Minimalist Patchwork Sleeves Are Becoming Really Popular – Here’s Why
This article was written by The Zillennial Zine’s fall editorial intern Hannah Yarrington. Find her on Instagram at @513hny. If you would like to share an article with The Zillennial, send us an email at thezillennialzine@gmail.com.
Within the tattoo community, it has been a known fact once you get your first tattoo, it opens the floodgates and only makes you want more and more. You may have one on your thigh, eventually getting one on your forearm and another on your shoulder. And before you know it, you want to begin filling up your entire arm. At least, that’s the case with many Zillennials. But a style I have seen become a huge trend lately is the minimalist patchwork sleeve tattoo. But what are patchwork tattoos? Well, they’re commonly composed of small to medium tattoos placed in various spots, almost like stickers, to create a patchwork effect. Now, patchwork sleeves can be done in any style; whether you want to do American traditional, realism, or minimalist fine-line, it’s up to your preference.
Tattoos have been a long-time tradition in many cultures, and everyone deserves to feel unique and satisfied with their ink. That said, this tattoo style has been looked down upon and criticized by more traditional tattoo-loving individuals. However, since it’s your body, we want to make you feel comfortable and empowered to build this sleeve regardless. The rules don’t have to be strict, and you can always do what feels right. So today, we will discuss what makes these minimalist tattoo sleeves so popular and what you can do to achieve this style!
Style and color
With the help of celebrities like Miley Cyrus, Harry Styles, and countless influencers, patchwork sleeves have become very prominent in pop culture and have helped influence others to follow in their footsteps. People love getting little mementos of things that have happened in their lives or just art and ideas they appreciate. And instead of filling up their entire arm with shading, those with this style like a little bit of skin showing, and it also gives you more freedom to be creative and variety in your designs.
When it comes to minimalist tattoos, individuals tend to lean toward fine-line tattoos, often with only a little bit of shading or none at all. They are typically in black and white and tend to be smaller in size, but colors like red, specifically, have made their way onto the scene as well. They are considered a less painful tattoo and can be an excellent option for those with a low pain tolerance who still want some ink.
However, artists forewarn the longevity of fine-line tattoos, which is something to keep in mind if you want to work toward this style. Small fine-line tattoos may require more upkeep and touchups later on as the tattoo begins to heal because the ink is less densely packed into the skin. The ink can fade or blur depending on the placement, and proper aftercare is an absolute must. So make sure to keep it moisturized and wear sunscreen to avoid any damage from the sun, especially if you’re planning to get one in the summer!
Where to begin/Choosing an artist
When beginning a minimalist patchwork sleeve, it’s crucial to find an artist that you trust and who specializes in that style of tattooing. While all tattoo artists are talented in their own ways, many have styles they prefer and tend to do more often. So don’t rush through it; take your time doing your research. Then you can meet with the artist and begin building your sleeve together. Or, if you already have several tattoos already, maybe done by a different artist, that’s OK too. People love having the freedom to build up these pieces over time, and no planning is necessarily required! But if you’re looking to have a more cohesive finished product, having just one artist is recommended and can make it easier to plan when it comes to placement and design.
Finding Inspo
You can find inspiration in a variety of different places for a tattoo, whether it be TikTok, Pinterest, or even from an object or memory of significance to you. If you’re struggling to put a concept into a picture, try talking to your artist! They can help pull different ideas and put them into one cohesive tattoo for you. It’s also good to have an idea of how big you’ll want to piece, especially if you want room for future tattoos. And keep in mind that most artists won’t want to copy another piece you found on the internet entirely, and it is often a big no-no in the tattooing community. So your artist may want to put their own twist on it or style to give you some unique ink. But there is nothing wrong with taking some inspiration from a tattoo you admire!
Think about things that you believe represent you as a person and how they can be translated into art. Things of importance are a great way to start your tattoo journey and can make it easier to develop designs. But a patchwork sleeve can be a powerful emblem of your journey through life and is a great way to document the things you’ve been through and want to remember.
And remember, there is no pressure to fill up your entire arm in one session and feel free to take all the time you need to build up your desired sleeve. They are permanent, so it’s always good to ensure you are set on a design to avoid second thoughts! But have fun with it, and happy tattooing!
What are your thoughts on the minimalist patchwork sleeve tattoo? Let us know in the comments below! Do you like this style?