The Strategy of How to Time and Plan a Tattoo Sleeve
From the design, budget, and number of sessions it will take, you need to first strategize how to plan a tattoo sleeve before embarking on this design journey.
Are you planning your next big tattoo project? Getting a sleeve is no joke and it’s a big commitment. It requires a lot of planning, money, and time. Do you know how to plan a tattoo sleeve?
Planning a big tattoo takes some forethought. It’s not like grabbing a quick flash piece on Friday the 13th or adding a new piece to your thigh. It’s an entire project and you need to decide how you want it to look. You only have so much space.
Does this sound overwhelming to you? We get it. We’re here to offer some advice so you can get your new sleeve started. Keep reading to learn all about strategizing and planning a tattoo sleeve that you’re going to be proud to show off.
Decide: Full Sleeve or Half Sleeve?
The first step for planning your tattoo sleeve is figuring out whether you want a full sleeve (one that runs all the way from your wrist to your shoulder) or a half sleeve (which runs from either your wrist to your elbow or your elbow to your shoulder.
Planning a half sleeve tattoo is often more complicated than the full sleeve because you only have so much room and it tends to be more important that everything looks cohesive. We’ll talk about cohesion later on.
Half sleeves will be more affordable and they’ll take less time than full sleeves. Full sleeves have a more jarring visual effect (which some people want). Artists will be happy to work with you when you’re trying to decide and they can make suggestions based on your preexisting tattoos and on what will work best with your body.
Eclectic, Cohesive, or a Mix? You Choose
Sleeves come in two primary varieties: eclectic and cohesive.
Eclectic sleeves tend to have a basic idea in mind and they’re patchworked together over time. These sleeves require less planning but just as much attention to detail as their cohesive counterparts.
Eclective sleeves can still have cohesion. You might work with one artist throughout the process, or choose one color, style, or theme as a throughline. For example, many people have sleeves full of American traditional tattoos that don’t “go together” per se, but they still look like they were done with intention because they match.
Other people choose blackwork for their sleeves, or an arm full of florals. While these things aren’t all part of one piece in a traditional way, they still make up a whole.
Cohesive sleeves are based on one project. You come in with something in mind and the tattoo artist will come up with a single piece that covers your entire (or half) arm. While this takes more planning in the design stages, you don’t have the task of filling in all kinds of small leftover spaces from an eclectic sleeve.
Blackout sleeves are trendy right now, which is a full sleeve of black ink or black ink with white or skin-colored designs, like a reversal of the traditional tattoo sleeve.
Pick a Style and Artist
There are all kinds of tattoo styles to choose from. Because a tattoo sleeve is such a huge commitment, it’s important that you pick a style that you love. You’ll be seeing a lot of it.
American traditional and Japanese traditional are two popular styles for tattoo sleeves because they include bold lines and shading so you know that the sleeve will have longevity. Some people like sleeves full of tribal-style tattoos, or sacred geometry designs.
If you’re doing a completely cohesive piece, you’ll have one style for the entirety of the arm. You want to choose an artist that’s adept with that style, not just your favorite local artist who’s done other styles of work that you like.
Visit local shops for portfolio books and check out the Instagram accounts and galleries of local artists to see portfolios. These portfolios will help you decide who the right person for the job is.
Talk With Your Artist
Once you’ve chosen your artist, it’s time to have a consultation. Tattoo consultations are often free (though you will make a deposit that goes into the final cost of your tattoo. That deposit covers the time and effort your artist will put into the art in case you choose to not get the tattoo).
While you may come in with ideas, don’t come in with a sleeve that you want an exact copy of. Instead, come in with concepts and other drawings that have a similar feeling to what you have in mind.
An artist’s job is to make art, not copy. Your tattoo artist will make a design that suits your needs and works best with your form. Many will make small alterations on the day of. They know that a sleeve is a commitment.
Schedule Carefully
Some artists will give you the option of scheduling a sleeve for one day. If this happens to be your first tattoo, don’t choose this option. Even if you’re a tattoo veteran it might be too much for you.
It’s wise to schedule blocks in several-hour increments depending on your pain tolerance.
