Guy Le
California, USA
Guy Le, known professionally as Guy Le Tatooer, is an internationally recognized tattoo artist known for bold, timeless tattooing that transcends trends. His work draws from blackwork, ornamental design, Japanese influences, sacred geometry, and tribal forms, resulting in powerful, intentional compositions. Guided by a philosophy of authenticity and longevity, Guy’s tattoos are created to carry meaning and strength, reflecting a deep respect for the body as a canvas and the lasting nature of the craft.
Henning Jorgensen
Royal Tattoo, Helsinger, Denmark
Henning Jorgensen is a master tattoo artist and founder of Royal Tattoo. With a lifelong dedication to tattooing that began in adolescence, Henning has spent over four decades refining traditional and Japanese styles with bold precision and meaningful composition. His work reflects deep respect for the craft and a commitment to evolution, earning international acclaim and numerous awards throughout his career.
Henning’s favourite Lotus needles are:
7FL, 7SL, 9SL, 9CL and 8HL for lines, 9M, 11M, 11CM and 15CM for shading
Peste
Melbourne, Australia
Sebastiano “Peste” Perazzetta is an Italian tattoo artist known for his bold, abstract blackwork style. His work emphasizes the natural movement of the body, creating designs that are both visually striking and deeply expressive. With a dedication to precision, composition, and artistic depth, each tattoo is crafted to reflect personal meaning while maintaining a bold, dynamic presence.
Makoto Horimatsu
Fukuoka, Japan
Makoto Horimatsu is a Japanese tattooer known for his playful yet deeply rooted take on traditional imagery. Drawing inspiration from classic ukiyo-e prints, manga, and the rich visual culture of Japan, his work blends time-honored motifs with a light, expressive touch. Frogs, animals, folklore figures, and bold one-shot designs often appear throughout his portfolio, rendered with loose sketch-like shading, confident linework, and a strong sense of movement. Based in Japan and tattooing for over two decades, Makoto has developed a style that feels both traditional and refreshingly modern, balancing humor, character, and craftsmanship in every piece.
Makoto’s favourite Lotus needles are:
7SL, 9SL, 8HL for lines, 7CMLT, 13CMLT, 15CMLT for shading
Rachi Blackthrone
Black Throne Tattoo, Brisbane, Australia
Rachi owns and tattoos at Black Throne Tattoo. A true powerhouse, her skill set spans a wide range of styles, all executed with unwavering technical precision. Over the years, her work has evolved across multiple avenues while remaining instantly recognisable, bold, impactful, and full of grit.
Rachi’s favourite Lotus needles are:
7SL, 9SL and 11SL for lines, 11MLT and 25CMLT for shading, 9M and 13M for packing in colour - all bar needles
Bill Canales
Full Circle Tattoo, Sandiego, USA
Bill Canales is the owner of Full Circle Tattoo, known for his masterful Japanese-inspired and custom large-scale tattooing. With over three decades dedicated to exploring the depth, flow, and storytelling potential of traditional Japanese motifs, especially dragons and intricate full-body work, his artistry emphasizes disciplined technique, cultural resonance, and bold, dynamic composition. Bill’s tattoos reflect a lifelong commitment to the craft and personal expression, creating pieces that resonate with both strength and artistic refinement.
Bill’s favourite Lotus needles are:
5FL, 7CL, 9CL, 11SL for lines, 15MLT12g 23MLT12g for shading
Damien Rodriguez
Nine Tails Tattoo, London, UK
Damien has been tattooing professionally for over 23 years. He began his apprenticeship and early career in Philadelphia before relocating to New York City, where he worked for the following 13 years. Seven years ago, he moved to London and has since been co-running Nine Tails Tattoo alongside his wife, Kanae.
Damien specialises in large scale Japanese style tattooing, combining classic and traditional influences with subtle elements of Western design to create work that is both timeless and distinctive.
Damiens favourite Lotus needles are:
9CL, 5CL and 7M - all bar needles
Johan Svahn
Malmo, Sweden
Johan Svahn is a Malmö-based tattoo artist celebrated for his mastery of traditional Japanese tattooing. Known for his bold compositions, vibrant colour work, and large-scale designs that flow with the body’s form, Johan’s work combines meticulous technique with striking visual storytelling. From sleeves to full-body pieces, each tattoo reflects his deep commitment to craft, precision, and aesthetic impact.
