I started tattooing professionally at the age of 21 (in 2013) & currently am tattooing at Eazy Tiger, a Hygienic and fully licensed studio located Woolloomoloo Sydney. I specialize in Japanese Art, specifically elegant large scale Japanese style tattoos, every tattoo Is a custom one-off design, created specifically to compliment the body of the individual client. I draw inspiration mainly from traditional Ukiyo-e and Buddhist paintings, as well as Wabori / Horimono style Irezumi. I do not copy other artists' designs, or re-use old designs, however you can bring images to convey your vision. If you're interested in genres of tattooing other than Japanese please bring your own references, so I can then evaluate whether or not I'm the best fit for your tattoo. Quality is essential, so I won't compromise on that. My Tattoos draw from the rich history of Japanese tattoos, particularly the Edo Period (1603-1868), The period was characterized by strict isolationist foreign policies, resulting in arts and culture flourishing, which was a golden era for traditional Japanese art and tattooing.
Japanese style tattoos have stood the test of time for decades, demonstrating their enduring quality. This is achieved through a combination of key artistic elements that ensure the artwork ages gracefully, complimenting the human anatomy, and remaining vibrant for years to come. First and foremost, the proper use of solid lines, incorporating both bold and thin strokes, provides a strong foundation for the design. This precise line work contributes to the overall clarity and longevity of the tattoo.
Additionally, the strategic use of solid/high contrast shading is crucial. By employing a careful balance of light greywash and smooth solid blacks, the tattoo gains depth and dimension. This shading technique not only enhances the visual impact of the design but also helps the tattoo retain its integrity as it ages.
The incorporation of strong and resonant colors, in line with traditional aspects of Japanese tattoos, further contributes to the timelessness of the artwork. These colors are chosen to complement each other and create a cohesive and enduring visual impression.
An essential consideration in crafting Japanese Wabori-style tattoos is the appropriate sizing and placement of skin gaps. This negative space is strategically left between elements of the tattoo, allowing the design to breathe and ensuring that it remains legible even as the skin changes over time.
The ultimate goal is to create a style that aligns with the Japanese tradition, where full bodysuits maintain their readability and visual impact well into the later years. By focusing on strong motifs that are carefully designed to settle well in the skin once healed, the tattoo artist ensures that the artwork remains sharp and clear as the years go by.
In summary, the success and longevity of Japanese style tattoos are rooted in a meticulous attention to detail, incorporating solid lines, high contrast shading, well-chosen colors, and appropriate skin gaps. This dedication to the proper aesthetic elements of Japanese Wabori results in tattoos that stand the test of time and retain their strength and beauty for many years to come.
Much of the inspiration for creating my tattoos can be attributed directly to the source of Japanese tattoos, the woodblock prints, & content from the Edo Period, as well as having a greater focus on the importance of learning traditional background (Mikiri) in Japanese tattoos. Ukiyo-e artists & Painters of the Edo-period such as Yoshitoshi, Hokusai, Kuniyoshi, Yoshitsuya, Kyosai, Osen, Soga Shohaku, Kano Hogai, Kano Kazunobu as well as Traditional Japanese Tattoo Artists such as Horiyoshi 3 (pictured above with me), Horiyoshi 2 (Tokyo), Horitsune 2, Miyazo, Horitoshi 1, Horiharu, Horitomo, Horifuji, Horiyasu, Horikiku, Horikoi, Horihito, Yokohama Horiken, Horimasa (of Gomineko Crew), Shodai Hokuoh, Horiso Tajima, Kokura Horimatsu, Horitaro Yuki, Horihiro Mitomo, Ichibay, Horitsukikage & Josui (Wido de Marval) are all artists that I study and i attribute my influence to, i do my best to always honour this style of Traditional Japanese Tattoo.
HYGIENE
About hygiene management:
At our shop, we pursue thorough hygiene management and high quality in design.
All needles, ink, ink caps, gloves, masks, bed sheets, and other barriers and vinyl that come into contact with the hands are disposable.
Non-disposable instruments are cleaned and sterilized by an ultrasonic cleaner and a high-pressure steriliser
The needle, grip and tube are stored in a sterilized pack, and are opened and used immediately before use.
Our studio does not provide surface anesthesia, numbing creams etc.
NSW License: 102559
Email: ianhilz@hotmail.com
Instagram: @ian_hilz
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ianhilz
Tattoo Studio: EAZY TIGER,
4/144 Cathedral Street, Woolloomoloo, 2011, New South Wales, Australia