Rick Shaw specialises in large scale tattoo work including full sleeves, chest pieces and back compositions. Each design is fully custom, built around flow, balance and long-term visual impact. Based in Worthing, all large projects are planned collaboratively from concept to completion.
Large-scale tattoos are where everything comes together design, flow, placement, and long-term vision. Whether it’s a full sleeve, back piece, chest panel or multi-session project, these tattoos are built to work with the body and develop over time.
At Broken Puppet Tattoo, we regularly work on large-scale pieces across a range of styles, helping clients build tattoos that feel cohesive, balanced, and made to last.
What Defines a Large-Scale Tattoo?
Large-scale work goes beyond a single image. It’s about how the tattoo fits and flows across the body, often developing over multiple sessions.
This can include:
Full and half sleeves
Back pieces
Chest and torso work
Leg sleeves
Ongoing, connected projects
Each piece is designed with the bigger picture in mind, ensuring everything works together as it progresses.
Every large-scale tattoo starts with a clear plan. We look at your ideas, references, and placement, then build a design that flows naturally with your body.
Key considerations include:
Flow and movement across the body
Balance and composition over larger areas
Longevity—how the tattoo will age over time
Session planning to build the piece in stages
Rather than treating each session as a separate tattoo, the focus is always on the final outcome as a complete piece.
Large-scale tattoos can be approached in a variety of styles depending on the look you want.
I am very versatile in many styles and regularly work in:
Traditional & Neo-Traditional
X-ray Traditional
Japanese
Black & grey realism
Color realism
New Skool
Anime
Each style brings different strengths, and we’ll always guide you toward what will work best for your idea and placement.
Building a Tattoo Over Time
Large-scale tattoos are usually completed over multiple sessions. This allows the design to be developed properly and ensures each stage heals well before continuing.
Some clients come in with a full plan from the start, while others build their tattoo gradually over time. Both approaches work as long as there’s a clear direction behind it.
Large-scale work requires more than just technical ability it takes experience to understand how designs sit on the body, how they age, and how to keep everything consistent across multiple sessions.
I have 20+ years of experience working on sleeves, back pieces and ongoing projects, with a strong focus on clean application, solid structure, and long-term results.
Large-Scale Tattoos at Our Worthing Studio
Based in Worthing, West Sussex, we work with clients locally and from further afield who are looking to commit to larger tattoo projects.
Whether you’re starting your first sleeve or continuing an existing piece, we’ll help plan and build something that works as a complete, cohesive tattoo.
Start Your Large-Scale Tattoo Project
If you’re thinking about a sleeve, back piece or larger project, get in touch with your ideas and we can start planning it properly.
How long does a sleeve or large tattoo take?
It varies depending on the style and detail, but most large-scale tattoos are completed over multiple sessions. On average between 4-8 sessions normally.
Do I need the full design planned before starting?
No at all. I'm happy to fully design the tattoo before hand or we can build and evolve the design as we go. I see large work as a collaboration between me and you as the client. Some styles such as patchwork traditional often give a lot of freedom of choice, anything you are unsure about I'm happy to talk through with you.
Are large-scale tattoos more painful?
They can be more demanding simply due to the length of sessions and certain placements, but this varies from person to person. We always aim to make the process as comfortable as possible and if needed we can always do shorter sessions.
How much does a large-scale tattoo cost?
Pricing depends on the size, detail and number of sessions required. Larger pieces are often done at a day rate, which we can discuss during your consultation.
What styles work best for sleeves and large pieces?
Pretty much any style it's more about getting the flow and composition correct that allows it to work. But if you want the more common styles that work nicely then Realism, Traditonal, Neo-traditonal, Japanese and Stipple.
Can you work around existing tattoos?
Yes, in many cases we can incorporate or work around existing tattoos as part of a larger design. We’ll assess what’s possible and advise on the best approach.
How do I prepare for a full-day session?
Getting good rest, eating properly, and staying hydrated all help. We’ll give you clear guidance before your session so you know what to expect. Bring a snack and sugary drink is also recommended.
How do I get started?
Fill in our form, placement and il be in touch and we can go through reference pics you have and start making a plan. From there, we can talk through the best way to plan and build your tattoo.
more questions? Check out our FAQ page
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