Tattoo size and timing

On this page, you can find the most popular sizes and a rough time estimate to get it done.

Tattoo time depends on the size, complexity of the design (more elements = more time) and placement on the body. Some body areas take longer to finish the tattoo because of the skin density and thickness. That means the same design and size on the calf and the collarbone will take different times, and the collarbone tattoo will take 20-30% longer.

Black&grey is usually faster than colour because of the type of application: it's very light, some parts of the skin stay untouched and using one colour saves time. Colour usually takes longer and feels more painful because of the intense type of application and fuller coverage. The more different colours you want to incorporate, the longer it takes. That means if, for example, you want two peonies with some small flowers and foliage 10-12" in size, in black in grey, it's one session (5-6 hours); in colour, it's two sessions (10-12 hours).

 One full-day session, colour, 5-6 hours

One full-day session, black and grey, 5-6 hours

Two full-day sessions, 10-12 hours

A sleeve tattoo (full wrap-around arm or leg) in black and grey takes a minimum of 4 full-day sessions, 20+ hours.

Colour sleeve takes a minimum of 6 full-day sessions, 30+ hours (final time depends on design, details, colours, and the size of the arm/leg)