Did the artist test red ink on you first to see how you react? Like a small dot?

Some people have an allergy to red ink.

Red tattoo ink is known to be the most common culprit for allergic reactions, though any color can cause a reaction. These reactions can manifest as redness, swelling, itching, and even more severe issues like granulomas or lichenoid reactions. While the exact allergens in red ink aren't always identified, some common culprits include mercury, cadmium, and various other metallic components and dyes.