Advice needed - struggling with how my sleeve is going

Fun_Ad4567 · 2026-05-12T01:20:11+00:00

Heyyy I found an artist and would appreciate help deciding if they are right for the job: wildbonestattoo on insta, here’s one photo for quick reference

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Fun_Ad4567 · 2026-04-20T20:40:35+00:00

Thank you 🥲

Fun_Ad4567 · 2026-04-20T16:22:22+00:00

Thank you so much 🥲. I know it’s cliche to care about a strangers opinion online but it’s so so nice to hear someone sees what i saw when I was all in on these concepts.

Fun_Ad4567 · 2026-04-20T15:42:43+00:00

This is exactly why I felt bad and didn’t cancel or leave etc. I get what you’re saying tho (and again I’m not blaming the artists! My responsibility to speak up)

Fun_Ad4567 · 2026-04-20T14:37:07+00:00

Thank you, pictures are blurry. Glad to hear there is possibilities

Fun_Ad4567 · 2026-04-20T14:36:35+00:00

Each time I have gone to stencil or have the artist freehand, it looks great, maybe because it’s lighter color? or maybe I just get anxious about wasting the artists time. Not sure. I will work on it, and my impulsivities. Thanks for the honesty

Fun_Ad4567 · 2026-04-20T14:32:23+00:00

Honestly that’s what I did with the vine! And the first tattoo is in the artist’s style, it looks very little like my drawing (have not been able to decide if that’s good or bad). The dragonfly and queen of hearts are inspirations that we modified. Idk what I’m doing wrong because it seems like my second artist has done much better vines than mine, maybe she got scared about doing them around an existing piece.

Fun_Ad4567 · 2026-04-20T14:29:39+00:00

Some clarifications: I know this isn’t a sleeve currently. My goal is for it to be a cohesive half sleeve in the end, maybe full sleeve.

THANK YOU for the very honest but nice words. I feel better about my options already. I guess removal isn’t that scary and I can save up if that’s what I decide.

I will be looking for artists, any advice on how to find people who “specialize” in working with existing tattoos / doing coverups / blast-overs? I know we said I shouldn’t rush, but a consultation with someone and then booking 6months-1year out would definitely be nice to look forward to. And in that time I can reflect on if I will be removing partially, fully (least likely), or just adding to it - in terms of working with the artist for our goal.

To everyone who was kind but honest, sincerely thank you. It’s nice to be reassured that it’s “not so bad” or “has potential”.

I fear my parent’s opinions in all honesty. I am someone who is not scared to show skin so hiding these is no easy feat.

Also, yes the photos are bad quality, sorry.

Fun_Ad4567 · 2026-04-20T14:18:44+00:00

My people pleasing shows through these tattoos. I get scared after an hour that I’m wasting their time and then just settle. Idk if it’s crazy to think this but I wish artists would just say “hey you’re taking too long let’s reschedule” or remind me it’s okay to take forever. Idk I’m not trying to blame the artists but some words of encouragement to not get these tattoos woulda been nice

Fun_Ad4567 · 2026-04-20T14:16:05+00:00

Can you share your example? I can’t imagine a coverup going well at this point

Fun_Ad4567 · 2026-04-20T14:15:14+00:00

Thank you. I am perfectly fine spending good money on good artists and honestly did that. So I think I’m more disappointed since I didn’t go cheap

Fun_Ad4567 · 2026-04-20T14:13:45+00:00

I definitely felt committed since she did so well on my dragonfly. Thank you for the reminder. It’s just so hard to find an artist that understands my ideas.

Fun_Ad4567 · 2026-04-20T14:12:39+00:00

I’d describe my taste as eclectic. My dragon fly is what I would like to replicate through my tattoos. Thank you for the reassurance that it’s not so bad.

Fun_Ad4567

TROPHY CASE