We’re Going Back…

Flash Day is Friday Aug 29th!!! If you haven’t checked out the new flash do it now, you’re already here, so why not? I know what you are thinking, Flash Day has always been on a Wednesday, now it’s on Friday?!?! YES! The Radiant Ladies are going to be in Florida next Weds. Why? Read below… Also, back tattoos are back! It’s been a long time since Caroline did a big, back tattoo, but we hope to see some in the near future!

Marked For Life

We’re going back to Marked for Life. For 19 years Deana Lippins hosted a female artist only tattoo convention. Back in the times when it was difficult for women tattoo artists to succeed in the industry, Deana decided the women needed recognition too. You can read more about her in our blog post from women’s history month.

While attending these conventions, Caroline began friendships that would last for life. Next week, she and the other female artists will be attending the reunion where they will solidify the sense of community by reconnecting with old friends, meeting new friends and remembering lost friends.

In the photo to the left, the women are drawing their piece of an art collaboration to be donated to the Shriner’s Hospital. Judy Parker doesn’t take herself too seriously, but she does take her art seriously.

Big Back Piece Tattoos: The Collector’s Ultimate Commitment

When you see a full back tattoo, it stops you in your tracks. The scale, the detail, the storytelling are impossible to ignore. For tattoo collectors, few things make a bigger statement than a big back piece. It’s not just a tattoo; it’s a journey that tests your patience, your endurance, and your dedication to the art.

Why the Back?

The back is the largest uninterrupted canvas on the human body. With broad, flat areas that allow intricate detail and sweeping designs, it’s the perfect space for collectors who want to move beyond patchwork tattoos and into something monumental. Unlike smaller tattoos, a back piece can hold a full narrative, an entire myth, dream, or personal journey woven into one unified composition.

A Symbol of Dedication

Committing to a big back piece means committing to the process:

Multiple Sessions – Full back tattoos can take anywhere from 20 to 60+ hours, spread across many sittings.

Pain and Endurance – While some areas of the back are relatively tolerable, the spine, shoulder blades, and lower back can test your limits. Collectors often see this endurance as part of the meaning. The tattoo is not bought, it’s earned.

Healing and Care – Because the back is such a large area, proper aftercare and patience between sessions are essential. Every hour, every healed layer, becomes part of the story. Not just the ink, but the journey of sitting for it.

Choosing the Right Artist

For collectors, the artist matters as much as the design. A back piece is not a walk-in tattoo; it’s a collaboration that may last months or years. Finding someone whose style resonates with your vision is crucial. Look for:

Specialization – Does the artist excel in Japanese, realism, black and grey, or traditional styles?

Portfolio Cohesion – A great back piece needs flow; study how the artist handles large-scale compositions.

Trust and Rapport – You’ll be spending a lot of time together, so comfort and communication are key.

Style and Storytelling

Collectors often choose back pieces to tell a major story, something too big to fit on an arm or leg. Popular directions include:

Japanese Irezumi – Koi swimming upstream, dragons, tigers, or mythological figures in flowing water and wind.

Western Traditional & Neo-Traditional – Bold, iconic imagery like ships, goddesses, or eagles stretched across the back.

Black and Grey Realism – Portraits, religious iconography, or surreal scenes with lifelike depth.

Personal Symbols – Some collectors weave in family, heritage, or deeply personal imagery into a design only they fully understand.

The beauty of a back piece is that it doesn’t need to be a collection of small tattoos—it can be one sweeping story told across your skin.

Cost and Budgeting

A big back piece isn’t just a commitment of time and endurance—it’s also a financial investment. Costs vary widely depending on the artist’s reputation, location, and style, but collectors should plan carefully:

Hourly Rates – Many artists charge by the hour, with rates ranging from $150 to $300+ per hour for experienced professionals.

Total Cost – Since a full back piece may require 20–60+ hours, total costs often land between $3,000 and $15,000, sometimes more for highly sought-after artists.

Deposits and Scheduling – Expect to put down a deposit to hold your spot and be prepared to schedule sessions months apart depending on your artist’s calendar.

Long-Term Budgeting – Some collectors save up before starting, while others spread the cost out over time, treating each session as a manageable payment. Ultimately, you’re not just buying a tattoo; you’re investing in a one-of-a-kind work of art that will last a lifetime.

Preparation Tips for Collectors

Getting ready for a big back piece is as much about mindset as it is about physical preparation. A back piece is a marathon, not a sprint. The better prepared you are, the more enjoyable the journey will be. Here are some ways to make the process smoother:

Take Care of Your Skin – Stay hydrated, moisturize, and avoid sunburn before your appointment. Healthy skin holds ink better and heals faster.

Rest and Eat Well – A good night’s sleep and a solid meal before your session can make a huge difference in your energy and endurance.

Bring Comfort Items – Long sessions can be draining. Bring headphones, snacks, or anything that helps you relax in the chair.

Dress Smart – Wear loose clothing that makes it easy for your artist to access your back and doesn’t rub against fresh ink afterward.

Prepare Mentally – Expect some tough moments, especially on bony or sensitive areas. Break the session into manageable mental checkpoints rather than focusing on the entire time ahead.

Communicate with Your Artist – Don’t hesitate to speak up about your comfort level. A good artist wants you to be as relaxed and prepared as possible.

Healing & Aftercare for Large Tattoos

Caring for a big back tattoo is a little different than looking after smaller pieces. With such a large surface area, healing takes more time and attention:

Keep It Clean – Wash gently with mild soap and lukewarm water, then pat dry with a clean towel. Avoid over-scrubbing or soaking.

Moisturize Lightly – Use a thin layer of fragrance-free ointment or lotion recommended by your artist. Over-moisturizing can clog pores and slow healing.

Clothing Choices – Loose, breathable clothing is essential. Avoid anything tight or abrasive that could stick to the tattoo or cause irritation.

Sleeping Comfort – Since you can’t lay flat on your back, try sleeping on your side or stomach with supportive pillows. Some collectors find using a clean, soft blanket instead of a heavy comforter helps reduce friction.

Avoid Sun & Water – Keep your tattoo out of the sun and avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, or long baths until fully healed.

Flaking & Itching – Expect some peeling and itching during the healing process. Never pick or scratch—let the skin shed naturally.

Between Sessions – Because a back piece is usually done in stages, make sure each area is fully healed before your next session. Rushing can damage both the skin and the overall design. Good aftercare ensures that the time, money, and endurance you’ve invested in your back piece pay off in a vibrant, long-lasting masterpiece.

Your Story, Your Masterpiece

A big back piece isn’t only about how it looks, it’s about what it represents. It shows patience, commitment, and a willingness to give your body over to art. For many collectors, finishing a back piece feels like completing a rite of passage. When it’s finally done, you don’t just have a tattoo, you carry a living masterpiece, a story told in ink that will travel with you for the rest of your life.