Custom Back Tattoos and Back Pieces in Toronto

A back tattoo uses one of the biggest blank spaces on the body. It can be a single small piece between the shoulders or a full back piece that runs from neck to lower back. The area gives you room for detail, composition, and long term projects that are hard to fit anywhere else.

At 46 Tattoo in Toronto, we treat back tattoos as layout projects. We design around your spine, shoulder blades, muscles, and existing tattoos so the piece reads clearly from a distance and still looks considered up close. We think about how it sits when you stand, move, and breathe, and how it will age over time.

Back work often happens over multiple sessions. We plan those sessions in advance so you know how long it may take, where we will start, and how to schedule healing around work, sleep, and training.

Share my Tattoo Idea

Back Design Considerations

What to consider when designing a sleeve that looks cohesive, fits your arm, and stands the test of time.


  • Big Canvas, Clear Idea
    A back tattoo uses a lot of space, so we start with one clear idea and build around it so the piece feels intentional, not crowded.
  • Anatomy and Landmarks
    Spine, shoulder blades, and muscles all move differently, so we place key elements with those shapes in mind instead of fighting them.
  • Pain and Sessions
    Some areas of the back are easier to sit for than others, so we plan realistic session lengths and break bigger projects into stages.
  • Sleep, Clothing, and Healing
    You sleep on your back and wear straps, waistbands, and bags, so we give back specific aftercare that fits how you actually move and dress.
  • Future Work
    Many people grow a back tattoo into a larger piece over time, so we design with room to expand instead of boxing you in later.

Let's Talk Price

Pricing depends heavily on the size, style, complexity, and placement of your tattoo. Fill out a quick form for an accurate custom quote—if you have a budget, we’ll design something that fits without compromising on quality.

Get a free quote

Choose Your Style

Explore tattoo styles that work best for this placement—each chosen for flow, readability, and long-term wear.

How It Works

We’ve made the process straightforward, transparent, and easy—so you can focus on getting a piece you’ll love.

Free Consultation (30–45 min)

What happens: We discuss your vision, lifestyle, and placement options. See our portfolio and get honest advice about what works for your goals.

Time: 30-45 minutes

Cost: Completely free, no strings attached

Lock In Your Appointment

What Happens: Once you're ready to book in, we’ll take a deposit and lock in your session. From there, your artist will collaborate with you to finalize the design—incorporating feedback and making sure it aligns with your vision.

Time: Whenever you’re ready to book—no pressure

Cost: $100 deposit (applied to your final price)

Custom Design Creation

What happens: Your artist creates a design tailored to your anatomy, style, and vision. We’ll work closely with you—sharing drafts, gathering feedback, and making thoughtful adjustments—until the design feels just right.

Time: ~1-2 weeks

Cost: Included in your tattoo price

Leading Up to Your Appointment

A little prep can make a big difference. Here are a few simple tips to help you get ready:

  • Eat well and stay hydrated
  • Moisturize the area for a few days
  • Avoid sunburn, alcohol, and blood thinners
  • Review your appointment details — and reach out with any questions

Want more help? Check out our guides.

Time: Start prepping 2–3 days before your session

The Day of Your Appointment

Show up feeling good — we’ll take it from there.

  • Bring valid ID (you must be 18+)
  • Arrive on time — or a little early
  • Come well-fed, rested, and freshly showered
  • Bring water, snacks, and a friend if you like
  • Your artist will walk you through every step — from setup to aftercare

Time: Arrive on time

After Your Appointment

You’ll leave with a beautiful tattoo — and everything you need to take care of it properly.

  • Keep the area clean and moisturized
  • Avoid sun, soaking, and scratching
  • Healing takes 2–4 weeks, depending on your skin and placement
  • Got questions later? Just reach out — we’re always here to help

Time: 2–4 weeks

Cost: Aftercare is included — touch-ups are free within 6 months (if needed)

Why Choose Us?

You’re trusting us with something permanent—and we take that seriously. Our artists bring experience, intention, and a collaborative approach to every piece.

You’ll get honest advice, a design that fits your body, and a tattoo you’ll still love ten years from now.

Book Free Consultation Now

30-45 min • Zero obligation • Expert advice

Great experience every time I go to get tattooed. Geoffrey is a great artist glad he has been doing my sleeve

PHENOMENAL experience with Geoffrey. He really takes the time to make sure you’re satisfied with your design and is extremely keen on detail. His shop is well kept and clean and the other staff are an absolute pleasure to interact with (I’m sure they’re very talented as well and I’m looking forward to finding out) I also want to point out that the entire duration of the tattoo I was encouraged to talk and Geoffrey is a great conversationalist who has great taste in many things! I was provided with an email after my appointment with thorough after care instructions, all of which resulted in the perfect heal.

People often have to go to multiple parlours to find the right artist to come back to time and time again - this is my second tattoo but the first time at this shop. I can happily say I’ll be coming back here for the rest of my arm and all my other future tats very very soon. Thanks for the great birthday experience.

Great tattoo experience. Love the vibe of the studio. Very friendly artists, they’re there to give you the best tattoo. I got Tattooed by Geoff. I got honest feedback on my ideas, which made me more confident about the tattoo I was getting. The tattooing part itself was really smooth, did a 5 hour tattoo and it went by fast, and Geoff was always ready to take a break when I needed. Tattoo itself came out perfect. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience.

Looking for something custom?

Send us your idea using the form below and we’ll match you with the right artist.

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{"type":"root","children":[{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"We stand behind our work — which means we offer free touch-ups within 6 months to make sure your tattoo heals exactly how it should."}]},{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"As long as proper aftercare is followed, we’re happy to make any small fixes if something fades or heals unevenly. Just send us a clear photo of your healed tattoo and we’ll take it from there."}]},{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Please note: tattoos on hands, feet, necks, and faces aren’t eligible for free touch-ups due to how those areas naturally heal."}]}]}

{"type":"root","children":[{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"No problem. Custom tattoos are a collaborative process. You'll have a chance to review the design before your appointment, and we’re happy to make adjustments to ensure it feels just right."}]}]}

{"type":"root","children":[{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Some areas of the arm are more sensitive than others—like the inner bicep or elbow ditch—but the pain is manageable for most people. If you’re doing multiple long sessions, we’ll break things up to keep you comfortable. You can always take breaks when needed."}]}]}

{"type":"root","children":[{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Absolutely! We love walk-ins — they’re a great way to snag a spontaneous piece, especially for smaller or simpler tattoos."}]},{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"It’s first come, first served, so feel free to swing by.\n\nIf you want to check ahead or avoid waiting, give us a quick call and we’ll do our best to fit you in."}]}]}

{"type":"root","children":[{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Totally understandable — things happen! If you need to make changes, just let us know at least "},{"type":"text","value":"7 days in advance","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":" and we’ll happily move your deposit to a new date or design."}]},{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"If it’s less than 7 days’ notice, a "},{"type":"text","value":"$100 rescheduling fee","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":" will apply to cover the lost time.\n\nWe always try to be flexible — just keep us in the loop and we’ll do our best to help."}]}]}