Many people who get tattooed do not plan out their entire body before they begin. Most people only get one piece and then realize they have a lot of ink. Sleeves can be a serious piece of real estate. There’s plenty of room for things and even more space for making mistakes. Here are some things to consider when choosing a sleeve.
Plan
Planning, planning, planning. Find an artist who can “see” your vision and can do the tattoo you want. If they can’t do the tattoo you desire, it’s not worth paying the lowest price. You are committing your time, money, and skin to ensure that it is done correctly. You will not have many options and you will pay more if it isn’t done correctly the first time.
Also, plan your ink. You can do this by creating a folder on your phone, Pinterest, print, etc. Fill it with your ideas. You can find examples of similar tattoos and photos of the exact animal/flower you are looking for. Your artist will be more likely to see what you are looking for and to create it exactly how you wish.
Budget
Sleeves can be expensive. There will be several sessions and you’ll likely spend $1000 on quality work. Good work is expensive. Most artists require a deposit for sessions and drawings. Sleeve work, where the drawing may take several hours, will also be subject to a deposit. Be honest about your budget, but remember that artists also have to make a living. If you don’t have the funds to pay for their services, you might have to compromise by taking some time to save money or taking a break between sessions.
Consult
Once you have decided on an artist, paid your deposit, and put your ideas together, it is time to schedule a consultation. This is where you share everything with your chosen artist. Together, you sit down and discuss your ideas. Talk to them. If they tell you it won’t, trust them. Also, you will be setting up an appointment for your first session. Make sure you have a calendar and a plan. You might not be able to get an appointment right away because a professional artist can book months ahead.
Tattoo
Make sure to be prepared for your appointment. You should eat beforehand, be on time, and bring everything the artist asks. You must give your artist 24 hours’ notice if you plan to cancel. You can bring a friend, a pillow, or music to help you through the experience. Now it’s time for you to relax and enjoy the ride.
This post was written by J Michael Taylor. J Michael Taylor is an artist and owner of Black Amethyst Tattoo Gallery. Black Amethyst is the best amongst St Pete tattoo shops shops. They provide an art-first approach to custom tattooing in a gallery setting.