I finally wrapped up my geometric style sleeve this week and could not be more thrilled with the process and result. It’s bad ass.
I had been wanting a three-quarter sleeve tattoo for many years, but for one reason or another, it just never happened. Finances, time constraints, design decisions, you name it. The one thing I was 100 percent sure about was that I wanted it done in the sacred geometric style.
Initially, I started looking for artists in the Bay Area since that was home and even reached out to a few to work out the details. Unfortunately, COVID came along and had different plans.
By the time things had safely opened up again, my family and I had relocated to Southern California, which meant starting the search all over again. I couldn’t tell you how many searches I did to find an artist who specialized in geometric styles, but I finally found the right one and dates were set.
I ultimately decided to work with Brad Reis at Stay Sacred Studios here in Southern California. His work speaks for itself. The process took around 20 hours to complete, broken up into two eight-hour sessions and one four-hour session. This helped spread out the tattooing time and allowed for healing in between. I already had a couple of smaller tattoos from my teenage years, but I will say this. Eight-hour sessions are no joke. Brad was fantastic, keeping everything light and fun throughout the process. He is a true professional, and it felt like we were in it together. I deeply appreciated his incredible tattooing skills, but keeping me calm and still for eight hours while grinding away on my arm was no small feat. The results speak for themselves.
Now that it is finally done, I could not be happier with how it turned out. This tattoo represents patience, persistence, and a long-time vision finally brought to life. It is a reminder that some things are worth the wait and that the right artist can make all the difference. If you are considering a large piece, my advice is to do your research, find an artist whose style resonates with you, and trust the process. It is an experience as much as it is a piece of art, and I am grateful to wear this one for life.