How long will my tattoo take? What does my budget tell you?
It's a complicated question, and it's tough to give an estimate until the drawing is done and sized on the body.
For a specific estimate, ask your artist once proposal is accepted and your artist should be able to give you a time-range.
Jr. Artists are still building up hand-speed and should be expected to take on the longer end of estimates and sometimes
longer.
Factors on how long a tattoo takes include the size, the level of detail, the size of the line, and the placement on the body.
Thicker lines tend to go faster than finer lines.
More detail/texture/stippling takes longer.
Solid black and starry skies take longer than just lines.
Color or full shading takes longer than just lines.
What does your budget tell us?
If your budget is larger in relation to the size of your design, we can use finer
lines, more detail, stippling, solid black, etc.
If you are hoping for a piece with a smaller budget, we’ll gravitate towards thicker lines, less detail, less stippling/black fill.”
We can come up with a version of your piece within the ranges to match your budget, but for the best possible version of your piece a flexible budget will help.
Some extremely basic estimates for a blackwork tattoo:
Forearm single side: 2-5+ hours
Forearm complete wrap: 4-6+ hours
Upper
arm half sleeve: 3-6+ hours
Full sleeve: 9-12+ hours
Inner upper arm: 1.5-3 hours
Back of upper arm: 1.5-4 hours
Shoulder cap: 3-5+ hours
Upper back: 2-8+ hours
Large back: 4-12+ hours
Full back: 12-20+ hours
Chest: 4-6+ hours
Full front torso: 8-20+ hours
Sternum: 2-4 hours
Stomach: 2-4 hours
Thigh single side: 3-5+ hours
Thigh partial wrap: 6-12+ hours
Thigh full wrap: 9-15+ hours
Calf or shin: 2-4+ hours
Lower leg full-wrap: 6-12+ hours
For heavy blackfill, be prepared to add significant additional time.
Extra Large Budget (can be double than above estimates): Heavy solid blackfill with highest level of detail.
Large Budget (high end of the scale above): Fine line details, areas of blackfill (or color), stippling/cosmic texture, denser coverage
Lower-Mid Budget: Thicker Lines instead of fine line detail, more negative space around design, no blackfill, minimal texture/stippling
How Bad do Forearm Tattoos Hurt?
Forearm tattoos typically don’t hurt as much as other areas of the body, but there can be some discomfort as with any type of body art tattoo.
Sleeve tattoos are popular because there is a large segment of skin to have a canvas for art on. You can basically draw a world map on them, going across and around the entire forearm.
Couples also have great ideas for sharing matching tattoos on their forearms. We use our arms and hands each day around other people, making tattoos present in those locations more easily seen.
Forearm tattoos always make a statement. Yours will be personal and represent you in the best way it possibly can, showcasing the best of the best of body art through symbolism and aesthetics.
Do Inner Forearm Tattoos Hurt?
The worst part of the forearm to get tattooed is probably the wrist area. Even with smaller tattoos, the feeling of the needle hitting the tendons of your arm can not just be painful, but uncomfortable. Some people liken this feeling to a cat scratching you over and over, but for others, it’s not as painful as on the meatier parts of the skin.
Your general pain tolerance is always going to be your best barometer of whether or not a tattoo is going to hurt or not, but you can always ask others with a similar tolerance as to their experience. Researching how generally painful the area is beforehand is a good idea also, as it’s always better to know what to expect than not.
Do Forearm Tattoos Look Good?
The negative space on the arms is perfect for drawing upon, and artists have used the forearm area to help typify hundreds of exceptional tattoos ideas for men and women. There is asexuality regarding this type of tattoo, so the symbols that can be used for it are nearly endless and full of possibility.
Forearm tattoo design is a practiced discipline, and there are many kinds of ideas that you can literally draw upon. The forearm can accommodate everything from a tiny personal symbol to a huge overarching piece that people will notice each time they see you.
Whether you are someone who loves talking about their body art or you just want a personal reminder of someone special, you can’t go wrong with forearm tattoos. As such, they are incredibly popular and versatile, so don’t be afraid to experiment with stylized designs or draw out something entirely new.
How Long Does it Take for a Tattoo on the Forearm to Heal?
