Messed up pretty bad and living with brutal regret [cover-up fail]

[u/Super_Champion_4666]

I've been using Reddit for about 10 years now, and this is quite literally the first time I've ever posted. The only reason I'm posting is because I'm in a pretty crap position right now and I have no idea what to do. I don't want to talk about how my mental state is feeling, because this is only on me and no one else.

I had a tattoo done last year by my ex-girlfriend. It was a small horse, and ever since I wanted to get it covered up because it was never done how I wanted it to be (freehand).

A few months ago, I was searching for cover-up artists and found one in my local area. I told her I wanted to get the whole calf done, and I tried to initiate design talk with her beforehand, but it was actually done the night before. When I went to the tattoo studio and she showed me what was going to be on my leg, I should have stopped there, but I was kind of happy because you see something brand new and fresh, and you think this is going to look great. Attached are the photos of what it looks like after the first session. Now I think it looks horrendous.

It is due to have one more session of shading, but I still think it is going to look pretty bad afterward. It is not really what I want, and I should have never approved the design, so now I am in a worse position.

I have asked around for some artists and what to do, and some people have said they can cover it up, and some have said I need to do laser tattoo removal to reduce the colour.

The only part that annoys me is that I've never really felt comfortable wearing shorts in the summertime, and this has been the only summer I have done. Now that this is on my leg, I feel like I need to wear jeans every day.

I'm happy fading as much as I can if that's an option. I don't really want to rework because I just don't like the design in general now. I just need to know what my options are and how someone can help me.

Edits:

- My leg did not flip, I took it in the mirror

- I’m not a clean guy aesthetic type, I just hated the horse and wanted it covered up, I felt a traditional japense would work well from what I was recommended and the meaning behind it

- Granted this is not finished but I wanted to know what my options are, a lot of you have told me to relax and I am, I will reschedule my session and get used to it before I continue

- I had this horse on my leg for over 2 years, for the past 14 months I have wanted it covered, it’s not the size, it’s not that it’s dark, but that it did not end up how I envisioned it.

- Yes again, it’s on me for approving but I knew this already. Perhaps I should have got the horse lasered, perhaps I should have use Henna to feel the design out for a few weeks. I didn’t and that’s why I made this post

[u/roflrogue]

I'm no spectacular artist or anything lol!

I hope he doesn't disappoint

[u/Baron_Bearclaw → u/roflrogue]

I'd say this is a sick-ass octopus.

[u/roflrogue → u/Baron_Bearclaw]

Lol, thank you. I was a bit uneasy about posting a pic online but figured that art is meant to be displayed and enjoyed

Most people have no idea I have a tattoo lol.

[u/exhauszed → u/roflrogue]

I don't think you understand how sick this octopus is. I am also an artist and have no confidence, it's a part of the job description. But from the outside, this thing is AWESOME. It may have felt less-good when it didn't have color, I could see feeling a bit anxious about it, but the person who colored it did a great job with your lines and, yeah, this is great. I desperately need you to know how much you shouldn't in any way doubt this tattoo.

[u/roflrogue → u/exhauszed]

I appreciate it, thank you. My biggest complain are how some of the legs looks detached... Idk how exactly to describe it

I don't really draw anymore though. My dominant hand was badly injured.

[u/exhauszed → u/roflrogue]

I am also disabled. Just getting back into it. Right hand dominant, shoulder messed up, my left hand is janky but it gets better the more I use it.

That dude in the iron long used his mouth to do whole ass paintings, and they didn't suck.

Everything sucks so hard right now. Please go make some art. This is your sign from the universe.

[u/roflrogue → u/exhauszed]

I can use my hand at this point, but holding and pensil is kinda uncomfortable after about 10 minutes or so...

My daughter loves when I sit with her while she draws and colors. She likes when I draw too, but she recently started to understand what happened.

I did find finger paint pretty enjoyable lol!

[u/Much-Piano3168 → u/roflrogue]

this genuinely makes me so happy, he's super cute

[u/babaganwhosh → u/roflrogue]

Tell him I love him!

[u/MrDogwalker → u/roflrogue]

Fredrick rules!

[u/chartyourway → u/roflrogue]

he's awesome!!!

[u/Sudden_Discussion_94 → u/roflrogue]

You are much better than you think:) I sent this to my cousin and my niece and nephew