A b o u t U s

Elevate your aesthetic. Experience world-class artistry with our elite tattoo and piercing specialists.

Who is Jaded Ink?

At the southern tip of Africa, in the vibrant heart of Johannesburg, Jaded Ink isn’t just a tattoo studio — it’s a movement. We believe tattooing is a powerful form of self-expression, and our mission is to make it accessible, meaningful, and personal. With top-tier equipment and a lineup of award-winning artists, we help you wear your story on your skin.
In 2008, a lifelong passion became a reality. Founder and principal artist Jade McLean — with a fine arts background from AAA College of Advertising — committed to transforming his love of ink into a studio that stands for artistry, integrity, and creativity.

The spark? A friendly wager. A poker game. Jade’s win became the seed for Jaded Ink, and in early 2009, our doors opened to the public. What began with just three people, Jade, business partner Murray, and apprentice Kylie — quickly grew into a creative hub within South Africa’s tattoo scene.

Over the years, we’ve hosted tattoo fashion shows, sponsored musicians, athletes, and local talent, and appeared in media across the country. But the heart of Jaded Ink? The people who walk in seeking something unique — and walk out with something more than ink.

Aimee Megaw

I got my very first tattoo done at Jaded Ink.

I thought long about having a tattoo done and I am totally in love with it.

Jade is amazing. He took his time ensuring the size and position was perfect. Even though my tattoo is a simple one, his attention to detail shows – the line work is immaculate.

The shop is spotless and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming – as a first timer it put me at ease.

On a side note, Jade followed up with me afterwards to enquire how the healing was going, which was nice touch.

His team are super friendly and efficient too.

I am incredibly happy with Jade’s work and will recommend him to anyone wanting to get a tattoo done.

Lawyne Moonsamy

Was an awesome experience from the time we booked the appointment. The wife and i got tattoos at the same time….Blake did an amazing one on her and advised as to best placement and size while Jade talked me through my idea and gave some well experienced insight on what would look best. Alex and Wayne were there aswell and were amazing. Will definitely recommend Jaded Ink to everyone looking to get tattoos and piercings…..Very professional…

Tanya Viljoen

An incredible experience from start to finish. Spotlessly clean, welcoming, and truly professional. Jade added to my original idea and brought it to life with stunning detail and skill beyond expectations. Thank you Jade.

Gabby H

Jade was great – helped my brother and I put together a design and choose a good placement. Really happy with the tattoo and the vibes in the shop are always great. Everyone is always friendly and helpful

M Wilson

I had such an amazing experience at this tattoo shop! From the moment I walked in, the energy was so welcoming and positive it immediately put me at ease. The staff were incredibly friendly, easy to talk to, and made the whole process comfortable. You can tell they really care about their clients and creating a good atmosphere. I left not only with a tattoo I love, but also feeling really happy with the whole experience. Highly recommend!

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O u r S p o n s o r s

From the beginning Jaded Ink has set an unprecedented standard of professionalism and integrity throughout everything we do, and we choose to associate ourselves with like-minded individuals

One Day Remains

Performed at the Oasis Cokefest as well as a number of other events. A heavy rock band.

This is Jadedink’s first band that we sponsored, which introduced us to the local music scene. We would trade ink for publicity on all their social media platforms as well as being in the public eye to promote us.

One Day Remains also performed at Jaded Ink’s body art fashion show at the Barnyard Theatre, where over 500 people attended

The band also recorded a music video in the Jaded Ink studio, which featured Brandon Auret and Jade. They also wrote and recorded a song for Jaded, about tattooing.

Hekkie Budler

A South African professional boxer. He is a two-weight world champion, having held the unified WBA (Super), IBF, and The Ring light-flyweight titles in 2018, and the IBO and WBA minimumweight titles between 2011 and 2016.

Professional Career:

Budler won the vacant IBO minimumweight title with a unanimous decision win over Michael Landero. He then won the vacant WBA minimumweight title with a first-round knockout win over Karluis Diaz. He held the titles until March 2016 when he was defeated by Byron Rojas via unanimous decision.

we are proud to be in collaboration with South Africa’s most decorated fighter, it is a privilege and an honor.

Click here for: Hekkie’s Profile

Click here for: A recent article on Hekkie

Garreth "Soldierboy" Mclellan

A South African professional mixed martial artist who most recently competed in the Middleweight division of the EFC. A professional since 2009, he was one of the first South African MMA fighters to compete in the UFC.

Click here for: Garreth’s Profile

Jacques Joubert

Jacques and Jade collaborated on a half body piece of a custom freehand dragon that started in the centre of his back, below his neck, going down the whole left side of his back and onto his ribs, then wrapping around his thigh, down his leg all the way to his ankle.

Chromium

A heavy metal band, stereotypically associated with tattoos. They were the opening act for the Metallica concert at FNB stadium.

Michiel "The Dark Horse" Opperman

On Michiel Jade started with the cherry blossom branches at the bottom of his wrist, which is where Michiel thought he was going to stop. He didn’t stop and it graduated to a full sleeve, with some samurai warriors and some koi fish.

Seven Year Kismet

A heavy metal UK based band, who sourced us while in the UK through various acquaintances and while they were touring SA, they came to get tattooed by Jaded Ink.

Checkout 7YK’s Track: Video 6

 

Dino "The Lion" Bagattin

Dino is Jaded Ink’s longest standing sponsor, still going, our collaboration started at the beginning of 2012. We started with sleeving his right arm, then a lion on his chest and currently we are busy with his sleeve on his left arm.

Click here for: Dino’s Profile

Evolver One

An alternative rock band established in PE in 2001 as Evolver, renamed as Evolver One in 2010, thought by many to be one of the top bands of their time, and Jaded was proud to be associated with them.

Andrew "One Gear" Van Zyl

Big, heavyweight Andrew Van Zyl, definitely stepped up to the plate as far as tattooing goes. We started with the Hulk and Punisher combo on his ribs, which was big enough to be anyone else’s back piece. We continued onto a half sleeve of King Kong.

Click here for: Andrew’s Profile

Elvis "The Bomber" Moyo

Our newest fighting sponsor.

Click here for: Elvis’s Profile

Brent Harris - Just Jinjer

Drummer for Just Jinger, one of SA’s most influential bands of all time. The musicians in the band are some of the most seasoned in their professions and Brent is one of Jaded Ink’s longest standing sponsorships. Jade and Brent have collaborated on a number of different events. Brent also started his own brand “Brent Harris and Thee Jam” with which he sources musicians to play in different events.

Checkout Brent’s Track: Video 1

Checkout Brent’s Track: Video 2

Checkout Brent’s Track: Video 3

Checkout Just Jinjer’s Track: Video 4

Checkout Just Jinjer’s Track: Video 5

Checkout Just Jinjer’s Track: Video 6

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