The Blue Blood Studios is structured around high-end, traditional Japanese tattooing in Amsterdam. Our focus centers on large-scale Japanese bodysuits, full backpieces, and custom work that respects the strict rules, history, and technical layouts of classic Irezumi.

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Big Japanese work takes precision at every stage, from pulling the initial outlines to packing heavy blacks and smooth colors. We focus on the technical details that keep large-scale work legible and bold over time.

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The Core Elements of Traditional Irezumi

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Classic Japanese tattooing is all about composition and flow. We place every element intentionally so the design follows your body's natural lines and carries the right historical context:

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• Powerful Central Motifs: We use classic traditional icons including Dragons (Ryu), Koi, Tigers, and mythological figures to ensure your piece carries real historical weight and visual contrast.

• Structured Backgrounds: Bold background framing is a signature of the style. We specialize in traditional finger waves, wind bars, and rock formations that tie different elements of a sleeve or backpiece together.

• Seasonal Harmony: Traditional Japanese tattooing respects the rules of nature. We pair legendary figures and creatures with their historically correct seasonal flowers, like cherry blossoms (Sakura), peonies, and maple leaves.

 

 

Custom Layouts and Scale

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Traditional Japanese compositions are built to fit your body's exact proportions. We work directly with you during the design process to lock down the framework that fits your vision and physical structure best:

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• Full Sleeve (Nagasode): Running from your shoulder down to your wrist, a full sleeve wraps cleanly around the arm to create one continuous, bold design.

• 7/10 Sleeve (Shichibu): A deliberate classic layout that ends midway down the forearm. This keeps the tattoo easily covered under a rolled-up shirt cuff while maintaining its traditional strength.

• Backpieces and Bodysuits: The foundation of large-scale Irezumi. A full backpiece acts as the anchor for a complete Japanese bodysuit, extending from the neck down past the thighs.

 

 

Consultation and Session Logistics

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Large-scale Japanese work takes time, patience, and clear planning. At our GGD-licensed Amsterdam studio, we break the process down into straightforward steps:

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• Step 1: The Design Consultation. You sit down directly with your artist to map out the concept, review reference art, and take precise measurements.

• Step 2: Linework and Background Framework. Big pieces are built from the ground up. The first sittings focus on pulling the main outlines before blocking in the heavy background shapes. Depending on the size of the piece, establishing this foundation can take multiple sessions before shading starts.

• Step 3: Shading and Color. Final sessions focus on packing solid blacks, smooth grey gradients, and rich colors that look vibrant today and age exceptionally well over time.