Semu THEM
セム THEM
Tattoo artist in Tokyo · ARRUDEMO
- Abstract
- Realistic
- Color
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Get a tattoo like this¥15,000 deposit, charged only when an artist accepts.
Work
Prices
- Coin size
- From ¥11,000
- Cigarette pack size
- From ¥33,000
- Phone-size
- From ¥44,000
- Postcard size
- From ¥54,996
- Per hour
- ¥13,000
Regarding the price list above, it is a rough estimate. Prices may vary depending on the design's complexity, number of colors, time required, etc.
About
Nice to meet you. I am THEM, owner and tattoo artist of ARRRUDEMO tattoo studio, based in Tokyo. I handle all genres except Japanese traditional (wabori), but I specialize in organic and abstract styles, particularly those using abstract patterns, textures, and color combinations. I love moments when things that weren't intentionally created, like natural objects, biological forms, complex textures born from aging, or accidental stains and irregularities, strike me as beautiful. I value observing these textures and atmospheres, reconstructing them in my own way, and incorporating them into my artwork and tattoos.
Concept
Rather than linear and artificial expressions, I focus on organic and biological impressions, frequently using curves and soft shading (bokashi). I am often influenced by living things, natural objects, Buddhist and Yin-Yang sensibilities, and the balance and coexistence of opposing elements. I value creating works that possess an ambiguity where it's unclear what they are due to the mixing of various elements, yet still have an atmosphere that suggests their existence. For both blackwork and color, I prefer complexity derived from texture and overlapping layers over simple strength or clarity. In blackwork, I don't just apply strong black; I express depth and atmosphere by focusing on delicate gradations, negative space, and the beauty of lightness. In color pieces, rather than distinct monochromatic expressions, I prefer the ambiguity of multiple colors blending and natural, slightly muted tones, valuing color temperature and texture that blend seamlessly with the skin. Something clearly distinct, yet existing naturally. No sense of incongruity. This sense of balance is one of the core elements of my designs.
History
I've been painting in oils since high school, and I believe this influenced my strong attraction to texture and complexity. After that, I continued my creative activities while supporting myself with part-time jobs. 5-6 years ago, my current co-owner ANNE (my sister) started tattooing, and seeing her work closely sparked my interest in tattooing as a form of expression. From there, we both learned mostly through self-study, experimenting repeatedly, and established our current tattoo studio, ARRRUDEMO. When I first started tattooing, I struggled and faced setbacks trying to directly reproduce the expressions I used in oil paintings and artworks onto the skin, which didn't go as planned (laughs). First, I decided to understand tattooing itself, and continued to engage with various expressions and orders without limiting genres, styles, or touches. As my range of expression gradually expanded, I feel that my current style has slowly but surely taken shape.
Message
It's not really in my nature to strongly commit to a single answer or way of thinking. I want to value both heaviness and lightness, ambiguity and clarity. Tattoos, apart from self-tattooing, are fundamentally created by two people: 'the client' and 'the artist' (session). I believe it's a true collaboration that cannot be established without mutual trust and respect. That's why I want to be as flexible as possible, rather than imposing only my own values. I would be happy if I could blend well with the client's cherished feelings and values, and together find a natural form for that person. Coincidentally, my name 'THEM' is a plural word meaning 'they' or 'those people'. To be myself, while simultaneously trying to understand others. Not to be confined to one thing, and not to fix boundaries too rigidly. I hope to cherish such sensibilities through tattooing. I welcome all requests.
How a session works
- 1
Provisional booking
Via the official LINE of the artist you wish to have a session with: ・Name ・Date of birth ・Phone number ・Email address ・Desired design, motif ・Desired size ・Desired session area ・3 preferred booking dates ・Payment method (Please choose either credit card payment or advance bank transfer.) Please send the required information above. Our reception staff will contact you to confirm your booking application within approximately 3 business days. If booking is possible, it will become a provisional booking, and we will send you payment instructions to confirm your booking. 【Regarding booking start times】 ・Bookings generally open around the 5th of each month. ・We will stop accepting bookings once slots are filled. ※This varies by artist, so please inquire for details.
- 2
Booking confirmation after payment
After your provisional booking, we will send you payment instructions. Please confirm and follow the instructions to make a deposit of ¥11,000 via bank transfer or credit card by 7 days before your provisional booking date. ※Please note that if payment is not confirmed within the specified period, your provisional booking will be cancelled. ・Your booking will be confirmed upon receipt of your deposit. Design creation will begin after booking confirmation. ※Significant changes after design work has begun may incur additional charges. Please contact us as early as possible if there are any changes. Regarding design presentation Since we would like the artist to make fine adjustments and improvements until just before the session, the design will generally be shown to you on the day before your booking date. If minor revisions are needed after the design is presented, we allocate time to accommodate them by the session date, so please feel free to consult us. Furthermore, on the day of the session, we will make a final confirmation before the session, and if adjustments are needed, we will accommodate them, so please rest assured. ※As each artist has different styles and approaches, the timing and method of design presentation also vary. If you have any concerns about the specific process, please confirm with the artist you wish to work with.
