It’s becoming more common for people to get a few tattoos as tattoos are increasingly popular. It’s likely that most young people in big cities will have at least one tattoo. Even though tattoos are becoming more common, large tattoos remain the domain of the few. This is because a small number of people not only love tattoos, but are also willing to tackle what can be quite a daunting task. This is the definitive guide for anyone who wants to get a large tattoo. We are here to help you if you have any questions about getting a large tattoo.
Do you really want a large tattoo?
It can be easy to fall in love with large tattoos when you scroll through Instagram late at night. Before you make that appointment to get a tattoo, take a moment to think about whether you really want one. It might be a sign you should reconsider your decision to get a large tattoo if you are unable to answer all the questions on this checklist.
I AM I ABLE TO PUT A LOT OF MONEY IN A TATTOO?
The more intricate a tattoo is, and the longer it takes to complete, the more costly it will be. A large tattoo can be expensive if you don’t go to a professional studio. Large tattoos may not be the right choice for you if you are hesitant about spending a lot on them. You’re spending money on something that will be permanent. This is not the time to reduce costs or find budget options.
DO I WANT TO LOOKS TATTOOED?
Although it is possible to get some attention to your tattoos on visible parts of your body, such as your arms, they won’t have any significant impact on how you view the outside world. If you have large tattoos, strangers will notice them and may even take a look at you. While some people find it attractive, others may find it a problem. This will affect your ability to work at certain places , and could be a concern for their family members or friends. It’s worth considering.
CAN I CONSENT TO AFTERCARE
People often forget about the difficult part of getting tattoos. They think back to the initial tattoo appointment. A large tattoo will be something you have to care for your whole life. It will hurt for two to four weeks after the tattoo is applied. You’ll need to care for it throughout your life to ensure it doesn’t fade. This includes being careful in the sunlight . You might not be ready to get a large tattoo if you don’t like sunscreen.
TIPS YOU MUST KEEP IN MIND PRIOR TO GETTING A BIG TATTOO
Ok, you have answered all the questions. All you have to do is agree to the large tattoo. That appointment is coming up. Here are some things you need to know before you step into the studio.
PAIN
First, you might be in for some pain. Reut Bitton is an architect and tattoo lover. He says that some areas are more painful than others, such as the armpit. You might consider skipping large tattoos in these areas if you have a low pain threshold. The pain associated with getting a tattoo is temporary, and the payoff will last forever. So it may be worth it!
DISTRACTION
Kay Ruby, a music student and tattoo artist recommends that you plan ahead to keep yourself busy during the appointment. You can bring something to read/watch or do, but you should also bring a friend. There will be a time when your brain is tired and you are unable to distract yourself. You should bring snacks and drinks. While this will keep your blood sugar levels up, it won’t stop the adrenaline/sugar crash after five hours of being on the table.
AFFORDABLE TIME
The two tattoo artists mentioned earlier warn that a large tattoo can have a negative impact on your life beyond the day it is completed. Bitton says, “Having a large tattoo can strain your entire body.” Get enough sleep the night before. Have something to eat the morning of. Do not make plans after the event – let your body rest and heal.
MULTIPLE SESSIONS
There is always the possibility of having to have your large tattoo done in multiple sessions. This is especially true if it becomes larger and more complicated. It is common to start with the outlining, before moving on to color and shading later. This will make the tattoo more difficult.
Talk to your tattoo artist in detail before you get your tattoo. This will ensure that you are fully informed and avoid any surprises. You might need to limit the size and complexity of your tattoos if you don’t want to wait for it to be finished.
LARGE TATTOO AFTERCARE
A large tattoo can be difficult to care for. It might take more effort if you have had smaller tattoos. It may be necessary to plan months ahead to ensure that you get your tattoos in the correct seasons.
Amy Gilat, vegan kitchen manager and tattoo collector, says, “I recommend getting tattoos either in the fall or the spring because that’s when it’s the best time to heal.” You should avoid sun exposure for at least one month after getting a tattoo. Your new piece of art will need to be covered with ointment twice daily and allowed to dry. It’s difficult to cover moist skin in winter, so it doesn’t make sense.
As with all tattoos it is important to follow the instructions of your artist to heal them. It is important to wash your tattoos with soap and warm water at least twice daily. It is important to avoid touching and scratching a newly tattoo.
This can be difficult because larger tattoos are more likely to be itchy and harder to remove. Ruby shares a tip from a tattoo lover: “Keep a few wet towels in your fridge, and place one over the tattoo if it starts itching.” Others swear to rub the area around the tattoo and moisturize it. It is important to not scratch the tattoo. This can cause damage and ruin the tattoo.
Itching is normal and expected during healing. Itching is normal after a tattoo heals. Itching that persists after a tattoo is removed can be considered normal. However, as many as six per cent of people get an infection within two weeks after getting a tattoo. It is best to consult your doctor if you are unsure.
TATTOO PLACEMENT FOR LARGE CHILDREN
There are many considerations when it comes to large tattoo placements. These are not the same considerations as for smaller tattoos. You need to think holistically when you get large tattoos.
Ruby explains, “If there are other tattoos you would like to have in the same area, make sure to consider where the large tattoo will be placed. It’ll distract from your ability to do other things. It might not be a good idea to get something large in the middle or back of your body. This will make it difficult to add more tattoos later.
There are only certain areas of your body that can accommodate large tattoos. Large pieces can be placed on the back, torso and thighs. If you are looking to add sleeves, the arms are a good option. If you have a large tattoo that you want to place on your neck or hands, then you need to be ready for it to take up more space, either down onto your shoulders or onto your arm.
