Umm…on your arm of course.
Jokes aside, we know that you’re searching for the best tattoo shop in town to get a sleeve tattoo. It’s not as simple as finding a studio near you as there are other things to consider beyond proximity. Below is a practical breakdown of how to choose where to get a tattoo sleeve. Let’s review.
3 Things to Look for When Deciding Upon Where to Get Your Sleeve Tattoo
I. Experience
A tattoo sleeve isn’t something an apprentice or new tattooist should be undertaking. Be sure to take your time and browse through artist portfolios to have a look at their work, and keep an eye out for sleeves. Dig deeper into candidate artists’ Instagram profiles which will have more in-depth and up to date photos of recent work. In addition, click/tap around a candidate tattoo studio’s website to see if they provide dedicated information about sleeve tattoos. For example, the Adrenaline Studios blog – which is Canada’s top tattoo and piercing blog – recently posted this guide on where at a tattoo sleeve should end.
II. Helpful With Ideas
You may want a sleeve, but have no idea about the exact design you desire. If so, steer clear of tattoo shops that are short on patience. They will roll their eyes at anyone that comes in to inquire about a sleeve tattoo without having already committed to a theme. Look for shops that typically accept walk-ins. While you can’t come in for a walk-in sleeve (it takes planning and scheduling) the feature is indicative of a studio that is more accommodating to those who are unsure of exactly what they want. Also look for tattoo studios that have design options to choose from. For instance, Adrenaline Studios has one of Canada’s first claim a tattoo platforms. While there won’t be outright sleeve designs on the platform, available designs often drive inspiration for sleeves. For example, this snake and dagger by Kurtis C. can easily grow up, down, around your arm.
III. Can Work Around Skin Concerns
A sleeve tattoo is a large tattoo which means that there is a lot of “canvas” to consider. A half-sleeve runs from your elbow down to your wrist, while a full sleeve runs from your lower shoulder down to the wrist. Given that our arms are the most exposed parts of the body and exhibit “wear and tear” over time, there may be a skin condition or issue such as a scar. The very same thing that you hope to cover up with a sleeve tattoo may also have you concerned about the viability of getting a successful one. For this reason you need to find a tattoo studio that can work with and around the concerns regarding your skin, be they perceived or otherwise. Choose a tattoo studio that can manage the following:
Where to get a tattoo sleeve? If you live in the Greater Vancouver BC or Toronto ON area you’ve already found the studio you’re looking for. Schedule a consultation at an Adrenaline Studios near you.
Written By:
Adrenaline Tattoo
Tattoos, not attitudes. Piercings, not pricks. From the beginning, Adrenaline’s focus has been on delivering the best customer service possible within the body modification industry.
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