- 3
Arrival at the studio
On the day before and the day of your session: ・Please avoid excessive sun exposure. Please note that if your skin is rough or inflamed due to sunburn, we may not be able to perform the tattoo session. ・Please refrain from drinking alcohol. Tattooing while under the influence of alcohol can lead to increased bleeding and poor ink absorption. This can cause ink blurring or fading after the session, and you will also be more sensitive to pain than usual, so please be sure to avoid alcohol the day before and on the day of your session. ・Please get plenty of sleep and eat a good meal before coming. A tattoo session consumes physical energy. Lack of sleep and hunger can make you more sensitive to pain, similar to alcohol consumption. To reduce the burden on your body, please ensure you get enough sleep and food before your visit. ・Please wear comfortable clothing that allows the session area to be exposed, and clothes that you don't mind getting dirty. Ink can be difficult to remove from clothing, so we recommend wearing a tank top or similar.
- 4
Session
Upon your arrival, we will disinfect the session area and transfer the stencil directly onto your skin. You will make a final confirmation of how the tattoo will look in the mirror, and we will make fine adjustments to the size and placement. The stencil will set in a few minutes, and then the session will begin! We will proceed with breaks as needed, according to your physical condition, so please feel free to let us know if you wish to take a break.
- 5
Aftercare
-After the session We will clean the session area and apply a special protective film for tattoos. -After returning home ※For 2-3 days after the procedure, please refrain from alcohol, strenuous exercise, bathing, sun exposure, and saunas. ➀Keep the protective film on for up to 7 days. ➁When removing the protective film, gently peel it off while applying lukewarm water. Cleanse the area gently with well-lathered soap to remove secreted bodily fluids and excess ink. ➂Gently pat the area dry with a clean towel, then apply a small amount of Vaseline over the entire tattoo. ➃For approximately 2-3 weeks after the session, until the tattoo is fully healed, be sure to moisturize with Vaseline at least twice a day (e.g., when you wake up and after showering). ※Around 3-4 days after the session, a thin scab the same color as the ink and itching will occur. Please absolutely do not scratch or peel it off with your hands.
Booking policy
After your provisional booking, we will send you payment instructions. Please confirm and follow the instructions to make a deposit of ¥11,000 via bank transfer or credit card by 7 days before your provisional booking date. ※Please note that if payment is not confirmed within the specified period, your provisional booking will be cancelled. ・Your booking will be confirmed upon receipt of your deposit. Design creation will begin after booking confirmation. ※Significant changes after design work has begun may incur additional charges. Please contact us as early as possible if there are any changes. 【Regarding date changes after booking confirmation】 •8 days or more before the session date: No change fee •7 to 3 days before the session date: ¥4,400 •2 days to 1 day before the session date: 40% of the scheduled session fee •On the session date: 100% of the scheduled session fee These will be charged as additional date change fees. *Payment methods for change fees are credit card, bank transfer, or cash payment upon arrival. 【Regarding cancellations after booking confirmation】 •8 days or more before the session date: No cancellation fee •7 to 3 days before the session date: 30% of the scheduled session fee •2 days before the session date: 40% of the scheduled session fee •1 day before the session date: 80% of the scheduled session fee •On the session date, or no-show: 100% of the scheduled session fee These will be charged as cancellation fees. *Regarding design fees for cancellations For designs other than lettering or simple designs, a design fee of ¥4,400 to a maximum of ¥20,000 (depending on the design) may be charged separately. 【Regarding refunds for cancellations】 •For credit card payments As credit card cancellations cannot be processed after payment, refunds will be made to a bank account. Please provide your bank account details, and we will refund the amount minus the cancellation fee, design fee, and credit card processing fee. •For bank transfers We will process the refund to your bank account. Please provide your bank account details. We will refund the amount minus the cancellation fee, design fee, and processing fee. The bank transfer fee for refunds will be borne by the client. 【Design Change Fee】 •Significant changes from the design initially communicated •Additions or deletions not initially communicated An additional design change fee of ¥2,200 to ¥22,000 may be incurred, depending on the revision content.
Nearest station: Sumiyoshi Station
Profile text is machine-translated from Japanese.