What started with a single idea for a Medusa tattoo eventually became something much bigger: two full black-and-grey realism sleeves inspired by the mythology, history, and imagery of ancient civilizations.
For this month’s Client of the Month, we’re highlighting an ambitious large-scale project by Ink & Dagger artist Robert Beeman. Spanning both arms, the finished work explores Greek and Egyptian mythology through larger-than-life portraits, darker imagery, and small details that tie each sleeve together.
And it all started with Medusa.
From One Idea to Two Full Sleeves
There wasn’t always a plan for two complete sleeves. In fact, the project evolved considerably from its original concept.
“I started with the snakes and Medusa,” our client Wesley explained. “I wanted to have some snakes, and that morphed into a Medusa as a starting point.”
From there, his interest in Greek mythology opened the door to more ideas. He had always been fascinated by ancient civilizations and, in particular, the way their stories and influence continue to appear in modern life thousands of years later.
Before meeting with Robert, he had even typed out a Word document filled with ideas, initially envisioning two half sleeves. But once the two began discussing the project, Robert helped him see how those concepts could translate into something larger and more cohesive.
“Robert does a great job of explaining how the tattoos will fit and heal,” he said. “Shortly after our first couple sessions, I was completely sold and wanted to do two full sleeves.”
The Greek sleeve began with some of the imagery he knew he wanted from the start: Zeus, Medusa, and a skull. As the project grew, an Egyptian mythology sleeve became the natural counterpart.
“It all came together over time and organically turned into what it is.”
Finding the Right Artist
For a project this large, finding an artist whose style matched the vision was essential. The search for Robert actually began with a lot of Googling—and eventually led to the Ink & Dagger website.
“One of the first things that drew me to Ink & Dagger was the website,” he said. “It did a great job breaking down the tattoo styles. I thought I knew what I wanted, but looking at the website did a great job of teaching me more.”
He already knew he wanted his tattoos to be black and grey, but seeing different styles and artist portfolios helped him narrow down exactly what he was looking for. Once he found Robert’s work, things clicked.
Two tattoos in particular—a Mandalorian piece and an astronaut—sealed the deal.
“I was blown away,” he said. “I was like, okay, I think I know what I’m going for.”
Turning an Idea Into Something Bigger
Although the subject matter began with the client, the finished sleeves became a true collaboration between artist and client.
“Robert did such a great job taking what I wanted and turning it into a piece that was even better than I imagined,” he said. “My original ideas are completely different now, in a good way.”
Instead of simply placing each requested image onto the arm, Robert took the overall concept and considered how every element would interact as part of a larger composition. The result was something more refined and cohesive than the original outline.
“He took my rough outline and refined it and turned it into something polished and beautiful, which I was amazed by. Seeing my ideas come to life with his creative input turned it into an amazing piece overall.”
That trust became increasingly important as the project grew. Details that weren’t necessarily part of the original plan became some of his favorite parts of the finished sleeves.
One example? The tiny camels worked into the Egyptian imagery.
“The camels weren’t something we talked about originally, but when I saw it I was like, ‘Oh my God, those are so cool.’ The shading and the shadows are one of my favorite parts of the whole sleeve. Those minor details I didn’t expect to be so happy with.”
Seven Sessions at a Time
Completing two highly detailed realism sleeves doesn’t happen overnight.
Each arm took roughly seven to eight sessions, plus touch-ups. The process began on the Greek sleeve with Zeus, followed by Medusa and the skull. Once the decision was made to expand both arms into full sleeves, Robert and his client switched over to the Egyptian sleeve before eventually returning to finish the right arm.Throughout all those sessions, Robert’s attention to detail stood out.
“The way Robert tattoos has so much attention to detail, and he really takes the time,” he said. “I’m a perfectionist myself, and I know I’m in really good hands with Robert. He makes sure every line and the shading is perfect before he’s happy with it.”
When you’re spending that many hours together, the relationship between artist and client becomes a big part of the experience, too.
Luckily, the two discovered plenty to talk about.
“One of the things Robert and I have in common is gaming, so we were always talking about gaming or what shows we’re watching,” he said. “Robert is such a good conversationalist, so that makes it really easy.”
And when he didn’t feel like talking? Headphones were always welcome.
“It’s always a good experience no matter what.”
A Favorite Among the Details
With two arms packed with imagery, choosing a favorite isn’t exactly easy. But one piece does stand out: the pharaoh/mummy.
“I like the darker themes and then the contrast with something beautiful like the Medusa and her snakes,” he explained.
For him, the Egyptian sleeve also developed a deeper theme surrounding time, life, and decay—how even the seemingly permanent eventually changes and withers. The imagery of the pharaoh looking toward the gods became an especially powerful part of that story.
“It just came out perfect in terms of all the details, like the face and jaw.”
It’s that balance between the monumental and the subtle that makes the sleeves work as a whole. Large portraits immediately grab your attention, while shadows, transitions, textures, and smaller elements reward a closer look.
Going All In
Before meeting Robert, our client had a few tattoos from when he was 18, but nothing approaching this scale.
“I had always wanted more, but the timing was never right,” he said. “I found myself in a place where I was ready to commit, and I have zero regrets. I’m super happy.”
Looking back, he’s especially glad that the original half-sleeve idea evolved into something bigger.
“I wanted a big, cohesive sleeve, so I’m happy we went that route because everything came together so perfectly.”
Rather than leaving him tired of large-scale tattooing, completing two sleeves has only made him more certain about what he wants.
“I think, if anything, it just really sold me on the style. It solidified what I like in tattoos, and there’s no looking back now.”
In fact, the next project is already planned: a full leg sleeve with Robert.
Finding a Home at Ink & Dagger
Robert’s portfolio may have been what originally brought him through Ink & Dagger’s doors, but the experience of being in the studio became another reason to keep coming back.
“Going into it, I didn’t expect to be blown away by how friendly everyone was,” he said. “Across the board, everyone is super welcoming and kind. The studio is clean. The staff, environment, everything.”
And after countless hours working together, his appreciation for Robert extends far beyond his ability as an artist.
“What drew me there was Robert’s work, but another thing that kept me there was him just being an awesome human. Everyone at Ink & Dagger is amazing.”
After going from a couple of tattoos to two complete realism sleeves, his advice for anyone considering their own large-scale project is simple:
“Just go for it.”
More importantly, he recommends finding an artist you believe in and allowing them the creative freedom to do what they do best.
“A lot of the apprehension comes from the unknown, but everyone at Ink & Dagger is an amazing artist, so you can’t go wrong. Anyone considering it—just go for it.”
Two sleeves down, and this tattoo story is far from finished.
“We’ve done a lot so far, and there’s a lot more to come.”
Next up: the leg sleeve.