Joahn’s favourite Lotus needles are:
7SL, 9SL, 14SL, 7CL, 9CL and 8HL for liners, 11CM, 13CM, 15CM and 19CM for shading
Tristan Marler
Auckland, New Zealand
Tristan Marler, also known as Manawatapu, specialises in Māori Tā Moko. Of Te Rarawa and Te Aupouri descent, Tristan combines traditional Māori visual vocabulary with contemporary techniques, creating tattoos that convey whakapapa, identity, and story. Working from his private studio surrounded by native bush, he approaches each piece with precision, cultural insight, and a commitment to meaningful, lasting design.
“As a member of the Lotus Pro Team, I rely on gear that can keep up with the diversity of my work. Whether I’m doing intricate line work, stipple shading, or packing solid black, Lotus has me covered. The high-quality steel ensures every needle stays sharp from the first hit to the last, and the ink flow is incredibly consistent. Having their entire range, from high-end cartridges to traditional needle on bar, means I never have to compromise on my setup, regardless of the style or placement. “
- Elric Gordon, The Black Mark, Melbourne, Australia
Alex Rusty
Lighthouse Tattoo, Sydney, Australia
Alex Rusty’s work is deeply rooted in the principles of traditional Japanese tattooing, drawing strong inspiration from Edo-period ukiyo-e woodblock prints and classic visual storytelling. His bold, highly readable designs emphasize dynamic movement, contrast, and flow, tailored to complement the body with lasting impact. As co-founder of Lighthouse Tattoo in Sydney, Alex blends heritage motifs with his own illustrative approach, creating custom pieces that bridge historic influence and contemporary expression.
Alex’s favourite Lotus needles are:
Cartridges: 7FL, 7CL, 9CL, 11CL, 11RS, 14RS, 15CM long and medium taper. Bar needles: 7FL, 7CL, 9CL, 11CL, 15CM
Xnazax
A1 BCN, Barcelona, Spain
Nazareno “Xnazax” Tubaro is the owner of A1BCN, known for his bold blackwork, ornamental and tribal-inspired tattooing. With many years dedicated to exploring the possibilities of rich black ink and striking contrast, his work emphasizes form, and visual depth. Nazareno’s tattoos reflect a deep commitment to craft and personal expression, creating pieces that resonate with both intensity and artistic clarity.
Xnazax’s favourite Lotus needles are:
9FL, 7CL, 9CL, 14CL, 9SL and 11SL for lines, 7MLT12g, 9MLT12g, 15M, 19M, 21M, 23M for colour packing, 7CMLT10g, 9CMLT10g, 11CMLT10g, 13CMLT10g, 19CMLT10g, 23CMLT10g for shading
Michael Campitelli
Super Cat Tattoo - Vancouver, Canada
Michael Campitelli is a tattoo artist known for his raw, high-energy style that leans into bold lines, offbeat imagery, and a fearlessly unconventional aesthetic. His work pulls from street culture, punk influence, and DIY art sensibilities, resulting in pieces that feel spontaneous, gritty, and full of personality.
Owner of Super Cat Tattoo in Vancouver, BC, Canada for the past six years, Campitelli has carved out a distinct lane in contemporary tattooing, creating designs that are playful, unexpected, and instantly recognizable.
Tom McMillan
Sunset Tattoo, Auckland, New Zealand
Tom McMillan, known professionally as TomTom, is an Auckland-based tattoo artist whose work is deeply rooted in Japanese tattoo tradition and storytelling. With over two decades in the craft, TomTom has developed a personal style that honours classic Irezumi motifs with bold composition, strong line work and enduring cultural resonance. As founder of Sunset Tattoo in central Auckland, he brings a thoughtful, refined approach to both large-scale custom pieces and smaller works, striving for technical excellence and timeless expression in every tattoo.
Tom’s favourite Lotus needles are:
5FL, 7FL, 7SL, 9SL, 9CL, 11CL for lines, 11M, 13CM, 15CM for shading - uses cartridges and bar needles
Michael Rasetti
The Grim Reaper Tattoo, Rome, Italy
Michael Rasetti is an Italian tattoo artist based in Rome whose work bridges the depth of traditional Japanese tattooing with his own Western artistic heritage. Drawing on influences from Ukiyo-e iconography and classic tattoo motifs, Michael’s tattoos are defined by vibrant colour, bold forms and compositions that resonate with cultural narrative and visual harmony.
