One of the most popular types of tattoo is the sleeve tattoo. These tattoos are not just arm tattoos, like what most people know. They are tattoos that look like sleeves because they cover a large area of one part of the body (e.g. an arm or leg) with little or no skin showing.

As a rule, the designs of sleeve tattoos are intricate and cover, nearly completely, the skin on the arm normally covered by a shirt sleeve. Sleeve tattoos can also be done on the legs. Although these tattoos are traditionally more popular with men, a growing number of women are discovering this form of body art. These designs take patience and care.

You can find designs for sleeve tattoos online or at your local tattoo shop. There are ancient and modern designs available.

If you are into Japanese culture, you can combine different popular Japanese tattoos for your sleeve tattoo such as cherry blossoms, kanji or Japanese characters, koi fish, and samurai designs. Old Japanese culture includes ancient tattooing. And what better way to bring that culture back to life than by using Japanese designs for your tattoo.

Woman who are considering sleeve tattoos are most often drawn to floral designs. These complex patterns are often intertwining vines and leaves with blossoms in bright colors. Roses are particularly popular with the ladies, although men often use a rose motif as well, sometimes with skulls. For a more exotic look, the hibiscus designs are feminine and very pretty. The intricate designs of Indian tattoos are delicate and complex. Since the designs are primarily used for women in India, their delicate, lacy patterns can be very attractive.

Also popular with both men and women are Celtic knot work designs. Often seen in designs for crosses, the knot work designs have ancient religious associations. The designs are very intricate and can be done is just an outline color, or can be colored in to give a stained glass effect.

Tribal tattoos have become popular with young men. These are typically done in a single dark color and feature heavy lines. Most tribal tattoos are done in black ink, although if you chose to use color, the design will be more unique. The reason for the single ink, is that primitive cultures rarely had access to colored inks.

As you probably know, these tattoos are large and their designs or patterns are very complicated. You have to know that the larger and more complicated the tattoo is, the more expensive it will be. You also have to know that a popular artist will more likely ask you for a higher payment.

Before you get a sleeve tattoo, consider that it will be difficult to cover up. This tattoo is a statement, and you must be comfortable with your statement because you won’t be able to easily hide it.

Sleeve tattoos are nice to have especially if you like the big kind of tattoos that cover one big portion of your arms or legs. However, you should choose carefully which design you want to have for your sleeve tattoo because it cannot be easily hidden if for some reasons you do not like it.

Find more about small butterfly tattoos and other great cool tattoo ideas.

Tags: Tattoos