The sleeve tattoos and half-sleeves are complex, very elaborate designs that require a lot of work by the tattoo artist and the tattooed person. The two of you are going to have to do your part to make tattoo look good!
In this post, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about sleeve tattoos.
Let's talk a little about the types of sleeve tattoos
There are four main types of sleeve tattoos. Tattoos whole sleeve They are the ones that go from the shoulder to the wrist. Tattoos half sleeve they tend to go from the shoulder to the elbow. The tattoos of a quarter sleeve They come from the shoulder to the middle of the elbow. And finally the hikae tattoos, typical of the Japanese style, cover part of the chest and can reach the elbow or wrist.
How do I design my sleeve tattoo?
The design of your sleeve tattoo can be based on two main characteristics:
If you already have tattoos on arm, the design of the new tattoo should include it, cover them in a cover o integrate them in a design that they fit into.
Si No. you have tattoos on arm, Can create a design from scratch that covers the entire part of the sleeve tattoo or gradually integrate elements, having the tone of the final design more or less clear.
As always, find a tattoo artist to your liking and decide between the two of you, the design.
How long does it take to get a sleeve tattoo?
In most cases, the process for tattooing a sleeve tattoo will be divided into at least two sessions, depending, of course, on the type of sleeve tattoo that you are going to get. Think that the longest sessions last between four and six hours, after this time, both the tattooist Like the tattooed, they will be exhausted, both from working long hours and from the wear and tear caused by the pain.
If tattoo It is specially elaborated, the sessions can be lengthened weeks, months and even years!
How long will it take between sessions?
Naturally, this is something that you and the tattoo artist will have to discuss, clarifying your agendas. However, you can calculate that, at a minimum, they will pass two weeks between one and the other, since it is the least it takes for the skin to heal from the previous session.
What will the process be like?
Although each store tattoos it is a world, there are some things more or less to be expected.
For example, once you have decided the design theme With the tattoo artist, he will measure your arm to adapt it to the design and that everything fits well.
The next time you see each other, the tattoo artist will do the border of the sleeve tattoo, after carefully deciding where to put it, so that it fits the shape of the arm.
From the third session, they will be finalized details, the shading and will color.
As we have commented, the total number of sessions will depend on part size.
How much does a sleeve tattoo cost?
About € 1200. Although at first glance it may seem expensive, think that it is worth it. A sleeve design is not an easy thing (the tattoo artist has to think about three dimensions to be able to cover all the angles of the arm and adapt to its shape). In addition, it will be a piece that will last you lifetime.
A few tips:
Decide on the design to a certain extent. Remember that your tattoo artist will work with your ideas, but that his professional vision is lacking for the design to be that of a real tattoo.
Do not decide on one tattoo artist or another because they are more or less cheap. Consider if you like their work and decide from there.
Note that a sleeve tattoo is a long process in which your commitment is also necessary ... and that you attend all the sessions!
Lastly, I know even more careful with the tattoo after doing it and follow all the instructions of the tattoo artist. As it is a large size, extreme precautions must be taken.