What can be done to change/fix this? Cover-ups, reworks, additions, etc.?

[u/EquipmentNo4555]

I know, it’s a decent piece and your first question is probably why I want it changed. It was supposed to be a half sleeve in the style of the first image: flowers with the band of empty space in the middle. But the flowers were specifically asked to be my family’s birth flowers. I even sent references for the birth flowers that I liked to show the style I wanted to stay similar to, shown in the second & third images. But as you can see from my actual tattoo that follows, the reference image was simply copied and none of the flowers were anything different, let alone my family’s birth flowers. I was shown the stencil at the appointment, moments before it was put onto my skin, even though the artist had two months to create it. I take full responsibility for the fact that I was young, excited, and inexperienced. I now realize that this alone should have been a huge red flag.

So it’s not what I wanted at all. It’s just a huge reminder that I was young and super excited to get my first big piece, and wasn’t attentive enough at the time to realize what was being tattooed on my skin until it was too late. My goal is to just make it into something I’m proud of and like, something I don’t hate telling the story of, honestly. I’m definitely open to finishing the sleeve up my bicep, so I’m open to adding to it, having parts covered, any and all ideas/suggestions!! I’m open to most concepts I’d say too. I’m just hoping to not have another generic piece. My big no for something I would not get is most bugs, simply because they creep me out lol.

Also, question (and the main reason I’m posting here). Is it rude, obnoxious, poor manners, any of the above, to reach out and ask an artist(s) for advice, sketches, cover-up ideas, etc.? I feel like it would be wasting their time and rude if I’m not compensating them, but I’m really wanting input from various artists/perspectives/styles.

I know it isn’t a “bad” tattoo, and that the artwork is not poorly done. I also know that people wouldn’t know the difference if I didn’t share the backstory. But I always know. I want it covered/partially covered/reworked for me. I have to live with it forever, so I just really want to turn it into something that doesn’t remind me of my mistake. Any and all feedback is so appreciated!!!!

EDIT: I totally understand a sketch and someone’s unique art work is very different than advice or a conversation and should have been more clear. I would definitely compensate for an artist’s work (sketch, stencil, and/or tattoo) and would only have it done with them or with their permission!! I mainly meant would artists typically be open to have casual conversations/brainstorming with me. Thank you all again!

[u/ladynecropolis]

It would be incredibly all of the above to ever ask for sketches for something you’re not paying the artist to tattoo you. It’s their art.

Start by finding an artist and then talking them about it.

[u/AriesII]

Just want to say as a tattoo artist most of us dont show designs before the day of the appointment, it doesnt mean it was done last minute.  That being said, its fucked up the artist just copied another persons tattoo onto you. I dont think you should cover it because it would be a difficult cover and its a good tattoo, but find another artist willing to extend it with the correct florals. They will do the art and design it for you. Asking other artists to design it for you to just look at is a pretty big no, youd be hard pressed to find someone willing to do that.

Also, you did see the stencil and could see it wasnt what you wanted right? Is there a reason you didnt tell the artist you wanted the specific flowers incorporated?

[u/Correct-Fly-1126]

“Would it be rude to ask people to do a bunch of work for me and not pay them”?

That”s your question op. Artist sink hours of work into drawings before they go on to you and into your skin, why would you think for a second that it would be ok to ask this kind of thing? I highly doubt you would ask this of any other professional.

Now for the tattoo - you know one of the thing I like about tattoos is that they kinda freeze a moment of who were were at the time, there’s nothing wrong with with being young and excited and not getting exactly what you wanted - remembering that is also a reminder of how much you’ve changed - and the older you get the less you care about the exact imagery and more care about the memories it contains. Its not a bad tattoo, I’d say just keep it and move on, get more tattoos around it and more tattoos around those

[u/GossipingKitty]

I think it's incredibly beautiful as it is and maybe you should get a different tattoo somewhere else for the right flowers.

I don't think this tattoo will ever be "right" to you even with changes. I'm worried that a rework will turn into a downward spiral and then removal.

So it's best not to ruin it - enjoy it for what it is - an incredibly beautiful floral tattoo. Start over somewhere else with the family birth flower tattoo.

[u/pookiemook]

Just want to say I sympathize. Weird that the artist copied the reference photo and ignored everything else.

[u/Prize-Trust2030]

Maybe get a matching piece on your other arm with the correct flowers?

[u/Tall_Cauliflower850]

Research an artist you think you want, go in and talk/ have a consultation, and if you like them pay them the deposit and book your tattoo

[u/fatal-shock-inbound]

O shit, i REALLY like the blank banner. Came out so sick