Talk to your artist about how they prefer to schedule large projects like this and make sure to discuss the cost. Because most artists charge by the hour, they may want you to pay as you go or they may want a larger upfront sum.
If you aren’t doing it all in one go, it’s best to give yourself time to heal between sessions (especially if you’re doing lines and color or shading on separate days).
Now That You Know How to Plan a Tattoo Sleeve, Get Started!
Knowing how to plan a tattoo sleeve is the first part of the battle. The actual planning? Much more difficult.
Find a great artist who can help you bring your tattoo sleeve ideas to life. We know planning a big tattoo is hard and we want to make sure that you get something that you love.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get started.
The Best Spot For a First Tattoo
Don’t regret where you get your first tattoo on your body. Here is the very best spot for a first tattoo and why it matters!
Do you’re thinking of going out and getting your first tattoo!
Did you know that 27% of women have their tattoos placed on their ankles, while 34% of men choose to have it done on their upper back shoulder?
As the saying goes, the body is a canvas, but how do you make the decision of where to put permanent artwork? There are so many factors that you should consider when picking the best sport for a first tattoo.
Keep reading to find out all about tattoo placement, and ultimately, make the right decision for you.
The Best Spot for a First Tattoo
When asking the question, “What is the best spot for a first tattoo?”, we would first like to say, there’s no direct answer to this question.
Before you head into a shop though, ensure that you understand tattoo shop etiquette and the exact behavior that is required from you.
Many different people, from many different walks of life, choose to get a tattoo for a variety of choices. Things like other people being able to see your tattoo, the industry that you work in, your family’s culture, could all play a part in where you choose to put your first tattoo.
But let’s dive straight into the areas of the body that we believe are the best spots for a first tattoo.
1. The Upper Collarbone
Tattoos generally, over time, will fade in direct exposure to sunlight. If you’re leaning towards getting your first tattoo on your chest, then the upper collar bone is a great choice.
Why?
It’s rated one of the least painful places to get a tattoo, and also, the skin in this area doesn’t stretch as much as the rest of the chest over time, so your tattoo should remain fairly constant.
2. Your Back
If you’re worried about your tattoo changing shape over time, then the back is a great location for your first tattoo.
The skin here stays pretty constant if you experience weight gain, pregnancy, or other body changes.
The upper part of your back offers a solid canvas if you’re looking for a place that you can easily cover your ink in your daily life too.
3. Your Wrist
Most female customers will choose the wrist as the location for the first tattoo. It’s the perfect placement for a tattoo that is delicate and dainty.
But be warned!
The wrist has a lot of nerve endings, making the tattoo itself more painful than in other more cushioned areas of the body. Also, you’ll find it harder to cover up this bad boy in warm weather.
Be mindful of your choice of colors too, with the wrist spending much time in the sunlight, you may find that your tattoo fades quicker than it would in other areas. Chat to your tattoo artist about what color choices he would recommend for a tattoo on your wrist.
4. The Back of the Neck
The back of the neck is a popular choice for women with long hair, that feel they’ll easily be able to hide the ink if the situation calls for it.
It’s the perfect place for a small, delicate design to make its first appearance.
The level of pain in this area is not too high, in comparison to your rib cage for example, but during your time in the chair, the sound of the machine can seem really loud, ‘tricking’ people into believing it’s more painful than it actually is.
5. On Your Chest
The chest is generally an area chosen by men more so than women, and given the proximity to the heart, it’s the perfect place for a tattoo that holds a lot of meaning for the person getting it.
It’s similar to the way a footballer’s badge would be displayed, their team’s crest is sacred to them, and so should the tattoo be to you.
Also, the chest is the perfect place for you to consider a heart tattoo design.
It also allows for larger designs to be chosen, as opposed to the smaller areas on your wrist and ankle.
Places to Avoid for Your First Tattoo
Generally speaking, the biggest concern for someone getting their first tattoo is the level of pain they expect.
Obviously, getting a tattoo isn’t like a unicorn licking rainbows on your skin, the process can be painful and lengthy, depending on the location and the length of time that you sit in the chair.
