Giovanni De Rose - Tattoo artist in Lugano, Mantis Tattoo Studio, Via Besso 24, Canton Ticino
Lugano Via Besso 24

MANTIS Tattoo Studio Giovanni De Rose · Tattoo Artist in Lugano

Giovanni De Rose at work at Mantis Tattoo Studio, Via Besso 24, Lugano
✱ About

10 years of art on skin and several awards.

I'm Giovanni De Rose, professional tattoo artist in Lugano, with over 10 years of experience between Italy and Switzerland. I've had the chance to work and take part in conventions in Barcelona, Miami, Copenhagen, up to Inked New York.

I often collaborate with other studios in different cities, including Rorschach, Hong Kong, Milan, Cosenza, Como.

Every tattoo I create starts from a genuine conversation: I listen to your story and transform it into a permanent, personal and unique image.

My studio is located at Via Besso 24, Lugano - in the Besso district. A discreet and professional environment with high hygiene standards, easily reachable on foot from Lugano station in just 5 minutes.

Some awards
1st prize Best Trash Polka – TI Tattoo Convention Lugano 2023 1st prize Best Trash Polka – TI Tattoo Convention Lugano 2024 1st prize Best Realism – Reggio Calabria Tattoo Convention 2025
Giovanni De RoseTattoo artist · Mantis Tattoo Studio
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B&W Realism

Portraits · Animals · Iconic figures

Horror & Dark

Clown · Demoni · Creature oscure

Pop Culture & Comics

Marvel · Anime · Cartoon

Spiderman Marvel tattoo Lugano
Mini Spiderman tattoo Lugano
Groot Guardians of the Galaxy tattoo Lugano
Majin Boo Dragon Ball tattoo Lugano
Pokémon pop culture tattoo Lugano
Pokémon Naruto crossover tattoo Lugano
Cartoon-style tattoo Lugano

Ornamental & Cartoon

Colour mandalas · Anime · Cartoon

Custom & Simboli

Giapponese · Cultura · Design

Japanese mask tattoo Lugano
Astronaut space tattoo Lugano
Gaming console controller tattoo Lugano
Turntable music tattoo Lugano

Full portfolio on Instagram

@giovanniderosetattoo
✱ Services

Styles and Services

Each project is tailored to you. No standard design, no copy-paste.

B&W Realism

My specialty

Portraits, horror subjects, animals with a photographic technique on skin. Black and grey tattoo work at the highest level: awarded as Best Realism at Reggio Calabria 2025. Specialised in portraits of loved ones and iconic figures.

Trash Polka

Realism mixed with sketches, lettering and aggressive black-and-white textures. Giovanni is the most awarded Trash Polka tattoo artist in Lugano, with two consecutive wins at the TI Tattoo Convention in Lugano.

Blackwork

Bold graphics, solid ink, defined shapes. Ideal for those who want strong visual impact with geometry, symbols and dark or tribal subjects.

Lettering & Calligraphy

Texts, quotes, names and dedications with personalised decorative and calligraphic lettering. Each letter is drawn by hand for the exact position on the body.

Minimal · Symbolic · Spiritual

Essential marks with deep meaning. Sacred geometry, personal symbols, spiritual icons: the elegance of less is more.

Fine-Line

Fine lines and delicate detail, perfect for refined tattoos, personal symbols, and elegant script.

Anime & Cartoon

Anime, manga and cartoon characters with clean outlines, solid saturated colour and graphic shading. A style that stays readable and vivid over the years, from a small character to a full sleeve.

Dark Lettering & Dark Ornamental

Lettering and ornaments in black only: gothic and decorative calligraphy, filigree, mandalas and symmetrical patterns built on the contrast between solid black and open skin. A dark elegance designed to follow the shape of the body.

Neo Traditional

The evolution of traditional: bold outlines with varying line weights, a rich palette, shading and almost illustrative depth. Classic subjects such as animals, flowers and female portraits, framed by decorative elements.

Included services and extras

  • Pre-tattoo consultationFree, no commitment
  • Free touch-upWithin 3 months of the session
  • Post-care productsFor optimal healing
  • Gift voucherAn original and premium gift idea
  • Themed flash sessionHalloween, Christmas, special events
  • Cover-upTransform an old tattoo
✱ Swiss standards

Hygiene and safety at the highest level

My studio respects all Swiss hygiene standards with the utmost care.

