Where was this tattoo done?

This tattoo was done at Slave to the Needle Wallingford, 403 NE 45th Street.

How much would a tattoo like this cost?

A piece like this is estimated at $2250-$2950. This is based on pricing confirmed by the studio, but still not a quote — message the studio for an exact price.

How painful is a back tattoo?

Back: Mild on our 5-step pain scale — broad and well-muscled, sharper over the spine and shoulder blades. Pain is personal, and long sessions, stress and bleeding make it feel worse.

How long does it take to heal, and will people see it?

The surface usually looks healed in 2–4 weeks; the skin keeps settling for a few months. On the back healing is moderate (hard to reach yourself), and it is easy to cover.

How will a tattoo like this age?

Bold outlines and solid black are the styles that age best — the design stays readable even as lines soften slightly over decades. Sunscreen keeps the colour from fading.

Can I get this exact design?

Use it as a reference. Most artists adapt a design to your body and their own style rather than copy another person’s tattoo line for line — and if you want this artist’s look, the best option is to book this artist.

How do I book something like this?

Message the studio with this photo, your placement and size, colour or black & grey, budget and dates. The “What to include in your first message” box below has a ready-to-copy template.

colorful japanese (irezumi) tattoo of dragon on the back

Tattoo by:Aaron BellPhoto source:

slavetotheneedle.com

Dragon Japanese Back

Japanese (irezumi) style tattoo of a dragon on the back, done in colorful. By Aaron Bell at Slave to the Needle Wallingford.

Subject:🐉 Mythology & Folklore🐉 Dragon

Style:🌊 Japanese (Irezumi)

Size:💪 Very Large / Sleeve (30cm+)Complexity:😥 ComplexPlacement:🔙 BackColor:🌈 Color↕️ Vertical📍 Seattle, United States

Estimated time: 13–18 hours, 3–4 sessions

Estimated price for this size & complexity: $2250–$2950

This estimate is narrowed from Aaron Bell's price range using this tattoo's complexity — not a quote. For an exact quote, message us on Instagram or call +1 206-545-3685

Tattoo by Aaron Bell

Questions & answers

What is this tattoo?: Japanese (irezumi) style tattoo of a dragon on the back, done in colorful. By Aaron Bell at Slave to the Needle Wallingford.
Where was this tattoo done?: This tattoo was done at Slave to the Needle Wallingford, 403 NE 45th Street. View on Google Maps →
How much would a tattoo like this cost?: A piece like this is estimated at $2250-$2950. This is based on pricing confirmed by the studio, but still not a quote — message the studio for an exact price.
How painful is a back tattoo?: Back: Mild on our 5-step pain scale — broad and well-muscled, sharper over the spine and shoulder blades. Pain is personal, and long sessions, stress and bleeding make it feel worse. Pain map →
How long does it take to heal, and will people see it?: The surface usually looks healed in 2–4 weeks; the skin keeps settling for a few months. On the back healing is moderate (hard to reach yourself), and it is easy to cover. When can I swim, work out, tan? →
How will a tattoo like this age?: Bold outlines and solid black are the styles that age best — the design stays readable even as lines soften slightly over decades. Sunscreen keeps the colour from fading. How tattoos age →
Can I get this exact design?: Use it as a reference. Most artists adapt a design to your body and their own style rather than copy another person’s tattoo line for line — and if you want this artist’s look, the best option is to book this artist. Copying, references and AI designs →
How do I book something like this?: Message the studio with this photo, your placement and size, colour or black & grey, budget and dates. The “What to include in your first message” box below has a ready-to-copy template. How to message a tattoo artist →

What to include in your first message

What the artist needs from you

Your idea in one line + 2–3 references (this photo is already in the template below) more →
Placement and rough size in centimetres more →
Colour or black & grey more →
Your budget range more →
Dates you’re free; OK with more than one session? more →
Cover-up? Add a clear photo of the old tattoo more →

What to ask them

Deposit — how much, does it come off the price, what if I reschedule? more →
When will I see the design, and can I ask for changes? more →
How long is the wait for an appointment? more →
Is a touch-up included? more →

Known for Slave to the Needle Wallingford: Deposit: $50 for most pieces, $100 for pieces over two hours; non-refundable · Touch-up: not listed · Design: not listed · Wait: not listed. Policies differ between studios — call +1 206-545-3685 to confirm.