A Step-By-Step Guide to Drawing Traditional Japanese Tattoo Designs for Beginners and Experienced Artists by Vault Editions & Kale James
How to Draw Japanese Tattoos is a step-by-step guide to mastering one of the world’s most influential and visually powerful tattoo styles. Rooted in centuries of artistic tradition, this book introduces you to the rich symbolism, forms, and visual language of Japanese tattooing (Irezumi) through 40 iconic motifs, including dragons, tigers, cranes, snakes, koi fish, demons, masks, and mythological creatures.
Each design is broken down using the Vault Editions 12-step drawing process, making complex compositions approachable, repeatable, and ideal for building your confidence and skills. Whether you’re a tattoo apprentice, a professional artist, or a drawing enthusiast, this guide is designed to deepen your technical ability and cultural understanding of traditional Japanese tattoo art.
Download Included:
- A custom set of Procreate brushes (liners and shaders) optimised for tattoo drawing
- A free digital copy of the publication perfect for drawing on your tablet or on the go.
- A printable, gridded practice workbook to support your drawing progression
With carefully researched symbolic meanings paired with every drawing, this book offers more than just how-to guidance it’s a bridge into the deeper narratives and stylistic elements that define this timeless art form.
Start your journey into Japanese tattoo illustration today and immerse yourself in the bold lines, powerful symbols, and enduring legacy of irezumi.
Table of Contents
Tiger Head
Full Tiger
Tengu
Tsuchigumo
Snake (Hebi)
Frog (Kaeru)
Koi Fish (Nishikigoi)
Phoenix (Hou-ou)
Dragon (Ryu)
Dragon Head
Oni Demon
Kirin
Three-Legged Crow (Yatagarasu)
Cherry Blossom (Sakura)
Peonies (Botan)
Chrysanthemums (Kiku)
Maple Leaves (Momiji)
Lotus Flower (Hasu)
Bamboo (Take)
Plum Blossoms (Ume)
Waves (Nami)
Clouds (Kumo)
Fire (Hi)
Samurai
Geisha
Traditional Fan (Uchiwa)
Japanese Lantern (Chochin)
Sword (Katana)
Severed Head (Namakubi)
Woman-Spider (Jorogumo)
Fox Spirit Kabuki Mask (Kitsune)
Fox (Kitsune)
Daruma Doll
Beckoning Cat (Maneki-Neko)
Crane (Tsuru)
Rooster (Ondori)
Samurai Crab (Heikegan)
Octopus Monster (Akkorokamui)
Kappa
Shisa
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About Vault Editions
Vault Editions is an independent, family-run business based in London, England, dedicated to helping the creative community unlock their potential by providing captivating visual reference books, instructive tutorials on various areas of art and design, and business advice tailored to the creative industries. Vault Editions offer an invaluable resource for artists and designers of all levels to develop their techniques and expand their knowledge. They are passionate about celebrating and sharing the valuable heritage of artistic expression while nurturing the talents of tomorrow's creatives. They are committed to inspiring creativity in everyone, fostering growth with practical guidance, and fueling excellence with knowledge-rich resources.
About Kale James
Kale James is an illustrator, graphic designer, and Creative Director of Vault Editions. He is an Amazon best-selling author with 60+ acclaimed art and design books.
