Where was this tattoo done?

This tattoo was done at Slave to the Needle Ballard, 508 NW 65th 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 full sleeve tattoo?

Full Sleeve: Noticeable on our 5-step pain scale — most of the arm is mild, but the inner elbow and wrist are sharp. 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 full sleeve healing is moderate (large area), and it is visible in short sleeves.

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 koi fish on the full sleeve

Tattoo by:Bruce RiveraPhoto source:

slavetotheneedle.com

Koi Japanese Full Sleeve

Japanese (irezumi) style tattoo of a koi fish on the full sleeve, done in colorful. By Bruce Rivera at Slave to the Needle Ballard.

Subject:🐾 Animals🐠 Koi Fish

Style:🌊 Japanese (Irezumi)

Size:💪 Very Large / Sleeve (30cm+)Complexity:😥 ComplexPlacement:👕 Full SleeveColor:🌈 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 Bruce Rivera's price range using this tattoo's complexity — not a quote. For an exact quote, message us on Instagram or call +1 206-789-2618

Tattoo by Bruce Rivera

Questions & answers

What is this tattoo?: Japanese (irezumi) style tattoo of a koi fish on the full sleeve, done in colorful. By Bruce Rivera at Slave to the Needle Ballard.
Where was this tattoo done?: This tattoo was done at Slave to the Needle Ballard, 508 NW 65th 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 full sleeve tattoo?: Full Sleeve: Noticeable on our 5-step pain scale — most of the arm is mild, but the inner elbow and wrist are sharp. 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 full sleeve healing is moderate (large area), and it is visible in short sleeves. 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 Ballard: 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 +1 206-789-2618 to confirm.