Healing for forearm tattoos can vary widely. If you got something large like an entire sleeve, healing will obviously take many months. For something smaller, like an inner arm tattoo symbol, you’re looking at two weeks at best.
Since a tattoo is essentially and open wound, take care to not expose it to dirty water or chemicals that can make your skin irritated and sensitive. You may want to wait awhile before showering in order to prevent any unnecessary “softening” of the area.
Don’t pick at any scabs that form, and try to only scratch them if necessary, since these are essential to healing. They allow adequate blood flow and aeration for the area that keep scars from forming. If you end up picking off your scabs, you’re going to leave behind a nasty scar for little to no benefit.
Are Forearm Tattoos Bad for Jobs?
Some jobs require individuals with forearm tattoos to cover them up during the time that they’re at work. Ambulance companies are a good example of this, requiring their EMTs and paramedics to wear color-specific, long sleeve shirts or coverings in order to prevent anyone seeing their arm tattoos.
Corporate companies of all kinds tend to frown upon visible tattoos, especially on the forearm, as this part of the body is presented to potential clients and superiors daily, and no one wants to have a potentially bad explanation as to what a symbolic tattoo might mean when presented to someone else.
This is not always due to an inherent stigma of tattoos, but rather in creating an environment where employees are presented as similar uniformed persons, all representative of a company. Individuality is not always praised in these types of jobs, as there is one thing that must be done consistently and without potential distraction, no matter how small that might be.
Will a Forearm Tattoo Stretch?
Forearm tattoos for both men and women have a potential of stretching with old age or as the muscles of the arm deteriorate or strengthen. However, this is typically not that noticeable even over time, as plenty of people have had sleeves since they were young and are now old enough to present a sample size of this.
The best thing you can do is not to worry about the long term appearance of your tattoo. At worst, you’ll need to go back in after awhile for a touch up, as all tattoo ink fades over time or with lesser quality ink.
Long Term Care:
If you spend a lot of time in the sun, the ink in your tattoo will fade much faster. Be sure to use sunblock when you spend a lot of time outdoors in the clearer, warmer weather. Over time, you won’t regret it.
No matter how well you take care of your tattoo, it will still fade over time. Your body’s skin color may make it look a bit different than its first application, but you don’t have to worry about that if you have a trustworthy shop to go to and do touch ups on it.
You can always check out another shop than the one that initially did your tattoo, as you can get a fresh take on it or further suggestions with how to improve it. You might even walk out with a completely new piece of work by the time you’re done.
Our Favourite Tattoo Aftercare
After Inked
After Inked Tattoo Moisturizer delivers effective skin moisturization and helps to preserve the colours of your tattoos. There’s no petroleum so it won’t stick to or stain your clothes. This moisturizing skin lotion, enriched with Grape Seed Oil, can also be used on any permanent makeup procedure on lips, brows, eye liner, and areola, as well as an after-laser tattoo removal moisturizing lotion. After Inked is Dermatologist tested, non-allergenic and non-irritating.
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PurSan
PurSan Aftercare is a specially formulated Vegan skin cleanser used to clean and moisturize as part of an aftercare regimen for fresh tattoos and piercings. It revitalizes, refreshes and purifies skin without drying it out. Gentle yet effective, PurSan contains no parabens, fragrances, colourants or alcohol. Chloroxylenol (PCMX) is a proven antimicrobial ingredient shown to be effective against bacteria and viruses without burning or irritating the skin. Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (Hypromellose) is an ultra-high grade lubricant ideal for sensitive skin.
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Ready to Explore Your Forearm Tattoo?
At Chronic Ink Tattoo, our talented artists are ready to help you explore pieces for your forearm and other tattoos to make sure you find something you’ll want to show off for decades to come. If you’re in the Toronto, Markham, Mississauga, Kitsilano Vancouver area drop by our shop and check us out for yourself.
Tell us Your Idea
Tattoo Studio Locations
Downtown Toronto
378 Yonge Street,
2nd Floor,
Toronto, Ontario
M5B 1S6
Directions
Midtown Toronto
252 Eglinton Ave East,
2nd Floor,
Toronto, Ontario
M4P 1K2
Directions
Markham
7381 Kennedy Road,
Unit #105,
Markham, Ontario
L3R 5B5
Directions
Mississauga
100 City Centre Dr.,
Unit #2-311,
Mississauga, Ontario
L5N 2C9
Directions
Vancouver
1804 W 4th Ave,
Vancouver, British Columbia
V6J 1M3
Directions
Looking for your next Tattoo Idea?
