Large Scale Tattoos / Body Suits

Bold, expansive designs covering large areas, like sleeves or back pieces, requiring careful planning and artistry. Perfect for statement pieces, artists create seamless flow with various techniques.

Body suits are comprehensive designs covering significant body portions, featuring interconnected themes. They require great skill and planning, investing time and money for a unique, cohesive look. This style is ideal for those wanting a full-body design. The result is a striking, comprehensive work of art.

Kevin Ligabue leads most body suit projects at Future Ink, drawing on Japanese geometry, heavy blackwork, and blackout traditions. Martín González (BOGA) collaborates on Japanese-blackwork hybrids. A full body suit takes 20–50 sessions over 2–5 years; design happens upfront so the suit reads as one cohesive piece. Studio at 5251 Broadway in Oakland's Temescal/Rockridge corridor.

Frequently asked questions

What is a body suit tattoo?

A body suit refers to a coordinated, large-scale tattoo composition covering multiple body areas — often arms, chest, back, and legs designed as a single visual whole. Body suits originate in Japanese tradition (irezumi full-body work) and are also done in heavy blackwork, blackout, and other contemporary styles. Future Ink takes on body suit projects across multiple artists.

How many sessions does a full body suit take?

A full body suit typically takes 20 to 50 sessions over 2 to 5 years depending on style, density, and your pace. Heavy blackwork suits tend to be at the lower end; detailed Japanese color suits at the higher end. Sessions usually run 4 to 6 hours, spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart for proper healing.

Should a body suit be planned upfront or designed organically over time?

Strong body suits are typically mapped upfront — overall composition, focal points, and transitions between body areas need planning so the suit reads as one piece. Future Ink does extensive design sessions before starting body suit projects.

Who at Future Ink does large-scale body suit work?

Kevin Ligabue leads most body suit projects, drawing on Japanese geometry, heavy blackwork, and blackout traditions. Martín González (BOGA) collaborates on Japanese-blackwork hybrids. Book a consultation to discuss timeline and approach.