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Tattoo Placement Guide

Whether you're getting a bamboo tattoo or a machine tattoo, placement matters.

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We specialize in bamboo tattoos, a traditional, gentler hand-poked method. We also provide machine tattoos, ideal for quicker shading and certain designs. Regardless of your chosen method, proper tattoo placement is crucial for comfort, aesthetics, and longevity.

Full back tattoo of a realistic face with ornate patterns.
Man with extensive back and neck tattoos, including Thai script.
Intricate full back and arm tattoo of a fierce dragon with red accents.
Man with a full back tattoo featuring a large dragon and tribal designs.

Back Tattoos

Big space. Bold stories.

The back is ideal for large-scale pieces, from sacred bamboo tattoo motifs to machine-done full coverage work. It’s a flat, broad canvas that offers endless design options.

Recommended for calm, extended sessions (especially with bamboo)

Can be more painful near the spine or shoulder blades

Machine tattoos allow faster fill for bold back pieces

Great for detailed bamboo tattoo storytelling or geometric patterns

Full arm sleeve tattoo with traditional Japanese clouds and red cherry blossoms.
Full sleeve tattoo of a face, screaming figures, and abstract designs.
Full sleeve tattoo featuring a figure with spiral glasses and abstract elements.
Full arm sleeve tattoo of shattered faces, geometric patterns, and an eye.

Arm Tattoos

Flexible. Timeless. Versatile.

Arms suit almost any style — minimalist, tribal, or sleeve work. Both bamboo and machine tattoo techniques work well here.

Popular for first tattoos or for expanding into full sleeves

Inner arm and elbow can be sensitive

Machine tattoo allows faster shading and fill for larger pieces

Bamboo tattoo delivers clean lines and strong flow for armbands and sleeves

Full leg sleeves with comic book characters and detailed backgrounds.
Full leg sleeves in traditional Japanese style with dragons, fish, and waves.
Full leg sleeves with abstract and geometric patterns, including faces.
Full leg sleeve tattoos in traditional Japanese style with dragons

Leg Tattoos

Movement, balance, and bold expression.

Thighs and calves are ideal for mid- to large-sized tattoos in either method. Bamboo tattoo offers precision here, while machine tattoo can be more efficient for filled tribal or blackwork styles.

Friction from pants or shoes may slow healing

Machine shading can cover larger areas faster

Bamboo technique heals well on legs

More muscle = lower pain for most clients

Back tattoo with outstretched wings and intricate patterns.
Intricate chest tattoo with skulls, dragon, geometric patterns, and black ink shading.
Side profile of a face with ornate tribal tattoos on the side of the head.
Tattoo of deer skull, Buddha face, and clouds across upper chest.

Chest Tattoos

Close to the heart. Deep in meaning.

Chest tattoos are powerful and symbolic. Bamboo tattoo is excellent for precise centerline or symmetrical designs. Machine tattoo may be better for large fill areas or full front pieces.

Often paired with shoulder or sleeve work

Pain level is high — especially near the sternum

Machine helps with faster coverage for bold designs

Bamboo allows focused, intentional linework

Hand tattoo of a detailed bearded character with a hat in black and gray ink.
Realistic black and grey pharaoh skull tattoo on a person's forearm.
Realistic black and grey female portrait tattoo on a hand, flower above.
Intricate mandala flower tattoo with black and color highlights on hand.

Wrist Tattoos

Small canvas, lasting meaning.

The wrist is perfect for bamboo tattoo symbols, text, or minimalist lines. It’s also ideal for first-timers due to shorter sessions. Machine tattoos here are quick but may feel more intense due to vibration.

Best for short quotes, dates, or sacred motifs

Heals fast, but prone to early fading due to sun exposure

Machine tattoo is fast but may feel more abrupt on thin skin

Bamboo tattoo offers quiet, focused experience for small designs

Not Sure Which Method or Spot Is Right for You?

We’re here to help you decide. Whether you prefer the calm precision of bamboo tattoo or the classic efficiency of machine tattooing, we’ll walk you through the pros and cons for your design.
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📍 Book a consult, send us a reference, or walk into the studio — we’ll guide you with honesty and care.

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