Tattoo sleeves

DAVID COOPER/TORONTO STAR

Jessica Soos is in the process of extending her ’50s era tattoos into a full sleeve. Derek Lewis of Yonge St. Tattoos is her artist.

Thank you for participating in this week's Naked Lunch; a discussion about the growing prevalence of tattoo sleeves - tattoos that extend from shoulder to wrist. Please read the comments and discussions below and join us June 22 for our next chat.

I sense that the people who are into sleeves are somewhat anti-fashion. But that is exactly where designers look for inspiration and new ideas - to the street and those more "authentic" forms of self-expression. It will be interesting to see how designers interpret sleeves for a broader audience. Although purists will likely hate the idea that sleeves could become commercialized. Bernadette

Jean Paul Gaultier created a tulle shirt printed with tattoo-like drawings a few years ago. And Betsey Johnson had a real tattoo artist do designs for her collection a few seasons back. Who knows what else designers might come up with? Kate

I myself have 22 tattoos and I feel that anyone putting even one tattoo on their body should not do so if they think it looks cool ... Tattooing is a very old art form and it is not a fad. If u cannot see yourself loving the art on your body when you are old and wrinkled then DONT GET ONE!!! I put many different pieces on my body and I will love each and every one until the day I die. Yes there are alot of people who think that tattooing is a fad, but it's the people who have studied the art and who truly enjoy it for what it stands for, that are going to have to educate the ones who know no better. Jen

It seems that this artform will only get more popular with the younger generations coming into their own. There is something very attractive about decorating the body with beautiful artwork. Obviously it takes a lot of consideration to 'think-up' your designs and it would be a shame if someone rushed into the process without really thinking over what they were doing. Tattoos last a lifetime so it's better to take a few months to perfect in your mind what you want to show the world. Mitchell

It's the same as any art- there are good tattoos and there are bad tattoos. There's nothing trendy about getting your entire arm tattooed. I'd say the butterflies, the asian characters and the cherries that people get are a trend, but most people with sleeves put a lot of thought into them and the artists produce amazing works...huh-zah to sleeves! Sean

Are the people who get sleeves addicted to tattooing, much the same way some who try cosmetic surgery get procedure after procedure done, and can't seem to stop? Bernadette

Of the women I spoke to several of them did say they are addicted. Some said they liked the rush that comes with getting a tattoo. At first the needle prick is irritating but when the adrenaline kicks in, it gives a bit of a high that can last an hour before you crash. Other women admired the artists and wanted to acquire a piece of their work. They may see an amazing tattoo on someone else that is nothing like what they have and want to get one by that artist. As one woman said, once you have a couple of tattoos it's just easy to get another one -- no big deal if you see something you like. She had just had one that morning. Kate

Have sleeve tattoos taken over from piercings as the "cutting edge" of self-adornment? Bernadette

Piercings are highly visual. A series in the ear or a piercing in an unconventional place can draw as much attention as a prominent tattoo. They are probably more popular than sleeve tattoos because they cost less and can be removed. Kate

I think for some the whole idea of getting a tattoo is purely out of a follower mentality. You can usually find them with their little hidden tattoos whining at the shop getting it done. However when it comes to a sleeve that is something that everyone I know takes seriously and is more for self expression than what pop culture is doing. Getting a sleeve is expensive and time consuming so to say people are getting them because of a trend I find doubtful. Maybe you see more of them now due to the fact that a lot of the sterotypes that used to come along with tattoos no longer exist and therefore people just feel more comfortable showing off their beautiful artwork!  Jennifer

You might not find small tattoos impressive but everyone has to start somewhere. Many of these girls may be closet hardcore tattoo fans just coming out. The prevalance of sleeves could be encouraging them to take the first step. As you said getting a sleeve is expensive and time consuming. It's a big commitment. Some people like to take baby steps rather than jump in head first. Kate

I don't think that the "trend" will fade.  It has only gotten MORE popular over the years.  As more and more people are getting tattoo'ed its not as taboo so I see it ONLY getting more popular with the younger generation! Meg

And it seems that the nature of the tattoos is changing, too. The art is becoming feminized. Tattoos are getting pretty, and more creative. More appealing to look at, actually. Though I am not thinking of getting one myself! Bernadette

Comments

[Megan]

I don't think that the "trend" will fade. It has only gotten MORE popular over the years. As more and more people are getting tattoo'ed its not as taboo so I see it ONLY getting more popular with the younger generation!

