How Long Do Tattoos Take? A Breakdown by Size and Style
The time a tattoo takes depends on more than size—it’s influenced by style, detail, and technique.
One of the most common questions we hear in the studio (right after “Does it hurt?”) is:
“How long is this tattoo going to take?”
The answer? It depends — but not in a mysterious, gatekeep-y way. Tattoo time comes down to a few key factors: size, style, placement, and detail. Whether you’re planning a tiny fine-line flower or a detailed animal piece, understanding how long tattoos take can help you plan your day, manage expectations, and feel way more relaxed going into your appointment.
Let’s break it all down, Calgary-style.
What Actually Determines Tattoo Time?
Before we get into size and style, here are the biggest factors that affect how long a tattoo takes:
Size: More surface area = more time
Detail level: Fine details slow things down
Style: Some styles are faster than others
Placement: Certain body parts are trickier to tattoo
Client comfort: Breaks are normal and encouraged
At any tattoo Calgary studio worth its salt, your artist will prioritize quality over speed. A good tattoo takes the time it needs — no rushing, no cutting corners.
Thoughtful planning ensures the tattoo’s size, flow, and session time are right from the start.
Tattoo Time by Size
🖊️ Tiny Tattoos (1–2 inches)
Estimated time: 30 minutes – 1 hour
These are your minimal symbols, tiny florals, micro animals, or simple linework designs. While they’re small, they still require careful setup, stencil placement, and precision — especially with fine-line work.
Perfect for:
First tattoos
Minimalists
Fine-line designs
✋ Small Tattoos (2–4 inches)
Estimated time: 1–2 hours
This is one of the most popular size ranges. Small florals, animals, illustrative pieces, or simple shaded designs live here.
These tattoos often feel quick, but they still benefit from thoughtful placement and clean execution — especially in styles that rely on delicate lines.
🖐️ Medium Tattoos (4–7 inches)
Estimated time: 2–4 hours
Medium tattoos allow for more detail, movement, and storytelling. Think floral bouquets, animal portraits, or illustrative designs with shading.
This size often hits the sweet spot between impact and time commitment — and it’s where many artists really shine.
🦾 Large Tattoos (7+ inches)
Estimated time: 4–8+ hours (sometimes multiple sessions)
Large tattoos include half sleeves, thigh pieces, backs, or detailed full compositions. These almost always require multiple sessions to allow for breaks, healing, and consistency.
At a professional Calgary tattoo studio, your artist will plan these pieces carefully over time — not cram them into one exhausting day.
Different tattoo styles require different techniques, which directly impact how long a piece takes to complete.
Tattoo Time by Style
✨ Fine-Line Tattoos
Time: Slower than you think
Fine-line tattoos require precision and a steady hand. Even small designs can take longer than expected because every line matters. The payoff? Elegant, timeless tattoos that age beautifully when done right.
🌸 Floral Tattoos
Time: Moderate
Florals vary wildly depending on detail. A simple flower outline might be quick, while a layered floral piece with shading and flow takes more time. Petals, curves, and softness require patience.
🎨 Illustrative Tattoos
Time: Moderate to long
Illustrative tattoos blend linework and shading, often telling a story. They’re less about speed and more about balance — making sure the design reads clearly from every angle.
🐺 Animal Tattoos
Time: Longer
Animals often involve texture (fur, feathers), expressive details, and shading. Even small animal tattoos can take longer than expected if realism or illustration is involved.
Placement affects how a tattoo moves with the body—and how well it holds up over time.
Placement Matters (A Lot)
Some areas take longer because the skin is:
Stretchier (ribs, stomach)
Thinner (neck, collarbone)
Constantly moving (hands, feet)
Artists may need to work slower to ensure clean lines and even saturation. Comfort breaks are totally normal — especially for longer sessions.
Jade and Dagger Tattoo: Honest Timing, No Surprises
At Jade and Dagger Tattoo, we believe transparency is part of great tattooing. As a trusted Bridgeland tattoo studio, we take the time to walk you through:
Estimated session length
Whether a design needs multiple sessions
How to prepare for longer appointments
We’d rather under-promise and over-deliver than rush something permanent.
Floral and animal motifs require precision, patience, and a strong sense of composition.
Featured Artist: Jenna (@rainyday.tattoos)
If you love soft, thoughtful tattoos with heart, Jenna is an artist you’ll want to book with.
Jenna specializes in:
Fine-line tattoos
Floral designs
Illustrative pieces
Animal tattoos
Her work balances delicacy with clarity — meaning even detailed designs stay readable and age gracefully. Jenna is especially skilled at pacing sessions so clients feel comfortable, informed, and cared for from start to finish.
👉 Check out Jenna’s work here:
https://www.jadeanddagger.com/Jenna
She’s also amazing at helping clients choose the right size and style to match both their vision and their time commitment.
How to Prepare for Your Tattoo Appointment
To help your tattoo go smoothly:
Eat beforehand
Stay hydrated
Wear comfortable clothing
Don’t rush — plan buffer time
Trust the process
A relaxed client makes for a better tattoo experience every time.
Final Thoughts: Quality Takes Time
Whether your tattoo takes 45 minutes or multiple sessions, the goal is always the same: a tattoo you love for years to come. Time isn’t the enemy — rushed work is.
If you’re planning a tattoo in Calgary and want honest guidance, skilled artists, and a comfortable environment, Jade and Dagger Tattoo is here for you.
Jade and Dagger Tattoo
🌐 Website: https://www.jadeanddagger.com
📅 Booking: https://www.jadeanddagger.com/book
📩 Contact: https://www.jadeanddagger.com/contact
📞 Phone: 403-244-6766
📍 Address: 1056 1 Avenue NE, Calgary, AB, T2E 0B8, Canada
Good tattoos take time — and we’re happy to take it with you. 🖤