Michael’s favourite Lotus needles are:
9CL, 11CL, 9SL, 11SL bar needles for lines, 15CM and 19CM bar needles for shading, 3FL and 11SL cartridges for line, 15CM, 19CM and 23CM cartridges for shading
Ryan Ussher
Lighthouse Tattoo, Sydney, Australia
Ryan Ussher is the co-owner of Lighthouse Tattoo whose work draws deep influence from traditional Japanese tattooing, ukiyo-e print imagery, and dynamic illustrative composition. Ryan’s tattoos are characterised by bold contrast, movement, and clarity that engages both from afar and up close. His large-scale designs flow seamlessly with the body’s anatomy, blending legend-rich motifs with a contemporary visual rhythm that invites viewers to explore the scene within each piece. Renowned for his distinctive custom work, Ryan continues to push the boundaries of narrative tattoo art with power and nuance.
Ronstagram
Kailua Studio, Sydney, Australia
Ron is known for his mastery in black & grey and realism styles. With a devoted following and a reputation for precision, intensity, and storytelling through ink, Ron has built a practice that emphasizes professionalism, technical refinement, and deeply expressive work. Each tattoo is designed to reflect personal meaning and visual impact, embodying his commitment to craft and creative depth.
Sam Clark
Wayfarer’s Trading Co., Sydney, Australia
Sam Clark is an artist whose work weaves together neo-traditional, illustrative, and realism influences into dynamic, colour-rich compositions. His tattoos draw on bold motifs, expressive figures, and natural themes that resonate across skin with clarity and energy. Sam’s artistic journey blends a deep respect for traditional tattoo foundations with his own evolved visual language, creating work that is both timeless and distinctive. Inspired by art, nature and personal storytelling, he continues to build a global following through compelling custom pieces that stand out for their creativity and craft.
Sam’s favourite Lotus needles are:
3FL, 9FL, 9CL, 11M, 15M
Alessio Vanzan
Alessio Vanzan is an Italian-born tattoo artist known for his bold freehand style and large-scale, custom body work. With roots in fine art and a deep understanding of anatomy, he creates fluid, dynamic designs that move naturally with the body.
Blending blackwork, Japanese influence, and stylized realism, Vanzan is recognized for crafting one-of-a-kind pieces that evolve organically on the skin. Now based in Melbourne, he has earned international attention for his innovative approach and commitment to truly personalized tattooing.
“I’ve been using Lotus needles for a while now. I use a curved 15 mag for almost every project, so I started with Lotus’s bar needle offering there. The mags were unbeatable. I immediately found that the on-bar magnum needles made my work easier. They had just the right spread on the mag. I found it was easier and faster getting my Japanese background solid, while also allowing for smooth gradients. And colour packing and blending was solid and consistent. And the level of curve to the magnum is just right. Not so curved that you can’t get into corners or make a firm edge to a wind bar, while still allowing for the benefits of a curved mag.
More recently I’ve been using the cartridges, and have found them to be so consistent. For what I’m doing, the ink flow is perfect. And I really feel the difference between the fine tuned variations in groupings. So many precise tools to choose from.
I can see that there is a constant attempt to improve the product through artist feedback and daily use across all styles. Lots of questions, feedback asked for, prototypes, testing, changes, and new needle groupings offered in response. Lotus has created excellent products that have made my tattooing better. “
- Alex Rusty, Lighthouse Tattoo, Sydney, Australia
Yoshio Honjo
Eazy Tiger, Sydney, Lost City Tattoo, Perth, Australia
Yoshio Honjo is a Japanese tattoo artist whose work draws deep inspiration from Edo-period Ukiyo-e woodblock printing and traditional Japanese storytelling. His tattoos are rooted in classic motifs, from samurai and mythic figures to folklore narratives, presented with bold compositions and cultural depth.
Favourite needles:
7CL, 9CL, 11CL for outline, 19CM, 23CM for shading and colour,7STL for details - all cartridges
Rafel Delalande
Seven Doors Tattoo, London, England
Rafel Delalande is renowned for his dark, intricate black-ink work and mastery of expressive compositions. With over two decades dedicated to tattooing, Rafel draws on influences from pioneer black-work artists and his deep love for horror, metal, and visual storytelling.
