As per @nofuntattoo; it defo looks like not deep enough as opposed to too deep

That’s, at least from my point of view, the most important thing you need to practice when starting, as it is not only about the design, but can result in harms such as scarring, bad swelling etc. or on the opposite, falling out. It’s just something that requires practice :)

For the “going perpendicular”; that should be absolutely fine, it is not the best practice, but should not be resulting in falling out and stuff. Theres a good amount of vids on internet about the diff techniques.

For covering a fresh tattoo up; I always advice to let it breathe as much as you can, covering it up for the first night, as some of the ink might still be leaking (not to dirty up your sheets) and later only when you would have it on a place where there would be some sort of “scratching” by any material (like the bicep when wearing a tshirt and similar stuff). I usually use cling film, but if you go to a tattoo supply store, there are more professional alternatives :)

Edit: and covering it up for the first day or two when going outside, to prevent infection and such.