Every tattoo tells a story, but at Irezumi, the story begins long before the needle touches the skin. Traditional Japanese tattooing is an art that demands precision, patience and emotional connection. In this behind-the-scenes look, we reveal how an Irezumi tattoo moves from concept… to sketch… to skin, crafted uniquely for each client.
1. Understanding Your Story
Every Irezumi design starts with a conversation. When you walk into our studio, we don’t ask “What design do you want?
We ask:
- What does this tattoo mean to you?
- What experiences shape your story?
- Which symbols resonate with your journey?
Your answers help us identify the right motifs, Koi for resilience, Dragons for protection Oni for discipline, Phoenix for rebirth, Lotus for healing. This step sets the emotional foundation for the design.
2. Studying the Body Flow
Irezumi is not drawn on the body, it is drawn with the body.
Our artists study:
- Muscle curves
- Shoulder and chest flow
- Arm movement
- Skin texture
- Body symmetry
This analysis ensures the design moves naturally when you move.
Whether it’s a full sleeve, back piece, or chest panel, the composition is built to enhance your structure, not fight against it.
3. Creating the Initial Sketch
Using your story and your body flow, we craft a custom sketch.
Unlike modern minimal tattoos, Irezumi sketches are detailed:
- Element placement
- Flow of waves and wind bars
- Position of dragons, koi, masks
- Background layering
- Traditional line hierarchy
Every stroke is intentional, maintaining respect for Japanese traditional composition.
You’ll review the sketch and share feedback. Nothing moves forward until you feel fully aligned with the design.
4. Refining & Finalizing the Artwork
Once approved, we refine the sketch, add shading plans and finalize the composition.
Here, we decide:
- Depth of shadows
- Colour placement
- Balance between strength and softness
- Areas of highlight for movement
This step transforms the sketch into a tattoo-ready blueprint.
5. Stencil Transfer & Tattooing
The final design is stenciled onto your skin and the tattooing process begins with:
- Strict hygiene protocols
- High-precision needlework
- Layered shading
- Traditional-inspired gradients
Our goal is simple: create a piece that feels like it naturally belongs to your body.
Final Thoughts
At Irezumi, every tattoo is a collaboration between your story and our artistry. From the first sketch to the final stroke, we craft pieces that feel powerful, meaningful and uniquely yours.
Explore how your story can become art: https://irezumi.in/