Tattoo sleeve for men is a certain attribute of success and masculinity. Someone grows a beard, someone wears solid suits or branded things, and someone stuffs himself with tattoos.
In any case, every guy wants to stand out and emphasize his status.
Whoever said what, but not everyone can afford such "decoration". For those who do not know how much a tattoo sleeve costs, the price for it starts from several tens of thousands of rubles. Naturally, if we are talking about a qualitatively done work, not a tattoo from a drunken village master. This means that if there is a guy in front of you with a beautiful, powerful drawing on his whole arm, it means that he definitely has the money.
Such a symbol of wealth not only looks great, but also simplifies life in many aspects.
Men's sleeve and its types
I doubt that someone does not know what a male tattoo sleeve is, but just in case I will clarify. It's not just a tattoo on the arm, but an entire composition that takes up a decent portion of the upper limb.
They are significantly different from sleeves for girls. Women's tattoo sleeve, on the contrary, gives femininity to the owner and symbolizes very different things.
There are several types of sleeves themselves:
- Full or finished;
- Half sleeve;
- Three-quarter;
- Quarter.
Full Half.
Three-Quarter Quarter.
Let's look at each one in more detail below.
A full tattoo sleeve is when the entire arm is scored. From the wrist to the shoulder, across the entire diameter.
What a half sleeve looks like, I think it's not hard to guess - only half of the arm from the elbow to the wrist or to the shoulder is blocked.
Three-quarters, respectively, something in between the first two kinds. It can start from either the wrist or the shoulder.
Well, a quarter is half of the forearm or shoulder. Many people do not even consider this type for a sleeve, as it looks really not serious because of the small area of coverage. But, to score it, even one session is enough.
By the way, the sleeve often doesn't end there. It can continue on the hand as well as on the shoulder, chest and scapula.
Tattoo sleeve in men. The main varieties
Today guys sleeve tattoo can be all sorts of varieties, but the main criteria for the classifications are the area of the figure, occupying the arm, coloring, style of execution and theme. Let's start with the size of the tattoo sleeve, it can be different:
- classic full;
- half;
- quarter sleeve.
Opinion of the expert
Viola Madison.
Master tattooist, 8 years experience
Do you want to become the owner of a cool spectacular sleeve tattoo? Be prepared for several months or even years of work! A long time is devoted first to the selection of sketches, symbols and details of the large-scale composition, and then the master will perform the work step by step.
Full sleeve
The most difficult work both for the master and for the client is a full sleeve. This is a whole canvas, depicting an artistic composition, providing maximum latitude for the realization of fantasies. The drawing will start on the shoulder and end at the wrist. Sketches with a certain semantic load, authentic patterns and ornaments, abstraction and much more are appropriate here. The most common sketch today is Celtic patterns, Polynesia.
Half Sleeve.
A half-sleeve tattoo of this format can be placed only on the forearm, or descending from the shoulder to the elbow. No matter what a man chooses, characters, patterns, whole ornaments, plots, or symbols, the overall composition will not be as unwieldy as in the first option. The half sleeve has the considerable advantage of being concealable with clothing as needed.
Quarter Sleeve
A quarter tattoo in a sleeve format is like a mini version for beginners, when an uncomplicated composition is located between the elbow and shoulder or on half of the forearm. Such a pattern is not so flashy and visually challenging, in addition, it is easy to hide it with clothes. Yes, and the performance of the work will be easier and faster than in the previous options.
Combination of patterns and styles
Most often, the bottom and top of the entire composition are combined in meaning with each other. But this is not the only option.
Therefore, tattoo sleeves can be divided into types according to their concept:
- One drawing on the whole arm;
- Several drawings, but one plot and style;
- Different subjects or styles;
- a lot of unconnected drawings with the same style or background.
That's the way one likes it. Someone dreams all his life of a lonely crow on his arm and one day realizes the dream. And someone gets one tattoo on his arm for years, and when the space runs out, he combines them all with a beautiful background.
But if you combine different styles, keep in mind - it's easy to get tasteless. Styles like biomech, oldschool/newschool, thrash polka and tribal are better used separately.
