Consider your overall theme when designing a sleeve tattoo. Research to locate designs that relate to it – this will allow you to present ideas directly to the tattoo artist.
Forearm
The outer forearm is an ideal location for full-sleeve tattoos as its thicker skin and reduced nerve endings make the experience less painful. A cohesive design creates an eye-catching look, so forearm tattoos should follow a similar style to make forearm designs look incredible.
Display your heritage or culture with pride through a forearm tattoo featuring the flag of your country or family coat of arms – or add a green living clover as a tribute to nature! This client wanted to combine two Celtic tattoos on her forearm into one half-sleeve piece. Her artist inked a large triquetra first before adding matching knotwork patterning around its edges, making it appear continuous.
Leg
Men are becoming increasingly attracted to leg tattoos, whether it’s an intricate, complete calf design or smaller designs on their thighs. Lower body tattoos allow men the opportunity for creativity and intricate details that stand out.
Men can get tattooed with anything they like on their legs — from spiritual images and geometric blackwork designs, to realistic portraits. Additionally, this location makes for one of the most flexible displays, allowing it to be shown off with shorts or be hidden under trousers as desired.
An image of a dragon is often chosen for full leg tattoos to symbolize power and strength; however, other designs like peonies or koi fish could be equally striking – this person decided on a Japanese irezumi-style tattoo with flowers and symbols included in their plan.
Upper Arm
An upper arm tattoo sleeve can be ideal for unifying preexisting tattoos into one coherent piece from traditional, neo-traditional, or abstract styles.
When working on an upper arm tattoo design, your client must lie flat on the tattoo bed; having them hold their arm up may cause it to stretch and take the pattern out of alignment. Furthermore, rolling their arm into their fist may help keep it still while you work on it.
The example pictured started as a large illuminated letter on his shoulder and, over three sessions, evolved into this Trinity Half Sleeve featuring a cap, band, and Celtic Knotwork Crescent.
Lower Arm
Lower arms make for an ideal location to add tattoos as they face inward rather than outward like other body parts. It is a perfect spot for spiritual reminders, such as quotes or symbols that show strength, such as quotes or characters of strength.
Background textures, colors, and creative filler tattoos can tie existing pieces into cohesive sleeve designs. When working on female clients, it’s best to have them sit up in a reclined position rather than flat on their back to prevent breasts from pulling tattoos out of shape and causing unevenness. This client began with an Illuminated Letter on her upper arm before adding Celtic Knotwork Crescents above his shoulder and bands down his arm, creating this Trinity Half Sleeve design in three sessions.
Wrist
The wrist can be an ideal place for personal expression through imagery, phrases, or symbols that mean something to you – like flowers, paw prints, infinity symbols, monograms, nicknames, or monograms. But it’s essential to be mindful if your job prohibits visible tattoos on this delicate area.
Minimalistic line work and patterns look stunning with black outlines, creating a striking visual. Pair this look with checkerboard designs for even more significant trippy effects! Alternatively, pay tribute to your favorite book or movie by including an excerpt or quote, a zodiac symbol, or a simple message such as a quote. Whatever design choice you make will be visible every time you hold your hand, so make sure it truly resonates with you!
