Book Tattoo
Black traditional panther head with flanking scorpions and a spider web

Panther and Scorpions Tattoo

Centred a roaring panther head at the top of the panel, flanked by mirrored scorpions reaching outward. Below that I filled the lower half with a tight spider web and dropped a pair of small dagger flames near the bottom edge. The whole composition reads as one symmetrical traditional layout: bold black, no colour, consistent weight from top to bottom.

I usually run large traditional panels like this across multiple sessions. The symmetry only holds if I tattoo the two sides in sequence rather than as separate jobs, and keeping consistent line weight across the panel is what makes the whole thing settle as a single piece rather than a collection.

I'm taking large traditional work in Wellington, drop me a message if it's on your list.

Book Similar PieceSee All Traditional

By Rhys Thomas at Whitetail Tattoo, Level 3, 41–47 Dixon Street, Te Aro, Wellington, New Zealand

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Common Questions About Traditional in Wellington

What's the difference between traditional and neo-traditional?
Traditional keeps to a small, classical colour palette (reds, yellows, greens, blues) with chunky outlines and limited shading. Neo-traditional opens that up with more colours, finer detail, and more painterly shading. Same bones, more flexibility.
Do traditional tattoos cost less because they look simpler?
No. Traditional tattoos look deceptively simple. Clean bold lines and solid colour packs are hard to execute well, and they're priced on time and skill required, not visual complexity.
Can a traditional design be personal rather than generic?
Yes. Most of my traditional pieces are custom subjects rendered in the traditional language. Bring your own meaning and I'll handle the visual grammar.