If you are looking for large tattoos, you should consider getting back tattoos, chest tattoos and sleeves.
Large Tattoo Designs, Styles, and Colors
DESIGN
One big question you need to ask when planning and designing large tattoos is: Will it be one cohesive piece or a series of smaller pieces? You can get a single large design, such as an animal, or you can have a lot of smaller pieces like a sleeve and back. It’s also possible to use multiple design elements that are visually or thematically related. You can start with only one piece of tattoo design, knowing you will come back to improve the work later. Ruby warns that large tattoos are more difficult to cover up or remove than smaller ones.
When designing large tattoos, it is important to think ahead. You should consider what tattoos you have already and those you plan to get. It’s not just about making room for more tattoos but also how they will look together. Consider this: If you have many American traditional tattoos, how would a geometric sleeve compare to them? Will you want to have a realistic chest piece or neorealism tattoo placed on your shoulder later? While any choice is valid, it’s important that you are thoughtful and deliberate when considering large tattoos.
COLOR
Large tattoos in can look great in both black and full color. A large tattoo can become a more prominent part of your style than a smaller one. If you have a sleeve you can use it as an accessory to every outfit. Would you rather have a permanent accessory in every color of the rainbow than a sleeve? One that is both black and gray? One that stays true to the color scheme you are most fond of? It’s perfectly acceptable to choose that you love color, and want an all-blue sleeve. However, this doesn’t mean it will match every outfit you wear with it. You can also choose something neutral as it is more likely to look good regardless of what you wear.
STYLE
Nearly all tattoo styles can look great on a larger scale. All tattoo styles, from old school to Neotraditional to Neotraditional to Realistic to Tribal to Japanese look natural and accurate even when they are large. For large tattoos, you can also use watercolor, biochemical, and geometric styles. Some styles aren’t suitable for large tattoos. For example, fine line single-needle tattoos don’t make sense when you have a large tattoo. Dotwork and line work tattoos are sometimes borderline. For small tattoos, using only dots to shade is a great stylistic option. However, for larger tattoos it can be more difficult. You may still love the end result, but it is up to you whether it is worth it.
TATTOOS, LARGE AND AGING
As we’ve said, tattoos can be very expensive. It’s crucial to understand and prepare for tattoo aging. You will be more concerned about ensuring that the ink doesn’t bleed or fade over time, the more skin you have. You may actually be able to get larger tattoos. Gilat states that larger tattoos age faster than smaller ones that blurrier more quickly.
However, tattoos will age over time and you cannot control how much bleeding or blowout happens. Your tattoo location can have an impact on how they look. Your tattoos will fade quicker if they are located in areas that see a lot of wear and tear like your hands or clothing that rubs against it. The tattoos on the back and in protected areas such as the back will last longer.
You can minimize the damage done to tattoos by protecting them from the sun. No matter how tattooed your skin is, the sun accelerates its aging process. This effect can manifest as wrinkles on certain areas of your skin. However, if you have tattooed skin it will show up as fading. Sun protection is essential to prevent the natural aging process from being exacerbated.
Bitton says, “Ensure that you use sunscreen whenever you go in the sun (even in the shade), and if possible avoid direct sunlight on your tattoo.” People who care about the longevity of tattoos will do more than just apply sunscreen. They will also avoid the sun altogether and buy UV-blocking clothing when it is necessary. Although it is not necessary to do so, it will make a difference.
Not to be overlooked is the fact that some tattoo styles will age faster than others. Bold tattoos will last longer than those with lighter colors and thinner lines. A tattoo style such as American traditional or tribal will last longer than a watercolor one.
LARGE TATTOO TOUCHUPS
As we mentioned, tattoo aging can be prevented in certain cases. Our skin naturally sheds and grows over time. It is common for large tattoo owners to have touch-ups to keep their tattoos looking great even after years. Touch-ups for tattoos are usually performed by your artist to clean up lines and add details. They may also be used to fix any color or shading issues that have become blurred or dull.
Good news: Tattoo touch-ups are less painful, more time-consuming, and less expensive than the original tattoo. It will cost you money and take some time to heal. However, you should be aware that large tattoos may need touch-ups over the years. This is especially true if your design doesn’t follow the “bold will stand” rule.
You don’t have to worry about how your tattoo age. Tattoos are personal. You can decide if you’re happy with the way your tattoo has aged and healed. You may not notice the difference between a photo of your tattoo today and one taken on the day it was created.
TATTOO MASTERS – LARGE
A trusted artist will make it easier for you to be happy with large tattoos over the long-term. You will be more comfortable if the artist you choose is skilled in large tattoos. They will know how to make clients feel at ease over long sessions. The process of creating your tattoo can be a fun artistic collaboration that will bring you both joy.
Gilat says, “When I get tattooed, I know exactly what I want. But, I also listen to the advice of my tattoo artist about it.” He always allowed me to change my plans in order to make the tattoo look good over the years.” The tattoo artist is likely to know more about tattoos than you and has been tattooing hundreds, if not thousands of tattoos. If they are a professional artist, you can trust their opinions.
This post was written by J Michael Taylor. J Michael Taylor is an artist and owner of Black Amethyst Tattoo Gallery. Looking for Tattoo shops in St petersburg Florida? Black Amethyst has you covered! They provide an art-first approach to custom tattooing in a gallery setting.
