Experience Commitment That Outlasts Most Relationships

Schedule Full Sleeve Tattoos in New Orleans

You're about to spend more time with your tattoo artist than you do with most of your friends. Sleeve tattoos are the ultimate investment in ink, requiring dozens of hours, careful planning, and the kind of patience that only comes from knowing the result will be worth it. Salon De Tatouage walks you through the entire process in New Orleans, from the first sketch to the final touch-up. You'll feel the cool press of the stencil on your arm, hear the hum of the machine, and smell the faint metallic tang of fresh ink as your custom sleeve takes shape session by session.

This isn't something you rush. Full sleeve designs require multiple consultations to map out composition, shading, and how different elements flow together. Artists in New Orleans work with your anatomy, adjusting the design so it looks cohesive whether your arm is bent or extended. Half sleeves typically take ten to twenty hours, while full sleeves can stretch past forty hours depending on detail and color. You'll book sessions weeks apart to allow for healing, and you'll likely bring your artist lunch at some point because you'll be there that often. Large-scale body art demands collaboration, trust, and a willingness to sit still for longer than you think possible.

Call today to start planning your custom sleeve design in New Orleans and commit to something bigger than a single session.

How Does Sleeve Tattooing Work in New Orleans?

The process begins with a concept—what story do you want to tell? The artist will work with you to develop a cohesive design that flows from one area to the next, incorporating imagery, themes, and styles that reflect your personality and vision. This isn't a collection of random pieces; it's a unified composition that wraps around your arm and moves with your body.


You can expect multiple sessions, each building on the last, as the artist lays down linework, fills in shading, and adds color or detail. The team will guide you through every stage, from initial sketches to final touches, ensuring the design evolves naturally and looks balanced from every angle. This is a serious commitment—you'll need patience, endurance, and the ability to explain to your judgmental relatives why you did this to yourself.


Each session brings you closer to a finished sleeve that's a true reflection of your vision and the artist's skill.


Reach out now to begin designing your custom sleeve in New Orleans.

Key Benefits of This Service

Sleeve tattoos generate the most questions during consultations, especially from first-timers who underestimate the scope. These answers are based on years of completing full and half sleeves for clients across New Orleans.

How much does a full sleeve tattoo cost?
Most full sleeves start around $2,500 and go up depending on detail, color, and artist rate. Half sleeves typically range from $1,200 to $2,000.
How long does it take to complete a sleeve?
Full sleeves take anywhere from six months to over a year depending on session length and healing time. Artists recommend spacing sessions three to four weeks apart.
Can I add to my sleeve over time or does it need to be planned all at once?
It's better to plan the full composition upfront. Adding random pieces later can create visual clutter and make the sleeve feel disjointed.
What's the difference between a half sleeve and a full sleeve?
A half sleeve covers shoulder to elbow or elbow to wrist. A full sleeve runs from shoulder to wrist and often includes the hand or wraps onto the chest.
How painful is getting a sleeve compared to smaller tattoos?
Pain varies by placement. The inner arm and elbow ditch are more sensitive, while the outer arm is generally easier to tolerate. Long sessions test endurance more than pain threshold.

You're not just getting a tattoo. You're building a piece that defines your arm and becomes part of how people recognize you. Artists at Salon De Tatouage treat every sleeve like a portfolio piece because that's what it becomes. The work is slow, deliberate, and designed to last decades. Book your consultation for large-scale body art in New Orleans and start a project worth finishing.