Japanese traditional

Japanese traditional tattoos bring the main subject and its surroundings together as one design. Waves, clouds and flowers connect the imagery and guide it around the body. This makes the style especially compelling in larger pieces across an arm, leg or back.

Dragons, koi, tigers and other traditional subjects have connections to Japanese art and culture. The way these images are paired matters, as does the background around them. Choosing elements that work together gives the tattoo a clear sense of direction.

If you are considering a sleeve or would like to extend the tattoo later, mention that at the start. Planning the whole composition gives you room to build it over several sessions while keeping the finished piece coherent.