Japanese sleeve
Half, three-quarter or full. One composition from shoulder to wrist.
The sleeve is the most popular large format in Japanese tattooing. Planned well, it reads as one piece, whether the whole of it shows under a T-shirt or only a part.
Types of sleeve
In the Japanese tradition a sleeve comes in several lengths, each with its own name.
- Half sleeve (gobu): from the shoulder to the elbow.
- Three-quarter sleeve (shichibu): from the shoulder to the middle of the forearm.
- Full sleeve (nagasode): from the shoulder to the wrist.
- Sleeve with a chest panel (hikae): the tattoo continues from the arm onto the chest.
How I plan a sleeve
An arm is not a flat sheet of paper. I place the main motif where there is the most room and where it will be seen best: on the upper arm or on the outside of the forearm. The background is led so that it passes the elbow naturally and ends in a clean line at the wrist.
A sleeve is usually built on one large motif, such as a dragon, a koi or a hannya mask, and one or two smaller ones, for example flowers. Too many elements on a small surface make the piece hard to read.
We choose the length according to how you want to wear the tattoo day to day and whether you plan to extend it later to the other arm, the chest or the back.
How many sessions a sleeve takes
A sleeve is made in stages. I usually start with the outline of the whole, then do the background and shading, and colour last. A full sleeve most often takes from several to a dozen or so sessions, depending on the amount of detail and how the skin takes the work.
The skin has to heal between sessions, so a sleeve is usually spread over a few months.
Work
Full portfolio
Formats
Other styles
FAQ
01How much does a tattoo cost?
The price depends on the size, the placement, the amount of detail and the number of sessions. Tell me what you want, give the size and placement and attach references, and I will prepare a quote for your project.
02What is the first step?
Message me on WhatsApp or Instagram: your idea, placement, approximate size and references. I will tell you whether it can be done, suggest a format and a rough price, and then we book a consultation or go straight to a session date.
03How far in advance should I book?
I usually book a few weeks ahead. For large projects we plan the following sessions straight away.
04How do I prepare for a session?
Get a good night’s sleep. Eat a proper meal before the session and drink plenty of water. Avoid alcohol and medication that affects blood clotting, provided stopping it is safe and agreed with your doctor. Wear comfortable clothes that give easy access to the area.
05Which styles do you tattoo?
Three: Japanese, neo-traditional and traditional. What they share is a bold outline and full colour, which is what makes a tattoo age well. Japanese is my main specialisation; neo-traditional and traditional I have tattooed alongside it for years.
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