Full Back Tattoos in Los Angeles
I'm Andrey Kolbasin, a tattoo artist based in Los Angeles. I specialize in realism, portraits, and large-scale custom tattoos, including full back pieces.
A back piece gives me something that smaller tattoos rarely can: enough space to build an entire visual story. It might be a single powerful subject or a composition involving portraits, architecture, nature, historical imagery, or fantasy elements.
But size alone doesn't make a tattoo successful. The composition has to work with the anatomy, remain balanced from different angles, and bring the details together into one complete image.
DISCUSS YOUR BACK PIECEFull Back Tattoo Portfolio
Here are examples of my larger back projects, including black and grey realism, historical and fantasy subjects, portraits, and compositions that use the entire back as a canvas.
Each project begins with a different idea. My goal is to create a connected composition rather than a collection of unrelated images.
A Complete Composition
When I design a tattoo for the entire back, I look at the composition before concentrating on individual details.
The main subject needs a clear position. Supporting elements should create depth and movement without competing for attention. I also consider how the tattoo follows the shoulders, spine, shoulder blades, and lower back.
A design can look impressive on a flat screen and still feel wrong when placed on the body. Proportions, transitions, contrast, and negative space matter just as much as the images themselves.
I want the result to work as a complete image from a distance and reward a closer look with detail.
EXPLORE LARGE-SCALE PROJECTS ↗Composition
One coherent image with clear focal points and connections between the main elements.
Anatomy
Planning the design around the shoulder blades, spine, sides, and lower back.
Contrast
Using light, shadow, and carefully selected detail to keep a large composition readable.
Color Realism and Black and Grey Tattoos
I work with both color and black and grey. Choosing between them is not simply a matter of preference. It depends on the subject, atmosphere, and visual result we're trying to achieve.
Black and grey can be especially effective for dramatic portraits, architecture, historical scenes, and compositions built around lighting and sculptural depth.
Color opens different possibilities. It can help separate visual layers, establish focal points, and create a particular atmosphere in a realistic or fantasy composition.
I don't believe every project needs the maximum amount of detail or the widest possible color palette. Each decision should serve the whole design.
Planning a Full Back Tattoo
A full back tattoo is a commitment. It takes time to develop the design and multiple appointments to complete the work.
I prefer to think through the complete concept before beginning. This allows me to plan the major elements, the flow, and how different parts of the tattoo will connect.
The exact approach depends on the complexity of the design, coverage, skin, and whether we're working in color or black and grey.
Tell Me About Your Idea
Share your subjects, references, preferred atmosphere, and how much of the back you want to cover.
Developing the Direction
We discuss the concept and choose an approach suited to the scale, anatomy, and main subject.
Planning the Sessions
We estimate the number of full-day appointments and establish a practical order for the work.
Building the Tattoo
The composition develops over multiple appointments, with each stage contributing to the complete back piece.
How Many Sessions Does a Full Back Tattoo Take?
As a general estimate, a full back tattoo can take approximately 5 to 10 full-day sessions. Some projects may require more or less time depending on coverage, detail, and complexity.
I work in full-day appointments, with a standard session lasting six hours. The amount of work completed during each appointment varies.
Detailed portraits, layered backgrounds, complex architecture, and extensive color work all affect the time needed.
I can provide a more useful estimate after we've discussed the idea and the area you want to cover.
READ MORE ABOUT THE PROCESS ↗Full Back Tattoo FAQ
Do you specialize in realistic full back tattoos?
Yes. Realism and large-scale custom compositions are important parts of my work. I create back pieces using portraits, historical subjects, architecture, nature, and fantasy imagery.
How many sessions will my back tattoo need?
Approximately 5 to 10 full-day sessions is a general estimate. The actual number depends on the design, detail, and coverage.
Can I choose between color and black and grey?
Yes. I work in both directions. We'll discuss which approach works best with your references, subject, and overall composition.
Can a back tattoo include several different subjects?
Absolutely. The important part is developing a unified design through composition, lighting, atmosphere, and visual rhythm.
How should I prepare for the consultation?
Send a description of your idea, reference images, and an indication of how much of your back you want to cover. We can develop the direction from there.
Can an existing tattoo be incorporated into a new back piece?
Some existing tattoos can be incorporated or covered. It depends on their size, placement, saturation, and condition. I need to review the existing work before discussing possible options.
Let's Discuss Your Full Back Tattoo
If you're planning a full back tattoo in Los Angeles, tell me about your idea. Whether you already have a clear concept or only a few references, we can discuss the composition, style, and scope of the project.
My initial consultation is free. Send me your idea and we'll discuss the next steps.