Browse our selection of one of a kinda tattoo designs created by our Chronic Ink artists. Each piece is individual and will only ever be tattooed once.
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Fill out the form below to book a free consultation or tell us your idea. We’ll contact you with the estimated price and how many sessions you will need to complete your request. We’ll contact you with the estimated price and how
many sessions you will need to complete your request. Name Please enter your first name Email Please enter your email Phone Please enter a valid phone number Complete This 1-Minute Survey to Receive Your FREE Tattoo EstimateTell Us Your Idea
Great, thank you for your custom tattoo inquiry!
Someone will be in touch with you shortly about your request.
Return Home
Sorry, there was an error submitting your answers. Please try again later or try calling one of our locations for assistance.
Return Home
Which Province do you want to visit us in?
Pick one of the options below.
Help us figure out your tattoo idea and which tattoo artist is best for you!
Let’s get started. Would you like to get a Colour Tattoo or a Black and Grey Tattoo?
Colour
Black & Grey
Partial Colour
What style would you like to get for your tattoo?
Pick one of the images below.
Realism
Micro Tattoo
Fine Line
Asian
Illustrative
Script
Blackwork
Fineline Floral
Embroidery
Toon/Cute
Pet Portraits
Anime
Micro Realism
Other / Dont Know?
Approximately how big would you like your tattoo?
Pick one of the options below.
2x2 inches
4x4 inches
6x6 inches
8x8 inches
Larger Than 8x8
Other / Dont Know?
Where are you putting your tattoo?
Draw on the diagram where you would like to place your tattoo.
Can You Please Give Us an Idea of The Subject?
Describe the subject of your tattoo.
Would you prefer to start your consultation process over the phone or email?
Pick one of the options below.
Tell us your idea!
Consultation Location & Inquiry Type
The best way to finalize your design, pick the right artist, and book your appointment is to set up a free tattoo consultation. Chose the studio closest to you. We can’t wait to help you get your tattoo started!
Pick A Studio most closest to you
We Can’t Wait to Hear Your Ideas
Consultation Date and Time
The best way to finalize your design, pick the right artist, and book your appointment is to set up a free tattoo phone consultation. Chose the day and time that work best for you, and we’ll give you a call. We can’t wait to help you get your tattoo started!
Select date and time for consultation
Tell us your idea!
Confirmation
The best way to finalize your design, pick the right artist, and book your appointment is to set up a free tattoo consultation. Chose the studio closest to you. We can’t wait to help you get your tattoo started!
Confirmation
Which Province do you want to visit us in?
Pick one of the options below.
Help us figure out your tattoo idea and which tattoo artist is best for you!
Let’s get started. Would you like to get a Colour Tattoo or a Black and Grey Tattoo?
Colour
Black & Grey
Partial Colour
What style would you like to get for your tattoo?
Pick one of the images below.
Realism
Micro Tattoo
Fine Line
Asian
Illustrative
Script
Blackwork
Fineline Floral
Embroidery
Toon/Cute
Pet Portraits
Anime
Micro Realism
Other / Dont Know?
Approximately how big would you like your tattoo?
Pick one of the options below.
2x2 inches
4x4 inches
6x6 inches
8x8 inches
Larger Than 8x8
Other / Dont Know?
Where are you putting your tattoo?
Draw on the diagram where you would like to place your tattoo.
Can You Please Give Us an Idea of The Subject?
Describe the subject of your tattoo.
Would you prefer to start your consultation process over the phone or email?
Pick one of the options below.
Tell us your idea!
Consultation Location & Inquiry Type
The best way to finalize your design, pick the right artist, and book your appointment is to set up a free tattoo consultation. Chose the studio closest to you. We can’t wait to help you get your tattoo started!
Pick A Studio most closest to you
We Can’t Wait to Hear Your Ideas
Consultation Date and Time
The best way to finalize your design, pick the right artist, and book your appointment is to set up a free tattoo phone consultation. Chose the day and time that work best for you, and we’ll give you a call. We can’t wait to help you get your tattoo started!
Select date and time for consultation
Tell us your idea!
