Is there room for improvement?

[Kate]

I got this tattoo about three years ago. It was done in a professional shop, but the artist was really inexperienced. I’m unhappy with certain aspects of it (for obvious reasons) but I’m hesitant to get laser removal because of my relatively low tolerance for pain and the pre-existing scar tissue that’s under the tattoo.

My hope is to find an artist willing to work on it without laser removal, which has proved hard thus far. Ultimately, I’d like to grow the tattoo into a unified sleeve. 
My expectations are low in terms of how the existing ink can be changed,  I’m just hoping there’s some kinda improvements I can make to this tattoo before I begin expanding the sleeve. 

I guess I have two questions.. 

1. Can white be added successfully over the black sky (for stars) and over the yellow moon reflection in the water (to make it white)? 
2. Could color be added over any of the red/purple mountains to make it look like black sky? 
 

I’m shy which is why I’m asking for online advice instead of approaching more tattoo artists in person. Thanks for any input or advice you can offer. 
 

Edited April 21, 2020 by Kate

[Hogrider]

Sorry to say, but that's rough. Unfortunately lots of dark colors too. You really need to see someone that specializes in coverups. Don't try to "fix" this first. Anything you do should be part of a unified plan for your sleeve.

[SStu]

Wooo. Without a bunch of laser your options are going to be quite limited. Do you like geometric tattoos? Blackout with white patterns over are getting seriously better results by some artists. 

[oboogie]

Not a lot you can do there. Sorry. Definitely seek out a coverup specialist.

[JAC1961]

I understand what you're saying about being shy and starting here isn't a bad idea, but you're going to have to talk to artists (def. more than one).  You'll have to pick someone with past experience and doesn't just sugar coat things to get the work.  If you don't you'll just end up with an even bigger mess.

[Hogrider]

23 hours ago, JAC1961 said:

I understand what you're saying about being shy and starting here isn't a bad idea, but you're going to have to talk to artists (def. more than one).  You'll have to pick someone with past experience and doesn't just sugar coat things to get the work.  If you don't you'll just end up with an even bigger mess.

+1

If the artist says that coverup will quick, easy or cheap, Run Forrest, Run.

[Kate]

Thanks for the great input, everyone. I really appreciate you all taking the time to give me some advice. 
I will keep searching for the right artist, and I won’t try to rush the process or find a quick fix. 

If anyone has a blackout tattoo like Sstu was referring to, please share a picture!! 

[SStu]

1 hour ago, Kate said:

If anyone has a blackout tattoo like Sstu was referring to, please share a picture!! 

https://www.instagram.com/p/B53pfR2pFwi/