The style of Japanese art lends itself well to large tattoos. Traditional motifs including the flora and fauna of Japan as well as mythological and religious imagery from Japanese culture can be used to design a large tattoo suitable for placement on any area of the body, including the back, shoulder and arm or leg.
Features of large Japanese tattoos can include kanji characters, which will add additional meaning via the medium of text. They can be inked in a traditional, calligraphy style to evoke the style of a scribe's brush. Cherry blossoms, a symbol of nobility and springtime renewal, are also a popular motif. Fish such as koi can be used to symbolize luck. Other animals such as birds and tigers are also used in traditional designs, often in conjunction with religious or mythological scenes.
Biomechanical tattoos are a genre inspired by works such as the art of H. R. Giger, combining biological elements with machinery. The design of a biomechanical tattoo is carefully calculated, being created with the wearer and placement in mind. These tattoos are usually executed in black or shades of grey, evoking a pen and ink feel.
The design of a large biomechanical tattoo can contain many elements. For the natural or biological element, this can include skin, exposed tendon and muscle or alien biology such as scales and tentacles. The mechanical side of the design often includes exposed gears, machinery, wires, pipes and pistons. When a large biomechanical tattoo is designed, it will match with the wearer's body, giving the illusion of a glimpse into a dark and sinister interior.
Tribal tattoos have enjoyed vast popularity, and creating a large tribal design is often a popular way to expand upon a formerly small tribal piece. These designs are suited for placement in almost any large expanse of skin and can be used to augment or cover up older tattoo designs.
Tribal tattoos in large places augment the body's natural lines, using flowing, undulating shapes to accent the body's curvature. They are often executed in plain black, though they can also be designed in shades of gray or in full color, helping them to blend or augment older pieces.