Well, for example, by combining blackwork with ornamental, you can get an excellent unique tattoo sleeve sketch. A photo of such will not be ashamed to post on social networks.
Colored tattoos
Colored tattoos look interesting, cute and bright. However, their aesthetic meaning depends on the style of the tattoo. One of the most interesting and daring styles is the thrash polka. Thresh polka is provocative, bright and memorable drawings. They depict motifs of death, horror and torment combined with humor, sarcasm and vivid details. The images in the style of realism are in great demand - such tattoos require great skill from the performer, but the result will be worth the effort and time spent. Themes for such tattoos are portraits, natural and fantastic motifs or even parts of architectural structures. Maximum bright and clear-cut obtained in the style of old-school tattoos, most often this image of ships, butterflies, predatory animals, mermaids or the image of faces. It is because of the precise lines and volume effect that this style is very popular with customers.
Color or black and white.
In this question, there are as many people as there are opinions. Some want to look brutal and serious - they stuff a black sleeve or black and white. Others see nothing wrong with standing out from the gray mass and attracting attention - they cover their hands with colored sketches.
In addition, the light and shadows of the drawing itself are an important part. With their help, even a black and white drawing can look very effective.
If in doubt with the choice, there is a little tiphak. Look at your closet and match the colors of the tattoo to the colors of your clothing style. That way you won't miss the mark.
Cool designs for sleeve tattoos
Having decided on the technique of the tattoo, its style and color, you can start choosing a sketch. The drawing depends directly on the main idea behind the tattoo. Therefore it is not necessary to stop on one idea - a good master will always advise how to embody the idea using several different techniques, and will explain the ways of connecting different styles in a complete picture.
To better understand this principle of action and to imagine the final result, we recommend reading the photo sketches of tattoo sleeves for men.
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Plots and themes
The main subject of tattoo sleeves for men are animals. And in most cases predatory: lions, tigers, wolves, bears. This way guys emphasize their strength, courage and bravery. By the way, predators can be not only terrestrial animals. This also includes birds, reptiles, sea creatures and even fictional ones (dragons, dinosaurs, etc.).
In second place is everything about money, power, fame and successful success. There are cool cars, bucks, guns, playing cards/cubes, and half-naked girls. Basically, all the components of rap music videos.
Next come the various warriors.
Fans of Oriental culture stuff samurais and ninjas. Fans of mythology prefer Vikings and Slavic warriors. Fans of other subjects gladly portray on the arm of the Indians, knights, gladiators and pirates.
And finally, the theme that has become popular recently - travel and everything associated with them. Here and compasses, and maps, and planes. Separately worthy of note are landscapes: an uninhabited island or a pine forest at the foot of a mountain. The sleeve full of these drawings looks quite interesting.
Variety of tattoos
The chosen theme for the tattoo depends entirely on the imagination of the customer and the professionalism of the master. Girls for the most part prefer smooth lines and a style of realism and the length of a quarter or half. In terms of subject matter in the female sex, more common are natural motifs: animals from the cat family, flowers or sakura sprigs, but more rough and bold tattoos are also not uncommon. Men's choice, however, most often falls on the tough, classic tattoos in a long sleeve or three-quarter length. The male gender prefers brutal and bold tattoos that will accentuate their character, so they stop at predatory animals, biomechanics and old skool.
Styles
Deciding what you want your sleeve to look like is still half the battle. Even if you already know what pattern you want to put on. Next comes the most difficult and responsible part - choosing a style of tattoo sleeve. And the variety here is by no means small.
Biomechanics
Here is a truly masculine style. Agree, not often you meet a girl with a sleeve in biomechanics. And guys in this way to say, "Look, I'm a machine! And it can refer to anything: physical characteristics, willpower and discipline, or abilities in the field of love.
When you look at such a sleeve, you really get the feeling that you are looking at a cyborg from the future.
It is important for the craftsman to depict the image in the most realistic and detailed way. And then people will have no doubt that your arm is set in motion, thanks to the drawn mechanisms.
Blackwork .
