Everything You Need To Know Before Getting A Sleeve Tattoo
Before you decide you want a tattoo, you should know exactly what a sleeve tattoo is, along with the process involved and how you should care for a new tat. Whether you realize it, a tattoo is a commitment.
Thinking about finding local tattoo shops near me that are reputable should be a part of a plan for action. Once there, you’ll get to know tattoo artists who are familiar with sleeve tattoos and can both create your tattoo and perform the artistry. Researching the type of sleeve tattoo you want is important and transferring whatever theme and style you’ve decided on will give the tattoo artist a clear idea of what you want. Also, you’ll want to know the charges and how long it will take to do a sleeve tattoo.
When you’re deciding on the sleeve tattoo you want, select a few patterns. Keep thoughts in mind about the theme and style. Select a few symbols that add sense to the design. Say you want a design for the music you love. Incorporate different symbols such as musical notes, a guitar, piano keys, favorite song titles and a pop-rock idol. Also, think about the color you want to incorporate in the design. Maybe you like colors or black and white or even grayscale.
What Is A Sleeve Tattoo?
A sleeve tattoo is rather large, and the design is such that it envelopes either the arm or the leg, though a sleeve tattoo usually deals with different sections of the arm. The tattoo can be a succession of smaller tattoos that depict an interrelated theme. It could also be a particular style or color. Many times it’s just a variety of contrasting tattoos. A sleeve tattoo is a favored way for people to express themselves through the display of significant art in different sections of their arm.
Different Kinds Of Sleeve Tattoos
There are four different kinds of sleeve tattoos that include
1. Quarter Sleeve – This tattoo is placed at the top of the shoulder and extends down the upper part of the arm.
2. Half Sleeve- This tattoo extends from the top of the shoulder to the elbow.
3. Full Sleeve – This tattoo goes from the shoulder’s top to the wrist and sometimes onto the hand.
4. Hikae – This tattoo is in the Japanese tradition and covers part of the chest area and extends to the elbow or the wrist.
Plan Out Your Sleeve Tattoo
Planning out the theme for your sleeve tattoo is one of the first things to do. You want to establish the actual pattern and design. Since this type of tattoo is a detailed piece of art, it’s going to take several sessions to complete it, particularly if the tattoo is more involved. You want to check with Philadelphia tattoo shops as to the right tattoo artist to perform the work for you.
It’s important to work with the artist you choose so he or she can help you in performing the right design on your arm area. Work earnestly with the artist so you get the image and colors in line with what you want. Allow the artist the freedom to complete your vision. Anything elaborate will take time to customize and you don’t want to rush it and get poor results or something you don’t want. So, plan it out before you rush into a sleeve tattoo.
Planning Your Sessions
When you decide on the size and piece that you want, plan the different sessions that will follow. Consult with the tattoo artist you’ve chosen and discuss the process and time involved.
The number of sessions hinges on how fast the tattoo artist is along with the design style chosen and the size of the tattoo.
You need to be aware that some parts of a sleeve tattoo require a healing process before the artist continues working on it. With all that in mind, you can plan out the sessions and initiate your tattoo project.
What The Long Process Requires
When you’re getting a sleeve tattoo, you need to be patient because the sessions are probably going to be long.
A sleeve tattoo will take several long sessions, so bring some snacks and water with you. It’s important to keep your body hydrated and your energy level high during the procedure.
You can also entertain yourself with different devices like earphones, phones and headsets through the tattooing process and lengthy sessions.
Also, you want to have gotten plenty of rest before you begin the sessions. You can help yourself and your skin with the right amount of sleep.
What Happens In A Session
In the first session, they will mark the drawing of the design you have chosen out on the area.
With the second and third sessions, the tattoo artist completes the tattoo precisely. Any shading will follow.
During the last session, any coloring and embellishments will be added to the tattoo.
Each session can run from three to five hours. Again, the time involved depends on the tattoo
artist’s focus and quickness. The entire process can go on for a couple of months, as each session usually comprises at least several weeks.
Instructions For Care
When you get a sleeve tattoo, it’s important to follow all instructions after each session. If you want a sleeve tattoo to look good and remain that way, you need to care for it properly.
Leave the bandage on for a little while. Don’t take it off right away.
If you decide to wash the area, use antibacterial soap and gently pat it dry. Drying time should be at least 10 minutes.
You can put a light layer of lotion over the tattooed area. You want your skin to breathe, so go light on any application.
Be sure to both wash and moisturize the area at least twice to even three times during the day. Do this until any peeling ends.
Allow any scabs or peeling to go away naturally. Infection from picking at them could cause infection.
Limit clothing that fits tight around the arms. You want your skin to breathe and discourage growth of bacteria.
Stay away from sun exposure. It can cause problems with healing, scarring and skin lightening. Tanning is another no-no.
Cost Of A Sleeve Tattoo
The cost of a sleeve tattoo will depend on the time it takes the tattoo artist to finish a full or partial sleeve. The average cost of a tattoo artist is $100 per hour. Prices for a full sleeve tattoo run between $1500 to $2500. So, getting a sleeve tattoo is not something you do impulsively. Make sure you follow the process exactly to avoid any issues.
Now that you know more than you maybe did before, you may still have concerns and questions about a sleeve tattoo. If that’s the case, contact Oracle Tattoo Gallery at 215-638-1601. The artists there will advise you further on a sleeve tattoo and also answer any of your questions. You’re in trusted hands with Oracle Tattoo Gallery.
