The Complete Vision Method
The first design method I'll talk about is what I like to call the 'Complete Vision' method. Basically, this is where you plan out your entire design from the get go. You may pick a tattoo from a database or from a tattoo shop ahead of time, or you might sketch it yourself.
Since this is a finished product, you need to consider exactly how much arm coverage you'll want. Is it going to be a forearm sleeve tattoo, or a quarter sleeve? Will this tattoo sleeve design be for men, or for women?
This is a difficult way to plan, but it's also the most likely to please you. You know exactly what you're going to end up with.
The 'Bit By Bit' Tattoo Design Method
The next planning method is called the 'bit by bit' method. You don't need to worry too much about figuring out your tattoo sleeve design. You just pick out one arm tattoo after another, and place them along your arm as you go.
This is a less expensive method, and it allows you to put thought into each piece. You can even start out with a quarter sleeve tattoo design, and work your way up to a half or full sleeve over time.
This can make the overall design less cohesive, and it can look silly if you run out of steam or money halfway through. That said, this makes sure that your design has lots of personal meaning to you.
Pick A Theme
The best piece of advice I can give is this: regardless of what design you choose, you should pick a sleeve tattoo design theme. This theme with orient your different designs over time, and will help make sure your tattoos are cohesive.
