About
At Kin+Sugi, Shelby and Melinda unite their backgrounds in Skin, Cosmetic Tattooing and Realism Tattooing to raise the standard of medical tattooing.
Driven by a shared passion for excellence, they recognised a significant gap in the standard of medical tattooing and medical tattoo education.
Together, they set out to raise the standard by creating Kin+Sugi Medical Tattoo Academy.
Their mission is to elevate the skill, detail, and understanding in the industry, ensuring that techniques such as Areola, Scalp Micro-pigmentation, and Scar & Stretch Mark treatments are performed to the highest standards.
Why the name 'Kin+Sugi'?
Kin+Sugi is inspired by the ancient Japanese philosophy of Kintsugi—the art of repairing broken pottery with gold, not to hide the cracks, but to honour them.
This powerful metaphor reflects a belief that there is beauty in what once was broken; that healing can be both restorative and transformative.
Just as gold fills the fractures of pottery, our work in medical tattooing fills the emotional and physical spaces left behind by trauma, surgery, or loss.
Kin+Sugi embodies the belief that every scar tells a story—and that those stories deserve to be seen, respected, and celebrated
We replaced the traditional “T” in Kintsugi with a “+” to symbolise connection, healing, and the positive transformation we witness every day. It’s a nod to the medical world, where the plus sign represents care and first aid, but also to the positive impact our work has on people’s lives.
The “+ also signifies the bridge between two powerful industries - cosmetic tattooing and traditional tattoo artistry.
At Kin+Sugi, we don’t fit neatly into one category; we proudly stand at the intersection of both, bringing together precision, artistry, and compassion. We are passionate about training the next generation of artists to carry this legacy forward.
Every student we teach has the potential to create a ripple effect - restoring confidence, transforming self-image, and helping people feel whole again. Kin+Sugi is more than a name.
2027 COURSE DATES
GOLD COAST – 3D Areola 23–26 Feb · Scar & Stretch Mark 1–3 Mar
SYDNEY – 3D Areola 25–28 May · Scar & Stretch Mark 31 May – 2 Jun
CAIRNS – 3D Areola 20–23 Jul · Scar & Stretch Mark 26–28 Jul
PERTH – 3D Areola 17–20 Aug · Scar & Stretch Mark 23–25 Aug
TOOWOOMBA – Scar & Stretch Mark 8–10 Sep
AUCKLAND (NZ) – 3D Areola 19–22 Oct · Scar & Stretch Mark 25–27 Oct
MELBOURNE – 3D Areola 16–19 Nov · Scar & Stretch Mark 22–24 Nov
Scar & Stretch Mark dates are for the 3-day course. A 2-day option for students with tattoo machine experience is available; ask us.
