MEET THE ARTIST- JACOB GWYNN
Jacob Gwynn is an internationally recognised tattoo artist based on the southern Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. Known for his vibrant colour work, realism and detailed pop culture pieces, Jacob has carved out a reputation as one of the most talented and sought-after tattoo artists in the country.
HE'S A WIZARD, HARRY!
The most important thing to know about Jacob is...that he loves Guinness. Also, he doesn't take himself too seriously (even if his apartment does smell like rich mahogany). Jacob is based exclusively at Ellipsis Tattoo- a private, appointment-only studio in Tallebudgera. He specialises in large-scale, high quality tattooing (so will probably turn down any requests for matching bestie finger tatts or the names of your children- sorry!) He offers a premium experience for clients seeking high-quality, custom tattoos in a relaxed and professional setting.
With over a decade of experience and a string of prestigious awards to his name, Jacob has travelled across Australia winning first place in numerous categories across multiple tattoo conventions. In 2021, Jacob took the global stage at the International Tattoo Awards, earning multiple first-place wins for both his colour and black & grey tattoo work- most notably the title of 'Best Tattoo of Australia'. His accolades continued in 2022, when he was named the Gold Coast Bulletin’s 'Best Tattoo Artist on the GC'.
Jacob’s work has been featured in leading industry publications including Tattoo Media Ink and Skin Art Mag, where he received the coveted Editor’s Choice spotlight. His designs have been showcased across numerous Australian tattoo platforms for their technical precision, bold use of colour, and unmistakable artistic style. A sponsored artist of After Art, Jacob is making a name for himself on a global scale- but you'll never see him in anything other than his dorky t-shirts or his crazy messy car! The man is modesty personified.
Whether you're after a full-sleeve realism piece, a custom pop culture tattoo, or timeless black and grey work, Jacob offers a one-on-one, collaborative approach—ensuring every tattoo is tailored, world-class and truly unforgettable.
DEFYING EXPECTATION
Originally from New Zealand, Jacob Gwynn is essentially the family disappointment. He grew up on his family’s dry stock farm, helping his father raise bulls, while quietly nurturing a deep passion for art. Though many expected him to follow the path of farming, Jacob pursued a creative career, eventually studying animation and spending over a decade in the industry. His work included animating lead characters for the Disney Channel, collaborating with major production studios and creating commercial content for brands like Telstra and Westpac.
Jacob’s journey into tattooing began not as an artist, but as a canvas. Having undergone extensive tattoo work himself, he became fascinated by the craft, the process and the connection between artist and client (he's clearly also a masochist). That experience sparked a shift: Jacob quit his (well paying) corporate job to go a thousand steps backwards to become a tattoo apprentice.
Impressively, Jacob completed his apprenticeship under renowned colour realism artist, Claire Reid, at the highly respected Ajna Tattoo in Byron Bay, where he refined his technical skill and translated his creative background into tattoo work. Now based exclusively from Ellipsis Tattoo on the southern Gold Coast, Jacob has spent the past ten years honing his skills and building a strong reputation for his detailed realism, bold colour work and high-concept pop culture pieces. His style is defined by precision and originality, making him one of the most sought-after tattoo artists on the Gold Coast.
GREAT SUCCESS!! (Said in Borat's voice).
JACOB'S TATTOO SPECIALISATION
Jacob is a wizard! He doesn’t just fill space- he creates magic!
Specialising in large-scale custom tattooing, he works across both colour and black & grey, with a sharp focus on realism, surrealism, and pop culture. Think cinematic portraits, animated legends, and twisted dreamscapes that hit with detail and impact.
His favourite briefs? The ones that aren’t brief at all. Give him a loose concept and creative freedom, and he’ll run with it, blending technical precision with visual storytelling to create something that actually means something.
If you’re after flash or filler, this isn’t it (that's so Slytherin). But you can 'slither-in' to his DM's if you’re chasing a piece that feels personal, powerful and one-of-a-kind - Gryffindor clients only!
