Japanese Tattoos in Atlanta
Steeped in tradition and symbolism, Japanese tattoos (also known as Irezumi) combine storytelling, and craftsmanship to create timeless works of art.
Explore Wes’ Japanese Tattoo Portfolio
From dragons and tigers to koi fish and Hannya masks, each Japanese tattoo is built with flow and meaning.
Browse a selection of Wes Holland’s Japanese tattoos done at Lightwork Tattoo in Sandy Springs.
Understanding Japanese Tattoo Design
Philosophy and Symbolism
Japanese tattoos are rooted in storytelling and seasonal balance. Each design reflects a theme of strength, transformation, or spiritual protection.
Common motifs include dragons (power and wisdom), tigers (strength and courage), koi (perseverance), and florals that mark the seasons like cherry blossoms, peonies, maples, and chrysanthemums.
Design Approach
For clients who already have a concept in mind, Wes refines the composition by pairing the right floral and background elements to achieve harmony.
For those seeking guidance, the process begins with a theme list. From there, Wes suggests motifs and pairings that flow with the client’s anatomy.
Large-Scale Principles
In Japanese tattooing, less is more.
Strong sleeves and back pieces usually center on one or two main elements (e.g. dragon and/or tiger), one seasonal floral accent, and a background scene (water, clouds, rocks, or lightning). This approach creates powerful, long-lasting visual impact on all skin tones.
Color and Skin Tone Expertise
The principles of Japanese design - negative space, contrast, and saturation - make it exceptional for brown and dark skin tones.
For clients wanting color, Wes selects a color palette tailored to each skin tone and placement for maximum longevity and clarity.
Project Scope & Process
Large-Scale Japanese tattoos are booked at $200 per hour, in multiple 4 or 6-hour sessions. Smaller, single session Japanese tattoos are priced by the piece, starting at $400.
Sleeves typically require 16–24 hours; leg sleeves and back pieces range from 25–36 hours, depending on complexity and color choice.
Healing between sessions takes about 3–4 weeks during the outline phase; clients can then schedule sessions every 2 weeks to finish their project.
Japanese Tattoo FAQs
How should I choose my Japanese tattoo theme or motif?
Start with a theme or image list (for example, strength, wisdom, luck, dragon, or tiger).
Wes will recommend motifs and pairings (florals, backgrounds, animals) that fit your meaning and flow naturally with your anatomy.
How much does a Japanese tattoo cost at Lightwork Tattoo?
Single session japanese tattoos are priced by the piece and start at $400.
Large-scale Japanese tattoos are $200 per hour and take multiple sessions. Sleeves average 16–24 hours; leg sleeves and back pieces average 25–36 hours depending on detail and color.
Can I get Japanese tattoos on dark skin?
Absolutely. Japanese design principles use negative space and contrast that read clearly on all skin tones. For color, the limited, saturated palettes used in Irezumi work beautifully on brown and dark skin when body placement and subject matter is considered.
What is the healing and session schedule like for a large-scale Japanese tattoo?
Initial linework session(s) heals in 3–4 weeks. Once the outline is complete, clients can book weekly or bi-monthly sessions for shading and color.
This approach allows us to finish large projects efficiently and ensures comfortable healing after each session.
Start Your Japanese Tattoo
Ready to get started on your japanese project? Use the form below to start the booking process.
Once submitted, you'll receive a link to schedule your appointment (or a consultation first, if more details are needed).
Japanese Tattoos in Sandy Springs & Metro Atlanta
Lightwork Tattoo serves clients throughout the Atlanta metro area — including Dunwoody, Brookhaven, Buckhead, Alpharetta, Gwinnett, and Marietta.
Atlanta tattoo artist Wes Holland is known for his expertise in Japanese and large-scale custom irezumi-inspired tattoos on all skin tones.
Every piece is drawn with intention and crafted for lasting clarity and flow.