Get to know the artist - Yadokai!
🏯 Introducing... YADOKAI
www.templeofyadokai.com
What happens when Japanese mythology, storytelling, and a deep respect for flow collide in tattoo form? You get Yadokai — an artist carving his own temple of style. In this exclusive Ink Nurse spotlight, we explore his unique approach to tattooing, his evolving craft, and what’s coming next from the Temple of Yadokai.
Whether you're an artist, collector, or tattoo enthusiast, this is your chance to step inside the mind of one of the most thoughtful hands in the scene.
Ross has been drawing for 20 years and tattooing for the last 13. You’ll find him at The Black Mark tattoo studio — and he was kind enough to lend us some insight into that wildly creative mind of his.
Jason Taylor, the founder of Ink Nurse dives in! Read more below, we hope you enjoy this peek into the temple:
1. Your work sits at the intersection of tattooing, fine art, and sculpture. How do these creative outlets feed into one another?
I think for a lot of creatives, having multiple outlets is a way to let off steam from one pursuit by diving into another.
I use sculpting to take a break from drawing — but while sculpting, I’m also building my drawing skills by learning to see things from all angles.
2. You’ve built a distinct world through your style — how would you describe that world to someone new to your art?
It’s very comic, fantasy, gaming–influenced.
I like ancient stories and motifs, and I use them to create loose narratives behind everything I draw. My biggest influences are Japanese-style work and neo-traditional.
3. There’s a huge focus on flow and form in your compositions. How much of that is planned vs. instinctual?
With flow, it’s 50/50.
I plan the start and end of the movement, and let that guide how I build the piece. It naturally finds its rhythm from there.
4. What’s one motif or symbol that keeps showing up in your work — even if you’re not fully sure why yet?
Moons, for sure.
I love a good moon in the background.
Also — abrupt negative space, like comic panels. I’m drawn to it.
5. How do you maintain energy and focus during long sessions — full backs, sleeves, etc.?
For long tattoo sessions, I break it up mentally.
Chatting with the client or switching music helps. I don’t think of it as 8 hours straight — I treat it like 8 separate 1-hour bursts.
6. What separates a technically great tattoo from a timeless one?
Soul.
A tattoo can be technically flawless, but if it doesn’t resonate — if it’s just “there” — then something’s missing. The timeless ones feel like something.
7. What are you currently studying, mastering, or refining?
Drawing.
I’m taking online classes to sharpen the areas I’m not happy with.
I’m also getting into 3D printing. I try to learn a few different things at once so I don’t burn out.
8. What’s next in the Temple of Yadokai?
Shikigami printing — a little collaboration with my good mate Nicklas Wong.
We’re bringing out hand-painted figurines, prints, drawing pads, original paintings, and merch.
I’ll also be at the Sydney Tattoo Convention and Iron Gate Tattoo Convention this year. Come say hi.
📍 Stay connected
Follow updates, drops, and insights at templeofyadokai.com
