
How To
PROCEED
Tattooing and consultations are set by appointment.
Start by filling out the form below and tapping the send button.
We will get back to you shortly through email to set up a date and time for your first consultation.
During the consultation a drawing fee will be determined, ranging from $150 to $500, depending on the size and complexity of the tattoo being requested. This fee should be considered a non-refundable deposit.
First sessions are typically booked within 1-3 months of the initial consultation. This gives Asher the appropriate time to develop your design while working with other clients already in process and other studio works.
Studio rate is $250 minimum or $400 per 2.5-hour session.
Larger tattoos are accomplished through many sessions. Each being scheduled for 2 hours and a half hour of prep work (stenciling and/or freehand drawing).
Please contact us with any questions you have.
WHAT TO
EXPECT
During the consultation a drawing fee will be determined, ranging from $150 to $500, depending on the size and complexity of the tattoo being requested. This fee should be considered a non-refundable deposit.
First sessions are typically booked within 1-3 months of the initial consultation. This gives Asher the appropriate time to develop your design while working with other clients already in process and other studio works.
Studio rate is $250 minimum or $400 per 2.5-hour session.
Larger tattoos are accomplished through many sessions. Each being scheduled for 2 hours and a half hour of prep work (stenciling and/or freehand drawing).
Please contact us with any other questions you have.
REQUEST A
CONSULTATION

FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS
-
Have a look around. The following pages are a wonderful resource for ideas:
Still can’t decide? Click the following link to set up a free consultation:
-
Hidn Studio’s current pricing:
Shop Minimum
$250
This covers tattoos under one hour, including setup, sterilization, and materials.Custom Design Fees
Design fees are based on size and complexity:
• Small (under palm-sized): $150
• Medium (up to half-sleeve): $250
• Large (half-sleeve and up): $500• Full Body Suit (extensive multi-region work): $1,000+
(Custom pricing may apply depending on scope.)Tattoo Session Cost
$400 per 2.5-hour session
(Multiple sessions may be needed depending on the size and detail of your design.) -
While the studio space is small and seating is limited our policy is— just ask first.
WHO
WE ARE
-
Hidn Studio is a dedicated Japanese tattoo atelier led by Hori-Ema. Our work is rooted in the legacy of traditional Japanese tattoos also refered to as; Irezumi, Horimono and Wabori and with respect to the individuality of each client.
-
We don’t just make tattoos—we build suits. Like a tailor, we design each piece with the whole body in mind, using traditional Japanese imagery that’s stood the test of time. Whether you start with a sleeve, a panel, or a backpiece, the design is built to expand—without ever compromising the flow or story of a full-body tattoo.
UNDERSTANDING
THE JAPANESE TATTOO
-
Irezumi is one of the words used to describe the traditional form of Japanese tattooing, known for full-body, large-scale, motifs such as dragons, koi fish, tigers, mythological themes and heroic characters. It’s not just about art—it’s a living form of cultural expression.
-
Yes. Use of the word style in many cases when discussing the Japanese tattoo refers to the use of visual elements from Japan without consideration of context. The word traditional in typically referred to when an artist is considerate of certain rules— these include the construction of symbolism, and historical and cultural contexts.
-
Tattoos can carry social stigma in Japan, especially in public spaces like hot springs or gyms. That said, international recognition of Irezumi as fine art has helped shift perceptions over time.
WORKING
WITH US
-
Start by reaching out through our contact page. Let us know what part of the body you’re thinking about, and we’ll begin the conversation from there. Every design is carefully considered with placement and flow—then builds from there.
-
Yes. While many of the motifs we use are traditional and time-tested, each tattoo is tailored to you—through compositional and stylistic choices that Hori-Ema builds into the design. No two pieces are the same.
-
It depends on the size and complexity. Smaller tattoos may take 1 to 2 sessions. A full sleeve could take around 10. A backpiece might take anywhere from 10 to 20 sessions.
These sessions typically happen over weeks or months—but more than anything, completing a tattoo takes commitment. A thoughtful, consistent schedule is key to finishing larger work.
We’ll build a timeline together based on your availability, your budget, and how your body heals between sessions.
RESPECT AND
CULTURAL INSIGHT
-
Yes. Traditional Irezumi is a cultural practice—but it’s also an art form that speaks through design, not ethnicity. We work with clients from all backgrounds who approach the tradition with respect. Our focus isn’t on telling your personal story—it’s on applying a time-honored visual language to your body with care, precision, and purpose.
-
No. But we approach all motifs—like koi, dragons, or warriors—with great regard for tradition. We’ll guide you through making choices that are authentic, meaningful, and appropriate for the design you wish to wear.
PRACTICAL
INFORMATION
-
Stay hydrated, avoid alcohol or blood thinners the day before, and get a good night’s rest. Wear loose, comfortable clothes that give easy access to the area being tattooed.
-
You’ll receive detailed instructions post-session. Basic care includes gentle washing, applying a healing ointment, and avoiding sun exposure or friction until healed.
-
No. All sessions are strictly by appointment. This ensures that each project receives full attention and preparation.

Aftercare
INSTRUCTIONS
Supplies-
Uncented or fragrance free gental pump soap
Aquaphor or Bepanthen
Cling wrap
Medical tape
Fragrance free moisturizing lotion
Steps to good healing-
After getting tattooed, leave the bandage/wrap on for about six hours. It’s going to get slimy that first go. The body is pushing out blood, ointment and ink. This is to be expected.
After six hours, remove the bandage and submerge your tattoo into the hottest bath you can stand. Do this, just long enough, to gently wash off the ink, blood and plasma that’s built up on the surface of your skin. Once you’re done, rinse off and get out of the bath. Pat dry (don't wipe). Use a clean paper towel. Then air dry for at least 15-20 minutes before re-bandaging.
After allowing to air-dry, apply the Auqaphor or Bepanthon ointment very sparingly (use the tiniest amount and spread it as thin as possible). Then re-cover with fresh cling wrap. This keeps your tattoo from drying out and most importantly your skin from forming a thick scab. If you allow scabs to form, they will pull ink out of you skin as it heals.
Repeat steps 2 & 3- MINUS the hot bath. DON’T soak your tattoo any more until it’s completely healed and keep it out of the direct stream of water from the shower head. Only get it wet for the time it takes to wash it- no longer. This advice helps it heal quickly. Basically wash and re-wrap every 3-6 hours, depending on how active you are during the day. Do this for about 3 days. Until, when letting it air dry, there are no “wet” spots (areas where the skin is weeping- these create a scab if not wrapped). Everything should look smooth and dry after a few days and then you will be able to move to the next step.
Once your skin is past the first stages of healing it will start to lightly peal- like a sunburn. At this stage, keep it clean and lotion with non fragrant lotion as needed to keep it from itching and feeling tight. You can switch to washing twice a day but let it breath and completely dry after washing before you put any lotion on.....usually 15-20 minutes.
That’s it! Healing your tattoo will become easier with each session.

TATTOOING BY
HORI-EMA
彫えま is the moniker gifted by Horiyoshi III at the request of Asher Emerson as he began narrowing his focus within tattooing to that of the Japanese style.
Hidn Studio was developed to reflect the aesthetic appreciation for shadows, most famously expressed by Jun’ichiro Tanizaki in his essay, In Praise of Shadows. This concept is something Asher finds to be integral to the quality and production of the Japanese tattoos he creates.
