At Eleven Pillars Tattoo Studio in Oakleigh, Melbourne, our artists work across black and grey realism, portraits, blackwork, neo-traditional and large-scale custom designs.

Whether it’s a whole back, two full leg sleeves or a bodysuit - we can guarantee you with done it!

Here’s what you need to know before committing to your next big piece.

Tattoo by Nado

Choosing the Right Size and Placement

One of the biggest considerations with tattooing is how much detail your design contains.

Large scale tattoos rely on shading, contrast, texture and proportion to create a cohesive appearance that also ages well over time. If a design is too small, intricate details may lose definition as the tattoo ages - eventually turning into a blob.

Areas such as the upper arm, forearm, thigh, chest and back give artists more space to develop detail and create a composition that works with your body.

Your artist will consider:

● How the design follows your body’s natural shape

● Whether the size allows enough room for detail

● How the tattoo will look from different angles

● Whether you might want to extend the piece in the future

Our advice: Don’t get too attached to a particular size or design before speaking with your artist. 

Tattoo by Luke

Choosing the Right Realism Tattoo Artist

Not all tattoo artists specialise in the same subjects, styles or techniques. So it’s important to do your homework.

When researching a tattoo artist in Melbourne, look for consistent portfolio work in the style of tattoo you’re after. 

At Eleven Pillars, our artists bring different strengths and approaches to custom tattooing.

Chris specialises in black and grey + colour realism, portraits and large-scale detailed compositions. And bonus points if it’s a horror design!

Nado specialises in near traditional and large scale black work pieces. He is known for his ability to create strong contrast and bold results.

Toni specialises in fine line, illustrative, ornamental and black work designs. She is known for her very steady hand that allows her to pull incredibly fine crisp lines!

Hayley specialises in illustrative, neotraditional, ornamental and black work pieces. She is especially talented at design topics that require research and deep an understanding.

Reece is our most recent recruit at the studio however brings with him over 15 years of experience in realism, illustrative, black work and neo traditional pieces. 

Luke is a junior artist working across multiple styles, with a growing focus on realism, illustrative, fine line and larger projects.

Jamie is another one of our junior artists who is quickly becoming known for her abilities to densely pack colour to create incredibly vibrant pieces that hold up once healed. She is currently specialising in anime designs.

Cristian, our apprentice, is developing his technical foundations under the mentorship of Chris Sinclair. 

Our team can help match your tattoo idea with an artist whose skills and experience suit the project.

Tattoos by Chris

How Many Sessions Will You Need?

This is one of the most common questions we receive about large-scale tattoos.

The answer depends on the size, placement, complexity and amount of detail involved.

Some larger standalone pieces can be completed in one full-day appointment, while full sleeves, back pieces and detailed compositions require multiple sessions.

Based on our experience we have tried to give you a rough guide of how long each area may take to cover - again, remember that this is indicative only and can vary depending on design, body size and artists pace.

Arm sleeve (shoulder to wrist wrapping all the way around): 4 - 6 day sessions

Upper arm sleeve (shoulder to elbow wrapping all the way around.): 2 - 2.5 day sessions

Lower arm sleeve (inner and outer forearm): 2 day sessions

Leg sleeve (groin to ankle wrapping all the way around): 5 - 7 day sessions

Back piece (shoulders to lower back): 4 - 6 day sessions 

Stomach piece (sternum to pubic bone): 2-4 day sessions

Your artist will discuss an estimated timeframe during the planning process.

Our advice: Don’t rush a large tattoo just to complete it in fewer appointments. Quality work requires time.

Tattoo by Nado

What will the cost be ?

The price of a large realism tattoo in Melbourne depends on the artist, design complexity and number of sessions required.

At Eleven Pillars, our pricing includes your deposit, custom design, tattoo appointment and a complimentary touch-up session if required.

Below are our artist day rates as of the writing of this blog October 2026. Rates are subject to change so it’s always best to check in with us for the most up-to-date pricing. 

● Chris: $1,400 per full-day session, reduced to $1,300 per day when booking two or more sessions.

● Nado: $1,200 per full-day session, reduced to $1,100 per day when booking two or more sessions.

● Toni $1,000 per full-day session, reduced to $900 per day when booking two or more sessions.

● Reece $1,000 per full-day session, reduced to $900 per day when booking two or more sessions.

● Hayley $1,000 per full-day session, reduced to $900 per day when booking two or more sessions.

● Luke (junior artist): $800 per full-day session, reduced to $700 per day when booking two or more sessions.

● Jamie (junior artist): $800 per full-day session, reduced to $700 per day when booking two or more sessions.

● Cristian (apprentice): $450 per full-day session.

For an accurate quote, simply send us a brief description of your idea, approximate size, placement and any reference images.

Does a Large Tattoo Hurt?

Unfortunately all tattoos involve some discomfort, but everyone’s experience is different.

Placement, session length and personal pain tolerance all play a role.

Longer appointments can become tiring, particularly towards the end of a full-day session. Some clients may choose to numb their tattoo - and that’s fine. Our advice is to check in with the artist or studio to make sure they are okay for you to use numbing cream.

If you’re nervous, let your artist know. We’re always happy to explain the process, answer questions and discuss breaks when needed.

There’s no award for being the toughest person in the tattoo chair.

Tattoo by Chris

How to Prepare for Your Appointment

A little preparation can make your tattoo experience considerably more comfortable.

Before your appointment:

● Get a good night’s sleep.

● Eat a hearty meal before arriving.

● Stay hydrated and bring water.

● Wear comfortable clothing that provides access to the tattoo area.

● Bring snacks for longer sessions.

● Avoid alcohol before your appointment.

For full-day sessions, being well-rested, fed and comfortable makes a real difference.

Healing and Long-Term Care

Most tattoos take approximately two to four weeks for the surface of the skin to heal, although deeper healing can take longer.

Larger tattoos may require additional care due to the amount of skin involved.

Your artist will provide detailed aftercare instructions, but generally, you’ll need to keep your tattoo clean, avoid picking or scratching, stay out of swimming pools while healing and protect the area from direct sunlight.

Over time, all tattoos naturally change as your skin ages. Protecting your tattoo by the sun is a proven effective way to reduce accelerated ageing of your tattoo - remember to SPF!

Choosing an experienced artist, allowing sufficient room for detail and protecting your healed tattoo from UV exposure can help preserve its appearance.

Tattoo by Toni

Ready to Plan Your Realism Tattoo?

You can request a quote from us here. 

A large tattoo is a significant commitment, but with the right artist, thoughtful planning and a custom design, it can become an incredible piece of artwork you can proudly wear for life.

At Eleven Pillars Tattoo Studio, our artists work with clients to create tattoos tailored to their ideas, style and body.

We’re located at 19a Portman Street, Oakleigh, just minutes from Chadstone Shopping Centre and easily accessible from Carnegie, Bentleigh, Malvern East and surrounding Melbourne suburbs.

There’s two-hour street parking in Oakleigh, free parking at Oakleigh train station just a short walk away, and paid all-day parking at Oakleigh Central.

Send us a brief description of what you’re after, with any inspiration images, and we’ll help you take it from there.