Dragons
Dynamic dragon compositions influenced by Japanese and Chinese tattoo traditions, built around flow and scale.
Japanese & Chinese-Inspired Tattooing · San Jose, CA
Built for the body.
Made to last.
Custom Japanese & Chinese-inspired tattooing focused on dragons, koi, hannya, florals, sleeves, back pieces and one-of-a-kind designs tailored to each client.
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The work
Bold composition.
Intricate detail. Strong contrast.
Custom tattooing designed to make an impact at any scale.
WORK IN PROGRESS
Built layer
by layer.
See how a custom tattoo develops on the body—from the first linework through shading, contrast, detail and the finished piece.
Specialties
Koi
Bold movement, water, florals and symbolic storytelling.
Hannya & Masks
Expressive Japanese imagery with strong contrast and detail.
Foo Dogs
Chinese guardian lion imagery interpreted in bold custom compositions, from focused standalone pieces to larger connected work.
Peonies
Bold floral tattooing inspired by traditional Japanese and East Asian compositions, designed to work beautifully on its own or alongside larger imagery.
Asian Figures & Deities
Chinese and Japanese-inspired figures, deities and portraiture rendered with intricate detail and expressive composition.
“The best tattoos don’t look placed on the body. They look like they were designed with it.”
SKETCHBOOK
From concept
to skin.
Original concepts and composition studies from Tom’s sketchbook. Every tattoo is developed around the client’s idea, placement and preferred scale.
Sketches shown are examples of Tom’s design process. New tattoo projects are customized for each client.
THE STUDIO
A clean, private space
for custom work.
Visit Tom at 9 Dragons Ink in San Jose. The dedicated tattoo workspace provides a focused setting for consultations, design planning and tattoo sessions.
Book a consultationAbout the artist
Tom
9 Dragons Ink
San Jose tattoo artist specializing in Japanese & Chinese-inspired tattooing and custom work tailored to each client. Tom’s portfolio centers on dragons, koi, masks, florals and fully custom tattoos designed around each client’s idea, placement and preferred scale.
Every piece is custom-built around the client, the placement, and the overall flow of the design.
🐲 TOM@ 9 DRAGONS INK 🐲
999 Story Rd. #9006San Jose, CA 95122
Process
01
Contact Tom
Reach out by Instagram, text, call or email to discuss your tattoo idea, placement and what you have in mind.
02
Design
Tom develops the concept around your idea, placement and preferred scale, creating a custom design that works with the body.
03
Tattoo
Come to the studio for your scheduled session and bring the custom design to life.
Books Open
Have an idea?
Let’s talk.
Whether you know exactly what you want or are starting with an idea, reach out to Tom to discuss your tattoo.
999 Story Rd. #9006 · San Jose, CA 95122 · By appointment