How can I deal with this tattoo?

Question

I very recently got a new, large, important tattoo. A friend and I designed it to honor my son. At first I was so happy with it but now that it's mostly healed I'm noticing LOTS of problems! There are several places where he colored out of the lines or extended lines out into nowhere. He didn't color it how it was originally colored and while I didn't mind at first (I'm sure if you're tattooed you know the euphoria that comes afterwards!), I'm starting to really not like what he did on parts of it. Obviously there is nothing I can do about the crazy errant lines (other than removal and I'm not even considering that!) but is it out of line for me ask the he fix the things that can be fixed without cost to me? It's on my chest so it's VERY visible, and even if I were to keep it covered it's still very upsetting since this is for my son and was 3yrs in the works! Anyway, any advice would be appreciated! Especially from other tattoo artists or people who have been in a similar sit.

Update:

I did look at several artists and considered not only the work they do but the environment they create while doing it. I have seen excellent tattoos from this guy, he was trained by one of the top tattoo artists in our state and he has been doing it for more than 10yrs! Thank you for the advice Heather, but I have several tattoos and know to do my research!

UnholyAngel · Accepted Answer

yes ask him to fix it free of charge, if he is any kind of tattooist, he takes pride in his work. as for the errant lines, you could possibly fix them later by adding something to the design, although i would recomment using a different artist.

my tattooist would give me a full refund if i wasnt happy with his tattoos (although he's a great tattooist and neither myself or anyone i've taken to him, have ever had anything but praise for his work). 

i know tattoos sometimes need touched up due to there being small gaps in the colouring but he shouldnt have went outwith the lines. speak to him and show him exactly what you're not happy with, you might find he wont be happy with it either and will be able to offer up a idea to please you

Mary G · Answer

I am sorry that your experience that should have been a great one has been marred by someone's lack of professionalism. No, it would not be out of line for you to ask that he fix where he erred. In fact, a lot of artists encourage you to come back to them for touch ups, and my guy does touch ups for free. Tattoo artists are judged by their work and when their work is on someone's body where the public can see it, they usually want it to be the best it can be. 

However, if your artist will not touch up the tattoo for you or charges you a price that you do not consider to be fair then you should feel welcome to walk out and find a new artist. 

I can not offered a solution about how to fix the problems without actually seeing the design and the tattoo itself. However I feel certain that if you go to a decent artist and show them the problems that they will be more than happy to help fix it. As for coloring outside of the outline, they could make the outline bolder to hide it. Like use a five needle liner instead of a three. Also for the random lines that jut off into nothingness, perhaps there is something that you could add in those spots to camouflage that? 

I think that the best thing for you to do is to go talk to your artist and express your concerns to him/her and if they are not cooperative or make you feel uncomfortable then find a new artist. Good luck!

Anonymous · Answer

you have every right to go back and ask that he fix it free of charge, most good artists will fix/change their work for no cost if you are not happy with it... however, he messed it up once do you really want to risk it again? my advice would be to go and see someone else.

jenhunter · Answer

I would definitely talk with the tattooist. Just let him know you're not totally pleased with the work, see what he says. Honestly, if you're not happy with the original work he did, I would see if you can find someone else to touch it up for you.

Stephanie W · Answer

Its completlely fine to ask them to touch it up! Often times your encouraged to. Remember you have there art work on you and are ultimatly advertising the kind of work they do. I'm sure they will understand. Besides, why should you live with something your not happy with?

.Heather. · Answer

ask for a touch up.

you should ahve looked at other artist before you got it done.

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How can I deal with this tattoo?

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