when I got my right arm done I got the upper half done in 6.5 hours. The weird thing is the only time my arm bothered me was when he was cleaning it. I talked to my guy the whole time and I think that helped it go quicker and I was more relaxed. Getting tattoos when your sleepy or stressed to me seems to hurt more. Just remember to breath, I've had a lot of friends pass out cause they think holding it will make it hurt less.