Melbourne Realism Tattoo Artist
Black & Grey & Contemporary
Tattoo Services
A full-day tattoo session runs for around 7 hours.
Perfect for starting or completing a forearm piece, or making solid progress on larger projects like a sleeve, leg, back, or chest.
Many clients choose to book two or three consecutive day sessions — a smart move to speed up the process and maintain consistency across bigger designs.
Every tattoo is fully custom, designed to match your vision and body flow.
A deposit is required to secure your spot.
An hourly session is ideal for small to medium tattoos, touch-ups, or adding details to existing work.
You can book up to 5 hours, making it perfect for projects that don’t require a full-day commitment.
This option offers flexibility — whether it’s finishing a smaller piece, refining healed areas, or working in stages toward a larger design.
Every tattoo is fully custom, designed to match your vision and body flow..
A deposit is required to secure your spot.
Where everything starts.
A 30-minute consultation to chat about your vision, ideas, pricing, and availability.
Come meet me at the studio, or arrange a phone or video call if you’re planning from afar.
This step helps align the concept, placement, and flow before designing your custom piece.
Let’s create something unforgettable.
Book your session or consultation and let’s bring your vision to life.
Whether it’s your first tattoo or the next step in your collection, reserve your spot and let’s create something unforgettable.
Bookings managed securely through Fresha.
Behind the Ink
My name is Ivan Piscopo, and I come from the vibrant city of Naples, Italy. My life has been always around art. I have been tattooing since I was 17 years old. Always wanted to travel, explore the world, and tattoo in different countries, so when I was 21 I decided to move to Melbourne, Australia. With little English and lots of dreams, I worked my way in the Australian Tattoo industry, guesting in studios across Melbourne, participating in Expos around the country, and proudly bringing home an award in 2023.
I’m specialised in Realism, either in Black & Grey and Colours. My work is focused on Details, Composition and Body Flow.
My mission is to create meaningful art that serves as a turning point in my client’s lives—an Awakening. Through the beautiful art of tattooing, I help them express their inner world, honour their beliefs, commemorate loved ones, or simply enhance their body's lines. My goal is to foster greater self-confidence and a deeper connection between their inner self and outer appearance.
Whether it’s inspired by classical ancient statues, contemporary art, religious themes, honouring a loved one with a memorial piece, or simply enhancing the natural lines of the body, I strive to transform each idea into something timeless and personal.
Client Reviews - Client Reviews - Client Reviews - Client Reviews - Client Reviews - Client Reviews -
Client Reviews - Client Reviews - Client Reviews - Client Reviews - Client Reviews - Client Reviews -
— Sharnie
“My partner got 2 very amazing tattoos done by Ivan recently. We Just wanted to say how friendly and welcoming all of the staff are. It is such a calming space to be apart of. Ivan does amazing work and we couldn’t be happier with the tattoos. It was truly the best tattooing experience we have had.”
— Suzy P
“My experience was absolutely amazing as usual. Big thank you to Ivan for his work on my spiritual tattoo Archangel Michael. Looking forward to the next session. I appreciated the breaks when needed. The atmosphere is always inviting. Casual. Love the coffee. Also admire the studio for it’s atmosphere.”
— Denise B
“I spent the day with tattooist Ivan. Very professional and a beautiful artist. The work on my arm was far more than I expected. The staff that were also there that day couldn’t have been more curtious, in helping to see if all was going well while I was sitting there. I was recommended to come here and I would highly recommend to others”
— Denise L
“Ivan was amazing. Very happy with my tattoo and whole experience. Thank you. Thank you”
— Luke M
“Had a custom design from Ivan and couldn’t be more happy with results. Did the tattoo with good time and for a great price. 10/10 highly recommended. Made a change to the design last second and Ivan was able to change it and come out with something better than I originally asked for. Was able to put his own spin on the tat and do the tattoo quickly with better quality. Very clean and very careful with pain management.”
— Frank F
“Very happy so far, Ivan is a master!”
— Sandamini J
“Ivan did a really good job with the whole artwork and he was accurate with the healing process. I would definitely recommend Ivan and The Dark Essence Tattoo Gallery!”
Book Online
If you’ve already been quoted or you’re a returning client, book your appointment directly here.
Otherwise, visit the contact section to submit your request.
Bookings managed securely through Fresha.
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Contact Us
Whether it’s your first tattoo or part of a larger project, I’d love to hear your ideas. Share a few details in regard your concept, placement, preferred dates and I’ll get in touch to plan your session.