PROUDLY SPONSORED BY AFTER ART
As a tattoo artist, I know that great aftercare is just as important as great artwork. That’s why I’m proud to be a sponsored artist with @afterart.newzealand — a brand I genuinely trust and use on my own work.
After Art is a premium, New Zealand-made tattoo aftercare range crafted with Manuka oil and all-natural ingredients. It’s lightweight, non-petroleum based, and developed by professionals who understand what healing skin actually needs. No nasties, no supermarket shelf fillers — just clean, effective care made for tattoos.
What sets After Art apart? It’s artist-exclusive — meaning it’s only available through tattoo artists, not mass-produced for retail. That’s how they maintain quality, consistency, and real support for both clients and the tattooing community.
I’ll be providing After Art to all clients moving forward, so your tattoo heals just as beautifully as it looks on the day. Proud to be part of a team that genuinely backs the art — and the artists.
JACOB GWYNN TATTOO AWARDS
Gold Coast's Best Tattoo Artist
Jacob has earned national recognition for his work, travelling across Australia to compete in numerous tattoo conventions and consistently taking home awards—including Best Large Colour, Best Small Colour, and Best Healed Colour Portrait.
In 2021, he competed in the prestigious International Tattoo Awards, where he won multiple first-place titles for both large-scale colour and black and grey pieces- most notably the coveted Best Tattoo of Australia. The following year, Jacob was voted the Gold Coast Bulletin’s Best Tattoo Artist on the Gold Coast (2022).
His work has also been featured by Tattoo Media Ink and Skin Art Mag as an Editor’s Choice, with additional features in major Australian tattoo publications showcasing his technical precision and artistic skill in realism and colour tattooing.
INTERNATIONAL AWARD WINNING ARTIST
Jacob competed against thousands of entrants from all over the world. He was fortunate enough to win a number of categories, including taking EVERY place for the 'Best of Australia' Tattoo. Can we get a "whoop whoop"?!
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Best Tattoo of Australia- 1st Place
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Best Leg Sleeve- 1st Place
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Best Star Wars Tattoo- 1st Place
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Best Calf Tattoo- 1st Place
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Best Arm Sleeve- 3rd Place
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Best of Australia- 1st, 2nd & 3rd Place
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Best New School Tattoo- 1st Place
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Best Chest Piece- 1st Place
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Best Shoulder Tattoo- 2nd Place
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Best Overall Male Tattoo- 2nd Place
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Best Overall Female Tattoo- 2nd Place
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Best Realism Tattoo- 2nd Place
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Best Video Game Tattoo- 1st Place
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Best DC Comic Tattoo- 3rd Place
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Best Space Tattoo- 3rd Place
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Best Ocean Tattoo- 3rd Place
FAQs
All that you need to know to book with Jacob Gwynn Tattoo
Argh! Is your tattoo peeling? That's ok, it's supposed to! Learn about the healing process, tattoo aftercare, Jacob's terms and conditions and more! Visit the Frequently Asked Questions page.
Trust us, there is no stupid question- and even if it is, we can guarantee, you're not the first one to wonder or ask it!
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
"Jacob is a legend! He has exceeded my expectations with the Avatar sleeve he has designed. I am in love! The whole experience has been super positive and seamless. Jacob isn't like most tattooists, he is funny, approachable and really considerate!Best, most kindest and incredible tattoo artist ever! "
- Natalie Merino
"I couldn’t be happier with my tattoo from Jacob and the whole process really. Working out the design was fun and collaborative -
a total joy. Jacob is professional and easy going, as well as an incredibly talented artist. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him to anyone that's keen to have a tattoo they'll cherish forever."
- Jess Halcrow
"When I found Jacob online, I couldn't believe his images weren't photoshopped. Incredible is an understatement! I am so at ease with Jacob and allow him to create freely and at the end of every session, I have had goosebumps and sheer excitement for what we are creating. I feel so proud and lucky to have his work on me. Jacob will be my artist for life, I am glad I waited 10 years until I found the perfect artist...this man is in a league of his own and not to be compared."
- Aaron Poki
