to adorn the wearer, to highlight their form and figure. One example: I was recently taking photos of gnarly tree branches to use as references for my metal lettering. If you look hard enough, inspiration is everywhere.
What’s the most challenging aspect of being a tattoo artist in 2025?
Tattooing has changed rapidly, especially in the last five years. We’ve had a huge boom in artists entering the scene meanwhile, there’s a worldwide recession. That means you have to work ten times harder to stand out. Social media and content creation are now more crucial than ever. I know a lot of tattooists don’t love that, and fair enough. But I believe if you’re not doing the work, you don’t get to complain. Find a way to make it habitual. Film everything. Post everything. Make it a muscle you train, and it becomes second nature. Also, don’t put down others in the industry for doing more online. That’s “pick me” behavior. Focus on your own grind. Draw more. Work harder.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a tattoo artist?
You get out what you put in. And for me, the most rewarding part has been my clients. They’re beautiful, trusting, and the reason I get to live this life. The fact that someone volunteers to sit for hours and pay to wear my art permanently? That’s wild. I couldn’t be luckier.
What’s your primary reason to attend a tattoo convention?
Conventions are hands-down one of the best things you can do for your career. You get to present your work in person, in a way that’s more accessible than online. You meet potential clients, travel, and network with fellow artists.
For me, they’re also a chance to reconnect with friends in tattooing that I don’t see often. The energy, the talent, the inspiration – it’s unmatched.
What’s your favorite tattoo convention so far? And why?
Iron Gate Tattoo Convention for sure. I’ve been lucky enough to attend twice and will be there again this year in Sydney. The lineup is second to none, and the love for the craft is evident in everything they do. A truly unmissable event.
What advice would you offer to someone considering a career as a tattoo artist?
Don’t. And I say that only because of the word “considering.” You have to be all in or not at all. If you’re ready to dedicate every second of your life to this, to make real sacrifices and level up constantly, then maybe it’s for you. Tattooing is the best career in the world, but that privilege comes with responsibility.
Who are the people you admire the most within the tattoo community?
My biggest heroes are artists first, tattooers second, those who balance both worlds. Friends like @yasvotattoo and @hanytattoostyle are great examples of pure artistic talent that aligns beautifully with a successful tattooing career.
What’s your biggest accomplishment as a tattoo artist?
Honestly, I’ve been lucky to have many. From tattooing celebrities like Halsey, to collaborating with artists and brands I’ve admired for years (some I can’t even name yet!) everything feels like a blessing. Give tattooing everything, and it’ll give everything back.
Do you do other forms of art besides tattooing?
Yes, always. I paint when I can, often using antique frames as canvases for my metal lettering. I’ve also done oil painting and even a leather goods workshop recently. These other mediums push me forward in tattooing too. It all adds up.
What are your goals or dreams for the near future?
To travel and spread my work as far as possible. I’m hungry for experience, and I want to see what the global tattoo scene has to offer. I’m also working on curating a couple of exhibitions. Some plans are still under wraps, but exciting things are definitely coming.
Is there anything else you would like to tell our readers?
Work harder than everyone you know. Draw more than everyone else. It pays off. Greatness comes to those who choose to be great. You can be born with talent, sure but you still have to nurture it. Put in the hours. No shortcuts.
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