Also, one factor which is hard to measure is your own level of tolerance for pain. If you’re one to scream when getting a vaccination, then you may want to stick with the list above.
Here are some of the areas that you should avoid if you’re worried about pain:
- The rib cage is extremely sensitive
- Fingers have little cushioning between the skin and the bone, so are quite painful during the tattoo process
- Elbows also lack enough ‘meat’ to create a cushion, so you’ll feel the tattoo needles right down to the bone
- The ankle is not an ideal place for your first tattoo, with the skin sitting so close to the bone, as well as all the weird ways you have to keep bending your foot in order to get the perfect tattoo
Choosing an area for your first tattoo though, shouldn’t be made on the level of pain that you wish to avoid, but rather, on the perfect placement for the design you’ve chosen.
You’ll really want to chat to your tattoo artist about the designs that you have in mind, and where he thinks the tattoo will be showcased best.
Heading Out for Your First Tattoo
Now that you know the best spot for a first tattoo, you should take your time in finding the right artist to do the application for you.
Look out for professional studios that have the right sanitation and disinfection procedures in place, the last thing you want to end up with is an infection.
Also, never make your decision based on price, like the saying goes, you get what you pay for. Rather budget more for your first tattoo, and get exactly what you’re hoping for.
Contact us if you have more questions about the process, or would like to schedule that session for your first tattoo.
9 Spectacular Meaningful Tattoo Ideas to Celebrate a Baby
Congratulations, you have a new baby. The perfect way to outwardly show your eternal love for your child is a tattoo. Checkout our meaningful tattoo ideas now.
Are you a new parent wanting to celebrate the birth of your child a little differently? Have you been thinking up ways to show the world your eternal love and adoration for your baby?
Well, firstly congratulations on your new baby! Secondly, have you been thinking of a meaningful tattoo idea?
Before you begin selecting get a good idea of where you’d want the placement to be, and what kind of style you’re looking for. This will help narrow down your options to find the perfect meaningful tattoo for you.
Decide if there are a few fonts that you really like, and whether or not your tattoo will be in color. This will save you tons of time trying to select more options within your options!
Are you ready to get into some options for a meaningful baby tattoo? Keep reading on for some unique and some tried and true tattoo ideas to show your love permanently.
1. Their Birthday
Probably the most seen baby tattoo ideas that people get is their baby’s birth date.
You can put your own spin on it by going with different fonts, abbreviating the date, or just going with Roman numerals. The choices and possibilities are endless with how you want it to look.
2. Longitude & Latitude Coordinates
A bit of a unique spin on tattoo idea, using longitude and latitude coordinates are another meaningful way to show your love.
This is a good one especially if you’re family moves around and you may not have children in the same location. It also works if they are all born in the same place and have ‘one for all’ type of tattoo.
Some people choose the coordinates of the hospital, their home addresses, or the city/town in general where they live. You can get creative with this one but just remember to make sure it’s accurate!
3. Foot or Fingerprint Tattoo
A classic commemorative example is footprint and fingerprint tattoos. People have different spins on how they do this.
For example, you can get the prints done in the shape of a heart, or just have the print on its own without a pattern or design to them. It’s, of course, your choice to make.
You should research and contact a good tattoo artist first to ask them for what you need to do to get your baby footprint tattoo ideas in ink. Some artists might have their preferred methods of doing these and it’s worth the ask ahead of time.
4. Their Birthstone
If you’re a fan of colored tattoos getting your baby’s birthstone is also on our list of unique tattoo ideas. For this one, you can opt for a round gemstone type tattoo, or even go for a little stalagmite colored in with the right color.
In the event you decide to have more children, you can add on another stalagmite and have a little stalagmite family going!
5. Their Zodiac Constellation
Some people get their child’s zodiac sign, but what about something more unique like the zodiac constellation?
When your baby is born, there is a specific zodiac star pattern in the sky for a certain amount of time. This is how people get their zodiac signs.
A great tattoo idea can be mimicking what the sky showed the night your baby was born with a couple line segments that marked their birth into the world.
6. Their Initials
Baby name tattoo ideas top the list of common tattoos, but have you considered just doing initials?
