Dan

me when I go to the islands

maybe a zoom or skype consult would work ? or maybe go to somebody else ?

no I can't say that I have, pre-tattoo consultations have always been an important part of the process IMO, and yes, I for feel a consultation is a very necessary parts of the process, for the us customers AND the tattooer that's going to do the work. I think you paid all the proper respects already in what you said in your post here. ". I made it clear that I didn’t want to guide the process or throw in a laundry list or requests, rather just want to spend a few minutes hearing the artist’s view for the piece" that's perfect IMO

I don't see how that would be a problem for the tattoo

our tattoos are a roadmap of our lives,the good and the bad, actually that's what makes us who we are,so it's important IMO to remember the good and the bad and all the lessons learned form life experiences and relationships we have all had.so wear it with pride and don't worry about what all the judgmental a s sholes think of you and your tattoo.

LOL that's my point ! asking for handouts from other people and their money is risk free for you, not them ! wouldn't work for me,but whatever floats your boat.

sorry but I don't like it when people ask for handouts to start a business,do it the right way,get a loan,save your money,earn it, work for it.

it's 100% normal, it will go away.

are you putting cocoa butter or aveeno on it ? I just healed my other knee ditch and it healed just fine,not as good as a flat skin spot,it just takes a little extra TLC. but maybe the difference also was that I use Saniderm, and that helped a lot on a tough spot like a knee or elbow ditch.

leave it alone, it looks fine, you are having a little tattoo remorse,it's normal to feel that way,especially with a first tattoo, that feeling will go away, you will learn to like it. start planning your next one.

well yes, normally I do leave it on for 4 or 5 days, but I don't put it on until about 24 hours after the tattoo application, that gives it a chance for all the liquids to seep out, then I wash it once more and apply the saniderm to clean dry skin and leave it on for several days, I don't like to leave the liquid in it like in your pic. also it is perfectly good for a tattoo to wash it with warm water and anti-microbial soap.

take it off,wash it with anti-microbial soap, re-apply some more saniderm,or just keep it clean and lotion it a couple times a day. I personally would not let that liquid sit on it like that. I usually apply saniderm about 24 hours after the tattoo work.

sure ! I guess if you have eczema, I like this simple stuff.

It will NEVER again look like it did the day it was done. this is normal. It looks fine now, tattoos settle in, keep it out of the sun or use sun block also, and apply Aveeno daily.

so, you HAVE to wash it, a shower will not harm the tattoo, without seeing a pic of it we can't be sure, but a shower will not hurt a tattoo, it is usually something else, like scabbing or a poorly applied tattoo that causes issues.

try https://saniderm.com/ I use the https://saniderm.com/product/personal-size-10-2-in-x-2-yd-roll/ I have been using it for several years now on many tattoos, and this shit works great ! put it on 24 hours after the tattoo and leave it on for 4 or 5 days, take it off and it's healed. you can sleep, wear any clothing, shower, whatever with it on. the first 24 hrs after the tattoo I use cocoa butter and saran wrap,wash it with anti-microbial soap every few hours, wash it once more, dry it with clean paper towels, apply the saniderm on clean dry skin. BAM be sure and carefully shave the area to be tattooed and for several inches around it so the saniderm sticks good. that's my method, I have been getting tattooed for many many years and have tried EVERYTHING over the years,and IMO this is the best way.

yep, I feel bad for these tattooers. they are all closed here too. plus all the ones we all follow & know around the planet. I am very fortunate to have an "essential" job here in probation, and my wife is retired so she is good at home.

it's a badass tattoo, looks great ! enjoy it, show it off, and wear it with pride. the tattoo remorse will go away.

I get bruising with most of my tattoos as I have gotten older, no big deal, I have not had them last as long as yours, but they always go away on me.

so get it touched up after it heals, most artists will give free touch-ups,(don't forget to tip for their time & supplies) no big deal.

yes, it could totally be covered up.

LOL I would not go back to that guy.

hi and welcome, yes for sure,if the artist says that she would do the cover-up and what you want,I would definitely have her do it, the flowers she did look really nice. where is that birdcage at on your body ?

stop looking at it with this