Coverups, reworks, & scars
(PHOTOS AT THE BOTTOM)
Cover-ups
How I plan a coverup…
Coverups have become one of my favorite challenges. I am still learning and looking to improve my ability to create a successful coverup so I appreciate anyone open to letting me document and share their process. I am going to briefly walk through my approach in hopes to make scheduling quick and easy for anyone this applies to!
1.) SUBMISSION FORM
First, you will start with a submission form. You can upload a clear photo of the existing tattoo and surrounding area along with reference photos for your NEW idea. Please try not to submit images of what you think will cover the tattoo or attempt to design the coverup yourself. This can essentially “pigeonhole” your design from the beginning and cause misunderstanding about your real goal for your new tattoo. Try to think broadly in terms of themes, concepts, and styles and focus on what you like or dislike. The more flexible you are typically yields the best results! Something to keep in mind is that a coverup doesn’t just have to be dark or contained to the size of the original tattoo. Being open to size and color is a great way to increase your options. Some things are not possible when working in black and grey or on certain scales. As a tattoo artist, it is my job to design a good composition that covers or camouflages your old tattoo and does it’s best to withstand the test of time.
A good example could be something like:
“I want a dark magical forest theme but without any florals. I’d like to incorporate something to represent my mother, and the message I am trying to communicate is ‘rebirth.’ I like skulls and the color purple , I don’t really like butterflies or the color green.”
2.) CONSULTS
Once I receive your submission, I might need more info or to see the tattoo in person which may get scheduled as a phone or in-person consult. For traveling clients, you may have to resubmit photos of the area. After the new info is collected, I can determine if I believe I can create a successful coverup. If I don’t believe the area can be covered well, I may suggest laser treatment or point you in the direction of another artist whose experience or style match your goal.
If your submission is approved, this is where I will try to work out a rough game plan and suggest any alterations to your budget, timeframe, idea, etc. I will try to communicate realistic expectations and determine if you may want to schedule multiple appointments at once, ballpark for pricing, and ideally when you can expect to have a finished coverup. These things are subject to change for a variety of factors including: healing time, budget, pain tolerance, availability, or just under/over estimating workload.
3.) APPOINTMENTS & AFTERCARE
The first appointment is typically where I spend time measuring and making alterations to designs. You will be able to see the design mock-up, give feedback, and hopefully feel confident about your coverup! This appointment may be the only one you need, or the start of many sessions depending on what you’re covering or if it’s being worked into a larger piece like a sleeve. I typically always book this first appointment as a full day- approximately 6-8 hours with the exception being very small coverups (for full days I suggest looking over the FAQ section on my info & contact page.)
After this first appointment, your tattoo is either covered or you will be given a revised estimate on how many additional appointments you may need to book. Each session will require roughly 2-4 weeks healing time. If your tattoo is covered at the end of your session I recommend still anticipating and booking at least one touch-up session (typically free of charge or discounted).
Aftercare instructions will be given after each visit, but It is important to refrain from excessive sweating, submerging the area, or direct sunlight. If you suspect something could interfere with your ability to heal properly (vacations, traveling, medications etc.) it is important to address that prior to your appointments.
Re-works
Reworks typically differ from coverup because they don’t necessarily need a completely new design. A rework can describe a tattoo that has aged, lost some clarity, colors faded, or the style no longer suits you. For projects like this, it is best be clear about what you dislike about the current state of your tattoo and how you want to transform it or what you think is missing. If you’re not entirely sure, you can always say you want to rework a tattoo and request a consult.
A submission for a rework can look like: “i loved this tattoo 5 years ago, the colors are washed out, and I wish the flowers had a little more detail to them”
Reworks can be a bit more straightforward and easier to estimate if the client is clear on their vision. A consultation may still be needed prior to your appointment or a mini one will take place at the start of your scheduled appointment.
Most re-works end up with an added element to the design, sometimes they incorporate cover-up sections as well. If thats the case just be clear about what you’re interested in adding or covering in your submission form!
Scars & Stretch-marks
Scar coverups are fairly common and sometimes carry out the same as any other tattoo depending on the age and severity of the scar. Something to keep in mind is the extra sensitivity of scar tissue. Aged scars (at least a year healed) can be less sensitive and better for the healing process. In some instances tattooing over scar tissue can also lessen the appearance or texture of some scars.
For scar coverups I highly recommend an in-person consult first. This can help see how raised, indented, or dark the scaring is. I also suggest waiting until a scar is older than a year, preferably closer to 2 years. Some artist recommend using vitamin E daily to help soften the skin a month or so before being tattooed.
Stretch marks can be difficult to tattoo depending on the deepness, color, or age. The skin is sometimes more likely to blowout or heal unevenly so it is best to let stretch marks age (shouldn’t be pink or red).