If you’re looking to get something a little smaller, your baby’s initial can be a great option for you. Similar to the birth date tattoo, you have the option of a large variety of fonts and styles to choose from for this tattoo.
7. Heartbeat
Hearing your baby’s heartbeat for the first time can be one of the first most emotional and heartwarming experiences of parenthood. Did you know you can capture it?
During your baby’s sonogram, the doctor listened to and recorded your baby’s heart rhythm. You can ask your doctor for a copy and take it to your tattoo artist to have them copy it onto your skin.
This is definitely a unique way to show your eternal love, and also having a memory of when you heard their heartbeat the first time with you forever.
8. A Flower
Another option that people go for is getting a flower.
Typically, parents will pick a flower that represents their child or something one that they favor, and tattoo it on themselves. If you end up having more children, you can turn your one flower into a lovely family bouquet.
The options of tattoo ideas for flowers are endless and you can easily swap for a colorless option if you’d like as well.
9. A Heart
Last but not least, we’re ending off our list with one of the classic baby tattoo ideas; a heart.
Don’t be shy to get a little creative with this one. Options you can look at are having their name or initials inside the heart or part of outline, you could put their birthdate, or just simply an outline without any colour.
Tattoo Ideas To Celebrate
When it comes to tattoos like these, make sure the one you pick is something meaningful to you. Take your time in making a decision and take all aspects of the design into consideration. Decide what colours, shapes, and styles you like best before heading to a tattoo shop.
Once you’ve decided on what you’d like to go with, or if you need a little help in deciding what would look best, contact your local tattoo shop to book an appointment.
Be sure to check out the rest of our site for more informative tattoo content!
Retro Tattoo Styles
7 Retro Tattoo Styles That Still Rock
Are you planning to get a tattoo for the first time? Or do you already have a couple and wish to add another one that will never go out of style? Then one of the best options to consider is the retro or old-school tattoo styles.
The love affair between Americans and tattoos go a long way. And today, more Americans are getting tattoos compared to almost a decade ago.
Not to mention, there are more tattoo choices today than ever before. But why should you consider going retro on tattoos? What are the classic styles that will still make you stand out in this modern age?
Continue reading below for seven retro tattoo styles deserving of a spot on your skin.
1. The Classic Americana
First on our list of timeless old-school tattoo styles is the Classic Americana. You can easily spot this traditional style tattoos through some key elements. It features solid colors, iconic imagery, and bold black lines.
Classic Americana tattoos trace its roots from way back to the 18th century. But it first became popular in the mainstream tattoo scene in the 1930s. It was tattoo artist Norman “Sailor Jerry” Collins who popularized the style.
Back then, Classic Americana tattoos often depicted animals, roses, pin-ups, skulls, and nautical themes. You can even see people sporting this tattoo style with a standard heart tattoo.
2. The Japanese Style
Another old-school option is the Japanese tattoo style or Irezumi. It features remarkable artistry and deep and dark history. Irezumi traces its origins from the Jomon Period (10,000 BCE-300 CE).
However, modern Japanese style tattoos rose to prominence between the years 1603 and 1868. This was during the Edo Period where Japan deemed tattooing as illegal. Hence, the Japanese often associated tattooing to crime, as well as filial piety.
Furthermore, the older Japanese people shunned on tattooing for another reason. They claimed that tattoos somewhat disrespected the body. In turn, they viewed tattooing as a way of breaking the codes of obedience and respect.
As for the designs, Japanese tattoos feature very large images. These images are big enough to cover the entire back. Other areas where artists place the tattoos include the arms and legs.
3. Stick and Poke
Stick and poke tattoos became one of the hottest tattoo styles back in the 1970s. The name originated from the manner of inking the tattoo on the skin. The tattoo artists do not use any machines to ink the skin.
Instead, they use a rod-like contraption where they attach a needle on the end. Thereafter, they dip the needle into the ink and apply it to the skin by hand. The ink settles deep into the skin as the artist pokes the needle dot by dot.
When it comes to the designs, they are far less intricate compared to other tattoo styles. Most of the recent designs feature bold lines with minor decorative patterns.
