World Renowned Japanese Tattoo Artist Midwest USA – Paul Dhuey
Timeless Craft, Rooted in Tradition: Japanese Tattoo Artist Serving the Midwest
Searching for a Japanese tattoo artist in the Midwest who blends traditional craftsmanship with a modern client experience? Katana Tattoo offers exactly that. Owned and operated by master tattoo artist Paul Dhuey, Katana specializes in large-scale Japanese tattoos that reflect centuries of symbolism, artistic flow, and cultural respect.
Clients from across the Midwest travel to Katana Tattoo for work that is personal, powerful, and professionally executed. Whether you’re in Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Missouri, or Indiana, Katana Tattoo offers a destination-worthy experience.

Meet Paul Dhuey: Japanese Tattoo Artist for Midwest Clients
Paul Dhuey is the founder and owner of Katana Tattoo, with over 21 years of experience tattooing in the U.S. and Europe. His training at renowned shops like Guru Tattoo and Art of Dedication in California helped him refine his mastery of traditional Japanese and American tattoo styles.
Paul’s work has been featured in national tattoo publications, and he has earned a reputation for thoughtful design, clean technique, and deep cultural knowledge. Midwest clients appreciate the time he takes to understand their vision and create one-of-a-kind tattoos that honor the irezumi tradition.
Why Midwest Clients Choose Katana Tattoo
Tattoo clients from all over the Midwest seek out Paul Dhuey for his ability to create custom Japanese tattoos with bold lines, traditional motifs, and storytelling depth. His process is tailored to each client, ensuring that every tattoo reflects the individual’s story and personal connection to the art.
People travel from cities like Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Indianapolis, and Columbus because they value both artistic quality and a professional, calm tattooing environment. At Katana, every session is designed to feel collaborative, focused, and memorable.
Traditional Japanese Tattoo Design and Symbolism
Paul specializes in traditional irezumi, the iconic Japanese tattoo style known for its flowing compositions, powerful symbolism, and full-body placement. These tattoos often include:
Dragons for strength and wisdom
Koi fish to represent determination and resilience
Samurai warriors as emblems of honor and protection
Cherry blossoms and peonies to symbolize impermanence and beauty
Mythological creatures and masks tied to Japanese folklore
Each tattoo is sketched by hand and laid out to fit the body’s natural movement, creating a cohesive, balanced design.
The Katana Tattoo Experience
Whether you’re driving in from another Midwest city or flying in for an appointment, Katana Tattoo offers a personalized, professional experience. You’ll start with a consultation where Paul learns your goals, suggests imagery, and begins crafting a design made just for you.
Sessions are scheduled based on your tattoo’s size, complexity, and your availability. Paul also provides thorough guidance on preparation and aftercare so you’re supported from first draft to final session.
Midwest Tattoo Clients Trust Paul Dhuey
For clients across the Midwest, Katana Tattoo is more than a tattoo shop. It’s a place where artistry, experience, and respect for tradition come together. Paul’s clients consistently return for additional work, knowing that each piece will be crafted with care and intention.
Midwest tattoo enthusiasts appreciate Paul’s calm demeanor, attention to detail, and ability to create work that stands the test of time. From sleeves to backpieces and everything in between, Paul Dhuey builds lasting relationships through great work.
Explore the Katana Tattoo Portfolio
Paul’s gallery includes full sleeves, chest panels, and large-scale traditional Japanese tattoos. His work highlights the movement, symbolism, and storytelling elements that make this style iconic.
Book Your Appointment with Paul Dhuey Today
No matter where you live in the Midwest USA, Katana Tattoo is worth the trip. If you’re serious about Japanese tattoos and looking for an artist who can create something that’s both culturally respectful and artistically powerful, book a consultation with Paul Dhuey today.
Call for an appointment: (920) 772-8443 or email Paul at pdhuey@yahoo.com
Testimonials
CLIENTS LOVE US
Paul is an amazing artist & is really focused on his attention to detail which will leave you with something even more amazing than you have pictured. I got only my outline today & I am pumped to see it completed.
