Kensington · Melbourne
Mother Goose
Tattoo
Big work, long sits, good coffee. A commission-free studio for independent artists — 35 Stubbs St.
Residents & guests
The artists
Everyone here is independent and keeps their own books. Find the one whose work fits your idea, then message them straight on Instagram.
The short version
What Mother Goose is
Mother Goose Tattoo is a commission-free tattoo studio at 35 Stubbs St, Kensington VIC 3031, in inner north-west Melbourne. Six independent tattoo artists work across three chairs. It was founded by Liam, who still works a chair, and Alex, who runs the studio and does the laser removal at Ink Off in the same building.
Commission-free means the studio takes 0% of what an artist charges. Artists pay a flat $100 for the chair for a full calendar day, and keep 100% of their rate, however big the piece.
If you are getting tattooed, every artist here keeps their own books and bills you directly; the studio does not book on their behalf. The work across the roster covers black and grey, realism and portraits, large-scale and bodysuit pieces, blackwork, fine-line, ornamental and colour.
Ink Off Laser, for tattoo lightening and removal, is in the same building — so cover-up prep happens on site rather than somewhere across town.
For artists
Keep your
whole rate
Zero commission. Book a day online and the whole calendar day is yours — morning through to midnight. Bring your own clients and keep your bookings.
- 0%
- commission
- $100
- a day
- 3
- chairs
The space
Room for
long sits
Green walls, gilt mirrors, a proper coffee setup and enough floor that a six-hour back piece doesn’t feel like a squeeze. Ink Off Laser is in the same building for cover-up prep and lightening.
Look insideDay to day
@mothergoose.tattoo
Asked and answered
Common questions
Is Mother Goose Tattoo really commission-free?
Yes. Mother Goose takes 0% of what any artist charges their client. Artists pay a flat $100 a day for the chair and keep 100% of their rate. There is no percentage split at any level.
Where is Mother Goose Tattoo?
35 Stubbs St, Kensington VIC 3031 — ten minutes from the CBD, a short walk from Kensington Station. Phone 0440 133 119.
Who runs Mother Goose Tattoo?
Two founders. Liam still works a chair like everyone else. Alex runs the studio day to day and does the tattoo removal at Ink Off in the same building. Between them they induct every new artist before their first day.
What is the difference between chair hire and a commission split?
Under a commission split the studio takes an agreed percentage of every tattoo you do, typically 30% to 50%.
Under chair hire you pay a fixed fee for the day and the studio takes nothing else, so the more you earn the better the deal gets. Mother Goose is chair hire only.
Do I book through the studio or through the artist?
Through the artist.
Every artist at Mother Goose is independent, keeps their own book and bills you directly. Find whose work fits your idea on the artists page, then send them a message on Instagram.
Can I get a cover-up at Mother Goose?
Yes. Ink Off Laser shares the building, so an old tattoo can be lightened on site before your artist starts drawing the cover-up. Talk to your artist first — they will say how many laser sessions it needs.