Tim Howden has been tattooing professionally for 12 years now and has been running Black Dragon Tattooing in Frankston, Victoria for 8 years. He states that it is the longest running shop on the Peninsula, which is no mean task, but considering Tim has won over 250 tattoo awards in the last 8 years, it’s not surprising!

Tim did his first backyard tattoo at the age of 12 and was then taught machine technique by ‘Uncle Pervie’ and went on to tattoo Australia wide before settling in Frankston where he lives with his wife.
As soon as you step inside Black Dragon you know you are stepping into something unique. You are confronted by a single room full of flash, trophies and awards and photos of Tim's work. At the very back of the room is a winding staircase. With no directions as to where to go or what to do I wondered how many people would walk right out again, but Tim says that if the customer is really keen on getting tattooed, they will find their way up to the studio. The studio itself is small, accommodating Tim and one other; part-time piercer and tattooist Jeff Aldred, who has been working with Tim for 5 years.
Covering the walls is an eclectic mix of music CD’s, and Tim's art work. Tim is also an avid air-brush artist and sculptor, which might explain why Tim renovates Black Dragon every six months, changing the signage, the colour schemes and the overall look of the place, adding new artwork and sculpture each time.
Tim also is an avid collector of tattoo memorabilia, of which his prized possession is a set of sketch books (see photo) dating back to the early 1800’s which has pages of war and patriotic themed tattoo flash.
Black Dragon attracts a varied clientele ranging from those who are after body suits, to those who want the smallest feminine tattoos. Tim accepts appointments but prefers walk-ins and finds that freehand work is the most requested. What does Tim strive for in a tattoo? “Something that can never be reached; perfection, as long as the customer is happy, he is happy”
Tim would like to send out a big thanks to Margie and all tha BDT crew!

Black Dragon Tattooing is situated at 48 Beach Street, Frankston.
Phone/Fax: 03 9769 6339