Confirmation
The best way to finalize your design, pick the right artist, and book your appointment is to set up a free tattoo consultation. Choose the studio closest to you. We can’t wait to help you get your tattoo started!
Confirmation
Which Province do you want to visit us in?
Pick one of the options below.
Is Your Tattoo Colour or Black & Grey?
Colour
Black & Grey
Partial Colour
What are you looking for from laser removal?
Complete Removal
Preperation for Cover Up
I Don't Know?
Approximately how big would you like your tattoo?
Pick one of the options below.
2x2 inches
4x4 inches
6x6 inches
8x8 inches
Larger Than 8x8
Other / Dont Know?
Where Is Your Unwanted Tattoo?
Draw where your unwanted tattoo is located
Would you prefer to start your consultation process over the phone or email?
Pick one of the options below.
Tell us your idea!
Consultation Location & Inquiry Type
The best way to finalize your design, pick the right artist, and book your appointment is to set up a free tattoo consultation. Chose the studio closest to you. We can’t wait to help you get your tattoo started!
Pick A Studio most closest to you
We Can’t Wait to Hear Your Ideas
Consultation Date and Time
The best way to finalize your design, pick the right artist, and book your appointment is to set up a free tattoo phone consultation. Chose the day and time that work best for you, and we’ll give you a call. We can’t wait to help you get your tattoo started!
Select date and time for consultation
Tell us your idea!
Confirmation
The best way to finalize your design, pick the right artist, and book your appointment is to set up a free tattoo consultation. Chose the studio closest to you. We can’t wait to help you get your tattoo started!
Confirmation
Which Province do you want to visit us in?
Pick one of the options below.
Book Your Ear Piercing or Body Piercing Today!
To book a time in one of our piercing studios use one of these links. Please note, due to COVID restrictions it is necessary to have an appointment when visiting our studios.
Which Province do you want to visit us in?
Pick one of the options below.
Please let us know your Scalp Micropigmentation related questions.
For any Scalp Micropigmentation related questions, please contact us via the form below. Our staff will be happy to help with any questions that you may have.
Which Province do you want to visit us in?
Pick one of the options below.
Please let us know your Microshading or Microblading related questions.
For any Microshading or Microblading related questions, please contact us via the form below. Our staff will be happy to help with any questions that you may have.
Tell Us Your Idea
Fill out the form below to book a free consultation or tell us your idea. We’ll contact you with the estimated price and how many sessions you will need to complete your request.
We’ll contact you with the estimated price and how many sessions you will need to complete your request.
Name
Please enter your first name
Please enter your email
Phone
Please enter a valid phone number
Complete This 1-Minute Survey to Receive Your FREE Tattoo Estimate
Great, thank you for your custom tattoo inquiry!
Someone will be in touch with you shortly about your request.
Return Home
Sorry, there was an error submitting your answers. Please try again later or try calling one of our locations for assistance.
Return Home
Which Province do you want to visit us in?
Pick one of the options below.
Ontario
British Columbia
Help us figure out your tattoo idea and which tattoo artist is best for you!
Let’s get started.Would you like to get a Colour Tattoo or a Black and Grey Tattoo?
Black and Grey
Colour
Spot Colour
Colour
Spot Colour
Undecided
What style would you like to get for your tattoo?
Select one of the images below.
Realism
Asian
Micro Tattoo
Fine Line
Illustrative
Script
Blackwork
Blackwork Floral
American Traditional
Other / Dont Know?
Where are you putting your tattoo?
Click on the diagram where you would like to place your tattoo.
- Front
- Back
Approximately whats location and size would you like your tattoo?
Draw on the diagram to let us know.
Help us gauge the size your tattoo.
Select which t-shirt size best fits you.
Can you give us an idea of the subject matter?
Describe the imagery of your tattoo.
Would you prefer to start your consultation process over the phone or email?
Pick one of the options below.
Tell us your idea!
Consultation Location & Inquiry Type
The best way to finalize your design, pick the right artist, and book your appointment is to set up a free tattoo consultation. Chose the studio closest to you. We can’t wait to help you get your tattoo started!
Pick A Studio most closest to you
We Can’t Wait to Hear Your Ideas
Consultation Date and Time
The best way to finalize your design, pick the right artist, and book your appointment is to set up a free tattoo phone consultation. Chose the day and time that work best for you, and we’ll give you a call. We can’t wait to help you get your tattoo started!