Single-use materials

Single-use needles, ink caps, gloves and protections. Never reused, never compromised.

Swiss regulations

We work in line with Swiss hygiene and safety regulations for tattooing.

Medical questionnaire

A complete client questionnaire is filled out before every session for your safety.

Post-care instructions

You receive written aftercare instructions and recommended products for optimal healing.

✱ Google reviews

What clients say

5-star reviews left on Google.

Servizio e talento top! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Giovanni è uno straordinario professionista, super accogliente e attento a ogni dettaglio. Consigliatissimo a chiunque cerchi qualità e grande sensibilità artistica a Lugano!

Original review in Italian

Laura G.★★★★★ · September 2026

Sono tornato da Giovanni per iniziare il progetto del mio braccio e questa volta abbiamo realizzato un panda realistico. Che dire… è semplicemente assurdo. 🐼🔥

Il risultato è ancora meglio di come lo avevo immaginato: bellissimo, super realistico e curato in ogni minimo dettaglio. Giovanni è riuscito a realizzare esattamente quello che avevo in mente, e vedere il tatuaggio finito è stata una soddisfazione enorme.

Sono davvero contentissimo del risultato e, soprattutto, non vedo l’ora di tornare per continuare insieme il braccio in stile giapponese che stiamo costruendo passo dopo passo.

Grazie ancora Giovanni, hai spaccato davvero. ❤️‍🔥
Ci vediamo prestissimo per il prossimo pezzo! 🐼🎌

Original review in Italian

Salvatore B.★★★★★ · September 2026

Se cercate un tatuatore che unisca talento, professionalità e umanità, siete nel posto giusto. È senza dubbio uno dei tatuatori più forti della Svizzera. Fin dal primo momento riesce a metterti completamente a tuo agio, ascolta con attenzione le tue idee e le trasforma in opere d’arte curate in ogni minimo dettaglio. La passione che mette nel suo lavoro si vede in ogni singolo tatuaggio. Studio impeccabile, ambiente accogliente e risultati che superano ogni aspettativa. Lo consiglio a chiunque voglia un tatuaggio di altissimo livello e un’esperienza davvero positiva. Complimenti, continua così!

Original review in Italian

Giovanni S.★★★★★ · August 2026
✱ By appointment

Ready to start?

Write me on WhatsApp or Instagram for a free consultation. We can talk about your project, the placement, size and style. No commitment, no rush. I reply personally.

Free consultation · Giovanni replies personally · No bots

✱ Contact

Where to find me in Lugano

Studio
Mantis Tattoo Studio
Via Besso 24
6900 Lugano, CH
Open on Google Maps →
Opening hours
Mon – Sat
10:30 – 18:00
Sunday
Closed

Every tattoo is a unique piece. Contact me to discuss your project.

Book without commitment

Frequently asked questions

Everything you want to know before booking.

What tattoo styles do you work with?
Giovanni is specialised in black-and-white realism, but also works in other styles. He also collaborates with other artists specialised in different styles, including colourful and geometric cartoon work.
How much does a tattoo cost in Lugano?
As a rough guide, a small tattoo can start from CHF 90.-. Most pieces range from CHF 200.- to CHF 700.- depending on size, style and complexity. Larger or multi-session pieces are quoted per session. The initial consultation is always free.
How do I book an appointment?
Write on WhatsApp (+41 76 452 26 11) or send an Instagram DM to @giovanniderosetattoo. Giovanni replies personally. We always start with a free consultation to define the project together.
What hygiene standards are applied?
The studio works in line with Swiss hygiene and safety regulations. Exclusively single-use materials - needles, ink caps, gloves, protection - never reused. A medical questionnaire is completed before every session.
What should I do before the session?
  • → Eat a full meal at least 2 hours before
  • → Avoid alcohol in the 24 hours before
  • → Keep the area to be tattooed hydrated in the days before
  • → Bring a valid ID
  • → Wear comfortable clothes that allow access to the area
How does the free touch-up work?
Every tattoo includes a free touch-up within 3 months of the session, to ensure a perfect result after full healing. Contact Giovanni on WhatsApp to arrange the date.
Do you do cover-ups of existing tattoos?
Yes. Cover-ups require a preliminary assessment to understand colours, size and feasibility. Send a photo of the existing tattoo via WhatsApp or Instagram DM for a first free assessment.