#4 elements tattoo sleeve how to#
#4 elements tattoo sleeve full#

If this is your game plan, try to map it out over a year or two at most because you want to make sure that your tattooist will still be available to complete the work. The beginning of your story can be told with a quarter sleeve tattoo, then when ready it can evolve with another visit to your tattooist for the rest. But again, the design can also unfold in stages. The greater the story you want to tell with your design the more canvas you need. In the end, there’s nary a more important consideration than the design/concept you want for this important tattoo.

#4 elements tattoo sleeve how to#

Then follow our guide for how to save money for a tattoo to complete the rest! The Design / Concept

#4 elements tattoo sleeve full#

If you want a full sleeve but can’t afford it, start with a half or quarter sleeve. Logically, the cost for this tattoo concept coincides with the type of sleeve (as per above) you desire. This is a great entry tattoo for those who want a half or full sleeve one day, but for whatever reason (time, budget, or current profession) need to wait. Quarter-SleeveĪ quarter-sleeve runs from the shoulder halfway down the upper arm before reaching the elbow. Unless you’re wearing a tank top or hiked-up t-shirt it will appear as if you have a full sleeve. Semantics aside it’s a great way for clients to get the full sleeve “effect” without committing to an actual full sleeve. This is technically considered to be a forearm sleeve. Half-Sleeve (Lower)Īlternatively a half-sleeve can run from the elbow down to the wrist. It may not be a laughing matter for those with a low threshold for pain, but the result (a great looking half-sleeve) makes it all worthwhile.Ī half-sleeve is also perfect for those who want an impactful tattoo but may need to hide it at their place of work. You will experience more sensitivity around the elbow joint which you may associate as the “funny bone”.

Also known as the arm proper (or brachium), the upper arm is composed of the humerus with the elbow joint at its distal end. Half-Sleeve (Upper)Ī half-sleeve runs from your shoulder down to the elbow, with the design typically wrapping around your whole arm. This is certainly the most “impactful” type of sleeve tattoo. The design is typically incorporated around the whole arm, although some people may prefer to tattoo only the outer and more visible part of the arm to mitigate pain (the inner arm is more sensitive) and to keep costs down (more on budget below). It runs from the shoulder all the way down to your wrist.

6 Things to Consider When Getting a Sleeve TattooĪ full sleeve is what most people consider to be a sleeve tattoo. You have a general design idea, but now you want to know how far down the arm your sleeve should go. A tattoo sleeve is a commitment, and as with any commitment you want to put in some careful consideration.