Sorry you were laid off, but the "COVID shit" is real. A couple of my friends had it, and it was dreadful. They were both very, very ill and lucky to have recovered well. You're right, though—it is a good time to get tattooed if you can afford it!
Don't do words. Far too literal for my taste. Think about the things that brought you two together, things you enjoy as a family, and have something designed around that. It's a sweet idea, but images make for much better tattoos.
Looks good!
On both of my sleeves, my arm was SO swollen. It looked insane and hurt like a fucker. But I did both arms, so obviously it didn't put me off. Hahaha.
My ditch and elbow on both sleeves took a while to heal just because of the constant motion. If it isn't hot in the area, I can't imagine its an infection, but we aren't doctors. Maybe go see a doctor?
I think I'd start all over and get a cover up. Just tie in lots of flowers and girlier things, if that's what interests you. Those are very faded and not particularly well excuted.
My artist's shop reopened with one person at a time and only two artists working. Everyone wears masks, and they can only get in a couple of scheduled tattoos a day (no walk-ins). Got this yesterday. My artist and I both love John Prine.
Turning up to a new place to try to get people to back your crowdfunding product is a bad idea. I've backed many Kickstarters, but I learn about it organically and find out for myself.
Also, this isn't going to work. My artist has a degree in art and can draw anything I need him to. The vast majority of tattoo artists aren't going to tattoo something you brought in from some nobody who has never tattooed. They will laugh about your request after you leave. It's just not how this works. That's not how any of this works.
It looks pretty rough and full of blowouts. I think you need someone to cover that up and just put the dainty bird somewhere else. Also, don't go back to whoever did that. Find a new artist who excels at coverups.