Check out our Maui Tattoo shop or our Las Vegas Tattoo shop
4. Black and Grey
Some people call black and gray tattoos as “jailhouse” tattoos. Legend has it that this particular style started inside the prison. In prison, inmates use inks and handmade machines for tattooing.
Artists had to improvise when it came to the materials. They used pen ink and cigarette ashes to make the tattoo ink. They converted old guitar strings into needles.
But on the outside, black and gray started to gain a following in the 1970s. Artists use different techniques in creating their designs.
However, the key lies in the shading variation. Good artists can combine deep and soft shadows and hues. To get more solid grey tones, they mix black ink with white ink.
This leveling in the shades is the secret to keeping your black and grey tattoos from fading.
5. Blackwork
If the black and grey style showcases a fusion of two colors, blackwork tattoo proudly boast solid planes of black. Most of the time, blackwork artists depict geometric shapes.
Sometimes, they present abstract patterns. But the common denominator is that they tend to use minimalist images and symbols. This is because of the tattoos Polynesian origins.
But in western culture, blackwork tattoos became fashionable in Europe during the 18th century. It was the laborers who often sported this particular tattoo style.
Today, you will be one of the coolest if you have one on the arms or at the back.
6. Abstract
Though some people may consider abstract tattoos as relatively new, you can trace its roots toward the end of the 19th century. It was a time when artists were feeling the need to come up with a new form of art.
They want this new art to represent the changing landscape in science, technology, and philosophy. Hence, they started to move to the more creative use of shapes, colors, and expressions.
Today, abstract tattoos are a sight to behold. They showcase visual excellence, as well as conceptual beauty.
7. Realism
Last but not least are the tattoos that use realism. Realism tattooing became popular in the 1970s inside California’s Chicano prisons.
As the name implies, these tattoos look realistic. Thus, they come in virtually any color the artists want.
Some use a mixture of bright and dark colors. Others stick to the neutral black and white tones. The color choice depends on the subject and theme of the tattoos.
These subjects can be objects, animals, scenery, or people.
Important Reminders for Before Getting a Tattoo
Retro Tattoo Styles
Regardless of the retro style tattoos that you pick, there are certain rules that you need to observe. And if it is your first time going through the artistic needle, you need to know some hard facts about tattoos.
First, you will feel a constant scratching on your skin. But after the first 15 minutes, your adrenaline should help reduce the pain. However, the pain does not stop there, as you will experience redness and swelling in the area after the procedure.
If you wish to experience the least amount of pain, pick a fleshier spot on your body. Your forearms and wrists are excellent spots for first-timers.
Last but not least, make sure to check the reputation of your tattoo artist. Go for someone with a trusted name in the local tattoo scene to ensure your safety.
Let’s Get You the Tattoo Styles You Want, Today!
Sporting retro tattoo styles is a good way of expressing yourself. But when choosing the designs, make sure to pick something that you feel good and comfortable about. And if you’re looking for an artist you can trust, then you came to the right place. To see what other style that are popular this year, check out our friends at Feedspot and their Top 50 Tattoo Blogs & Websites For Tattoo Artists & Enthusiasts in 2020
Connect with us today and share with us your design ideas. Let us discuss your options and let’s get you the tattoos that you want.
Portrait Tattoo: 5 Important Tips to Get the Best Result
What to Know and Do Before Getting a Portrait Tattoo
Planning a portrait tattoo? There are considerations the tattoo artist would like you to remember; these tips will help you achieve the best result possible.
You’re getting a portrait tattoo? Start here first.
In the United States, about 38 percent of people between the ages of eighteen to twenty-eight have at least one tattoo. Investing in a tattoo is a big decision and requires planning ahead of time.
For those looking for the best result, check out these five important tips for a portrait tattoo.
Read on to learn more.
Find a Design for Your Portrait Tattoo
A portrait tattoo, such as face portrait tattoos, require lots of fine detail and time. Communicate early on with your tattoo artist to discuss expectations and design ideas. Have a picture, drawing, or design idea on hand when you meet with your tattoo artist.