Select date and time for consultation
Tell us your idea!
Confirmation
The best way to finalize your design, pick the right artist, and book your appointment is to set up a free tattoo consultation. Chose the studio closest to you. We can’t wait to help you get your tattoo started!
Confirmation
Which Province do you want to visit us in?
Pick one of the options below.
Ontario
British Columbia
Help us figure out your tattoo idea and which tattoo artist is best for you!
Let’s get started.Would you like to get a Colour Tattoo or a Black and Grey Tattoo?
Black and Grey
Colour
Spot Colour
Colour
Spot Colour
Undecided
What style would you like to get for your tattoo?
Select one of the images below.
Realism
Asian
Micro Tattoo
Fine Line
Illustrative
Script
Blackwork
Blackwork Floral
American Traditional
Other / Dont Know?
Where are you putting your tattoo?
Click on the diagram where you would like to place your tattoo.
- Front
- Back
Approximately whats location and size would you like your tattoo?
Draw on the diagram to let us know.
Help us gauge the size your tattoo.
Select which t-shirt size best fits you.
Can you give us an idea of the subject matter?
Describe the imagery of your tattoo.
Would you prefer to start your consultation process over the phone or email?
Pick one of the options below.
Tell us your idea!
Consultation Location & Inquiry Type
The best way to finalize your design, pick the right artist, and book your appointment is to set up a free tattoo consultation. Chose the studio closest to you. We can’t wait to help you get your tattoo started!
Pick A Studio most closest to you
We Can’t Wait to Hear Your Ideas
Consultation Date and Time
The best way to finalize your design, pick the right artist, and book your appointment is to set up a free tattoo phone consultation. Chose the day and time that work best for you, and we’ll give you a call. We can’t wait to help you get your tattoo started!
Select date and time for consultation
Tell us your idea!
Confirmation
The best way to finalize your design, pick the right artist, and book your appointment is to set up a free tattoo consultation. Choose the studio closest to you. We can’t wait to help you get your tattoo started!
Confirmation
Which Province do you want to visit us in?
Pick one of the options below.
Ontario
British Columbia
Is Your Tattoo Colour or Black & Grey?
Colour
Black & Grey
Spot Colour
What are you looking for from laser removal?
Complete Removal
Preperation for Cover Up
I Don't Know?
Help us gauge the size your tattoo.
Select which t-shirt size best fits you.
Where are you putting your tattoo?
Click on the diagram where you would like to place your tattoo.
- Front
- Back
Approximately whats location and size would you like your tattoo?
Draw on the diagram to let us know.
Would you prefer to start your consultation process over the phone or email?
Pick one of the options below.
Tell us your idea!
Consultation Location & Inquiry Type
The best way to finalize your design, pick the right artist, and book your appointment is to set up a free tattoo consultation. Chose the studio closest to you. We can’t wait to help you get your tattoo started!
Pick A Studio most closest to you
We Can’t Wait to Hear Your Ideas
Consultation Date and Time
The best way to finalize your design, pick the right artist, and book your appointment is to set up a free tattoo phone consultation. Chose the day and time that work best for you, and we’ll give you a call. We can’t wait to help you get your tattoo started!
Select date and time for consultation
Tell us your idea!
Confirmation
The best way to finalize your design, pick the right artist, and book your appointment is to set up a free tattoo consultation. Chose the studio closest to you. We can’t wait to help you get your tattoo started!
Confirmation
Which Province do you want to visit us in?
Pick one of the options below.
Ontario
British Columbia
Book Your Ear Piercing or Body Piercing Today!
To book a time in one of our piercing studios use one of these links. Please note, due to COVID restrictions it is necessary to have an appointment when visiting our studios.
Which Province do you want to visit us in?
Pick one of the options below.
Ontario
British Columbia
Please let us know your Scalp Micropigmentation related questions.
For any Scalp Micropigmentation related questions, please contact us via the form below. Our staff will be happy to help with any questions that you may have.
Which Province do you want to visit us in?
Pick one of the options below.
Ontario
British Columbia
Please let us know your Microshading or Microblading related questions.
For any Microshading or Microblading related questions, please contact us via the form below. Our staff will be happy to help with any questions that you may have.