How much does a sleeve cost?

The age old question. It’s the same as asking how long is a piece of string? How much is a car?

A tattoo sleeve is one of the biggest commitments you can make when it comes to body art, not just creatively, but financially too. There are so many variables which contribute to the final cost of a sleeve.

How do tattoo artists charge?

Most tattoo artists work on either:

• Hourly rates - averages range from $150-$350 per hour, depending on experience, demand and location.

• Day rates - which is a flat fee charged for a full day of tattooing (usually about 6-8 hours , depending on the artist)

No two sleeves cost the same. The final price depends on a few key factors:

• Design complexity: No matter what style, designs with more intricate details will require more time than ones which don’t

• Size of the individuals limbs: larger areas usually means more time is required

• Artists skill level: More experienced or in-demand artists may have a higher rate. It’s important to note that while another less experienced artist may charge less, they might require more sessions to complete the sleeve.

• How well you sit: Pain tolerance varies from each person and each body part. More breaks, more squirming around = longer sessions = higher cost

Even small differences in these factors can change the price significantly.

Why are sleeves so expensive?

Are they? A sleeve isn’t just “one big tattoo”, it’s a large scale custom project. It involves:

• Multiple sessions over weeks or months (depending on the factors above, a sleeve can take up to 4-10 sessions (on average)

• Custom design work and planning

• Long hours of detailed tattooing

If you’re thinking about getting a sleeve, the best approach is to do your research and find an artist whose work you love and enquire through them.

And, here’s a hot tip: don’t just ask for an artist’s hourly or day rate. Artists don’t all work at the same rate. Ask for an estimate of hours in addition to their rate,

A sleeve is a big investment and will be on you forever, so it’s important not to compromise on quality.