A tattoo begins on paper.
Fine-line, botanical and single-needle tattoos by Sera Tanaka in Portland, Oregon.
Snake and peony for Mei, inspired by her grandmother's garden. Some pieces carry whole histories.
The settled line is the test.
What your tattoo looks like settled is the only portfolio that matters.
Every piece starts on paper. I sketch your idea three ways before a needle ever comes out.
Three sketches before the needle.
Bring the history
Tell me about the image, person or place behind the idea. Some pieces carry whole histories.
Draw three ways
Every custom idea is sketched three ways on paper before tattooing begins.
Place it carefully
We look at scale, movement and skin so the line belongs to the place it will live.
Linework with a reason to stay.
Fine-line tattoos
Detailed linework with careful placement.
Botanical tattoos
Wildflowers, peonies and garden-inspired imagery.
Single-needle tattoos
Fine, precise linework for small ideas and quiet detail.
Custom tattoo designs
Your idea is drawn three ways on paper before tattooing.
Flash tattoos
12 designs offered on a first-come, first-served flash day.
Single needle, three hours, one wildflower sleeve in progress.
Portland and guest spots.
Sera works from Portland and opens guest spot appointments in Tokyo, Berlin and NYC.
19 pieces completed in 6 days during a Berlin guest spot.
Portland
Home studio
Tokyo
Guest spots announced through Instagram.
Berlin
Guest spots announced through Instagram.
NYC
Guest spots announced through Instagram.
Send the idea as it is.
Tell Sera what you are thinking about, where it should sit and what the image carries.
Instagram is the quickest place to see new flash and visiting dates.