JAC1961

Yes, it is a common phenomenon. It's a common question here. Take a breath and relax, it will pass.

I follow quite a few local shops on social media along with others that I'd some day like to travel to and in the last week I'm seeing a reoccurring theme.  The lock down of tattoo shops in many states is quickly causing financial problems for the shop owners and tattooers.  Many are selling merch and paintings or prints and offering to do commissioned artwork.  The shop that I've gone to the most is selling gift cards to carry them thru this lean times.
I realize many collectors are also laid off or facing reduced hours, but if you are in a position to help consider throwing a little something their way.  It'd be a shame to lose a bunch of good shops and artists that we'll be wanting and needing when this whole nightmare is over.

Hi All - I hope that everyone is safe and well. My heart is broken for all of our friends and family that have been furloughed or had income disruptions. I have been doing what I can to support! 

And it seems to me since you questioned the artist multiple times, you must have already known that you shouldn't do it.  That puts at least 50% of the responsibility on you.

They don't just take an eraser to your skin and rub the tattoo off. Getting that much ink off would probably take a year or more and I can't even imagine the cost and the pain. And it never really comes off. I've seen tons of tattoo that were lasered "off" and you can still see them. $2,000 for that much work is a bargain, particularly since it's good work.
Finish the sleeve and do better on the next one. You only think you're unhappy now. By the time you get through mucking with that arm, you'll probably have $10,000 in it and be REALLY unhappy with the way it looks. Not to beat up on you, but this is why you think BEFORE you get a tattoo.

Our state shut all tattoo shops this week. I really feel for tattoo artists right now.

But if I ask in a different way, won't I get a different answer???

Yes, it is a common phenomenon. It's a common question here. Take a breath and relax, it will pass.

I follow quite a few local shops on social media along with others that I'd some day like to travel to and in the last week I'm seeing a reoccurring theme.  The lock down of tattoo shops in many states is quickly causing financial problems for the shop owners and tattooers.  Many are selling merch and paintings or prints and offering to do commissioned artwork.  The shop that I've gone to the most is selling gift cards to carry them thru this lean times.
I realize many collectors are also laid off or facing reduced hours, but if you are in a position to help consider throwing a little something their way.  It'd be a shame to lose a bunch of good shops and artists that we'll be wanting and needing when this whole nightmare is over.

Tattoo studios are all shut in the UK also right now - I'm looking out on IG for art/prints/Tshirts to buy - there's a couple that are going to be doing that - I'm also hoping the Govt over here sorts out some money for self employed people while they are mandating the shut down.

We need to stick together during these crazy times. 

I agree, even if you can engage in bartering you can really help them out

I follow quite a few local shops on social media along with others that I'd some day like to travel to and in the last week I'm seeing a reoccurring theme.  The lock down of tattoo shops in many states is quickly causing financial problems for the shop owners and tattooers.  Many are selling merch and paintings or prints and offering to do commissioned artwork.  The shop that I've gone to the most is selling gift cards to carry them thru this lean times.
I realize many collectors are also laid off or facing reduced hours, but if you are in a position to help consider throwing a little something their way.  It'd be a shame to lose a bunch of good shops and artists that we'll be wanting and needing when this whole nightmare is over.

I follow quite a few local shops on social media along with others that I'd some day like to travel to and in the last week I'm seeing a reoccurring theme.  The lock down of tattoo shops in many states is quickly causing financial problems for the shop owners and tattooers.  Many are selling merch and paintings or prints and offering to do commissioned artwork.  The shop that I've gone to the most is selling gift cards to carry them thru this lean times.
I realize many collectors are also laid off or facing reduced hours, but if you are in a position to help consider throwing a little something their way.  It'd be a shame to lose a bunch of good shops and artists that we'll be wanting and needing when this whole nightmare is over.

Quick Update on the tattoo.
Saturday I did the first session and in 3.5 hours we did all the outlines. Here some shots of the day.
For now really happy and surprise also about me. really didn't know what to expect from my first tattoo

Welcome to the internet. You sometimes hear things you don't want to. 😉

It's an open wound. Do you not get that? 

And it seems to me since you questioned the artist multiple times, you must have already known that you shouldn't do it.  That puts at least 50% of the responsibility on you.

Funny thing is, I'd feel safer going to any tattoo shop that I've ever been to compared to the vast majority of restaurants or stores.

Funny thing is, I'd feel safer going to any tattoo shop that I've ever been to compared to the vast majority of restaurants or stores.

Funny thing is, I'd feel safer going to any tattoo shop that I've ever been to compared to the vast majority of restaurants or stores.

Gah...hoping that my appointments can still go on next month in NYC. #covid19

Here's a small one I got yesterday. It's a snail warrior, a symbol of the band Heilung. They play music derived from pre-viking northern tribes. Very ancestral.
 

My 2 cents. 3 koi are too much. They'd be so small they'd lose their detail and look amateurish. If you're really set on having 3, consider moving it to your leg.
Most important, if you really want it to turn out well, go to an artist that has studied Japanese tattoos and understands how they are to designed. Don't just go to someone who has "done a few".