Remember to discuss with the tattoo artist where you want the tattoo to be placed. Talk about ideas like color choices early on to avoid any surprises in the tail end of the process.
Be open to input from your tattoo artist. They create tattoo art for a living and will be able to help you produce the best portrait tattoo design possible by working with you from day one.
Be Prepared for the Process
It’s important to find good places for tattoos. Be sure to look into the tattoo parlor beforehand. Tattoo laws are different between states. Be sure to check out the guidelines in your state.
Always ask the artist to present their state tattoo license to ensure they have completed all training and requirements.
Make sure the tattoo parlor has proper licensing and adheres to all guidelines. Don’t be afraid to ask the tattoo artist questions prior to scheduling your appointment. Consider questions like:
- How do you sanitize between tattoos?
- What surface do you tattoo on?
- How frequently do you clean the tattoo surface?
Remember the parlor should be perfectly clean!
Check out the artwork on the walls and consider a consultation with the artist to further discuss topics such as portrait tattoo ideas and color portrait tattoos. Being comfortable with your tattoo artist is just as important s getting the tattoo itself.
Obtain Aftercare Products Beforehand
After you receive your tattoo, have the aftercare products already on hand to make sure your skin is getting the best care possible.
When you get a tattoo, insoluble ink is injected about a millimeter beneath the surface level of your skin into the dermis, the second layer of your skin. The needle will puncture your skin anywhere between fifty and three-thousand times every minute.
A tattoo can take up to six months to fully heal. After your tattoo artist bandages your tattoo, the healing process begins. It involves three main steps:
- Skin redness and oozing
- Itching
- Skin peeling
Your tattoo artist with ask you to cover your new tattoo for a few hours to several days. After the bandage is removed, there may be fluid and redness at the site of the wound.
Remember to have fragrance free, hypoallergenic soap on hand to clean the tattoo site. Wash your tattoo twice daily. Let it air dry before applying any moisturizer.
It is very common for your tattoo site to itch as it heals. Try using a gentle lotion such as coconut oil to help protect and moisturize your skin. It’s antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory and can help combat any lurking infections.
If the itching persists, ask your medical healthcare provider for an over-the-counter antihistamine to further reduce inflammation. Do not scratch or pick at the tattoo or you may remove some of the ink.
Your tattoo artist will often provide you with a thick ointment to help the tattoo site heal. Expect to see peeling as the wound heals.
Don’t forget to buy sunscreen beforehand and always keep your tattoo covered with sunscreen to protect it from fading!
It’s important to know the signs that your tattoo isn’t healing properly prior to getting one. Keep and eye out for symptoms such as:
Contact your medical care professional immediately if you experience any of this symptoms after getting your tattoo.
Create a Budget
Prices vary greatly between tattoos depending on the size and style you get. Create a budget ahead of time. Most tattoos are nonnegotiable and can cost hundreds of dollars, if not thousands of dollars.
Be prepared to consider a twenty percent tip into your budget for your portrait tattoo artist!
Many tattoo prices are figured based on an hourly rate. Portrait tattoos hold great detail and can take several hours and often times multiple sessions as well.
Try the simple 50/30/20 budgeting plan. It works like this:
- 50 percent of your money to necessities
- 30 percent of your money to wants
- 20 percent of your money to savings
It’s perfect to allocate your wants fund to your dream portrait tattoo.
Know What to Avoid Prior
Before you get your tattoo, remember to avoid certain things like:
- Drinking alcohol
- Excessive sun
- Strenuous activity
Alcohol can thin your blood and lead to the ink thinning and skewing your final result.
It’s important you tattoo is not done on sunburned or peeling, dry skin. If you want a tattoo at a site where hair grows, avoid razor burn. Communicate with your tattoo artist beforehand to properly prep the site for the big day.
Portrait Tattoo
portrait tattoo
If you’re planning a portrait tattoo, remember to prepare ahead of time. There are considerations the tattoo artist would like you to remember; remember these tips to help you achieve the best result possible.
What are you waiting for? Your tattoo awaits!
Want to see more posts like this one? Check out the rest of our blog to learn more! Or visit our Henderson tattoo shop or Maui tattoo shop.
