scottyg

so keep it to yourself,
finish the apprenticeship at your current shop,(learn as much and get as much experience as you can)
and then start looking around at other shops,
don't quit until you have another job(if at that time you still want to leave). 
just my .02

Here's what I have learned
1) Sometimes you have bumps that take time to heal.
2) I, like you, didn't think that I had a bump in and/or around tattoos. My dermatologist has confirmed that I am a "grower" of bumps. I have developed bumps both in tattoos and outside of tattoos post tattoo but the two don't seem to be MEDICALLY related. 
3) My tattooer's to date have never tattooed a mole!

I would do a lot of research before you start removal so that you have realistic expectations. That's some really delicate skin where you have that tattoo and I'm sure that factors in.
I would also do a lot of research on coverups. Coverups are darker and heavier than what they are covering. You aren't going to cover up what you have with a light, wispy tattoo. Even with a ton of laser removal, I'm not sure you'll be able to do that.
It's your body and your tattoo, but when I read, "I got bulky, realistic, mass that has some weird watercolor added to the edges as an afterthought and doesn't fit my body at all" I'm thinking you are just really determined to hate this tattoo. No one else would describe that tattoo like that.
Good luck. Most of us have a tattoo or two that we aren't crazy about. It comes with the territory.

King and Queen heads

Another little filler I got this week — Radiant Baby by Keith Haring. Erik Albright is my go-to Haring filler guy!

Monji on Thursday.  Unless I see something in his book that is too good to pass up I'll get a Daruma.
 

more red!
 

today's ink accumulation -  
 
 
 
 

@Tsam looking siiiick

And I'm back! Had my first session a few days ago, we went for about 7 and a half hours or so and got all the outline done. Was definitely a tough session, the kidneys, parts just below my neckline and the tailbone were all particularly unpleasant. I'm hoping the shading will go a little easier on me.
We're going to add some more at some point so that my ass is covered, probably flowers or some cool swirling wind bars. Next session is another day in about three weeks or so.
I couldn't be happier with how its looking currently, I just wish I didn't have the view intruded upon by the old pieces, still, they'll be gone soon enough! I can't wait to see how it all unfolds from here really. 

nice! nice work with a distinct style.
good luck, and be sure to upload pics as you go!

Well, tomorrow is my first session on my backpiece. I saw the design for the first time today and I'm getting seriously stoked, there are a ton of lines to lay down so it'll be a long one, but I can't wait to get started!

I got my third tattoo last Wednesday... the tattoo I always thought would be my first, a family tribute.
I asked for suggestions on it here a while back and tried to put them to good use.  I stayed away from heavy on text and went with something more graphic and symbolic.  We all like the Pixar movie "Up" so I used that as a theme and added my wife's, daughter's and grandkids' first initials in heart shaped balloons with their birth stone colors.  It was done by Jaimi Mullholand at Broad Wing Tattoo in Bowling Green, OH.  I'm super pleased with it and ready for my next.
 

nice! nice work with a distinct style.
good luck, and be sure to upload pics as you go!

more red!
 

Not if the wearer is actually a hot rodder. 

That's a question for a competent artist to answer.  I imagine it would be a difficult cover-up, given the size and placement.  If it were me, I'd just start thinking about other tattoos to go around them.  Were these done by the same artist?  If you like that style, they could probably build a really cool cohesive sleeve from what you already have.  Or just collect different tattoos around it - I honestly think they either way would look just fine.

Hi there. Maybe you saw my post as well which was in spring this year. I had some serious regret and it totally messed with my mind. All I can say is: give it time, like everyone else here suggested. I got some honest opinions which at first didn't want to accept, because my mind wasn't ready.
In my eyes it's a nice tattoo. Give it some time! I know it's easier sad than done but I really came to love mine and I do wear it proudly now and I'm sure you will too!
 

I disagree. 
They all look good from here. 

First post here at LST, just wanted to thank everyone for sharing their experiences across this thread. I'm currently two weeks away from my first sitting on my Fudo Myo-o backpiece and reading my way through what everyone has had to say has been helping both fuel my stoke and nerves for it! 
 

more red!
 

I've added a couple since this photo, but this will do. I have both of my lower legs covered now essentially, front and back. Just adding little tattoos I like now and then to fill up the small spaces that I have left. Will probably add some stars and stuff at some point.
 

Maybe have a sticky post at the top of the initiation board that has the top FAQ for healing/blowout/regret...  @SStu

more red!
 

Too early to tell, nothing to do about it, tattoos aren't perfect etc.
Should we just change the name of the 'Initiation' forum to 'Does My Tattoo Have a Blowout?'?