What to Expect During a Large-Scale Freehand Tattoo Session

At Black Swan Tattoo Company, most Japanese tattoos are created over multiple sessions. Large designs like sleeves, back pieces, and torso work require planning, patience, and precision. Whether you’re starting your first major tattoo or continuing your collection, understanding what happens during longer sessions helps make the experience as smooth and comfortable as possible.

The Freehand Difference

Unlike stencil-based tattooing, freehand tattoos are drawn directly onto the skin before tattooing begins. This allows the design to move naturally with your body, following muscle structure and anatomy for a cohesive, balanced look.

Our owner, artist Jason Metka uses this approach to ensure every piece fits the body and fills the space appropriately based on the desired result—nothing is traced or pre-made. Each session includes drawing time, so the artwork evolves uniquely for you.

Tattoo Artist Jason Metka creates a freehand design on client before he begins tattooing.

How Long a Session Typically Lasts

Large-scale Japanese tattoos are completed in multiple sessions, spaced apart a minimum of 3 - 4 weeks between; or longer depending on the client’s preference and budget. Each session can last several hours, depending on the area, design complexity, and your comfort. The first couple of hours of a project start session are dedicated to getting the design laid out and drawn on without rushing, and then roughly 4 hours of tattooing for the day.

Tattoo Artist Jason Metka of Black Swan Tattoo Company in Austin Texas draws on half sleeve tattoo design before completing project over the course of two sessions.

Snake & Chrysanthemum Japanese Half Sleeve Process Completed in 2 sessions

Preparing for Your Session

Simple preparation goes a long way in making your tattoo session smoother:

• Rest well the night before your appointment.

• Eat a solid meal before arriving; it helps maintain energy and focus.

• Hydrate the day before and during your session for better skin response.

• Dress comfortably and choose clothing that allows easy access to the area being tattooed. We also recommend choosing dark or black clothing that you don’t mind staining due to potential marker and pigment transfer during process.

• Avoid alcohol or blood thinners 24 hours before your appointment.

Jason will discuss any additional recommendations based on your tattoo placement and skin type during your consultation.

Comfort During Long Tattoo Sessions

Every client’s comfort level varies, and Jason adjusts the pace accordingly. Communication is key—if you need to pause or stretch, just ask. The private studio setting at Black Swan provides a calm, focused environment with no distractions or crowds.

You’re welcome to bring water, snacks, or headphones to help stay relaxed. Sessions are structured to keep your energy steady and your skin in good condition for clean, consistent work.

Tattoo artist working in a private studio with client taking a short break mid-session.

Aftercare Between Sessions

After each session, Jason will clean and use a medical spray bandage for your tattoo to ensure your skin is thoroughly protected to head home, then go over aftercare steps in detail. Following these directions carefully ensures smooth healing and long-term results—especially for large Japanese pieces that may cover multiple body areas.

Each stage of healing prepares your skin for the next appointment. Jason will advise on how long to wait before continuing to the next session, depending on placement and your healing progress. We generally suggest scheduling a series of appointments in advance to ensure you get your preferred day of the week and interval between sessions at your own pace locked in based on your schedule and budget.

Building Your Japanese Tattoo Step by Step

One of the key advantages of freehand work is flexibility. As each session progresses, Jason adjusts shading, background flow, and transitions to maintain balance and movement throughout the sleeve or backpiece.

This ensures your final tattoo looks unified and intentional, no matter how many sessions it takes to complete.

In-progress Japanese dragon leg sleeve showing healed and freshly tattooed sections blending together.

Why Choose Black Swan Tattoo Company

With over two decades of experience, Jason Metka specializes in Japanese composition and custom freehand work. His approach focuses on craftsmanship, classic design principles, and long-term durability.
The private, appointment-only studio provides clients with an experience that’s personal, professional, and creative from start to finish.

Tattoo artist Jason Metka sketching in studio at Black Swan Tattoo Company in Austin, Texas.

Book a Complimentary Consultation

Ready to start your large-scale freehand tattoo or learn more about the process? Consultations are always free and low-pressure. Click here to schedule your chance to chat with Jason at the studio.

Japanese Color Koi Tattoo Sleeve : finished in 3 full day sessions.

Double Koi Tattoo Sleeve: water and wind bar background with sakura blossoms.

A common question we get from new clients is how long does it take to finish a tattoo sleeve? There are many variables involved such as subject matter, the size of the person’s arm and the amount of detail the client has in mind for their overall style direction. But for something like this example of a Japanese inspired double koi sleeve (from wrist to the top of the shoulder) three full day tattoo sessions is an accurate estimate. The first session involves drawing the design on to fit the client’s body/musculature and tattooing the outline with some initial shading. The second session is dedicated to background and ongoing shading work. And in this case, the third and final session was adding color to the koi and cherry blossom elements. For the initial sleeve start session a full day booking is required to allow proper time to get the entire sleeve design laid out. But for clients who are newer to getting tattooed and a bit apprehensive to sit for additional full day sessions; it is easy to switch to half day visits for the ongoing work after the first full day to chip away until the sleeve is complete. Of course we always suggest a consultation to confirm the details for each client’s specific plans; so get in touch to get more information for planning your next tattoo!

Freehand tattoo sleeve finished in three full day sessions.

Custom tattoo sleeve featuring two koi fish, florals and background.

Freehand designs from start to finish…

After an initial consultation to determine each client’s goals for their project; the design will be drawn directly on the tattoo area the day of the appointment. Freehand designs custom fit for the individual’s body and ideas. For some this may be the first time they have had this freehand experience for a tattoo process. Over the years we have collected many videos and photos of the drawing process and how it translates to the finished product. This visual allows clients to get a better idea of where their project journey begins. Here are a few examples from beginning to end to showcase the final result of the freehand process! Excited to connect with our new clients here in Texas, get in touch to set up your consultation for future plans!

2024 Star of Texas Tattoo Revival! Scheduling updates for Jason…

2024 is around the corner and we would love to get your new projects on the calendar for your preferred times! Jason is currently booked for his Oregon dates up until February 2024, and taking consultations in January for any new Medford plans. For his Austin studio dates, he will be available generally the second half of each month in Texas for consultations and tattoo appointments. January 19th through the 21st he will be attending the “Star of Texas : Tattoo Revival” convention, and taking pre-arranged appointments or walk-ups based on first come/first served opportunities. If you would like to get something planned ahead for his convention dates, please use our contact form to get in touch for more details. As always we are so grateful to our previous and new clients coming in to get tattooed! Cheers to the end of a very long year, and to bigger and brighter things in 2024!

New Austin Texas location opening late August!

We are very excited to announce that as of August 1st, 2023 the 1004 E Jackson St shop location will be transferring to new ownership operating as “Tiger Blood Tattoo” . Giving us the opportunity to relocate Black Swan Tattoo Company to Austin Texas as of mid- August. Jason will still be tattooing at Tiger Blood Tattoo for the near future as scheduled and will be splitting his time between the two locations. This however, will mean fairly limited schedule availability for his Oregon bookings, so please get in touch via text directly at 541-838-0752 ASAP for any unfinished tattoo work to find a date on the calendar. Austin availability will be featured on the main website calendar and Texas clients can text 737-295-9583 for additional details. Oregon bookings will need to contact Chloe to determine specific eligible openings at Tiger Blood Tattoo. Although this is bittersweet, we are so happy it will be in good hands and looking forward to more time for our own new adventures!