6 Essential Tips to Getting Your Best Cover-up Tattoo
Whether you make a statement, show your interests, or broadcast your beliefs, tattoos are an excellent way to express yourself. This body art comes in different styles, shapes, and colors.
However, at some point, you might outgrow the tattoo you initially loved, and getting a cover-up tattoo is the best way to conceal it. It's also an excellent way to hide faded ink, cover up one that’s in an undesirable location, or when getting a new design.
Below, we put together six crucial steps you must follow to help you get the best cover-up tattoo.
1. Schedule a Few Laser Tattoo Removal Sessions
Most tattoo shops strongly recommend getting a few laser tattoo removal sessions before getting a cover-up. A faded tattoo helps the artist eliminate the unwanted ink quickly and improve its appearance.
However, before booking your sessions, it's best to consult a tattoo artist and select a design. That way, your tattoo artist can tell you which one needs to fade and help you save more money.
2. Find a Reliable Tattoo Artist
Like everything else, credibility is essential when finding a tattoo artist for your cover-up tattoo. Any reliable artist will have adequate experience to create your dream tattoo. They'd also use sterile equipment and comply with all safety precautions. Likewise, a trustworthy artist helps you relax during this nerve-wracking experience.
Always check the reviews and ask for recommendations for your friends. Ask for a portfolio of their best works and inquire about their credentials.
Neglecting this step can increase your risk of complications, such as allergic reactions, bloodborne diseases, and skin irritations.
3. Look For Visual Inspiration
Whether it's on Pinterest or at a tattoo convention, there are different sources of inspiration for your cover-up tattoo.
Start by compiling all your ideal designs in a scrapbook or a Google Drive folder. Don't worry if you can't find your exact ideas immediately because the algorithm will eventually find what suits your interest best as you gather more reference photos.
Bring these references to your consultation so you and your tattoo artist can decide on a design worth flexing.
4. Schedule a Consultation
After finding a trustworthy artist and sources of visual inspiration, it's time to book a consultation to plan the tattoo and settle on the best cover-up design.
Ask them which design will be ideal for a cover-up tattoo. We also strongly recommend listening to their feedback, especially if they think another specific pattern will work better than your original plans. After all, they have the right expertise and experience.
5. Be Flexible
It's your cover-up tattoo, and you must be firm about your wants. However, if you choose a trustworthy artist whose portfolio shows their capabilities, we don't recommend demanding them to do things your way. It's also best to open yourself to feedback and set realistic expectations to avoid disappointment.
Your tattoo artist will discuss the scope and limitations and recommend solutions to reduce the obstacles. They'd also prioritize your satisfaction over their artistic vision so you can still enjoy a fantastic tattoo, even if things went differently than planned.
6. Trust the Experts
It's always best to trust your artist if you want to get a fantastic cover-up tattoo. After all, tattoo artists spent years perfecting their craft. If you insist on getting your way without considering their suggestions, you may just leave the tattoo shop disappointed.
The Bottom Line
Cover-up tattoos work best if you want to conceal unwanted or faded ink. Following these steps will guarantee you'll get your best new ink.
At Atlanta Ink Tattoo and Art Gallery, we offer quality cover-up tattoos to our clients. We also provide body modification and piercing procedures. Book an appointment today to enjoy your new ink!