Devious6

Welcome to the forum...and let's see some pictures of that art!!!

Welcome to the forum!! The issue with cost is that it is dependent on the artist and where you live/are getting the work done. Generally, the better the artist, the more expensive the hourly rate. You want quality...so pay for quality. In terms of size, the concept of "go large or go home" might impact this tattoo. There is a lot of fine line work and detail in this tattoo. Going larger might help to highlight the detail. In any case, the first thing is to find a solid artist!

WHat!!!??? No alcohol???!!! That might be enough to make me swear off tattoos!!!! NOT.

I hadn't seen this before - need to go back and read the whole thread now.

And don't worry abut your English!! You're doing just fine!!

Some great artists in the Philadelphia area, too!! Instagram is definitely your friend - it will really help to narrow down what you might like once you decide on a style. Welcome!!

@Gingerninja - we'll I'm too old now, anyway. But, seriously, let's set something up for the College this Fall. Me college email is [email protected]. Drop me a note with what you need, when might be some good times and we'll get it set up!!!

@Gingerninja - does the registry follow the same requirements as the Red Cross for giving blood? I used to donate every 60 days until they put the permanent ban on people who lived for more than 6 months in Germany/Europe during the Mad Cow scare in the UK. We were there for more than 3 years...so I can't give blood again...ever. DO you know how that affects the registry? Same restriction?

I generally agree with the comments above. Were they done by the same artist? Can't say I'm a big fan of the top one, the bottom is, IMHO, solid but not great. How long ago did you get them? It's tough to judge placement - I assume you got the top one first. To me, when you are using a prime piece of your body's real estate, I think larger is better. That said, it's just my opinion. The reality is this - we all over think our tattoos after we get them. We all see the flaws more than others do. No tattoo is perfect. The bottom line is that the real test is what you think of them, not what we think. My suggestion would be to add around them. I'd look for a more talented artist(s) who can guide you with suggestions and then add some quality pieces. The addition of others will lessen the focus on the ones you might not be so happy with - assuming you aren't. Take the time to look through the pics and vids here. Search for some quality shops/artists. If you let us know where you live, people can make suggestions on great places to start looking. Instagram is you friend in checking out different artists and their work.

Welcome to the forum! Based on your response above I'm not sure what your question is. ARe you asking what might be added to each of the tattoos to alter them? Or, are you asking what other tattoos you could add?

The answer to your question depends on what type of help you need. What's up?

Nice piece of art!! Welcome!!

Welcome to the forum!!

Tremendous news @Missyblue !!! I have to agree with @Gingerninja and @oboogie - some black would help add punch...but it's natural to look at a piece of art and wonder how it could have been better. Certainly, live with it for awhile, research some ideas you may have/get and even consider what's the next tattoo. You may find that you'll decide to live with what you have and move on to the next tattoo.

If you have looked at the artists work and think the work he's done is of a quality and style you are happy with, then I think it is a great idea to give him your thoughts and let him design something for you. Let him go and see what he comes up with.

Welcome to the forum!

Welcome to the forum! Nice work on your Instagram page.

Thou shalt not offer advice to people about getting tattoos or aftercare unless thou haveth at least one of your own.

I'm only about 2 or 2.5 hours north of Reading. I may just have to drop down!!

Welcome to the forum! The key to answering your question is to find a good artist who is experienced in cover-ups. That's a critical piece - you need to find someone who has the ability to translate the existing work into somethin other than a dark mass of color. I would not recommend doing any laser treatments until you answer the question of whether a cover up is possible...and more importantly is it possible to cover with something you'll be happy with? What is it that you don't like about your original design? It honestly doesn't look bad to me. The best ever - No. But it certainly isn't horrid. Do you have any ideas on what types of tattoos you might like? For anyone to give you recommendations it would help if you had some style in mind. Also, we'd all be taking a shot in the dark without some idea of what style(s) you like or don't like. There is always the school of thought much espoused here to accept what you have and move on to the next. In other words, spend your money on new art, not trying to fix old art. Laser treatments are painful and expensive. That should be your very last resort, IMHO. Where are you located? Are you willing to travel? Answering those questions will help the experts here provide some guidance. But, in the end, you are the one who has to be happy with the results.

Welcome to the forum! Take some time to spend looking at the picture and video archives - lots of tremendous pieces of art there. Do you have any tattoos or are you just starting the exploration?

Good luck and post pics when you get the work done!

It seems to me that you took an extremely bold leap not just in getting one but also in choosing to place it in a location where it is very visible - unless you always wear long sleeves. Making that jump where you know others can see your tattoo is something that takes time for many people. As others have said, let it settle in. What you are going through mentally is something that many, perhaps most, people do especially on a first tattoo. Added to the fact that it is on a part of your body that is often exposed to the view of others would, I think, just make that second-guessing even stronger on a first tattoo. I still haven't made the jump to my lower arms - but now often wear sleeveless shirts. But that confidence took time to build. I bet you will soon discover that confidence in yourself, too!

I wholly agree with @Gingerninja! You're not even healed yet. Let it settle in and then decide whether you want to add to or cover this. You had a reason for getting this tattoo, right? What was it? Does this tattoo represent what you had in mind? If yes, then enjoy it. If not, then engaging the same artist to add to it or cover it might not be the best plan. Take some time to let it heal. By all means search around for what you might want to do or what you might want for your next tattoo. And, check out other artists to get ideas. People here will gladly help point you in different directions. But, breath. Relax. Enjoy....and wait.

Well, if I had one that matched the categories, I'd have submitted.