OSCO London – Meet Giacomo Grillo

Meet Giacomo Grillo

With a style that fuses sharp detail, dark energy and unmistakable flair, Giacomo Grillo’s work is anything but ordinary. His tattoos feel alive—charged with texture, symbolism and emotion. Whether he’s crafting a haunting portrait, a surreal scene or a black and grey masterpiece full of depth, Giacomo brings an unmistakable sense of drama to the OSCO London studio.

Giacomo is one of the best tattoo artists in London for those looking to make a serious statement. His pieces are richly composed, technically sound and visually unforgettable. More than just skin-deep decoration, his tattoos are works of art that invite you to look closer and feel more.

Tattoo Style and Signature Approach

Giacomo’s work sits at the intersection of realism, surrealism and gothic artistry. He works predominantly in black and grey, using smooth shading, high contrast and meticulous detail to create pieces with true visual weight. His tattoos often feature haunting faces, mythological creatures, baroque elements or shadowy scenes—anything that draws on narrative and emotion.

What makes his style so captivating is the way he blends the traditional techniques of realism with contemporary edge. There’s a rawness to his tattoos that never feels messy, and a precision that never feels cold. He’s a visual storyteller who happens to work with a needle.

Clients seek out Giacomo for tattoos that provoke feeling, stir curiosity and age with integrity. His work demands attention in the best possible way.

What It’s Like to Be Tattooed by Giacomo

Sessions with Giacomo are immersive and highly collaborative. He begins with a detailed consultation to explore your concept, including any visual references, placement preferences and symbolic meanings. Whether you come with a full idea or just a loose starting point, Giacomo will sketch, refine and guide the design to its strongest form.

He’s particularly skilled at designing for tricky placements—shoulders, ribs, spines or wraps—taking into account muscle flow, bone structure and overall balance. His designs are often bold in shape but deeply considered in content.

When the tattooing begins, Giacomo works with focus, intensity and care. His method is steady and layered, often building the piece section by section to ensure clean shading and strong detail. He communicates clearly throughout the process and makes sure you feel comfortable, both physically and mentally, at every stage.

Pain and Healing Experience

Given the complexity of Giacomo’s work, some sessions can be longer or more intense, particularly for full black and grey compositions or multi-session pieces. That said, his approach is well-paced and efficient. He avoids overworking the skin, uses high-quality machines and needles, and checks in regularly to make sure you’re coping comfortably.

Pain levels depend on the placement and density of shading, but most clients find the experience manageable—especially with Giacomo’s calm energy and professional support.

Healing is straightforward if aftercare is followed properly. Giacomo provides tailored guidance for each client, including washing instructions, aftercare cream recommendations and what to expect over the first few weeks. His tattoos heal beautifully when cared for correctly, with crisp lines and smooth blends that hold over time.

Booking and Pricing

Giacomo’s tattoos are bespoke and priced accordingly. Small or medium-sized black and grey pieces start from around £150, with larger or more intricate work quoted after consultation. Full-day and multi-session rates are available for ongoing projects, and he always offers a clear cost estimate before any booking is confirmed.

You can book through OSCO London’s online portal or arrange a consultation to discuss your idea in person. Because his work is in high demand, slots are limited and it’s best to enquire early—particularly for detailed realism or surrealist projects.

Who Giacomo’s Work Is For

Giacomo’s tattoos appeal to those who want more than decoration. His clients often seek tattoos that are dramatic, symbolic or intensely personal. Whether it’s a gothic portrait, a dark floral composition or something inspired by folklore, history or psychology, Giacomo thrives on narrative and emotion.

His work is especially suited to collectors, creatives, and those who want to invest in a piece that feels powerful and poetic. That said, he’s also welcoming to first-time clients—especially those who are drawn to black and grey styles and want something bold but thoughtful.

His tattoos look particularly striking on medium to larger placements, and his ability to work with the body’s shape makes him a strong choice for torso, limb or full-back designs.

Hygiene, Safety and Studio Experience

Giacomo tattoos at OSCO London’s licensed and professionally maintained studio, where hygiene, safety and client care are always prioritised. He uses sterile, single-use needles, top-grade inks and keeps his station clean and well organised throughout the tattoo session.

Clients can expect a calm, respectful and inclusive environment. Every part of the tattooing process—from design prep to the final wipe-down—is handled with precision, professionalism and full transparency.

FAQs and Artist Insight

Clients often ask Giacomo how he achieves such smooth blends and soft shadow transitions. The secret lies in his layering technique, attention to needle groupings and the patience to build tone gradually rather than rushing the process. His control over greywash is a big part of what sets his work apart.

Another common question is whether he takes on colour work. While Giacomo is primarily known for black and grey realism, he occasionally incorporates muted colour tones into certain pieces—but always where it serves the design.

There’s also a myth that dark or heavily shaded tattoos blur over time. Giacomo dispels that clearly: when applied correctly, with the right depth and ink, black and grey tattoos remain rich and legible for years. His approach to composition, negative space and shading density ensures longevity and clarity.