How long does your sessions last?

[FXS]

I noticed a few people here sit for lengthy times and was curious what's the typical time different people sit for. When I make my appointments we take a 4 hour block, and I usually am under the needle for 3 of that.

So how many hours do you sit for? Any marathoners here?.... lol :D

[Inktman]

There's a big difference in being there time and needle time. A 4 hour appointment can result in only 1 hour ouch...

[FXS]

agreed. Like I said, I usually sit for 3 hours, but we take about 30-45 minutes before to discuss the progress colors, etc as we go along. and he takes about two 5 minute breaks...so we schedule 4 hours but I'm only under the needle for 3.

I have seen people say that they "sat" for many more than 3 hours. I'm wondering how many hours was that under the needle or as you stated were they just there...

[Inktman]

My artist was also the boss in the shop, so he was always called away, getting inspired, distracted, thinking, sketching or organizing a convention. Or in such a bad mood, I would just drop the appointment. But once he got going he did long stretches. The outline on my back took a good 8 hours.

[Diamond Dave]

longest so far was a full day with about 5.5hrs of outlining, it was sucky but doable. still got probably another 3-5hrs of outlining, can't wait to start packin in the color.

[FXS]

yeah This is how I like it too. We do 3 hours or less....

[Bones]

Most of my sessions have been about 2.5-3.5 hours of needle time. Last night, my artist and I really wanted to get through the background on my piece, so it was 5 hours and 50 minutes of needle time. I was there from about 4:00 to 11:30.

[FXS]

You'll have to let us know if you come down with something.....lol... :)

[Noelle]

most of my pieces thus far have been doable in under 3 hours, i've only got one that lasted a full three (it's a tag so it's helllla detailed) and then a couple around the 2.5 mark. my leg so far has 4 sessions and about 6.5 hours. two sessions at 2 hours and the other 4 about an hour-hour.5 with smoke breaks included (maybe 5 minutes after an hour has passed). before i leave town i know we're gonna do a nice big session though, probably about 3-4 hours of color on the lower half of my leg. wanna get as much done before i'm living 6 hours away!

[JD LaRish]

longest i sat was for a little over 8 hours. i was at the shop for something like 15 hours. found out later that i had both a sinus & upper respiratory infections too.
not fun.
usually sessions of 3 to 4 hours though.

[FXS]

I was wondering about that as well. I have heard that sitting for too long can affect you body's immune system? Kinda like your body feels like it is being "attacked" (like you were hurt) and responds by producing white blood cells? Then you feel like you are suffering from a cold....

Is there any evidence that backs that up?

[JD LaRish]

i actually had the infections prior to getting tattooed although i don't doubt that the 8 hr session had some effect on my recovery.

a lot of tattooers i know don't like sitting too long for a few reasons.
1.) their own sanity - one can loose perspective working on the same piece for too long
2.) don't wanna over work the area. best to split it up into multiple sessions and let it heal up properly than having to rework stuff later.

[FXS]

My guy is like that. Doesn't want to push it too far, and I think likes to keep his perspective by only working on a tat for no more than 3 hours at a time. Which works for me too. :)