Forearm Tattoos: What You Should Know

Welcome to the Smoke & Mirrors blog, your go-to for all things tattooing, art, and culture in Brisbane. Our award-winning tattoo artists are here to help bring your dream tattoo to reality. Today, we cover forearm tattoos and everything you need to know about them.

Forearm tattoos are one of the most common and popular places people get tattooed. The forearm is versatile, providing space for one large-scale piece or several smaller tattoos. You'll often find a whole range of styles, including traditional, fine line, blackout work and everything in between covering forearms. Many people love the space a forearm offers for large-scale text tattoos for how text wraps from the wrist to the elbow joint.

Why do people tattoo their forearms?

There are several reasons behind the popularity of forearms for tattoo placement, including;

1. Visibility: The forearm offers a tattoo placement that is likely to be seen often if you wear t-shirts, singlets, or anything short-sleeved. We all want to show off our tattoos, and our forearms are usually in full public view, especially in this Brisbane climate.
2. Symbolism: For some, the meaning behind their tattoos goes past the ink and includes the symbolism of the body part it goes on. Forearms have been considered symbols of strength and power in some parts of the world.
3. Design Options: As we mentioned earlier, the forearm offers a versatile space to place tattoos. You can use rectangle-style pieces or full-arm wrapping masterpieces. If you don't like either of those, throw a bunch of stickers together to create your unique sleeve; the options are endless.
4. Low-Pain Placements: The forearm is generally less painful than many other body parts for two main reasons. Firstly, there are fewer nerve endings in the forearm, and secondly, the muscular structure of that body part for almost all humans makes it less painful than other places on your body.

What types of forearm tattoos are there?

By now, you know the forearm is wonderful because it offers a lot of space and flexibility for tattoo options, including both the inner and outer forearm. These are some of the many options you could use as inspiration for your next forearm tattoo:

• Full custom-designed forearm sleeves incorporating your preferred artist's specialty and style for a more unique option.
• Text-based ideas like names to memorialise loved ones we've lost or people in our lives that mean a lot, importantdates, song lyrics, quotes, and much more. Anything text-related will be on offer here.
• Old-school Americana tattoos, including sailor anchors, eagles, skulls, pin-up women, and similar options
• Blackout work covering your entire arm from below to your wrist or fingertips for something striking and edgy.
• Symbolism-based tattoos like Roman numerals, spirit animals, astrology-based ink, and more.
• Trad-style sleeves.
• Black and grey realism full sleeves.
• Brush strokes or abstract shapes.
• Tribal or cybersigilism.
• Geometric custom sleeves for a strikingly intricate look.
• Floral patterns for something more delicate.
• Portraits of loved ones, artists you're a fan of, actors, or similar to commemorate those you adore.

There are so many more options; the sky is the limit, but I hope some of these were a good way to rule out things you now know you don't want or help you find a style you love and do want.

Forearm tattoos provide the perfect canvas for creative expression through ink.

Once you have decided that you want a forearm tattoo, it's important to take a few things into consideration.

1. Take the time to research your tattoo artist thoroughly. Doing your due diligence to be sure you've found the right creative ink driver is critical to a happy outcome and the best-quality tattoo possible. It's also essential to be sure the artist you're choosing specialises in the style you're after. If you want a black-out sleeve starting with the forearm, someone who specialises in fine-line tattoos may not be the ideal choice.
2. Reach out and lock in the time for your tattoo by discussing options with your artist and paying the deposit. The sooner you lock in your next art piece, the sooner it'll be on your skin!

How much does a forearm tattoo cost?

As always, the price of a tattoo will depend on several factors to ensure it is fair and ethical. When it comes to pricing a forearm tattoo, all artists and Smoke & Mirrors Tattoo Co will consider the size, complexity, design style, and time it will take to complete the tattoo. 

When you contact an artist, remember to let them know how big you'd like the tattoo on your forearm in centimetres. Include any reference images along with a photo of the area you'll want tattooed to help expedite the process of getting you quoted and booked in.

How do I prepare for a forearm tattoo?

Let's start with the most important thing you can do before a tattoo: be well rested and hydrated and have something to eat before your appointment. This will always be the best advice any tattoo artist can give you in preparation for any work.

Now that you know exactly where on your forearm you'll be tattooing, you'll want to shave that area of skin beforehand for your artist. Your artist will be able to get any spots you might have missed, but preemptively shaving the area will help save everyone time on the day.

What do I do after I get my forearm tattoo?

• Be sure to use tattoo balm to keep your new piece moisturised and fresh so it can heal perfectly.
• Avoiding the sun is a critical component of the healing process. Be sure to cover up when you're outside during this time.
• A tattoo is essentially an open wound. Be sure to maintain strict hygiene and keep it clean to avoid infection or ink loss. 
• When tattoos are healing, they can become itchy and irritable. It's essential to ride out the pain and let the tattoo heal well.

Forearm tattoos are art; they embody your aesthetics, choices, and personal style. Take your time to think over all tattoos before committing to one. It's important to your artist that you love the work you adorn your body with as much as it is you!