Japanese back piece
The largest surface of the body and room for one complete composition.
The back is the most important format in Japanese tattooing. It gives enough room to show a motif in full: with the movement, background and detail that no other part of the body can hold.
One motif, one story
A back works best with one large motif or one scene: a dragon among peonies, a tiger fighting a snake, a hannya mask, a pair of shishi lions. I place the motif centrally, and a background of waves, clouds or wind closes the composition at the sides.
The piece can end at the waistline or continue onto the buttocks and thighs. This longer layout gives the motif more room and looks better in motion. We set the boundaries at the very start, because the whole composition depends on them.
The back and the rest of the body
A back is often the start of a larger project. The background can be carried on to the shoulders and upper arms and joined with sleeves in time. If you already have sleeves, I will design the back to meet them.
What working on a back looks like
This is a long project. I start with the drawing of the whole and the outline, which usually takes the first sessions. Then come the background, shading and colour. A back needs more sessions than a sleeve, and the skin has to heal between them.
It helps to plan dates ahead and expect regular visits. The result is worth it: this is a piece you wear for life.
Work
Full portfolio
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FAQ
01How much does a tattoo cost?
The price depends on the size, the placement, the amount of detail and the number of sessions. Tell me what you want, give the size and placement and attach references, and I will prepare a quote for your project.
02What is the first step?
Message me on WhatsApp or Instagram: your idea, placement, approximate size and references. I will tell you whether it can be done, suggest a format and a rough price, and then we book a consultation or go straight to a session date.
03How far in advance should I book?
I usually book a few weeks ahead. For large projects we plan the following sessions straight away.
04How do I prepare for a session?
Get a good night’s sleep. Eat a proper meal before the session and drink plenty of water. Avoid alcohol and medication that affects blood clotting, provided stopping it is safe and agreed with your doctor. Wear comfortable clothes that give easy access to the area.
05Which styles do you tattoo?
Three: Japanese, neo-traditional and traditional. What they share is a bold outline and full colour, which is what makes a tattoo age well. Japanese is my main specialisation; neo-traditional and traditional I have tattooed alongside it for years.
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