Queen Rocks

I do like it, thank you. It was a long journey to get to this point.

Not sure why...I can see it. Ah well. Here's my artist's Instagram. He posted pics and a video of my new cover up. https://www.instagram.com/p/CbAtW_xrNRN/

It's been a long time coming, this tattoo. So glad to be finished!

In my naivety my first two tattoos were more or less spur of the moment. I went in without consultations and asked them to do as I wanted. In hindsight, I wish I had taken time to have at least a brief consultation and have input from the artists. I'm having one of those tattoos covered up now! So for me, I think I will almost always want a consultation and get the best outcome possible.

Of course. Whether it stays where it is in the pic or if I'm able to move it up a bit there will be something above his head. Again, I'm thinking stage lights most likely. Just trying to determine if I like the placement.

Was hoping to hear from some of you. I guess I'm thinking mostly about the placement. As it is in the pic, does it seem too low on the arm? Or would it be okay with something interesting going on above?

They look great @jdub !!

Quick update! I've had 5 removal sessions and I think I'm finally ready to get the cover up. I must say that the time has really flown. And hands down laser removal is way worse than getting inked. But luckily I had a super awesome guy who was an absolute blast to work with. He was very knowledgeable and made the whole experience better than bearable. I actually looked forward to the sessions and will miss his studio! Here's a rough sketch of what's being considered. This was my artist's original concept before we even talked about removal. So I'm thinking (and hoping) we'll be able to be more flexible with the design. I'm really in love with the look of it though. Any thoughts? Initially, he talked about still using the old Freddie Mercury in the new design...but I'm thinking something more like stage lights. His suggestion feels a bit too cheesy for me, though I understand why he brought it up as an option. If any one has a suggestion or idea, I'm all ears. Honestly, I'd like to see his head move up slightly (which might be possible after the removal process?). But I've also been told it's good placement as is. Regardless, I'm pretty excited. I have an appointment for January.

I think the placement is good as is. Try not to overthink it.

@oboogieHave fun and be sure to share pics! 🙂

Figured I'd give an update. My artist shared with me a couple of concepts (not sure it'd be appropriate to share out of respect) and they look sweet but it became more apparent to me that laser was the way to go. The old tattoo makes it very difficult to position Freddie's face without some of the lettering showing up. So I had my first laser session on January 20th. Painful as F***. Thank God it only lasted 90 seconds. I see a very faint difference right now, but I'm aware this will take a lot of time and patience to get the desired results. My artist says I'll probably need 3-4 sessions which pushes my new tattoo to sometime in the late summer or fall. What a bummer! I was so looking forward to getting my new ink. But I know it'll be worth it in the end. Noticed the above pics broke. Here's what I'm getting covered.

...and blowout or not, no-one would probably notice but you.

Yes, I'll use red again. My experience didn't scare me off at all. And to date, my skin is doing well with it.

Your turkey vulture looks sweet. Thanks for the update.

I can only speak from my personal and limited experience. My latest tattoo had red, but only very little (about the size of a jelly bean). It didn't take to my skin as well as the other colors...it faded and looked leathery (though I would describe mine as more murky or greyed out). Very peculiar, but it's nothing that couldn't be fixed with another quick session. Like ezh said, red ink can be more touchy than other colors, but it depends on the person's skin. Since it's only been two weeks, I wouldn't lose any sleep over it. Give yourself another 2 - 4 weeks to heal, at which point you'll be in a better position to make a fair assessment. Touch ups are usually free and I'm sure if your artist is good at his job he/she will do everything they can to make it look awesome -- after all, they have a reputation to uphold. 😉

It looks fine after almost a year. You shouldn't worry about it.

Yep, looks like your typical run-of-the-mill healing process. You'll be fine. Just don't scratch!

I'm sure it's fine. You just need to wait for it to heal completely (4-6 weeks), and then make your assessment. And besides, most artists do touch ups free of charge. It'll work out in the end. Just be patient.

Thanks, Erica. I'll be sure to share when it's finished and give any updates here. 🙂

Number four here. I think your chest piece looks beautiful. I'm sure it'll blend well with the old art. Love the colors.

Yeah, to my understanding, most places won't tolerate it. At least reputable places. Personally, I couldn't imagine getting work done while intoxicated. It's too risky.

Wish me luck then, I guess.

Thanks! Yes, I agree. He does some nice portrait work. I like this one he did of Jeff Goldblum a lot. And this also won't be his first Freddie. So I know I'm in good hands. 🙂 God knows I've seen some awful portraits.

Getting one of my tattoos covered up in a couple of months. I've never been truly happy with my Freddie Mercury tribute and decided to finally do something about it. I was expecting my artist (who has done work on me before) to tell me I need to fade the tattoo with laser treatment, but he actually said I might be able to get away without it. After my consultation I'm feeling pretty good about it! But would be curious to hear thoughts or ideas from the community. Here's what I'm getting covered: And here was a very rough sketch that my artist doodled on his iPad. Which is based on this classic Freddie look: He told me he'll be working on this and other ideas and will get back to me with some designs within the next couple weeks or so. So what do you guys think? Any comments and/or suggestions? Obviously, I'm willing to do laser if necessary. But I want to see what he comes up with first. If anyone wants to check out some of his work, click here.

I think it's whatever you're most comfortable with. Me personally, I only have a half sleeve. At the time, I never considered getting my whole arm done. But it's something I strongly consider now. I'd probably just go back to my artist when I'm ready and ask if he could work on something with me. I don't think it's that big of a deal. In hindsight, yeah, I guess I would have preferred planning it all out, but it's not the end of the world. 🤷‍♂️