Update / advice needed:
This was my first tattoo and it was supposed to be really meaningful to me. I approved the stencil/template beforehand and asked for it to be as close as possible, but the final tattoo came out very different.
Since posting, I did message the artist. She admitted it doesn’t look like the template, said she wasn’t in the right headspace, and said she should’ve stopped when the lining wasn’t matching. She refunded me the tattoo cost and said once it heals and I talk to a professional, she’ll help cover what they recommend.
I’m still really upset because this was supposed to be my first and only tattoo, and now I’m trying to figure out what can realistically be done. I know a lot of people are saying laser or cover-up, and I’m going to let it fully heal before making any decisions.
If anyone has inspo suggestions, cover-up ideas, or reference images that could still keep the meaning of Genesis 50:20 / hibiscus / growth without making it look too heavy, please send them. I’m open to ideas because I honestly don’t know what direction to even think in right now.