Rafel’s favourite Lotus needles are:
5FL, 9CL and 11CL for lines, 21CM for shading
Nick Tran
N2N Tattoo, Melbourne, Australia
Nick Tran, founder of N2N Tattoo, is renowned for his Japanese-inspired designs and large-scale custom bodysuits. Drawing from traditional motifs and Ukiyo-e aesthetics, Nick creates bold, intricate tattoos that flow naturally with each client’s body. His work combines technical mastery with a unique artistic vision, earning recognition both in Australia and internationally.
Nick’s favourite Lotus needles are:
7CL, 9CL, 11CL, 7SL and 9SL for lines, 13CM, 15CM, 19CM, 21CM, 23CM, 25CM for shading - cartridges
Cole Dawson
Rising Tide Tattoo, Sydney, Australia
Cole Dawson's work is deeply inspired by traditional Japanese Irezumi and classic tattoo storytelling. His designs draw on iconic motifs such as dragons, koi, and mythic figures, executed with bold composition, flowing forms, and meticulous detail. Each piece reflects a careful balance of heritage and contemporary expression, transforming the body into a living canvas of narrative and artistry.
Cole’s favourite Lotus needles are:
7SL, 7CL and 9CL for lines, 11CM, 15CM and 19CM for shading - cartridges
Hirini Katene aka heeds
The Native Studios, Auckland, New Zealand
Heeds is an acclaimed ringatā from Te Arawa and Ngāpuhi Aotearoa-New Zealand having paved ways in the moko space for almost 20 years. Raised in South Central Auckland and eventually taken under the wing of Gordon Toi, Hirini has continued to push the boundaries of moko, creating bespoke and deeply personal pieces that speak to each and every kaiwhiwhi that graces his tēpu. Known for his clean crisp line work, incredible speed and pūhoro (traditional Maori bodysuits) it is a no brainer he is a part of the Lotus team. Having established The Native Studios and co-founded Ngā Manu a Toi, it’s no wonder he is highly revered locally and internationally.
Heeds’s favourite Lotus needles are:
9SL, 5SL, 7CL, 9CL, 3BPL and 5BPL bar needles, 9SL and 3BPL cartridges
Horifuku
Yamachugi, Japan
Ryota Fukuma, known professionally as Horifuku, is a respected horishi (traditional Japanese tattoo artist), celebrated for his mastery of Tebori, the traditional hand-poked tattoo technique. Drawing inspiration from bold ukiyo-e imagery, classic Japanese symbolism, and Showa-era aesthetics, his work embodies the timeless elegance, balance, and precision of traditional irezumi. With a deep respect for the cultural heritage of Japanese tattooing, Horifuku creates powerful, enduring compositions that honor the craft’s history while remaining visually striking.
Horifuku’s favourite Lotus needles are:
7CL and 9CL for lines, 15CM for shading
Francesco Ferrera
Gold Rush Tattoo, California, USA
Francesco Ferrera is known for his bold, traditional tattoos that fuse American and European influences. Originally from Rome, Italy, he has dedicated more than a decade to mastering bold, classic tattooing rooted in heritage and refined through global experience. Francesco’s work reflects a deep respect for traditional forms, vibrant composition, and personal storytelling, each piece a collaboration that embodies meaning, technique, and visual resonance.
Shady Cook
Lighthouse Tattoo, Sydney, Australia
Shady Cook, Angelique Cianci, is known for her meticulous anime-inspired and micro-realism tattoos. Combining precision with storytelling, she translates beloved 2D references into striking, high-impact ink. Her designs balance clean execution with expressive detail, each piece reflecting a dedication to technique, visual depth, and thoughtful composition.
Shady’s favourite Lotus needles are:
3USL and 3BPL for line work, 13CM and 15CM for shading - cartridges
“I have been eye looping my cartridges and needles for decades. With most brands quite a few end up unused in the sharps container. With a 99.8 perfection rate I have yet to throw out a Lotus cartridge. Made with 316L Japanese stainless steel, these cartridges make my job easier and my clients heal smoother. Lining, colour packing, and shading have never been easier.
Tom and Ryan have really come up with a great product and I’m stoked to use them every day. Made by Tattooers for Tattooers, who can’t get on board with that?”
- Rich Handford, Kapala Tattoo, Winnipeg, Canada
Elric Gordon
The Black Mark, Melbourne, Australia
Elric Gordon is the co-owner of The Black Mark, with over a decade of experience. He specialises in striking black & grey realism and detailed portraiture, creating high impact tattoos with meticulous depth and craftsmanship. His work is recognised for its precision and artistic intensity, making each piece a standout tattoo.
