Where was this tattoo done?

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

How painful is a upper arm tattoo?

Upper Arm: Mild on our 5-step pain scale — mostly muscle, easy to keep still. 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 upper arm healing is easy, and it is easy to cover.

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.

black & grey traditional (old school) tattoo of pattern & ornament on the upper arm

Tattoo by:

Erik GillespiePhoto source:

squarespace-cdn.com

Ship Traditional Upper Arm

A black & grey traditional (old school) tattoo featuring a pattern & ornament, placed on the upper arm. By Erik Gillespie at Great Lakes Tattoo.

Subject:Pattern & Ornament

Style:⚓ Traditional (Old School)

Placement:🦾 Upper ArmColor:🩶 Black & Grey↕️ Vertical📍 Chicago, United States

Tattoo by Erik Gillespie

Questions & answers

What is this tattoo?: A black & grey traditional (old school) tattoo featuring a pattern & ornament, placed on the upper arm. By Erik Gillespie 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 upper arm tattoo?: Upper Arm: Mild on our 5-step pain scale — mostly muscle, easy to keep still. 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 upper arm healing is easy, and it is easy to cover. 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.