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Last session is done... not sure how common it is to spend so many sessions on a single/first piece like this, but I'm having a lot of fun with the process so I guess it's all good! Again really appreciate all the info contributed on this site over the years (so if you're reading this: thank you!), it's helped my experience more than I can say. One more touch-up session scheduled in a month or so (artist wants to add a little more color to a few areas), but first tattoo down, now to figure out which of the dozens of ideas to have done next! Dang things really are addictive after all... 🙂

I've never joined photos to make one connected image, but I've taken rotating shots and put them together to show the various angles. Taking the Pics: this is obviously easiest if you have someone taking pics for you. have them stand at the same location as you rotate, to get the same lighting. pay attention to the distance from the camera to the tattoo - try to keep size and location consistent if you're taking shots solo set the camera on a level surface that frames your piece well set the timer and take as many shots as your camera will do on timer same as above - stand at the right distance from the camera and slowly rotate take more shots that you need. digital pics are free! check out the set and redo as needed. be patient. later, when you edit, you can choose the best ones that work well to show the piece as a whole I've never tried this, but you might also be able to just take a video, then take stills from the video. Editing the Pics Choose the best shots that show a good rotation Crop each shot at the same height locations of the tattoo - in this example, top of arm to bottom of half sleeve Resize each image to be the same height Adjust values of each image, to be as consistent as possible Save Open a blank file and insert each shot in the rotation Align to fit Crop if needed Adjust values as a whole rotated image, if needed This is pretty amateur, but it's good enough for my needs.I've got nothing on ATAK. If you haven't already, check out Bloodwork: Sleeves and Bodies. Hope this helps!

Three koi on one arm seems a lot. Also, wind doesn't seem intuitive, because they don't fly. You could pair with autumn flowers like maple leaves. Ultimately I think you'll have to decide if you want traditional Japanese or more modern, and then from there how trusting you are of the tattooer that he/she's going to do the right job.

It's very common; we get posts on here like every few days. I'd hold off on another one for a bit if this one is this concerning. Nothing to do now other than to grow to love it, which you've indicated you already do; it ain't going anywhere.

match them to what? Are you trying to pair up appropriate Japanese themes, ie: which flowers/plants go with Koi?

Your instructions on unwrapping it when you got home are different than any instructions I've ever received. Normally I leave it covered overnight before unwrapping and cleaning it. Plasma and ink discharge the 1st night or two is quite normal. Redness, soreness and some heat are normal for any skin abrasion, including results from tattooing - but if it's hot and truly painful then infection is a possibility. What you're describing above sounds pretty normal. Your tattooist should be open to taking a look at it, too.

stop looking at it with this

go see your doctor to be sure.

Here's a small one I got yesterday. It's a snail warrior, a symbol of the band Heilung. They play music derived from pre-viking northern tribes. Very ancestral.

I have an appointment next month with didac (@didactattoo on ig) for a big black panther covered in red hearts. I am so excited! It is going to be my biggest piece so far (about 35 cm)