Hogrider

You want to use just enough lotion so the tattoo doesn’t dry out. 4 times a day is too much.

Shitty things I've been doing? Looking for a job! Government contract ending. I've been at the same company for almost 20 years. Maybe I should file an age discrimination lawsuit! hahaha

Good luck on the heal.

I wouldn’t put anything on it until you see a doctor. That’s rough, you’ll just need to see how it heals.

If you are happy that's all that matters.

I didn't have a problem with either of my legs, but being sore three days in after 7 hours on delicate skin doesn't sound like something I would worry about. This is my right leg; it was done in multiple sessions.

You do realize that script is really hard to do correctly, right? There is zero margin for error. I hope you did your homework and found a great SCRIPT tattoo artist, not just a great tattoo artist. Also, thin script on thin skin is a recipe for a blow out. Not to say it always happens, but it certainly increases the chances.

You won't know what it's going to look like for 4-6 weeks. Also, thin lines on delicate skin are prone to blowout. There's no such thing as a perfect tattoo; if you look hard enough you'll find something wrong with every tattoo. Put away the magnifying glass and enjoy your tattoo.

The ink would spread whether you see it or not. ;-)

If you post where you live you may get some recommendations.

It depends. Healing a tattoo takes a toll on your body. When I got my back piece I went every two weeks for several months before settling down to once a month. In general I like to keep a month between sessions, but there is no hard and fast rule.

Find an artist skilled in coverups. It depends on their skill and what you want it covered up with. It won't be cheap or quick.

You can either do the hard work, or live with the disappointment. You want a very specific tattoo. Do you really think that these sites have someone fluent in Hebrew and linguistic graphic design sitting around waiting for you? They SAY the designs are specifically made to be tattoos, but I'll let you in on a secret - businesses lie. It isn't rocket science, it's tedious work. Google Israeli tattoo artists and look for someone who does what you do. Then see if they ever come to the states. Or google hebrew script tattoo and see who does it. It's not going to be cheap, quick or convenient, but if you don't put in the legwork, your next google search will be "laser removal".

$750 for a detailed forearm tattoo is not being ripped off.

Ditch whoever told you the lifework was bad. It's not perfect, but there is no such thing as a perfect tattoo. That's a real dick move, trying to ruin your tattoo for you. Enjoy your tattoo, it looks fine.

Don't pay for a design. Find the artist who can make the design. Designing art that works as a tattoo is not the same as making a good design. There are a lot of things that an artist needs to take into consideration that someone designing on paper doesn't need to worry about. Even if you find someone to design it, then you've got to find a great artist willing to put it on you. Script is one of the most difficult, unforgiving things to tattoo. Take your time. Maybe look for some Israeli tattooers that will be visiting the states, or take a trip to Israel.

I agree 100%. You're much more likely to F*** it up than fix it.

You don't know what it's going to look like until it's healed. 4-6 weeks.

Did you read the whole thread? One of the people was diagnosed with Sarcoid granulomas. I'm NOT a doctor, but my first thought is over moisturized. I'd try rubbing alcohol for a few days. If you're really worried, go see a doctor.

Is your tattoo artist experienced in coverups? What are you getting in covered up with? A lot of people do some laser to lighten up what they have before they get a new tattoo. That is not going to be easy or cheap to cover up well. There are a lot of variables.

Either decide how you want to do it and find an artist that will do it that way, or find an artist you want and do it the way he wants. Or maybe you'll get lucky and find an artist that you want that wants to work they way you are dictating. My artist likes to outline first. He outlined my whole back in one marathon session. Just my opinion, but I only want my artist thinking about making great art. I don't want him thinking about limitations I'm putting on him.

If that bothers you I'd suggest not getting any more tattoos. Tattoos are not perfect. If you try to fix it you'll either make it worse, or likely find something else that's not perfect.

The best advice I ever got was when my artist said something like, "There's no such thing as the perfect tattoo. If you look for every little thing, you'll drive yourself crazy. Just enjoy the big picture." I've always taken his advice and I've always enjoyed my tattoos.

That's a different question. It's a nice tattoo. You should wear it proudly. I wouldn't get hung up on the size of elements. We're not going for realism here. I have one Oni that covers my entire back, one that is a chest panel. My dragons, tigers and Samurai are all different sizes too.

I wouldn't even think about it for 4-6 weeks. Until it's healed you don't know what it's going to look like. The face on one of the tigers on my leg looked too dark when I got home. Within three days it looked great. The dragon on my ribs looked too dark until it settled in. You just have to be patient. Not picking on you OP, but there have been a rash of people on here worried about their fresh tattoos. I don't know if artists aren't educating their clients properly, or clients aren't educating themselves properly. These are pretty basic things that you should know before you get a tattoo.