Elric’s favourite Lotus needles are:
9CM and 13CM cartridges for solid black, 5SL cartridge for stipple shading, 3FL cartridge for smoother stipple shading, 8HL cartridge for lines and filler work, 25CM medium taper bar needle for large black work, 5FL bar needle for lettering and clean lines
Onnie O’Leary
Lighthouse Tattoo, Sydney, Australia
Onnie O’Leary is known for her vibrant, graphic pin up and boldly coloured tattoo work. Trained in fine arts, Onnie blends geometric framing with eye-catching colour fades and traditional techniques to create distinctive, timeless pieces that stand out in any collection.
Onnie’s favourite Lotus needles are:
9CL, 7BPL, 9CM and 15CM bar needles
Klem Diglio
Travelling tattooer
Klem Diglio is a European tattoo artist recognized for his bold, high-impact designs and unmistakable dark edge. His work leans into striking skulls, fierce animals, daggers, and other powerful imagery, brought to life with saturated color, heavy contrast, and confident linework. Originally from Italy and with years of dedication behind the needle, Klem has developed a style that feels both raw and refined — balancing grit with precision in every piece. Constantly evolving and traveling, he continues to build a body of work defined by intensity, attitude, and unmistakable character.
Klem’s favourite Lotus needles are:
9CL and 11CL for lines, 11M and 15M for shading - bar needles
Emily Rose Murray
Third Eye Tattoo, Melbourne, Australia
Emily Rose Murray is celebrated for her masterful neo-traditional and illustrative tattoo work, blending bold composition with striking colour and refined detail. With nearly two decades of experience, Emily’s designs often draw from Art Nouveau influences and feature rich themes like mythology, women, animals, and floral elements that flow organically across the body. Her work, recognised globally for its artistry and sophistication, transforms each piece into a unique story, making her a standout in the contemporary tattoo scene.
Chingy Fringe
Mujo Tattoo, Brisbane, Westside Tattoo Mermaid Beach, Gold Coast, Australia
With roots in the old school tradition and a deep respect for iconic imagery, Chingy creates bold, timeless pieces that draw from vintage motifs and powerful visual language. His tattoos are built on strong line work, rich contrast, and enduring design, each piece crafted to carry meaning and longevity on the body.
Chingy’s favourite Lotus needles are:
7SL, 7CL and 9CL for lines, 11CM, 13CM, 15CM, 19CM, 11M, 19M for shading - cartridges
Lozza Rach
Aquatica Tattoo, Sydney, Australia
Loz is a Sydney-based tattooer and co-owner of Aquatica Tattoo in Brookvale. She is recognised for her realism, illustrative, and fine-line work, combining strong composition with deliberate contrast and technical precision. Her focus is on creating tattoos that are visually refined and designed to age with integrity. Working across a range of styles, Loz prioritises clean line-work and smooth shading. Each custom piece is carefully constructed to complement the body, balancing subtle detail with lasting impact.
Lozza’s favourite Lotus needles are:
3FL, 9FL, 11SL, 7BPL for lines and shading, 9CMLT10g, 11CMLT10g, 15CMLT10g for shading - cartridges
Josh Todaro
The Grand Illusion, Melbourne, Australia
Josh Todaro is known for his illustrated traditional work, he creates bold, high impact pieces that cover everything from pop-culture icons to classic flash with clean linework and striking colour. Josh’s tattoos have a distinctive energy and personality that make them instantly recognisable.
Josh’s favourite Lotus needles are:
5SL and 11CL for most of his tats, 14CL for larger pieces, 9CM and 15CM for shading - bar needles
Rich Handford
Kapala Tattoo, Winnipeg, Canada
Rich Handford is a seasoned tattoo artist and owner of Kapala Tattoo, celebrated for his bold Japanese and illustrative tattoo work and deep commitment to the craft. With decades behind the needle since his teens, Rich’s portfolio spans striking full-sleeve compositions to intricate custom pieces, blending traditional influences with contemporary flair. Beyond the studio, he’s been instrumental in growing the local and international tattoo community, founding the Winnipeg Tattoo Convention and helping lead industry advocacy through the Manitoba Body Art Association.
Rich’s favourite Lotus needles are:
3FL, 5CL, 7CL, 9CL and 11SL for lines, 9M, 11M, 15M, 15CM and 23CM for shading