I had a great experience working with John. He did my first tattoo and created a laid back, informative, yet professional environment. His work is nothing short of impressive and when it was all said and done, my expectations were surpassed. Will recommend to everyone and will be back shortly.
Paul is by far one of the best tattoo artists I’ve ever had. Paul pays close attention to what your asking for, with a little guidance to get the best tattoo, and pays attention to detail in his art. His studio offers the comfort of real art, lots of talent and is very spacious. I would recommend Paul to anyone who is looking for a great investment of art on their body. I have received so many compliments on my sleeve so far and can’t wait for it to be finished.
Jon, greatest artist we ever met. Did my son’s first tattoo came out more amazing then I could have imagine. My husband and I already have appointments for ourselves! VERY CLEAN,VERY FRIENDLY OWNER AND STAFF!!!!!!!
Amazing tattoo shop. Extremely clean and spacious; Paul is a phenomenal artist, really pays attention to detail, and is a great listener when it comes to clients’ wishes. I love showing off his work, I get nothing but compliments! Thanks, Paul!
Just got done with my first tattoo , Jon Gilbert did an outstanding job and was awesome to work with…Highly recommend him to anyone looking for a portrait or any other tattoo. His work as well as the rest of the staff at Katana is incredible !! Paul was a pleasure to meet as well and showed much interest in the work being done.
Areas Coming to Our Tattoo Shop
While Katana Tattoo is located in Green Bay, Paul’s work attracts clients from across the Midwest and throughout the country. Many discover Katana Tattoo while searching for a highly skilled Japanese tattoo artist near me and are more than willing to travel for the quality and experience offered here.
Paul’s reputation, paired with his personalized approach and technical excellence, has built a loyal following. Whether you’re coming from Appleton, Milwaukee, Madison, or out of state, the journey to Katana Tattoo is one that clients are proud to make.
THESE CITIES COME TO VISIT OUR JAPANESE TATTOO ARTIST
Midwest USA
Allouez, WI
Ashwaubenon, WI
Minneapolis, MN
Indianapolis, IN
Columbus, OH
Detroit, MI
Howard, WI
De Pere, WI
Bellevue, WI
Suamico, WI
Q: How far in advance should I book a session?
A: We recommend booking your consultation as soon as possible to plan ahead, especially if you’re traveling from another state. Paul will help coordinate sessions that fit your schedule and travel plans.
Q: Can I get a full sleeve or large tattoo if I’m visiting from out of town?
A: Yes. Many clients travel from across the Midwest for larger projects. Paul can organize multi-day sessions or help you schedule your visits in stages depending on your goals.
Q: What tattoo styles does Paul specialize in?
A: Paul’s specialty is Japanese-style tattoos, but he is also highly experienced in American traditional. His primary focus is custom Japanese designs, rooted in the irezumi tradition.
Q: What makes Japanese tattoos unique?
A: Japanese tattoos are known for their symbolic depth, bold imagery, and flowing design. They often tell a story and are built to complement the shape and movement of the body.
Q: Is Katana Tattoo licensed and safe?
A: Yes. Katana Tattoo follows all required health and safety protocols. Paul uses only top-grade equipment, and the studio is clean, comfortable, and professional.
Q: What do I need to do to prepare for my tattoo session?
A: Stay hydrated, get plenty of rest, and avoid alcohol the night before. Paul will give you clear prep and aftercare instructions before your appointment.
The Midwestern United States includes a wide range of culturally rich cities and scenic rural communities. Known for its welcoming people and strong artistic traditions, the Midwest spans twelve states, including Illinois, Wisconsin, Missouri, Minnesota, Indiana, Ohio, and more.
Many clients from the region visit Katana Tattoo to experience high-quality Japanese tattooing in a studio that respects tradition while prioritizing client comfort and creativity. Whether you live in a major city or a smaller community, Katana Tattoo offers a tattoo experience worth traveling for.
Located in Brown County, Wisconsin, Katana Tattoo is centrally positioned to serve clients from all across the Midwest.