The tattoos Full arm tattoos are one of the most typical tattoos, but they are no less impressive for that. Whether with several designs put together later or with a unique design created from scratch, they are an eye-catching and impressive type of ink.
In this article we will solve all your doubts regarding these tattoos: what types are there, what designs are best, how much do they cost ...
Types of tattoos on the whole arm
Full arm tattoo o sleeve tattoo
Well known for its term in English, sleeve tattoo (literally 'sleeve tattoo', for obvious reasons), These tattoos are distinguished by covering the entire arm, from the shoulder to the wrist. Although they are difficult to cover (to do it completely you only have one option: wear long sleeves), they are a very popular type of tattoo.
Half arm tattoos o half sleeve
As the name suggests, half arm tattoos go from shoulder to elbow. They are a more condensed option than the full arm ones, and sometimes they are just a stop until the entire arm is tattooed (it's hard to resist once you have started).
Tattoo on forearm
A half-arm tattoo… just upside down. The forearm is one of the most versatile and least painful areas of the body when it comes to tattooing. They also admit tattoos that cover the back and front of the forearm or only one of the two. It is an ideal option for beginners, although it must be said that it is not easy to cover.
Japanese measures, a whole world
The Japanese, thanks to their great history of tattoos, have their own terms to refer to the measurements of arm tattoos. If you plan to get one of them, it is a good idea to take a look at them:
- Nagasod: the most extensive tattoo, which we understand as a whole arm, since it reaches from the shoulder to the wrist.
- hikae: Although the part of the chest tattooed up to the sternum is known by this name (traditionally this area is left without tattooing), it is very common for the hikae to be part of a full arm tattoo.
- Gobu: This tattoo occupies five parts of a full arm tattoo, in this case above the shoulder.
- Shichibu: As in the previous case, only a little larger, since they are 7 parts of ten, that is, the ink comes from the shoulder to the forearm.
What designs are best?
The design of good full arm tattoos will depend a lot on the size you have finally chosen. Thus, a half sleeve tattoo does not ask for the same design as a full sleeve one. That is why working with your tattoo artist is so important in these cases. Try to find elements that you want to introduce in the tattoo and a common style throughout the arm.
Let's take an example: in a typical tattoo that occupies the entire arm, we can opt for the Japanese style. To help the tattoo artist to create a design with which we feel fully identified we not only have to look for photos, but also think about the elements that we want to appear. As the main element of our example we will choose a carp and we will also accompany it with other elements of the Japanese style: waves, cherry blossoms and chrysanthemums. We will also decide if we want it in color or in black and white.
The more chewed we give the tattooist the design, the easier it will be to create our perfect tattoo. Anyway, if the tattoo artist has ideas, listen to him, after all he is a professional!
Some examples of tattoos on the whole arm
Traditional
The traditional style looks great for an arm tattoo that at first glance includes elements that seem to have nothing in common.
Japanese
Tents, cherry blossoms, samurai and even floral or geometric patterns that emulate kimonos ... Japanese style on the whole arm is very eye-catching and powerful.
Geometric
Another idea to tattoo your entire arm is to use a geometric design. Whether with a straightforward style or evoking mandalas, the result is very hypnotic.
Realistic
The realistic style is also spectacular if you opt for a large design that takes up the entire arm. Animals, people, landscapes and scenes can come to life through your skin.
Floral
Lastly, flowers also look great on a great wrist to shoulder tattoo. Whether they are realistic, in color, in black and white, impressionist or pointillist, one or many combined, a tattoo with the flowers as the protagonists will look sure.
How long does it take to get a whole arm tattooed?
It depends on a lot, and especially on each tattoo artist, although the most normal thing is that it takes about ten sessions. Being a very large place, the arm cannot be tattooed in a single session. You need several and spaced apart to be able to work outlining, shading, color ... and give it time to heal minimally between sessions.
How much do they cost?
Although It depends on many factors (for example, how requested the tattoo artist is, the country you are in, if it is in black and white or in color, if it is an original design ...) You can expect a half arm tattoo to cost you a thousand dollars. Whole arm ones can cost more than two thousand.
Naturally These prices are indicative, each tattoo artist will make you pay what he considers fair.
Full arm tattoos are very cool, plus, you have thousands of options that suit you. Tell us, do you have any tattoos of this style? Remember to tell us what you want in a comment!