Started the process of getting a Japanese style half-sleeve on my left arm about a month ago. Until then, I had only some lettering on my left bicep. Did my research, checked out shops in the Long Bea... Read More
Started the process of getting a Japanese style half-sleeve on my left arm about a month ago. Until then, I had only some lettering on my left bicep. Did my research, checked out shops in the Long Beach area, and was interested to see what Ace of Hearts could offer. I called ahead before my visit to see which artists specialized in Japanese sleeves and was referred to Austin B. I visited the same day and Austin was able to speak with me right away to start the consultation process. I told him what concepts I wanted to integrate, (symbols, color, etc.) and he told me he would start the design and would have it ready by the following weekend. During that week, he was very receptive and responsive on his IG account, as I would shoot over some pictures of sleeves I liked and he would offer input. By the time of my next visit the next week, lo and behold, the design was ready and looked great. It would be a koi fish swimming upward, with a hibiscus at the bottom of the sleeve. The design would leave the pre-existing bicep tattoo alone by having a cloud surrounding it. He had the design drawn out, but did not need to stencil it on my arm; he did it all freehand by referring to the drawing, in order to scale the design appropriately. Austin started the lining and shading process, and finished a large proportion of it in a very efficient manner. He advised me to come in 2 weeks later to finish all shading and color the design in. Normally, these half sleeves would take 3-4 sessions, but I powered through them and got it completely done in two. Austin was quick, professional, and did very well with the line work. I trusted his vision for how to color in the sleeve, and it turned out great. Thanks man! I would highly recommend anyone looking to get a sleeve to ask for Austin. The lines will be clean for sure. His flash designs are pretty dope too. Read Less