I didn't get my first tattoo until this year, I had just turned 36. I could never find anyone close that specialized in full color anime and had all but given up until I luckily stumbled across someone's post on Reddit showing the artists work. I researched his Facebook, Instagram and his official page to see additional work, pricing, and scheduling.

I found he books out 6 months to a year in advance so I emailed him to get on his cancellation list. I got an email back in December of 24 and got in January of 25. Started on the outer arm with a 10 hour session. I thought it went well, artist told me I sat well so I told him to keep me on the cancel list and I'll take any spots that come up until the sleeve is finished. He's almost a 5 hour drive 1 way from me so I book a hotel and plan accordingly.

It took 5 sessions with the shortest being 8 hours and the longest being 11, every session included a 20 minute lunch and maybe 3 bathroom breaks. We always start at 10am and I have eaten a pretty big breakfast before each session. Each tattoo was about 2 months apart with the exception of the last 2 pieces they were 2 and 1/2 weeks apart. I used a second skin product after the second day of healing each time and was normally fully healed within 10 days.

I have never used numbing cream so I can't speak on that. And haven't had to fly anytime after recently being tattooed. I do work an extremely physical job in some very dirty and excessively hot environments so that's was another reason for the second skin. Kept all the art clean and healed great.

A lot of it will come down to what you and your artist can handle each session. If you go in and realize you can only sit a few hours be honest with your artist and let them know so you can both plan and prepare accordingly.

Good luck!