All about tattoo sleeves – the process, timeframes, and what to expect…
I’ve wanted to write about sleeve tattoos for a while because they’re one of the things I get asked about the most. 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 some of my favourite projects to work on because of how much planning and flow go into them.
A sleeve isn’t something we slap together piece by piece. For me, it’s one artwork that wraps around the arm or leg in a way that feels natural and intentional. The body shape matters a lot: how the muscles move, where the arm bends, how light and shadow sit on curved surfaces. All of this influences the design before I even pick up the machine.
We always start with a chat. This is where we talk about your ideas, references, and the overall feel you want. Some people come with very specific imagery, while others just know the theme or mood. Both are fine. My job is to take what you like and turn it into something that sits well on your body.
If you already have a tattoo in the area, we decide whether to cover it, work around it, or blend it into the new design. It’s completely possible to keep the old piece while still creating a cohesive sleeve around it. It just takes a bit of planning.
Once we know the theme, I create a layout that considers the entire limb. I think about where the main subjects should sit, where we need movement or negative space, and how everything connects. With realism, flow is everything. A sleeve should look good from the front, side and back, not just one angle.
On the day of your first session, we print the stencils, place them directly on the skin and adjust as needed. Sometimes the design needs small changes once you see it on the arm or leg. The goal is always to make the sleeve flow with the anatomy, not against it.
The big question: how long does a sleeve take?
It depends on the detail, the size of the arm or leg, and how complex the design is.
For example, one of the more intense sleeve projects I’ve done recently was during a guest spot in Spain. The client, Oriol, wanted a full custom sleeve, and because I was travelling and wanted the piece completed in a short timeframe, we planned the entire project over eight days.
He sat for four consecutive days, took a few months break, and then did another four consecutive days. Eight full days of tattooing. Not everyone can or should do that. It’s a huge physical demand, but Oriol handled it impressively well. It was a great experience, and it showed how much can be done in a compressed schedule when someone is fully committed and has a high pain tolerance. Projects like this are rare, but they’re memorable.
Working around an old tattoo
Sometimes an older tattoo isn’t something you want to get rid of, and that’s completely fine. A sleeve can be designed to incorporate that piece in a way that still feels cohesive. It might become part of a background element, sit within the composition, or be framed in a way that gives it new life. It doesn’t always have to be covered to work.
And yes, leg sleeves too
Leg sleeves are just as fun to design. They come with their own challenges because the leg is a larger surface and the skin behaves differently in different areas. But the principles are the same: flow, composition, and working with the shape of the body.
Sleeves take time, planning and patience, but watching them come together is always worth it. They’re a collaboration between me and the client, and every session adds another layer to the final piece. If you’re thinking about starting a sleeve, whether it’s your arm or your leg, feel free to send me a message. I’m happy to look at your ideas and help you plan the best approach.
Thanks for reading,
Tibor