Our shop is a relaxed, welcoming space where you can feel comfortable from the moment you walk in. It’s just the two of us here, and we’re dedicated to making your experience personal and enjoyable. We specialize in large-scale work that often takes multiple sessions, so we get to build real connections with our clients — something we truly value.
4 steps to get started working with us.
• Contact Fill out our contact form and let's start talking about your thoughts. • Consultation From there we can set up a consultation in person or by phone to help us understand your ideas or lack of ideas. • Deposit The size of your tattoo will determine the size of the deposit we will need to draw and prepare for your tattoo. • Appointment The day we tattoo you.
Not all tattoos hold up to the test of time. Some styles or execution of those styles can result in a faded or distorted looking tattoo that just doesn't look good anymore.
Another issue is choosing a design that is a short lived trend that will eventually become embarrassing when it goes out of style.
This is why we specialize in Japanese style tattooing. The style is designed to retain it's integrity throughout the life of the individual wearing it and has gone virtually unchanged for almost 200 years.
Will it hold?
Japanese Tattooing
Having the subject in color and the background in black creates a separation that makes the tattoo pop because you can immediately see all the elements of the design.
Not to say that all black and gray tattoos can't be high contrast and readable, but we have all seen tattoos that require close inspection to figure out what it is that you are looking at.
Cover-ups
It's all about the background
Japan in the 1800's tattooed criminals as a deterrent; using black marks on the face hands and arms. Can you see where this is going?
The Irezumi style with heavy black backgrounds are perfect for covering unwanted tattoos.
Speaking of the background, this style is designed to be expanded. When a person starts with let's say a half sleeve, the artist will end the edge of the sleeve in a way that already has in the design a plan to be continued.
Typically this style of tattooing has the subjects (characters, animals, flowers) in color while the background elements (rocks, water, wind, clouds) are in black and gray.
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Impact
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Traditional Japanese
The Art and Tradition of Wabori – Japanese Tattooing
Wabori (和彫り), meaning “Japanese carving,” is the traditional style of Japanese tattooing, rooted in centuries of history and artistic mastery. Emerging from the Edo period (1603–1868), Wabori evolved from woodblock print art (ukiyo-e) and storytelling traditions, transforming the body into a living canvas of mythology, folklore, and personal symbolism. Originally worn by firemen, laborers, and outlaws as marks of bravery and identity, these tattoos became a powerful symbol of resilience, honor, and commitment.
Visually, Wabori is characterized by large-scale designs that flow seamlessly with the body’s natural form. Common motifs include dragons, koi fish, tigers, phoenixes, and deities like Fudo Myoo, each carrying deep meaning—strength, perseverance, protection, and wisdom. These tattoos are traditionally done with bold black outlines, intricate shading, and a harmonious blend of color, often covering the back, arms, and legs in a cohesive composition. The background elements, such as wind, waves, and cherry blossoms, unify the imagery, creating a dynamic, timeless aesthetic.
Wabori is not just a tattoo style—it’s a lifelong statement. It is best suited for those who appreciate tradition, artistry, and the weight of meaning behind the imagery. Whether you seek a piece that tells your personal story or connects you to the legacy of Japanese tattooing, Wabori demands dedication, respect, and an understanding of its cultural depth. For those ready to wear something enduring, bold, and steeped in history, Wabori stands as one of the most revered and meaningful tattoo forms in the world.