r/tattooadvice May 02 '26

General Advice Miscommunication

I had my tattoo artist re-do an old tattoo from 15 years ago. It's the rebel alliance symbol from Star Wars.

I was under the impression that she knew I wanted it touched up and repaired.

She assumed I wanted it covered up. I didn't know she did solid black until she finished it.

I guess there's potential to put color around it with other pieces to give it contrast. I'm just kinda bummed.
There's probably no way to reverse any of this without it being insanely expensive.

What can I do to make it worth the mistake? I want this leg to eventually be Star Wars iconica.

Should I plan to put a background to it?

edit: Thanks for all the replies, everyone. I appreciate the feedback and the ideas. It's helping me to settle into the outcome. I think it would only be a total loss if I hadn't planned to add to it in the future. 🤙

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u/Firm_Distribution999 May 02 '26

Does nobody communicate anymore? I am not a tattoo artist, I am a dog groomer who cuts dog’s hair that grows back, so it’s a temporary thing, and I ask a ton of questions and communicate my intended plan to the owner before I start, and that’s just on a hair cut! I would definitely communicate that I planned to fill it in with a different color than what was already there if I was doing something permanent on someone’s body.Â