And the final one: Extra Large Tattoos!
We’re finally talking about extra large tattoos to finish our series of blog posts on tattoo sizes! If you missed them, here’s links to all our other articles:
- Small Tattoos
- Medium Tattoos
- Large Tattoos
And now extra large! We’re talking entire backs, entire fronts, full arms and full legs.
Extra Large Tattoos — The Ultimate Commitment to Bold Traditional Art
Extra large tattoos are the pinnacle of the tattooing journey. We're talking full sleeves, half sleeves, back pieces, leg sleeves, and large chest and stomach compositions — the kind of work that transforms the body into a complete canvas. These are not just tattoos. They are collections, commitments, and lifelong works of art. At Louielou Tattoo, extra large scale traditional work is some of the most exciting and rewarding tattooing we do. When an entire limb or body section becomes the canvas, the possibilities are truly extraordinary.
What Counts as an Extra Large Tattoo?
Extra large tattoos cover an entire body section or multiple connected areas. Think:
Full arm sleeves — wrist to shoulder
Full leg sleeves — ankle to hip
Full back pieces — shoulder to lower back
Chest and stomach compositions spanning top and bottom of the front body
Connected body suits covering multiple areas
These are long term projects. They require careful planning, multiple sessions over weeks, and a real commitment to the process. But for those who go all in, the result is something truly breathtaking.
Why Extra Large Tattoos Are the Ultimate Statement
An extra large tattoo is more than body art — it's a lifestyle choice and a deeply personal statement. People who commit to extra large work often describe it as one of the most meaningful decisions they've ever made. Here's why:
Complete creative freedom over an entire body section
The ability to tell a full story with multiple connected elements
Seamless compositions that flow naturally with the body's shape
A cohesive collection rather than individual standalone pieces
An investment in something truly unique and personal that will last a lifetime
Extra large traditional tattoos also represent the absolute pinnacle of the bold traditional style — where every element of the artform, from line work to colour to composition, comes together in its most complete and powerful form.
Popular Extra Large Tattoo Styles and Compositions
At this scale, traditional and Japanese tattooing truly come into their own. Some of the most breathtaking extra large compositions include:
Full Japanese sleeves — dragons, koi, tigers, and Hannya masks flowing through waves, clouds, wind bars, and cherry blossoms in a seamless connected composition
Traditional American sleeves — bold classic motifs like panthers, eagles, roses, daggers, and ships woven together with banners, clouds, and background filler
Full back pieces — one of the most dramatic statements in tattooing, often featuring a single large centrepiece like a dragon or eagle surrounded by a richly detailed background
Full leg sleeves — flowing compositions that wrap naturally around the leg, working beautifully with both Japanese and bold traditional styles
Chest and stomach panels — powerful centrepieces that anchor an entire collection and frame the torso with bold, intentional design
Extra Large Tattoos as Coverups
If you have existing work, especially medium to large sized, that you no longer like, getting an extra large tattoo to cover it is a very good option. Over time, Zach has become an expert in extra large scale work as well as coverups, so combining the two together is an ultimate challenge and accomplishment! If you’re after extra large scale tattoo work as a coverup, a consultation is very important, to make sure Zach can get it done in the style that you want it and so that you no longer see your previous piece.
Planning an Extra Large Tattoo — What to Expect
Extra large work requires more planning than any other type of tattoo, and that planning is what makes the final result so exceptional. Here's what the process typically looks like:
Consultation first — a detailed conversation about your vision, your existing tattoos if any, your placement, and how the composition will flow across the body
Design development — Zach will work with you to develop the overall concept and layout before any tattooing begins
Multiple sessions — extra large pieces are completed across several sessions, often spaced a few weeks apart to allow for proper healing
Package pricing — rather than day rates, extra large work is typically quoted as a package so you have full clarity on cost and time commitment upfront
Patience and trust — the best extra large tattoos are the result of a collaborative process between artist and client, built over time with care and intention
At Louielou Tattoo, Zach offers free in person consultations for all extra large work. Getting the plan right from the very beginning is everything.
Getting an Extra Large Tattoo on the Central Coast
If you've been dreaming about a sleeve, a back piece, or a full leg composition, now is the time to start the conversation. Extra large traditional work is a journey, and the sooner you begin, the sooner you'll have something truly extraordinary to show for it.
Zach at Louielou Tattoo specialises in bold traditional and Japanese work at every scale, and extra large compositions are some of his most ambitious and celebrated projects. If you're based on the Central Coast of NSW and want to discuss your vision, get in touch here — we'd love to help you plan something truly special.