Established in March 2003, Dark Arts The Tattoo Studio is one of Bangalore’s oldest and most recognized tattoo studios. The studio was started by Pradeep Menon and Nagender Rao and was initially operating out of a small setup situated in Frazer Town. The studio was initially into Tribal and Celtic designs and had a database of several thousand designs that clients could choose from. This gradually changed as the studio was taking students and interns who had a flair for the art and wanted to start a career in the tattooing industry.
Over the years the studio has produced some of the best artists in the industry who have all been trained by Pradeep Menon. Rollen Lasrado – Inkadellik Tattoo Studio, Sathish P – Indelible Tattoos, Anurag Pradhan – Ink Over Matter, Deep – Deep Craft Tattoos, Pradeep Kumar – Ashtron Tattoos, Karthik Bengre – Sculp Tattoo Studio, Neetu – Tit 4 Tattoo, Arpitha – Moth Mode, Vivek – Viveks Tattoo Parlor, Thapan Das – Ink Over Matter, Leo – Studio 4 Tattoos, Prabeesh – Be You Tattoo Studio, are a few of the recognized artists who have trained at the studio and are currently running their studios successfully.
The studio now has a team of two artists creating waves in the tattoo industry! A calm and serene environment located in the peaceful Koramangala 3rd Block, along with some good music and energetic creative people define the studio. We have tattooed over 20,000 people who are now a universal family.
A team of artists comprising of Pradeep Menon and his colleague who will ensure that you get the best ever tattoo.
Founder, Master Tattoo Artist & Piercer
“Tattooing isn’t just decoration—it’s human psychology, fine art, and technical precision etched onto a living canvas.”
The Unconventional Journey
Pradeep Menon’s path to becoming one of India’s most respected tattoo pioneers wasn’t linear. Holding a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Sociology, and English Literature, Pradeep originally built a career in the corporate software sector. While posted in Mumbai to establish a new branch for his firm, a personal decision to get a tattoo changed everything.
That single appointment introduced him to two iconic figures in Indian tattooing: Dr. J. A. Kohiyar and Sameer Patange.
Conversations with Dr. Kohiyar ignited a profound curiosity and fascination with body art. Surrounded by the history, hygiene, and craft at Dr. Kohiyar’s clinic, Pradeep knew he had found his true calling. He made a bold move: quitting his corporate job on the spot to join Dr. Kohiyar and Sameer Patange as an intern. For six months in Mumbai, he immersed himself in mastering the fundamental mechanics, safety protocols, and artistic principles of tattooing.
Pioneering Dark Arts & Building a Legacy
In March 2003, Pradeep returned to Bangalore and, with the support of Nagender Rao, founded Dark Arts The Tattoo Studio—one of the region’s earliest dedicated body art studios.
Over the past two decades, Pradeep’s contributions to the industry have expanded far beyond his own easel:
Championing the Art Form Nationally
Driven by a belief that Indian tattoo artistry deserves global recognition, Pradeep pioneered the creation of India’s first officially registered body art body: the Karnataka State Tattoo Studios and Artists’ Association, where he currently serves as President.
Under his leadership, the Association works to:
Whether designing a complex custom piece or setting the standard for studio safety, Pradeep remains dedicated to advancing body art as an honoured, professional craft.
Tattoo Artist
“Fine art roots blended with precision tattooing.”
Artistic Origins & Foundation
Hailing from Kerala, Akshay’s creative journey began with a formal foundation in classical visual arts. After completing his higher secondary education, he earned his Diploma in Fine Arts in Kerala—a background that gave him an innate understanding of light, shading, perspective, and human anatomy.
Before bringing his art to skin, Akshay built a versatile career in album design, photo editing, and traditional illustration. Driven by a passion to transform canvas art into permanent body ink, he formally certified his craft through National Skill India before launching his professional tattooing career in Trivandrum.
The Evolution & Bangalore Chapter
Seeking bigger creative challenges and broader horizons, Akshay relocated to Bangalore. Over the past year of full-time custom tattooing in the city, he has refined his technique, expanded his visual vocabulary, and developed a sharp eye for clean linework and smooth shading dynamics.
Now part of the team at Dark Arts The Tattoo Studio, Akshay blends his fine art pedigree with custom tattoo design—turning every client’s brief into a unique, custom-fitted piece of body art.
Specialties & Craft
Studio Manager & Apprentice Artist
The Story So Far
Aaron Lee’s journey with Dark Arts The Tattoo Studio didn’t start behind the machine—it started in the chair.
Twenty-two years ago, Aaron walked through our doors as a client to get his very first tattoo. That single experience planted a seed, even as life led him down a different creative path into the high-octane world of the Food & Beverage industry. For years, Aaron honed his craft in professional kitchens as a Chef de Partie and Sous Chef, mastering discipline, extreme attention to detail, speed, and artistic visual presentation under pressure.
In August 2025, Aaron had a moment of clarity: his true passion lay not on the plate, but in body art. Driven by this calling, he returned to the place where his tattoo journey first began. He sat down with studio founder Pradeep Menon to discuss learning the trade and interning at Dark Arts.
Craft, Evolution & Design
Today, that dream is a reality. Aaron plays an integral role in the day-to-day life of the studio:
Aaron’s background in 3D design gives him a sharp edge when translating complex ideas onto three-dimensional human canvas. Combined with the relentless precision of a veteran chef, his custom work balances structural flow, clean aesthetics, and deep personal meaning.
It’s only a matter of time before Aaron builds a dedicated following of his own—and we’re thrilled to have him back where he belongs.
Our Areas Of Expertise
The studio specializes in various styles of tattoo designs. Some of them being:-
Unlike most studios, Dark Arts The Tattoo Studio has a time based charge for the work that is done. The charges are ₹1250/- upwards for 15 minutes of tattooing depending on the design. And for every additional 15 minutes the charges are ₹1500/- upwards depending on the design.
Designing and consultation charges start at ₹500/- which is adjusted in the cost of the tattoo.*
Appointments will not be confirmed unless a booking amount of ₹500/- is made via UPI. Do call us to book your appointments.
Piercings are done only on appointment. Do call us to check the availability and the pricing.
Hours of Operation
The Studio is open through the week.
The Studio operates on all public holidays and tattoos are done only on appointment basis. Walk-ins are taken only if there is availability of slots on that particular day. Clients are requested to book their appointment using the Book Online or send a mail to [email protected] or [email protected]
