Whether someone is planning a full arm, a half sleeve, or even a leg sleeve, the same questions always come up: how long does it take, how many sessions are needed, what does the design process look like, and what’s realistic? Sleeves are a big step, and they’re also…

The truth is, the way you look after your skin in the days before your session has a direct impact on how the tattoo goes and how well it heals afterwards. Nothing dramatic, just simple things that make the day smoother for both of us…

I get asked a lot about what happens to tattoos over time and what my work will look like a few years down the line, because tattoo ink of course doesn’t stay exactly the same forever. Understanding how it behaves underneath your skin as it ages makes a huge difference in keeping your tattoos looking vibrant and sharp for as long as possible.

Why do tattoos change over time?

This is a question I get quite a lot, and to be honest, I used to ask it myself years ago when I first started tattooing realism. Can you cover an old tattoo with a realism piece? The short answer is yes, but it takes a bit of thought and planning.

Realism tattoos rely on soft transitions, subtle details and…

Composition is the quiet decision-making behind every successful piece - where the eye lands first, how shapes sit against the body, and how colour and flow either support or fight the image. I pick up a lot of those instincts from photography; a quick street frame can teach me more about balance, tone, and flow than an hour of pencilling ever will.

I often get asked by clients how long a tattoo will take and how many sessions they might need. It is a fair question, especially when planning larger pieces. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, I thought I would share some general guidance so you can have a clearer idea of what to expect.