What to know before starting a large back piece

A full back is the biggest commitment I ask of anyone. It is also the work I love most, so I want you walking in with clear expectations rather than excitement alone.

We design the whole thing first

I will not start a back piece section by section without a plan for the entire field. Deciding the full structure up front is the difference between a back piece and a collection of tattoos that happen to be near each other.

Sessions and pacing

Expect long sittings across months. We usually build the outline of a full section, let it settle, then come back for shading and depth.

You are allowed to be tired. We take real breaks, you eat, and if your body is done for the day we stop. Pushing a session past its useful point shows up in the healing.

Budget honestly

Think about the total project rather than a single day. I would rather tell you the honest range up front than have you discover it three sessions in.

Healing in Arizona

• Plan sessions around time you can stay out of pools and direct sun
• Sleeping is awkward for the first few nights, so plan a light week
• Loose clothing over the area, and no back on a hot car seat

If that all sounds like something you want, send me the idea and how far you want it to reach. We can start figuring out the shape together.