1. That’s a big tattoo for a first tattoo.

2. It’s tribal, none of it looks original anymore.

That is the only way I like tribal, big and bold like that. I don’t like small tribal pieces.

Just go to your artist with that picture and he can hook you up with what you want and change it up a bit for you.

It’s just that a sleeve is a big piece to get done, and if you don’t have any tattoos yet, then it’s a big jump. I’m not saying go and get a small tattoo first, but it’s something you need to commit to 100% and put a lot of thought into.

I’ve got a friend who has tribal done from the top of his shoulder to just above his elbow, and it looks fine as far as tribal goes. It wouldn’t be hard to add onto it later in life, but I’d get what you want done, whatever it is that pleases you.

Hi Poland

I have seen that model pic on so many websites and basically i think it is eyecandy for girls (and some boys) but I was seriously wondring if that is a real tattoo or if it has been painted on a model for the shot.

That aside a 3/4 piece of tribal as a first piece is nothing to be sniffed at – that is one big tattoo and will likely take 2-3 longish sittings or 3-6 shorter sittings. It depends how complex you want to go on it.

The way to make tribal a personal piece is this (I cannot stress enough here)

Get it shaped to your body. Many ppl get a piece of flash tribal slapped on and then wonder why it does not look great.

You need to get it planned so that it conforms to the shape of your shoulder and arm.

EG Got bulging biceps? Go for a lot of swirls and spikes that will really show off the big area.

Smaller arms? Go for something that wraps around the arm and runs smoothly to the shoulder.

Big shoulders – Go for something that can stretch across the shoulder and have room for really complex pattern or weave. You have the room so make full use of it. No point having a tiny bit of ink sitting on a sea of skin.

Smaller shoulders – you want something that does not crowd the area or look bunched up. Too much ink on a small space just looks crappy – keep it spread out and uniformed.

Also remember your body shape can and will change with age – so try and leave a little room for that.

Take several examples of different tribal you like – get the artist to measure up your physical build and then you will have some great looking tribal.

I would also consider you marking out with washable ink along your arm etc to get a feel of how it looks.

Good luck and post up when you are done.

Matthew

The pic you had posted is a simple photoshop. Probably took whoever did it about 5 mins to do.

Still shows what you were looking for though.

Cool idea.

Should make it a lot more personal.

It’s always cool to have tats with meaning although mine are pretty much just art. The only thing I have that isn’t pure art is my wizard has my son’s name written in the crystal ball he is holding.