Another clearly not feminine style, which frightens the grannies at the porch. What grandmas ... If you meet a character with a tattoo sleeve in a dark alley, he unwittingly afraid of himself. This, in fact, is the point.
The tattoo looks menacing and hints that it is better to bypass its owner.
Also, there is a practical side to the sleeve tattoo in the style of blackwork - cover up. If you're inexperienced in stuffing yourself with poor-quality tattoos or you simply dislike drawings, this is a great way to cover them up. A couple of sessions and your already ex-girlfriend's name on your forearm will sink into darkness.
Celtics
Celtic style is a favorite trend of fans of Slavic and Scandinavian mythology. This also includes religious subjects. Celtic is great for those who want to make a sleeve like a Viking or an ancient warrior. Crosses, runes and a variety of patterns are all from here.
In addition to symbols and signs, such designs can include portraits of birds, animals or ancient gods.
Old skool.
The old skool tattoo sleeve used to be quite popular. But lately it has been practically coming to naught. This is due to the emergence of a large variety of other styles, and with the meaning of the very old skool. In the past, such tattoos were made by sailors, workers and other representatives of the harsh male professions.
And now this tradition has almost outlived itself.
Nevertheless, if you like this style, no one stops you. Score the sleeve and it will look very cool and stylish. Especially suitable for those whose image matches the old-school brutal man.
Oriental
This includes Japanese style and other oriental trends. Depicts drawings of samurai, koi carp, dragons, pagan gods and others. One of the most colorful styles on this list. The sketch can be both black and combine many bright colors.
Guys stuff themselves with a Japanese style sleeve tattoo to show their fortitude and fearlessness. It can also be a symbol of an internal set of rules for discipline.
Ornamental
Reminiscent of blackwork, as it includes only black. But is distinguished by the presence of a large number of geometric patterns. Often the entire pattern comes from a mandala or a perfectly flat circle. It happens that tattoo masters add elements of dotwork here.
The owners of such tattoos are usually very calm and measured people.
They don't want to flaunt drawings with obvious meanings. And the ornamental style sleeve is perfect to encode deep meaning that is inaccessible to others.
Polynesia
The Polynesian style comes to us from ancient tribes. It has very strict rules and traditions of application. Ideally, the tattoo is to be imposed by the shaman himself. But in the absence of those people stuff them with conventional tattoo artists.
In ancient times, the Polynesian tattoo was a map of the life of its owner.
It included drawings of all kinds of animals, people and other symbols. However, now it is just a set of typical patterns for the style. Above the color, too, you do not have to think long - only black and without any shadows.
Realism
In the style of realism, guys choose several options. Either these are portraits of famous people who became their idols. Or portraits of animals. By the way, not necessarily predatory. It could well be a totem animal, such as a parrot, spider, or sloth. Again, many men tattoo warriors.
It should be noted that realism is one of the most complex styles of tattooing.
Such works are very expensive and are created exclusively by professionals. If your friend, having passed a cheap course for one month, offers to score a tattoo in the style of realism - it is better to politely refuse. Otherwise, there's a chance to go back to choosing a blackwork-style sleeve.
Thrash polka dot.
The wildest style of tattoo. Its whole essence is permeated with aggression, protest to society and rejection of the usual norms. Tattoo sleeve in the style of thrash polka is a way to exalt yourself above the rest of the people and show that you're better than they are.
The base of the tattoo is applied in gloomy black. On top of it are depicted strokes or drops of bright red, symbolizing blood. The drawings themselves are quite depressing and evoke fear or negativity. Shadows and gradients are also used to make the picture more realistic.
If you want a male tattoo sleeve from the genre of success, then this option is definitely not for you. You're closer to the next one.
Chicano
Chicano styles are the stereotypical attributes of any male action movie. Guns, money, cool cars, girls in bathing suits - in general, all this ostentatious awesomeness and ponces. The very direction originated with gangsters. These tattoos can be found on Mexicans who make illegal deals.
The Chicano-style sleeve tattoo can definitely be considered masculine.
Even considering that some guys add roses and other flowers to the composition.
Others
Treble
Graphics
Engraving
New skool.
