FAQs

Do you only do tebori tattoo?

No. Tebori is my specialty that is uniquely Japanese and done authentically by me. However, I trained originally in electric tattoo and am happy to do your session(s) entirely by machine, if you so wish.

If you want authentic tebori tattoo, I am one of the only tebori artists in the US, and only Japanese tebori artist in the Pacific Northwest. It is difficult to find tebori artists even if you go to Japan, which is why I decided to make this service available to the Western audience.

What makes tebori so special?

Tebori is a dying art form from Japan that is being preserved by only a small amount of artists. While there are imitators who are self-taught or try to copy masters, few have actually trained extensively under a master while honoring and respecting the tradition and values. I have done so and continue to preserve tebori in its time-honored methods. I have a great appreciation for clients who also understand and value the art of tebori.

Tebori tattooing is done by hand, with tools and inks mostly prepared by hand as well. This experience is tailored entirely to each client. Because the inks are often made from pigments and inserted into the skin through the hand-poked method, the colors remain more vibrant in the skin, especially if cared for correctly.

Because tebori is done by hand, it is a more expensive method as it simply takes more time to complete than machine work.

I only want a small design in tebori style so I can experience traditional Japanese tattoo.

I am happy to do smaller designs that only take 1 or 2 sessions to complete, however, I will prioritize long-term clients first. I do want anyone who is interested in Japanese culture to be able to get tebori as it is part of my heritage I want to share with the world.

For machine work, what designs can you do?

I prefer motifs that are irezumi (Japanese style), geometric, Japanese patterns, floral designs, gothic/macabre, etc. I don’t do work that is portrait/realistic, copied or traced from someone else’s art, new school, and I will not complete someone else’s design if you have unfinished art. I can do cover ups and anime, but it is not my preference. Please feel free to reach out to me with your ideas, however, as this is not an extensive list.

What type of designs can I get in tebori style?

Tebori is based on ukiyo e style and Buddhism, so the style will always follow Japanese style and rules, with elements of my own artistic flair mixed in. I allow clients to pick a motif or theme, location of tattoo, and some freedom in color palette. I will always send artwork well in advance of session to confirm details or any small changes you might want to request.

Will my art fee be applied towards my first session?

No, the art fee is used only towards my time for designing your custom artwork, and if you’re a client receiving tebori, cost of materials and my time for preparing the needles and bars just for you. The fee is dependent on how large your piece is. On average, I spend at least 10-20 hours studying, sketching, finalizing your artwork to fit your body before I ever even put needle to your skin. This fee covers my time in case clients ever decide to cancel their tattoo entirely.

Do you do walk-ins?

I have a large private studio, but it is not public. Tattoo sessions are by appointment only.

Why Private Studio instead of a tattoo shop?

Most clients don’t know it, but most tattoo shops keep at least 50% of income made by an artist’s their hourly rate. I do not charge for all the extra prep work I do for my clients and so it is not fair to me to have half my income taken by a shop who cannot provide for me the basic tools and supplies needed as I prepare handmade needles and inks, and import many of my supplies at a high cost directly from Japan. I work hard to provide you as authentic an experience of getting tattooed in Japan. I also provide food, snacks, and drinks at no cost to my clients as most sessions run 5-6 hours and I want to ensure you are comfortable.

Your photo portfolio is rather small and I’d like to see more of your work.

I will admit, my portfolio appears small because most of the work I do takes many sessions to complete since most clients want to work on full sleeves, stomach and back pieces. Due to the size of most pieces, most clients can only make enough time or money to come once every month or two. I have only shown a small sample of my work as most work is a work-in-progress. I am happy to show you more of my work-in-progress and sketches when we meet for our consultation.

I need to cancel.

As I work by appointment only, I set aside time and blackout dates to accept other clients in preparation for you. I begin preparing for our session at least 3 days before, whether that is creating new needles and bars for a tebori session, drawing your stencil (which I do by hand unlike most tattoo artists), creating inks, and setting up the studio for your visit. Because of all this extra prep time, I do charge fees for cancellations that are not made within a week of the session.

Cancel before 7 days before session: no fee

Within 7 days of scheduled session: $150 fee

Within 3 days before: $250 fee

Day of: $300 fee

I understand most tattoo shops do not charge a cancellation fee, however, I am unable to call up a client to squeeze them in or take walk-ins, so loss of the session results in no pay for me.

Requirements

Before tattooing, please wash your hands and mask is required while tattooing.