We’ve spoken a lot about the best ways to get the perfect tattoo design to suit what you are wanting, and have gone into the ins and outs of how to do this. All of this information is great and very useful when it comes to getting a sleeve. But there are a few extra things you need to know before committing to an epic piece of work!
Sleeves are one of the most popular requests tattoo artists will get. And for many artists it allows them to flex their creative muscles and bring to life a design that has depth, detail and story.
Since you have read this far, it’s a safe bet to assume you are interested in getting a sleeve. Here is a step by step guide to make life a bit easier so you can get your design underway:
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Figuring out if you want a quarter, half or full sleeve
This is not a ‘go big or go home’ type of thing. It is more about figuring out how much of your arm you would like to cover up. It is a personal preference and has to suit you.
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Figuring out the theme of your sleeve
The great thing about a sleeve tattoo is you can weave in a lot of detail and personality into the design. Spend some time thinking about what you want your sleeve to look like and keep note of any themes that you keep coming back to.
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Deciding on the tattoo style of your sleeve
Tattooing is one of the oldest art forms and over time tattoo styles have evolved into very distinct styles. Do your research and get a feel for what style suits you. To get you started, check out our gallery.
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Deciding about any must haves in your design
This can depend on a number of different things ranging from how detailed your design is through to where you place it on your body. Don’t be afraid to get advice from your tattoo artist on this one.
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Thinking about colour
Some designs look great in colour, while others look great as a grey wash. Take the time to think about what is going to be the best fit for you. If you are having trouble making your mind up, don’t hesitate to ask a tattoo artist. They are a great source of knowledge and guidance.
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Figuring out your budget
Knowing how much you have to play with will help your tattoo artist figure out the best plan of attack to get the design you want. Some sleeves can take more than one session which is not out of the ordinary; just work closely with your artist to make it all come together seamlessly.
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Finding the right tattoo artist for you
Finding the right tattoo artist who understands what you want is a mixture of rapport as well as finding someone with the right experience with the style you want. With over 300 talented artists across our 20+ studios, we have the design expertise to deliver whatever your heart desires - big or small.
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Set aside time for your booking
Sleeves are not quick flash tattoos, they are a big piece of work that requires time to get right. Make sure you confirm with your tattoo artist how much time they need to get the job done!
If you have been thinking about getting a sleeve, reach out to us to make a booking or chat with one of our tattoo artists who can help you design the right piece. A sleeve is a statement so you want to get the message right!
