Where was this tattoo done?

This tattoo was done at Great Lakes Tattoo, 1148 W Grand Ave.

How painful is a forearm tattoo?

Forearm: Mild on our 5-step pain scale — moderate cushioning and a flat surface. Pain is personal, and long sessions, stress and bleeding make it feel worse.

How long does it take to heal, and will people see it?

The surface usually looks healed in 2–4 weeks; the skin keeps settling for a few months. On the forearm healing is easy, and it is often visible (short sleeves).

How will a tattoo like this age?

Bold outlines and solid black are the styles that age best — the design stays readable even as lines soften slightly over decades. Sunscreen keeps the colour from fading.

Can I get this exact design?

Use it as a reference. Most artists adapt a design to your body and their own style rather than copy another person’s tattoo line for line — and if you want this artist’s look, the best option is to book this artist.

How do I book something like this?

Message the studio with this photo, your placement and size, colour or black & grey, budget and dates. The “What to include in your first message” box below has a ready-to-copy template.

colorful traditional (old school) tattoo of skull on the forearm

Tattoo by:

Nick ColellaPhoto source:

squarespace-cdn.com

Dagger and Skull Traditional Forearm

A colorful traditional (old school) tattoo featuring a skull, placed on the forearm. By Nick Colella at Great Lakes Tattoo.

Subject:🔱 Symbols & Objects💀 Skull ⚔️ Weapons

Style:⚓ Traditional (Old School)

Placement:💪 ForearmColor:🌈 Color↕️ Vertical📍 Chicago, United States

Tattoo by Nick Colella

Questions & answers

What is this tattoo?: A colorful traditional (old school) tattoo featuring a skull, placed on the forearm. By Nick Colella at Great Lakes Tattoo.
Where was this tattoo done?: This tattoo was done at Great Lakes Tattoo, 1148 W Grand Ave. View on Google Maps →
How painful is a forearm tattoo?: Forearm: Mild on our 5-step pain scale — moderate cushioning and a flat surface. Pain is personal, and long sessions, stress and bleeding make it feel worse. Pain map →
How long does it take to heal, and will people see it?: The surface usually looks healed in 2–4 weeks; the skin keeps settling for a few months. On the forearm healing is easy, and it is often visible (short sleeves). When can I swim, work out, tan? →
How will a tattoo like this age?: Bold outlines and solid black are the styles that age best — the design stays readable even as lines soften slightly over decades. Sunscreen keeps the colour from fading. How tattoos age →
Can I get this exact design?: Use it as a reference. Most artists adapt a design to your body and their own style rather than copy another person’s tattoo line for line — and if you want this artist’s look, the best option is to book this artist. Copying, references and AI designs →
How do I book something like this?: Message the studio with this photo, your placement and size, colour or black & grey, budget and dates. The “What to include in your first message” box below has a ready-to-copy template. How to message a tattoo artist →

What to include in your first message

What the artist needs from you

Your idea in one line + 2–3 references (this photo is already in the template below) more →
Placement and rough size in centimetres more →
Colour or black & grey more →
Your budget range more →
Dates you’re free; OK with more than one session? more →
Cover-up? Add a clear photo of the old tattoo more →

What to ask them

Deposit — how much, does it come off the price, what if I reschedule? more →
When will I see the design, and can I ask for changes? more →
How long is the wait for an appointment? more →
Is a touch-up included? more →

Known for Great Lakes Tattoo: Deposit: Required to book; amount confirmed by the artist. · Touch-up: not listed · Design: not listed · Wait: not listed. Policies differ between studios — call +1 312-870-0458 to confirm.