Tattoo sleeves are one of the most coveted works when it comes to tattooing. While many enthusiasts are excited to get their own sleeve, the process of getting a sleeve takes a great deal of time and effort – and that is not just on the part of the artist. 

If you're considering a tattoo sleeve, it is important to know that they aren't simple and are almost never done in one session. For amazing results, you'll need to prepare – this includes being able to effectively communicate with a tattoo artist.

Before you start your process, there are a few things you need to know.

What Is A Tattoo Sleeve? Definition And Types

A tattoo sleeve is a large tattoo, or a series of smaller tattoos that wrap around someone’s limb.

If you're considering a sleeve, then you need to know the different types – yes, there is more than one kind. Many people assume that a tattoo sleeve starts at the top of the shoulder and ends at the wrist, but you have many more options to think about during your preparation.

Styles and coverage vary greatly, including everything from a series of smaller tattoos sparsely placed down the sleeve to something that covers every inch of skin.

- Full Sleeve

Full sleeves are the most commonly known sleeve tattoos. Simply put, they begin around the top of your arm and cover most, if not all, of the area between your shoulder and wrist.

It is essential to find an artist that does full sleeves and does them well – this is the point in which research is crucial.

- Quarter And Half Sleeves

A quarter sleeve fills the space from the shoulder to about midway to the elbow, which is slightly lower than the sleeve of a shirt. Half-sleeves are frequently extended from shoulder to elbow.

- Leg Sleeve

Although sleeves traditionally refer to the arms, leg sleeves have become more popular in recent years. Leg sleeves, like their traditional counterparts, can sweep over the entire leg or only occupy the top or bottom half.

Tattoo Sleeves Aftercare: Special Considerations

A sleeve tattoo is a significant investment that takes more preparation than a standard piece of body art. While the aftercare process requires many of the same steps as the process with a single tattoo, there are a few additional things to consider.

- Multiple Aftercare Processes

You may be getting a single sleeve, but it will take multiple sessions to complete. Therefore, you can expect to go through the process of wrapping, cleaning, moisturizing, and caring for your new tattoo at least a few times.

- Consistency

After spending so much time in the chair, you want to ensure that every part of your sleeve looks amazing when it's completed.

Practicing perfect aftercare after your first session while slacking on future ones can leave affect your healing process and even create inconsistencies throughout your sleeve.

Read also: Professional Tattoo Aftercare Instructions

Process Of Getting A Sleeve

The process of getting a sleeve is much different than other tattoo placements. After all, there are often multiple design components involved with sleeve tattoos, which is why the process is more involved.

Here are the steps:

#1 Idea Creation

Be ready to discuss your ideas with your artist. During this step, you'll need to think deeply about the artistic concept of your sleeve, such as whether you want to have a theme. If you aren't yet sure about what you want, take the time to meet with one or even multiple tattoo artists to discuss styles and design.

#2 Design Process

During the design process, your chosen tattoo artist will take your ideas and create a roadmap for your design. You and the tattoo artist will work together to determine what makes the most sense for your tattoo artistically and how the finished work should look.

#3 Session Planning And Timeline

Before venturing into a tattoo sleeve, you should know that it will not be completed in one sitting. You and your tattoo artist should create and agree upon a schedule and timeline.

The artist's availability and your budget are two crucial aspects to consider during this phase. Sleeve tattoos can take anywhere from a few months to a couple of years to finish.

#4 The Tattoo Process

Unlike other tattoos, sleeve sessions aren't always as straightforward when considering the result. It's normal to complete your first session and not yet recognize the finished design.

Each tattoo artist has their own method of mapping and completing a sleeve – but after the final session, you will see it was all worth the work.

4 Things To Consider/Know When Getting A Tattoo Sleeve

1. Take Your Time

Tattoo sleeves take many sessions that can each last for many hours. Trying to rush this process can result in a tattoo that you don't love. Practicing a bit of patience goes a very long way when planning and executing your sleeve.

2. Do Your Research

Don't rush the process. Taking enough time to research styles, designs, themes, and most importantly, your artist ensures that your vision is accurately reflected in the final piece.

3. Communicate Effectively

Collaboration with your artist is vital in general, but it's especially important when it comes to sleeves. It's fine to inquire, offer suggestions, or express any concerns. Make sure you and your artist are on the same page.

4. Take Care Of Yourself

Drinking plenty of water, getting enough rest, and avoiding drugs and alcohol during the sleeve process help both you and your skin make it through the process of multiple, long tattoo sessions.

How Much Do Tattoo Sleeves Cost?

When evaluating the cost of a sleeve tattoo, there are several factors to consider, including the artist's, the design's complexity, and the number of sessions. You should budget between a few hundred and a few thousand dollars.

Does Getting A Tattoo Sleeve Hurt?

It is painful to get a tattoo sleeve. The amount of time you spend under the needle is what makes tattoo sleeves unpleasant. For example, full and half sleeves require numerous sessions, each lasting several hours.

Read also: Tattoo Pain Chart: Where Does It Hurt the Most?

Summary

Tattoo sleeves are a big commitment that requires a high level of expertise and patience.

It can be difficult to choose just one tattoo because there are so many various styles and artistic aspects to choose from. That's what makes sleeves so special; you get to incorporate so many different things into one coherent work of art that you'll be happy to own.