Sleeve tattoos are generally expensive and time-consuming, especially if they cover the whole arm or leg.
For that reason, it is important to be honest with yourself and the budget you’re willing to set aside for it.
Once you have a clear idea of how big your tattoo budget is, you can start choosing artists to work with.
At Tattoo Stylist, our prices depend on complexity, size, and style – you can check out more here.
Now, when it comes to tattooing itself, a full sleeve tattoo can cost anywhere from $500 in lower-cost-of-living areas to $10,000+ if you go for a celebrity tattoo artist in big cities.
Some artists might also not be in your proximity, so travel costs need to be included, too.
In some cases you can get a fixed price for the whole project, or have it based on the hourly rate.
The latter options depends on the hourly rate of the artist and how much time the art takes to complete.
The time that it takes depends on the speed with which the artist can work, as well as how still you can be to allow them to work quickly.
For a design in full color, expect to spend at least two full days sitting for the piece, or be prepared to sit for multiple sessions.
Why are sleeve tattoos so expensive?
Tattoo sleeves can seem expensive to an outsider of the tattoo community, but when you consider how much preparation, designing, and time it takes to actually get it done, the reality is much different.
Just like in all matters of tattoo art, they are considered luxury, and sleeve tattoos are among them the premium level.
As it is one of the most visible tattoos and expensive investments, wouldn’t you like to get it done as professionally as possible and make it worth your while?
