Elliott Wells
Elliott Wells is a highly talented tattoo artist based in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, who specializes in illustrative, Japanese, and traditional styles. With roughly 214K followers on Instagram, his impressive skill level is widely recognized and respected. Known for his exceptional professionalism, Elliott ensures his studio, The Keep Edinburgh, maintains the highest standards of cleanliness, giving his clients a safe, comfortable space to receive their unique pieces of art.
Elliott Wells is a tattoo artist based in Edinburgh, Scotland, recognized for his work across illustrative, Japanese, and traditional tattoo styles. With over 214,000 followers on Instagram, Wells has built a substantial following drawn to his bold linework and detailed compositions. His portfolio ranges from large-scale Japanese pieces to illustrative designs with narrative depth, alongside classic traditional motifs. Wells works independently in Edinburgh and shares updates through his Instagram and Linktree. For booking inquiries, consultation details, and pricing, contact the artist directly through his social channels or website.
History & Origins
Elliott Wells has established himself as one of Edinburgh's most recognized tattoo artists, building a following of over 214,000 on Instagram. Based in Scotland's capital, Wells operates independently, which gives him creative freedom across his three core styles: illustrative, Japanese, and traditional. His Instagram presence (@elliottjwells) serves as his primary portfolio, where followers track his ongoing projects and finished pieces. The "beyonddeath" branding on his Linktree hints at the darker, more dramatic themes that thread through much of his work. Edinburgh has a growing tattoo scene, and Wells stands out for his ability to move between styles without losing a cohesive visual voice. His trajectory from local artist to internationally followed tattooer reflects both the quality of his output and the way social media has reshaped how tattoo artists build careers. For specific details about his training background or years in the industry, contact the artist directly.
Defining Characteristics
What sets Elliott Wells apart is his ability to work across three distinct styles while maintaining a recognizable visual signature. His illustrative work leans into narrative imagery, with compositions that tell a story rather than simply decorating skin. The Japanese pieces draw from classic irezumi traditions, featuring bold outlines, restricted color palettes, and the kind of wind and wave motifs that define the genre. His traditional work follows the bold-reads-well philosophy: thick black outlines, saturated color, and designs that hold up over time. Across all three styles, Wells prioritizes clarity. His linework stays crisp even in complex pieces, and his compositions balance negative space with dense detail. This cross-style fluency is harder than it looks. Many artists who attempt multiple approaches end up diluting their work, but Wells keeps each style disciplined while letting his overall sensibility connect them. The result is a portfolio that feels varied without being scattered.
Popular Motifs & Subjects
Wells' portfolio spans several recurring themes. His Japanese work features the expected pillars of the genre: koi fish, dragons, cherry blossoms, and wave patterns rendered with respect for traditional composition rules. These aren't watered-down interpretations. The pieces follow the structural logic of classic irezumi, where background elements like wind bars and water create rhythm and movement. His illustrative pieces pull from a different well. Skulls, ravens, and botanical elements appear frequently, often composed with a sense of narrative or emotional weight. These designs tend to be more personal and less bound by traditional rules, allowing for experimentation with composition and scale. Traditional American motifs also show up in his work: roses, daggers, snakes, and eagles rendered with the bold simplicity the style demands. The common thread across all three approaches is a preference for imagery with symbolic weight. Wells gravitates toward subjects that carry meaning beyond their visual appeal.
Placement & Sizing
Wells' work tends toward medium and large-scale pieces. His Japanese sleeves and back pieces require significant real estate to develop the layered compositions that make the style effective. These are not designs that work well compressed into small spaces. The wind bars, wave patterns, and background fills need room to breathe. His illustrative work offers more flexibility. Some pieces work as standalone designs on forearms, calves, or shoulders, while others are clearly built for larger areas like the back or full sleeve. The traditional pieces fall somewhere in between. They can function as individual tattoos in classic placement spots like the outer arm or chest, but Wells often incorporates them into larger compositions. If you're considering a piece from Wells, think about the long-term plan. His style lends itself to cohesive collections rather than isolated one-off tattoos. Discuss placement and sizing during your consultation to ensure the design fits both the body part and any future work you might want.
Choosing an Artist
Choosing Elliott Wells for your tattoo means committing to bold, readable work from an artist with a proven track record across multiple styles. His 214,000+ Instagram followers reflect consistent output and visible skill development over time. Before reaching out, spend time with his portfolio on Instagram. Look at healed photos, not just fresh work. Pay attention to how his linework holds up and whether his style matches what you want on your body. Wells works across illustrative, Japanese, and traditional styles, but each requires a different approach to composition and scale. Be specific about which direction interests you when you reach out. Since Wells operates independently, booking details and pricing should be confirmed directly through his Instagram or Linktree. Come prepared with reference images and a clear idea of placement. Artists at this level appreciate clients who respect both the craft and the consultation process. Browse tattoo ideas to start gathering inspiration before your conversation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What tattoo styles does Elliott Wells specialize in?
Elliott Wells specializes in three tattoo styles: illustrative, Japanese, and traditional. His illustrative work leans into narrative imagery, his Japanese pieces follow classic irezumi composition principles, and his traditional work uses bold outlines and saturated color. Each style maintains his signature clarity and crisp linework.
Where is Elliott Wells based?
Elliott Wells is based in Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom. He works independently in the Edinburgh area. For the most current studio location or any changes to his working arrangements, contact the artist directly.
How can I book a tattoo appointment with Elliott Wells?
To book a tattoo appointment with Elliott Wells, reach out through his Instagram (@elliottjwells) or his Linktree at linktr.ee/beyonddeath. Booking details, pricing, availability, and consultation processes should be confirmed directly with the artist. Come prepared with reference images and a clear idea of placement.
How popular is Elliott Wells on social media?
Elliott Wells has over 214,000 followers on Instagram, making him one of the most followed tattoo artists based in Scotland. His Instagram serves as his primary portfolio, where he shares ongoing projects, finished pieces, and booking updates.
Does Elliott Wells accept walk-in appointments?
Contact the artist directly to confirm whether walk-in appointments are available. Most independent artists at this level work by appointment only, but booking policies, hours, and availability should be verified through his Instagram or Linktree.
