How Long Does a Small Tattoo Take? - AuthorityTattoo (2024)

How long does a small tattoo take depends on:

• Quality of the tattoo artist
• Design
• Placement

How Long Will My Small Tattoo Take to Complete

Getting a small tattoo varies in time, largely dependent on the design intricacy and the expertise of the tattoo artist. A simple, basic design, such as a word, a symbol, or a small line drawing, might take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour. On the other hand, a small yet intricate tattoo, teeming with detail or complex shading, can take several hours to complete.

The additional time is necessary to capture the nuances and intricate elements that elevate the design. Hence, even within the realm of small tattoos, the time frame can fluctuate greatly, underscoring the importance of discussing your design and time expectations with your artist beforehand.

It’s also important to remember that getting a tattoo involves more than the tattooing itself; the setup and post-tattoo care are critical stages that can potentially extend the process. These include design consultation, workstation preparation, stencil application, and aftercare instructions, which collectively could take anywhere from half an hour to over an hour, depending on various factors.

Here is a basic table illustrating the relationship between the size of the tattoo, the level of detail, and the average time it might take to complete. Remember, these are estimates; the actual time can vary based on the artist’s expertise and speed. The durations in the table do not include the time in the studio before and after the tattoo is completed.

The Artist and Studio Matter

When it comes to determining how long a small tattoo will take, the role of the tattoo artist and the studio cannot be overstated. This is a two-fold consideration: expertise and professionalism.

The expertise of the tattoo artist is a significant factor. A seasoned artist, having honed their craft over years, can deftly navigate the contours of your skin with their machine, delivering a beautiful piece of art in a relatively shorter time. Conversely, a less experienced artist might take more time to ensure precision and avoid mistakes. Remember, speed should not compromise quality. The artist’s experience will not only affect the time it takes but also the overall quality and longevity of the tattoo.

Professionalism is equally important. A professional studio adheres to strict hygiene standards, uses high-quality equipment, and provides a comfortable environment for clients. These factors contribute to efficiency, allowing the artist to focus solely on the task at hand without unnecessary interruptions or delays. A professional tattoo artist in a well-equipped studio will have everything they need at their fingertips, reducing the time spent searching for equipment or setting up the work area.

Furthermore, a professional studio will book appointments realistically, allotting sufficient time for each tattoo. This ensures that you are not rushed, and the artist can take their time to give you the best result. It also helps prevent extended waiting times, which can significantly impact the overall duration of getting a tattoo.

To summarize, the choice of artist and studio can considerably impact the time it takes to get a small tattoo. Remember to research thoroughly, read reviews, and perhaps even visit potential studios before making your decision. This can go a long way in ensuring a smoother, faster, and more satisfying tattooing experience.

The Design

A small tattoo won’t always equate to speed when it comes to getting inked. There are various factors to look at beyond the measure of the intended tattoo:

• Complexity: Complex designs containing many intricate details will require intense focus from your tattoo artist. This especially applies to completely custom designs. Your tattoo artist won’t be as familiar with the intricacy of the design as they would if it was a design they’d tattooed several times before.
• Color: A tattoo design containing multiple colors will slow the inking process. For example, the tattoo equipment must be cleaned upon each color change, and various intricacies are involved to ensure the colors come out exactly as expected.

The Area of Skin

Sitting calmly during the inking and fighting through the pain barrier will greatly speed up the experience. Many people can’t endure the pain and, thus, choose to increase the overall tattooing time by asking for short breaks between smaller stretches of tattooing. While this may work for some, it extends the longevity of the whole process.

Note the nature and thickness of the area of skin in which you desire the tattoo to be placed. Choosing a less-sensitive location will prevent you from needing a break or disturbing the process. Delicate areas where the skin is thin or contain more nerve endings include the elbow, neck area, rib cage and hands. Consequently, these areas are also generally more bony, meaning the tattoo artist has to work slower to ensure the tattoo flows over these ‘lumpier’ areas.

A lack of contours will make completing a small tattoo much faster. For example, if you plan on getting your ink done on the inside of your forearm, it’s a less complicated area than the ribs, where there’s less muscle and the surface is more undulated.

Preparation and Post-Tattoo Care: It Takes a While

Many often overlook the fact that getting a tattoo involves more than just the time spent inking the skin. The preliminary setup and subsequent wrapping of the tattoo are essential parts of the process that can, in some cases, take even longer than the tattooing itself.

The setup phase includes a range of activities: the consultation where you discuss your design and placement preferences, preparation of the work station by the artist, the stencil application, and letting the stencil dry. This stage is crucial as it sets the groundwork for a smooth tattooing session, ensuring accuracy in design placement and minimizing potential errors. Depending on the complexity of the design and the studio’s practices, setup can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour or more.

Post-tattoo care is another crucial time component. Once the tattoo is finished, the artist must clean the area thoroughly, apply an antibacterial ointment, and securely wrap the tattoo. This step is vital to protect the fresh tattoo from infection and to kick-start the healing process. The artist will also take time to give you aftercare instructions. Depending on the tattoo and the artist, this stage can add another 15 to 30 minutes to your studio time.

Recognizing these additional time requirements is essential to manage your expectations effectively. It reaffirms that tattooing is not a rushed process; each stage requires ample time and attention to ensure you walk out of the studio with a piece of art you love and that will heal correctly.

Size Doesn’t Equal Speed!

Small, basic tattoos can be done in a very short amount of time — even within an hour. However, if you’re set on getting a complex and delicate design, don’t expect it to be a simple process. Other factors can make the process longer than you might think. Factors like setting up the work area, tattoo color, tattoo design, and the area of skin can all make the minutes and hours add up.