Are you ready to get your first tattoo sleeve? Well, it is important to adhere to these important preparatory tips before letting your tattoo artist work on you.

BY MAX ROSSI, ARTCENTRON

How to Prepare for Your First Tattoo Sleeve.

Tattoos tell stories and express individuality. But before you jump the gun and get your first sleeve, there are some aspects to consider. Here’s what you should know before getting your first sleeve tattoo to feel prepared and ecstatic about the process.

Research and Design

Your tattoo is a part of you. It needs to echo your vibes, soul, and aesthetic. The first step is cruising the internet for tattoo styles and finding the right artist who sails on the same creative currents as yours. Consider the artist’s preferred style and work when determining if they’re the artist for you.

A great tattoo is a well-told story penned by a skilled artist. Don’t rush this part—a good artist turns a memory into a masterpiece, but you’ll need to find the right one first.

Placement and Size of Your First Tattoo Sleeve

Placement and size are your ocean charts. Think about the message you want to send and how much of your arm you want it to take up. A longer sleeve means you have more to share. The size sets the stage of your ink narrative, and the location gives the story depth.

Budgeting and Costs

Tattoos are investments, and good investments require some budgeting. Cost is an important aspect to understand before getting your first sleeve tattoo, and it often depends on the tattoo’s size and the artist’s prestige. High-quality ink typically costs more, so consider your tattoo shop budget.

You’re paying for a lifelong piece of art, not a bargain bin item that lasts a season. And remember to tip to show how much you appreciate the artist and the commitment they made to make your artistic vision come to life.

Time Commitment and Sessions

Prepare to savor the tattoo process through multiple sessions. Patience is the virtue here. Rushed art looks rushed. Give your artist the time to carve their piece into your life tale.

Understand that intricate detailing may cause more pain than you expected. Tattoo highlights hurt because of the lighter ink used to accentuate the image, and it may take time to make it look its best. Get comfortable and prepare for some teeth-gritting until the end.

Aftercare and Healing

Follow the aftercare instructions to the letter, or you might find yourself with a tattoo sleeve that doesn’t look as good as you hoped it would. The healing process is critical; scabs are troublesome splotches on the freshly painted canvas. Protect your sleeve until the ink settles in.

The sleeve tattoo is an endeavor that requires planning and foresight. But once the ink settles and the art becomes a part of you, the feeling is priceless. Now that you know what to expect, you can start taking the exciting journey of creating the perfect sleeve tattoo.