Caio Cruz, better known by his artistic moniker “O Monstrão,” has emerged as a prominent figure in the world of tattooing and urban art. From the streets of São Paulo’s Zona Norte, he rose to prominence in prestigious international tattoo conventions. At 35, he has established a successful career that extends beyond borders, positioning Brazil as a global reference in the tattoo industry.
His passion for art ignited early, shaped by his experiences in the Santana neighborhood, where he grew up. It was in this urban landscape that he first encountered graffiti and tagging, two forms of street expression that greatly influenced his style. His defining moment came at Praça do Point, where he was introduced to Lettering, a technique that would shape his entire career. “At the time, Lettering was still new. I never thought I could make it into a career,” he reflects.
Despite facing social stigmas and challenges, Caio Cruz turned what was once considered a marginalized art form into a medium of identity and self-expression. Recognition soon followed, with awards from major events like the Pan-American Tattoo Convention, where he represented Brazil in three editions, winning the title of “Best Tattoo.” For the past five years, he has also served as a judge at Tattoo Week, the world’s largest tattoo convention.
Caio made his international debut in 2015 in Lisbon, and since then, he has showcased his work at key conventions throughout Europe, including in Spain and Portugal. To him, tattooing is a universal language that bridges cultures and breaks down barriers. His signature Lettering style pays homage to his São Paulo roots, highlighting the urban culture that has been central to his journey.
In addition to being a tattoo artist, Caio is also an educator. Through the Doméstika platform, he shares his knowledge with thousands of students worldwide, encouraging them to develop their own artistic voices. His studio, Máfia LaTinta, founded in 2012, has become a cultural hub where other artists gather to celebrate and revive urban art.
Caio Cruz’s career goes far beyond tattooing as a profession; for him, it’s a profound cultural expression. His legacy, which began on the streets of São Paulo, now inspires artists across the globe, demonstrating that urban art can be both transformative and worthy of global recognition.
**Follow Caio Cruz on Social Media**
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@caiocruztattoo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caiocruztattoo
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@caiocruz