There are also less popular styles for sleeve tattoos. Such as etching, new skool, graphics or tribal. These trends are either already out of fashion or have not yet entered it. Either way, you have to try really hard to meet these sleeves.
Trash polka dot style sleeves
The daring style, which loudly announced itself in the 70s, created an alternative trend in the world of tattoos - the Thrash Polka. It is popular with both men and girls.
The basis of the style are gloomy, sometimes aggressive images in black. Images for realism have the volume and are made in the technique of gravosh (based on the gradient) and have shadows and penumbra.
The main "calling card" of the style are color spots of bright red. Sometimes they are presented in a geometric form of a circle, sometimes in the form of a careless brush stroke crosswise, and most often they are just spots that complement the composition of the background.
Celebrity Sleeves.
The most notable examples are David Beckham, Dwayne Johnson, Adam Levine.
David Beckham Dwayne Johnson
Adam Levine
In fact, it is the world-famous people with tattoo sleeves that are not so many. For what reason - it is difficult to say.
But that does not mean that there are no such stars at all.
Among the Russian celebrities: Yura Muzychenko (Thomas), Timati, Egor Krid.
Timati Yegor Krid
The history of solid tattoos
Aborigines of Oceania, Australia, the peoples of South America with the help of tattoos demonstrated their merits and protected the body from the encroachment of evil spirits. A solid pattern on the body was actively used by geisha. A solid tattoo was perceived as an element of clothing, which allowed you to undress in public with impunity. A little later, continuous tattoos began to be used by members of the Japanese criminal clans as a definition of their belonging to a certain circle of people.
European culture for quite a long time did not perceive the tattoo as a way of self-expression. And even now, when the art of body painting is beginning to gain momentum, visible tattoos can be a serious obstacle to career advancement. Therefore, before you decide to do a large-scale work it is necessary to weigh well all the pros and cons.
Made of nylon.
Since you have read to the end of the article, we can conclude that you are seriously thinking about your own tattoo sleeve. But for whatever reason, you still haven't nailed it. Maybe you doubt whether the sleeve will suit you, whether it will be too daring, etc.
To make it easier to decide, we advise you to buy nylon tattoo sleeves.
They are simply put on your arm and look like tattoos. So you can try on the image on yourself, look at the reaction of people around you and finally decide what kind of male tattoo sleeve you need.
The main themes
The most popular with men are predators. Anything that inspires a sense of excitement, hunting, danger, aggression, is a frequent subject for members of the stronger sex. This includes intimidating animals, unusual and frightening sea creatures and more.
Another popular motif are, roulette, money, firearms, cars, beautiful girls, cards and dice.
The next most common theme is that of wandering. Compass, maps of the area, etc.
Last on the list is the theme of war and all sorts of warriors. Everyone from the legendary Spartans to ninjas is depicted.
Choosing a tattoo master
Once the decision has been made to score a drawing on the skin and the sketch has been chosen, it is necessary to find a good master. Previously, it was difficult, because the world wide web was not developed. Now you can find a master quickly enough on the Internet.
Color tattoo sleeve.
It is best to go through several masters. Read what they write in the reviews, see the results or a portfolio. It is recommended to ask friends or acquaintances who have tattoos. Ask to see and understand if the result you see is suitable, if the drawing is not made ugly or sloppy.
It is necessary to remember that tattoo salons, which provide quality services, which guarantee that the client after visiting will be healthy and happy, cost much more expensive than beginner or "phony" masters.
To stuff the tattoo master should always use a clean needle, so as not to get an infection in the human body.
Therefore it is necessary to approach to the search of tattoo salon as if it was a dentist or a jeweler store. First of all it is necessary to go through the old salons, which have been offering their services for several years in the city where the client resides.
In experienced salons, the masters are always demanding of their artists, who draw the sketches. They will tell the client about the procedure itself, its duration, sterilization, safety and the materials that are used.
When looking at the tattoos that are tattooed by this or that master, you should try to consider the following criteria:
- If the future tattoo will not be in the "minimal" style, the volume of the design;
- Whether the proportions are correctly observed;
- How the colors are combined. Especially applies to long tattoo sleeves in the whole arm;
- Whether the images cast shadows or penumbra;
- The clarity and continuity of the pattern;
- Whether the images on the tattoo are lifeless.