[Jennifer]

I think for some the whole idea of getting a tattoo is purely out of a follower mentality you can usually find them with their little hidden tattos whining at the shop getting it done. However when it comes to a sleeve that is something that everyone I know takes seriously and is more for self expression then what pop culture is doing. Getting a sleeve is expensive and time consuming so to say people are getting them because of a trend I find doubtful. Maybe you see more of them now due to the fact that alot of the sterotypes that use to come along with tattoos no longer exist and therefore people just feel more comfortable showing off their beautiful artwork!

[Sean]

It's the same as any art- there are good tattoos and there are bad tattoos. There's nothing trendy about getting your entire arm tattooed. I'd say the butterflies, the asian characters and the cherries that people get are a trend, but most people with sleeves put a lot of thought into them and the artists produce amazing works...huh-zah to sleeves!

[Mitchell]

It seems that this artform will only get more popular with the younger generations coming into their own. There is something very attractive about decorating the body with beautiful artwork. Obviously it takes a lot of consideration to 'think-up' your designs and it would be a shame if someone rushed into the process without really thinking over what they were doing. Tattoo's last a lifetime so it's better to take a few months to perfect in your mind what you want to show the world. Cheers!

[jen]

I myself have 22 tattoos and I feel that anyone putting even one tattoo on there body should not do so if they think it looks cool ... Tattooing is a very old art form and it is not a fad. If u cannot see yourself loving the art on your body when you are old and wrinkled then DONT GET ONE!!! I put many different pieces on my body and I will love each and every one until the day I die.
If a tattoo is something that you want to get to look cool, then guess what ... you are not cool , you are stupid!!! Yes there are a alot of people who think that tattooing is a fad, but its the people who have studied the art and who truly enjoy it for what it stands for, that are going to have to educate the one's who know no better.

[Cynthia]

I am worried about these young ladies should they want a job in a very corporate/traditional environment. Sure, jackets can cover up these tattoos, but what if they're at a formal corporate dinner, where they're wearing a wrap over a strappy dress? Do these tattoos "fit" into that kind of work environment? I think young people don't necessarily realize that non-traditional forms of art don't always work. It's like not knowing proper European-style table manners. If you take any business etiquette class that teaches western corporate traditions, you will NEVER, EVER be taught North American style dining. It will ALWAYS be European. North American dining (i.e. holding the fork on one's right hand or switching back and forth) is often seen as "lesser" than European style. It's always better to be more conservative and proper. Too bad young people don't usually believe in this!

[ron nye]

A tattoo is the equivalent of a black velvet painting of four dogs playing poker! To wear a tattoo 'sleeve' is like wearing the same blouse/shirt with the same pattern every single day, year after year. how stunted can the imagination get?!

[Michelle]

Tattoos are a lifetime commitment. They are permanent (or at least they are supposed to be.) If you consider that a sleeve is extremely time consuming and generally custom designed, it is not something that is done spur of the moment. Much planning is put into a sleeve, and that same thought should go into any tattoo, to ensure that the piece is exactly what is wanted. Most individuals who want a sleeve done will take much time to ensure that everything is perfect and exactly as they want before commencing the actual tattooing. There are many factors to consider when looking to have a sleeve done, such as the artist who will complete it, the placements of images and incorporation of ideas, the design itself, etc.

With regards to the future of tattooing, it will continue to increase in popularity, however the idea of getting large pieces will remain to be a select few who are willing to make the commitment of money, time and also judgement.

To address comments with regards to getting jobs and dealing in certain social settings, most females who are looking at getting sleeves done do consider this factor. As a young female myself with a full sleeve and a number of piercings, I have had to make adjustments in certain situations to either cover my tattoos or remove piercings for a short period of time, but I am proud of my artwork and in the right situations show it off. I have found that every single employer I have ever had (including a number of corporate positions) has been very understanding and accepting of both piercings and tattoos. Neither one of these affects my ability to conduct business with clients or complete my tasks and my employers have understood this, as a result my sleeve has not affected my career.

My sleeve is representative of who I am as a person; it represents my past, my present and my future. My piece has taken over two years to complete from start to finish and I believe that it is a piece of art. I am proud to have a sleeve and feel that acceptance of tattoos is on the rise and will only continue to increase.

[Heather]

I have several tattoos and its true, it can be addictive. I think sleeves can be beautiful, it's very personal to the individual. It is an investment... you must love your designs and not rush into anything. I look at tattoos as an expression of my values. What I cherish, is shared on my body.

[Ethan]

I myself would like to get some tattoos and sleeves but I don't see it as a trend. I see my body as a canvas of my own that I can paint with whatever I please and express myself through my art. But I wouldn't get a tattoo just for the heck of it and would only get one if it had some meaning, a meaning that is important to me.