A Step Above The Rest
Custom tattoos, professional piercings and permanent makeup in the heart of Kloof.
About
At Step Up, your body art experience should feel personal, comfortable and completely judgement-free. Whether you’re planning your first tattoo, adding to a collection, booking a piercing, or exploring permanent makeup, our team is here to guide you with honest advice, clean work and proper care from start to finish.
Your idea does not need to be perfect when you walk in.
Bring the reference, the rough thought, the screenshot, the story, or the “I know what I want, but I don’t know how to explain it” moment. We will help shape it into something that works for your body, your placement and your style.
Body Art With Meaning, Precision & Care
We believe body art should feel personal, intentional and made to last.
Our vision is to create beautiful, memorable work while upholding a high standard of artistry, hygiene, customer service and client care. From custom tattoos and cover-ups to piercings, dermals, permanent makeup and advanced cosmetic services, we approach every appointment with respect for your body and your story.
Step Up exists to help clients feel seen, safe and excited about the work they choose to carry with them.
Clean. Professional. Welcoming.
A great result starts long before the needle touches the skin.
Our studio is set up with professional equipment, strict hygiene protocols and sterilisation systems designed to keep your experience safe and comfortable. We take the time to explain the process, answer questions and guide you through placement, design, healing and aftercare.
Whether you are nervous, excited, experienced, or brand new to body art, you will be looked after properly.
Explore
What We
Do
Step Up offers a focused range of professional body art, cosmetic and skin-focused services, all handled with care, hygiene and attention to detail.
I · The Magician
Tattoos
Custom tattoos, meaningful pieces, cover-ups, touch-ups, fine line work, bold designs & artwork created around your story, style and placement.
II · Ace of Swords
Piercings
Professional piercings done with precision, care and clear aftercare guidance, from classic placements to more unique styling options.
III · The Empress
Permanent Make Up
Cosmetic tattooing designed to enhance your natural features with long-lasting results, including brows, lips & other permanent makeup treatments.
XIX · The Sun
Skin Rejuvenation
Skin-focused treatments designed to support smoother, fresher-looking skin & improve overall skin appearance.
XIV · Temperance
Microneedling
A targeted skin treatment that helps stimulate the skin's natural renewal process & support improved texture, tone & appearance.
XVI · The Tower
Removals
Professional removal services for unwanted tattoos, moles & skin tags, with guidance on the best approach for your skin & treatment goals.
Meet The Step Up Crew
Artists, Piercers & Body Art Professionals
Step Up is made up of experienced creatives who care about quality, comfort and individuality. Each member of the team brings their own style, skillset and personality to the studio, giving clients access to a wide range of tattoo, piercing, permanent makeup and body modification services under one roof.
Browse the team, find the right artist for your idea, and get to know the people behind the work.
Start With A Conversation
Not sure what size your tattoo should be? Wondering if a placement will work? Need advice on a cover-up, piercing, PMU, or healing process?
Book a free consult and chat to us before committing. We will help you understand what is possible, what will suit your idea best, and what to expect before, during and after your appointment.
Vibe With The Crew
The Studio Has A Soundtrack Too
Step Up is more than a place to get tattooed or pierced. It is a space with energy, music, conversation & people who love what they do.
Get a feel for the studio before you visit. This is the playlist the crew vibes to while designing, tattooing, piercing & keeping the shop alive.
Before You Book,
Know What To Expect
Body art is a commitment, and good information matters.
How To Prepare For Your First Tattoo
A good tattoo starts before your appointment. Eat well, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, wear comfortable clothing & bring any reference images so your artist can guide the design properly.
Piercing Aftercare: What To Do & What To Avoid
A fresh piercing needs clean, gentle care while it heals. Avoid touching, twisting, swimming, harsh products & irritation around the area, & follow your piercer's aftercare advice closely.
Permanent Makeup Healing: What To Expect
Permanent makeup can look darker and more intense at first before softening as it heals. Expect light flaking, dryness & fading, & avoid picking or rushing the healing process.
Loved By Our Clients
Our clients come to us for tattoos, piercings & permanent makeup, but they come back for the experience.
From first tattoos & nervous piercing appointments to cover-ups, cosmetic tattooing & full body art journeys, Step Up has become a trusted studio for people who want professional work in a space that feels clean, friendly & comfortable.
“I had been researching tattoos for a while and Okun's work kept popping out. I wanted something that was clean, detailed, and good quality. Okun delivered the goods! He is not only skilled at his work, he's also nice. The whole time I had the feeling I was in very competent hands!”
“I just had the opportunity to work with Okan and I must say the was thee best tattoo experience EVER. The process to book was smooth and easy. And the location is stylish and inviting. I was nervous about pain but I must say I almost fell asleep. Very light handed.”
“A studio with fantastic-vibes and full of great artists. If you are looking for a place to get a great fine-line and/or micro-realistic tattoo, this is the place. Also, the team is amazing and super welcoming.”
“Placeholder review. Replace with a real Google review. Went in for a helix and a conch and the piercer talked me through every step before anything happened. Everything was sealed and opened in front of me, the placement was marked and checked twice, and the aftercare instructions were written down for me to take home.”
“Placeholder review. Replace with a real Google review. Had my brows done and I was so nervous about them looking too harsh. They mapped the shape out first and let me sit with it until I was happy. Two weeks on they've softened exactly like I was told they would.”
“Placeholder review. Replace with a real Google review. Booked a consult for a cover-up I'd been embarrassed about for years. No judgement at all, just honest advice about what was actually possible. The finished piece hides it completely and I can finally wear short sleeves again.”
“Placeholder review. Replace with a real Google review. First tattoo and I was terrified. The studio is spotless, everyone was relaxed and friendly, and my artist kept checking in on me the whole way through. Already planning the next one.”
“Placeholder review. Replace with a real Google review. Clean, professional and genuinely welcoming. You can tell the whole team actually cares about the work and about the people sitting in the chair. Easily the best studio experience I've had.”
Ready To Step Up?
Whether you know exactly what you want or need help figuring it out, we would love to chat.
Book a free consult, explore our services, or visit the studio to meet the team.