Wave Japanese Full Sleeve

Questions & answers

What is this tattoo?

Japanese (irezumi) style tattoo of an ocean & waves on the full sleeve, done in black with color accents. By Aaron Bell at Slave to the Needle Wallingford.

Where was this tattoo done?

This tattoo was done at Slave to the Needle Wallingford, 403 NE 45th Street. View on Google Maps →

How much would a tattoo like this cost?

A piece like this is estimated at $2250-$2950. This is based on pricing confirmed by the studio, but still not a quote — message the studio for an exact price.

How painful is a full sleeve tattoo?

Full Sleeve: Noticeable on our 5-step pain scale — most of the arm is mild, but the inner elbow and wrist are sharp. 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 full sleeve healing is moderate (large area), and it is visible in 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 →