OP here, the tattoo is pretty much healed up now. only a few skin scabs here and there but no redness no puss etc. and the original colour seems to not have faded as much as I had expected it to. I am very surprised at how quickly it has started healing
The tattooist has offered to give me a 50% refund.
I'm starting a battle royale back piece tomorrow, not my whole back since my shoulders already have work on them. The size is 13" x 13" and hopefully I'll get it lined and partially shaded. The artist made up a composite with the design pasted onto my back.