Built From Art.
Made To Mean Something.
Step Up has always been about more than what ends up on your skin. Our roots are in art, music, street culture, creativity and community.
What started as a space for people to create and express themselves has evolved into the tattoo, piercing and permanent makeup studio you know today.
Kloof · Durban
Since 2003
Step Up
You bring the idea.
WE HELP YOU MAKE IT YOURS.
A family-owned tattoo, piercing and permanent makeup studio in the heart of Kloof, Durban.
We believe body art should feel personal. Whether you’re walking in with a finished design, a half-formed idea, or simply something you think looks damn good, you should have a space where you can explore it without judgement.
That means honest advice, artists who listen, high standards of hygiene and workmanship, and an experience that feels comfortable from the first conversation to the final result.
Concrete. Canvas. Skin.
The Step Up story starts in 2003, when Mel McCready combined her love of graffiti, art and hip-hop culture to create The Yard.
It wasn’t just a shop. It became part of Durban’s growing creative scene. It was a place where graffiti and aerosol art, music, fashion and street culture could connect. The Yard also backed community projects like Bling Free, an event that pulled together the different elements of hip-hop and gave young people somewhere safe to experience the culture and learn from it.
The medium changed.
The need to create
never did.
The Yard2003 WHERE IT STARTED
A hub for graffiti, art, hip-hop culture and creative community.
Crak Urban Gallery2003–2009 THE GALLERY YEARS
The Yard evolved into Crak Urban Gallery, bringing together art, streetwear, collectables, books, music and the same creative culture that started it all.
Step Up2010 STEP UP WAS BORN
The focus shifted from creating on walls, canvas and concrete to creating permanent art on skin.
The House Rules
Four things that don't change, whoever you book with and whatever you walk in with.
ART WITHOUT THE EGO
Great work starts with listening. Your artist should understand what you want, guide you when something needs adjusting, and create something that works for you.
NO JUDGEMENT
First tattoo or fiftieth. Nervous about a piercing. Covering something you no longer want. Changing something about yourself simply because you feel like it.
DO IT PROPERLY
Good body art is not just about the finished photo. Clean equipment, proper sterilisation, careful preparation, considered placement, quality workmanship and clear aftercare all matter.
MAKE IT PERSONAL
Not everything needs a profound story. Some pieces carry memories. Some mark chapters. Some are just because you saw a design and couldn't stop thinking about it.
The Heart Behind Step Up.
There is one part of the Step Up story that shouldn’t get diluted.
Mel McCready.
The creative spirit behind The Yard and the journey that became Step Up began with her. Her belief in art, individuality, community and creating spaces where people could express themselves helped shape what Step Up became.
The studio has changed. The team has grown. The work has evolved. But Mel’s influence remains part of its foundation.
Step Up continues to carry that legacy forward, one piece, one person and one story at a time.