The room where the tattooing will take place should be clean, from the wastebasket to the table. It is important to remember that each artist works only in his or her own style. Someone who tattoos in a minimalist style will not be able to make a client Quality volumetric tattoo. A good master will refuse at once. And those who just want to get money, will take it, but the result is unlikely to satisfy the client.
For those who do not want to spoil the body or are afraid, there is a type of tattoo, which is called a temporary tattoo.
The meaning of the forest tattoo for women
In case a tattoo in the form of a forest is chosen for a woman, its meaning is somewhat different. First of all, this picture is the personification of mystery, mystery. With its help, a woman as if informs the world of her complicated character. Therefore, a man who will be near her will always unravel it.
However, if the body depicts a primeval forest, the meaning will be completely different. Basically, such a drawing indicates that the woman is confused in her life and does not know in what direction to move. A lot of trees represents difficulties that prevent her from understanding herself. If there are fruits on the trees in the forest, then they represent incredible love for children and motherhood.
A forest tattoo can actually look completely different depending on the message a person chooses for themselves. Therefore, in this case, it is extremely important to think through all the details so that the picture really reflects the inner world and self-perception.
What does the forest tattoo mean?
In the conventional sense, a tattoo in the form of a forest is a part of nature and displays its beauty, a certain mystery. Because the forest is a whole world in which life flows according to its rules and laws. Surely you have heard different stories and even legends with exciting or horrific events that took place in the woods. It is for this reason that it is believed that such a tattoo can not have an unambiguous meaning. Therefore, before drawing on the body, try to think carefully about it, so it reflects exactly the meaning that you put into it.
Often the owners of a forest tattoo show the world that they live by their own rules. They choose their friends carefully and are very reverent about their personal space. Often this pattern is a sign of a rich inner world of a person. In this case, it is mainly chosen for themselves by creative individuals who know exactly what they seek and do not depend on the opinion of others.
The owners of the picture of the forest always respect the laws of nature and choose for themselves such a tattoo as a source of vital energy. It helps to move forward despite life's difficulties and hardships. It is believed that the coniferous forest represents peace, youth and harmony. In turn, the branches of the pine tree are a protection against evil. Those who wear such a drawing on the body, in general, have a calm character, do not provoke conflict situations and, in general, look at the world in a positive way. But at the same time, they are able to stand up for themselves in case of such a need.
Tattoo with a birch grove has a slightly different meaning. It is mainly peculiar to dreamers and creative people. The pattern itself is quite light and indicates the soft character of the possessor, which is combined with a love of freedom. In turn, the oak forest is a symbol of a strong, strong character, courage and power. Trees with a large number of leafless sharp branches most often mean an aggressive attitude of the possessor of such a drawing towards people. Such a person is disappointed in life and no longer inclined to trust. Often this pattern is chosen by people who have seen too much grief, injustice and betrayal. Thus, they leave in the memory of bad events.
Increasingly popular are tattoos and the image of the animal in the foreground of the forest. Drawing a bear suggests that the man is the master of his life and knows exactly where he is going. In addition, he is a good judge of people and is able to analyze their behavior. The image of the wolf is an indicator of self-confidence and self-sufficiency. In turn, the owl is chosen by prudent, intelligent people. And the drawing of a fox represents the ability to go to a meeting, as well as flexibility of thought.
Birds circling above the forest are a symbol of defenders, who guard the inner space of the person and do not let negativity into it. If the bird sits on one of the branches, it means that the person is quite conservative and has a stable character. Such people are strong in spirit and quite purposeful. In general we can say that the tattoo in the form of a forest symbolizes awareness in everyday life, eternity, consistency in their judgments and profound wisdom.
As for the location of the tattoo, it largely depends on its size. Small tattoos are predominantly done on the hands. Those who like big drawings, most often apply them to the back, chest or legs. In any case, it is better to choose an area on the body based on your personal preferences rather than general recommendations.
