How to Design Your Own Sleeve Tattoo
- 1). Decide whether you would like a full or half sleeve tattoo. Look through magazines and tattoo websites, such as "Sleeve Tattoo Designs," for ideas. If you have friends with sleeves, ask them about their experiences and what they recommend in terms of sleeve design. Common sleeve ideas include Celtic knots and tribal , floral, dragon and koi fish designs.
- 2). Call reputable area tattoo salons and ask about sleeve prices. In general, sleeves are among the more expensive tattoos available. The more intricate and original the sleeve idea, the higher the cost will be.
- 3). Finalize your sleeve's theme. If the sleeve is going to be an entirely new tattoo, you are freer to choose an overall design that flows. If the sleeve is being made out of existing tattoos, finding the right theme can be a little more complicated; for instance, you may have to get them covered if they do not match the theme you have chosen.
- 4). Plan out the sessions with the tattoo artist of your choice. Sleeves generally take about 20 hours to complete, perhaps less, depending on the tattoo. To ensure sleeve completion, you and the tattoo artist must make a schedule that works for both of you. Completion can take several weeks because such tattoos are so detailed, and newly-tattooed skin can become inflamed from pigmented ink, according to Derm Net New Zealand.
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