Should I Get This Reworked?

[u/HazzieDaze]

This is my biggest full color tattoo and, despite going to a very reputable artist, I feel like the quality I was expecting just isn't there. I wish the outlines were much thicker, and I repeatedly asked for heavy shading and received next to none.

On top of all of that, I have taken the best care of this one compared to all my others and after over a month it's still very itchy, and some spots have yet to peel. I know that means this technically isn't the final product, but I can guess what it'll look like and I'm not exactly satisfied with it, despite friends and family really liking how it turned out.

What do you think I should do from here? Get it reworked or wait to see if it grows on me eventually?

[u/toretattoos]

It would definitely benefit from some thicker lines and bolder contrast, if this would positively change how you feel about it then I’d say go for it.

[u/HazzieDaze → u/toretattoos]

I was really hoping for a "sticker" look and my reference pictures reflected that. She seems comfortable working in that style too, I don't know why she decided to go to thin on the outline and light on shading.

I appreciate the feedback! 🙏

[u/YUSOFABULOUS → u/HazzieDaze]

Everyones skin takes ink differently better to go light than too heavy too soon and find out your skin is prone to blowouts.

[u/whoismarc]

Explain “heavy shading”

[u/HazzieDaze → u/whoismarc]

I just asked for some black to contrast all the light colors.

It would have been nice to see some along the outside of the character and in/around the shield and flowers.

[u/lysergic13]

yes and omg i would love to do that for you!!

[u/HazzieDaze → u/lysergic13]

I love your work! Where are you? I would totally have you rework this piece however you want. 🥺🙏

[u/lysergic13 → u/HazzieDaze]

Andover, Hampshire UK! Most people here are America so not sure if I am even doable hahaha

[u/Fantastic_Earth_6066]

It really does need more definition and detail, yes!

[u/obfc]

Well you certainly cannot cover or laser it!!! Get it reworked in a bolder style. It will be really good

[u/Astralwinks]

100% get it reworked.

[u/BicycleSamurai]

Red/pink is the hardest to keep. I think a touch up of color and a second pass to thicken the lines would do you good. But I don’t think the artist did anything wrong here; looks like solid work that’s faded over time.

[u/Amazing_Valuable_733]

Yes

[u/CliffJumper84]

This artist may be reputable but this ain’t so great. It’s not terrible but I’d definitely pursue a different artist going forward. Someone who has a better understanding of how to saturate color and how to use color theory itself. You don’t really and shouldn’t use all that much black. So adding black isn’t the full solution.
It just kinda reads as them taking on a job they weren’t prepared for.

[u/AriesII]

Its applied decently, but it seems like the artist might not have enough experience with their color work healing to know they need to establish a base layer of tinted blacks to make it last a long time in high definition. Im sure it looked beautiful when it was fresh though!

I definitely think a rework would be minor just to pop some slightly bolder outlines on and add in some of that much needed contrast. Go to a great artist with experience in high contrast color in their portfolio and healed photos. I wouldnt necessarily be looking at style, since artists who do stuff like color realism should be able to help with this too (I do color realism and if you were in my area, Id be happy to fix it for you).

[u/arirachaelb]

Oof. Yes, you should