Sleeve tattoos, which have been used in tribal cultures for centuries, have become more mainstream in recent years. Most often found on the arms, sleeve tattoos cover the arm in the way that a shirt sleeve would, from wrist to shoulder. They can also be done on the legs.

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.

If you are also planning to get a sleeve tattoo for yourself, here are some popular sleeve tattoo ideas.

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.

For females who want to have sleeve tattoos, floral design is a great sleeve tattoo idea. Different styles and patterns of flowers interwoven with leaves and twines can be a very interesting sleeve tattoo design. Flower sleeve tattoos also give you a chance to use bright colors for the flowers. Some nice flower tattoos that you can use for your sleeve tattoos are hibiscus and roses. For the rose tattoo, this can be both feminine and masculine, depending on how it was drawn.

Celtic tattoos usually feature knotworks that are very intricate and detailed. This knotwork covers one whole arm or leg. Some artists can draw animal tattoos using these knotworks. Celtic tattoos usually come in one color but it is up to you if you like to have a colourful celtic tattoo.

The exquisite knotwork of the ancient Celts is easily adapted into sleeve tattoos, often in the form of crosses. While many chose to simply outline the design, color can be added to give an added dimension to the design. Knot is part of religious symbolism and is supposed to have a protective quality.

Among young men, tribal tattoos are gaining in popularity. Ordinarily done in blck ink with wide lines, these tattoos have a primitive allure. Generally less intricate than oriental and other designs, tribal tattoos may be less expensive than more complex and colorful designs.

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 tatoos and other great sleeve tattoo ideas.

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An ancient tattoo idea, that has recently been finding more mainstream acceptance, is the sleeve tattoo. Once seen primarily in Island tribes and certain segments of the Japanese population, Sleeve tattoos are now being seen more and more in American culture.

The designs of sleeve tattoos are very intricate and complicated. Usually, they are colourful and depict several images with some unusual designs or patterns. These are popular among boys, especially those who belong in a rock band. But these days, you will see many girls sporting sleeve tattoos on their arms or legs.

There are a number of design themes for sleeve tattoos. The most important aspect is that the designs be continuous and unbroken.

Oriental designs are especially popular for these tattoos. Floral, fish and dragon designs are well suited to the sleeve area. The Japanese, in particular, have long history of body art and this includes sleeve tattoos. There are many old and new designs from which to chose. India has a respected culture of temporary tattoos, but the designs can also be done in permanent inks.

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.

Celtic tattoos usually feature knotworks that are very intricate and detailed. This knotwork covers one whole arm or leg. Some artists can draw animal tattoos using these knotworks. Celtic tattoos usually come in one color but it is up to you if you like to have a colourful celtic tattoo.

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.

Among young men, tribal tattoos are gaining in popularity. Ordinarily done in blck ink with wide lines, these tattoos have a primitive allure. Generally less intricate than oriental and other designs, tribal tattoos may be less expensive than more complex and colorful designs.

Getting a sleeve tattoo is a process that requires patience. It will take some time, probably several weeks to complete that tattoo. The completed areas have to be allowed to heal before additional details can be added. Your artist will be able to give you an estimate of the time it will take to complete your tattoo.

Before deciding on a sleeve tattoo, careful consideration should be given too the design and the choice of tattoo artist. Sleeve tattoos are not easily concealed, so that must be another consideration. This is not a project which should be undertaken lightly or impulsively.

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