We’ve dealt with so many clients over the years who struggle with how to lay out and plan a big piece of art. Here are some pointers for those of you who plan to get a large area of there body tattooed. These areas would include: full coverage on the arms, legs, chest & stomach, back, and even ribcage.

1) Find an artist that is familiar with doing large tattoos.

There are so many amazing artists out there, so don’t limit yourself to the guy who’s done all your little tattoos at a discounted price. If they have never spent multiple 6 to 8 hr sessions working on a large piece, then your work will reflect their inexperience. This is a long term commitment on your part and the artist, make sure your artist is capable of doing this type of work. Many larger designs have to be drawn right on the skin, so that they will complement the body. Make sure your artist can draw and not just copy a picture off the wall.

2) Pick a Subject for your tattoo.

Usually people will think because it’s a large area, that they can fit as much in there as possible. BAD IDEA! Pick one main subject, two or three if the detail allows. Too much makes the design less appealing and no one will even know what it is from a distance. If you do a very large detailed piece of work, it will age better and more people including yourself will better appreciate the art in the design.

3) Take photos of yourself.

These pictures will be great for the artist and yourself to help plan out your tattoo. Rough sketching can be done on these to give you a better idea of how the tattoo will lay out on your body. Look at things like the shape of the body, skin quality, and if there are any scars, moles, existing tattoos that will need to be considered when doing the tattoo.

All tattoos should follow the “lines of flow” meaning fit well with the curves of the body. For example, straight lines, circles and even lettering (writing) do not fit well on the body. If done small on an area with no movement, it’s not usually a problem. If done very large, anywhere your skin moves or stretches will distort these much more than a piece of art designed to fit that location on the body.

4) Research your ideas and get reference pictures.

Reference pictures are the best way to convey to your artist what it is your looking for. Many people try to explain what they would like to have but, ideas on paper take out the guess work and get right to the point. Make sure the ideas you have will work well with the area you plan to cover. Look for the lines of flow as we mentioned in #3. This is something your artist should be able to help you with. Discuss the best way to lay out your idea, paper and skin are two different things - trust your artist when it comes to what will look the best.

5) Do not let time and money be an issue.

Large tattoos involve a lot of time, money, pain and commitment. One big mistake people make is getting many small tattoos and later wanting to turn them into a full sleeve or back piece. This may look good when your finished but, could have been 1000 times better if you had planned the whole design from the beginning. The idea of having a large part of your body tattooed is only impressive if the work is worth looking at.

Depending on the time it takes to complete your tattoo, it’s always better in moderation. Don’t try to finish the whole thing in a set amount of time or for and exact price you have set in your mind. The truth is the less you complain about how much it costs and if you have it finished before your vacation or whatever. The more the artist will enjoy working on you and will put their heart into it. Rush the artist and you deserve a rush job. Haggle about the cost and you’ll get exactly what you pay for.

6) Plan this into your Monthly or Quarterly expenses.

As we mentioned before, this is a long term commitment. Most of our regulars working on large areas of the body will book 1 to 2 appointments a month. Sitting sometimes 2 hrs at a time to 8 hrs at at time, depending on what best fits their budget. Usually allowing about 2 to 3 weeks between appointments to allow time for healing. Many clients start projects like this but, due to poor planning many never see it finished. To give you an idea of costs a full sleeve at our studio completed could cost anywhere from $2,000 to $5.000 depending on detail, and if done in color or black & gray. Estimates on Full backs and legs are starting at $5,000 and up. These projects can take sometimes months to years to finish. This is a big investment and one you will take to your grave so plan and save, it will be worth it in the end.