Haageen

Welcome!
I'd love to see some of your work! That is if you want too show your work of course.

I agree! Well placed and well executed.

Trust me, I've been there. Everything you just said I felt when I got my first couple of tattoos. I also considered laser which, as far as I know, does work, though results vary. The best advice I got on here was "get more tattoos". You'd be amazed at how soon you stop worrying when you have a few more. I strongly recommend keeping it, at least until it heals completely. I really think it looks good, and it has genuine significance to you. Remember, it could always be a whole lot worse.

I agree! Well placed and well executed.

I agree! Well placed and well executed.

Interesting ideas..
thank you!

Your script "Lost at Sea" in the anchor and reference to a desire for a skull, made me think of a sunken ship ... and also an albatross, inspired by the famous poem "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" by Coleridge.

Just my two bits for your melting pot of ideas. :)  

I don't think you can ever go wrong with a snake and roses, but it seems like you have a few ideas already. When you see your artist, float those by him. See what he recommends or hit his strong suit. A big ass ship on the other side would complement the anchor well, in my opinion.
Sidenote: You might want to rethink the hand idea just for a minute, too. A hand tattoo is a big statement and commitment, and you're just starting this journey. 

I'll do that. Thanks again, for all the help!

I'll do that. Thanks again, for all the help!

while you're at the pharmacy pickup some soap like I pictured below,
and don't forget to wash it & keep it clean !
 from day one after getting a tattoo & every 4 hours for the first 10 days I use an over the counter anti-microbial soap,I wash my hands in warm water first with it then I wash the tattoo under warm water and "scrub" the tattoo with the palm of my hand ,then pat dry it with a clean paper towel and then a light application of aveeno,
also,moderate "scrubbing" with the palm of your hand in the soapy warm water will help remove loose flakes and ink and skin.
be sure and get the fragrance free Aveeno,it has less alcohol in it
.

Okey! I'll check the store/pharmacy for Aveeno first thing tomorrow! 

Okey! I'll check the store/pharmacy for Aveeno first thing tomorrow! 

Really appreciate that you guys are taking the time to help me! I think I'll try dry healing it, and if it gets REALLY dry at some point I'll just add a little bit of ointment.
Does that sound like a good plan?

Okey! I'll check the store/pharmacy for Aveeno first thing tomorrow! 

Really appreciate that you guys are taking the time to help me! I think I'll try dry healing it, and if it gets REALLY dry at some point I'll just add a little bit of ointment.
Does that sound like a good plan?

I used the same approach as Dan on both my tattoos. For my first tattoo, I over-applied a bit myself and started to see some early signs of blistering in some places - immediately reduced the application making sure I was using just a very light coating after showering in the morning and at night when I went to bed. That solved the problem. And, following that regimen for my second was very successful and easy.
@oboogie, like @Dan, has tremendous experience so you have two options from very knowledgeable people. 

try a non "tattoo" product,IMO they are over priced  hyped up crap.
I use  Aveeno Fragrance free,it's so good,a light coat once or twice a day works great,I use it also as an on going forever daily product on my hands and tattoos.

Yeah, you were definitely touching it to much/over-moisturizing. I'd almost suggest trying a dry heal at this point. It'll be alright. Just hang in there.