I booked 3 hours away from home to get a cover-up done by an artist I choose after researching for…read moremany months. Because, I wasn't able to come in for a consult due to the distance, when I booked I was told the artist would be in touch with me via phone to talk about the upcoming appt. I sent photos of existing tattoo as requested. I never received that phone call.
Instead, I had to contact the artist multiple times through social media to inquire about ideas and options (it was going to be a difficult job), as I wasn't able to freely choose a design due to the complexity of the cover-up.
The artist put me off for several weeks only after asking again, he said he would work on a sketch and send it to me the following day (4 days before the appt). This never happened.
When I arrived, after a 3 hour trip the artist had no real idea what he planned to do and probably only looked at the photos I sent WEEKS before, like 5 min before my appt. So, as the clock was ticking on my 4 hour time slot , I had to frantically Google images to give him an idea of what I liked. He drew it directly onto my foot over the existing tattoo. As you can imagine, it was quite difficult to envision the finshed work over the the existing ink AND upside down. The pressure was on though, as we are already an hour into the 4.
I asked for a realism style and while the tattoo is done well, it's not what I expected or what we discussed (to the extent that could be done via social media). Because, I had a tough time with the sides of my foot holding color, I expressed concern that may happen again. The artist offered a "free" touch-up after it healed.
Again because I had trouble with my foot in the past, I wanted to be absolutely sure I was doing everything correctly. So, I sent several emails over the course of the first 2 weeks noticing some color had lifted from the sides (I felt due to no fault of the artist). The artist was vague, abrupt and eventually down right rude and nasty claiming I didn't follow care instructions with no evidence I hadn't (other than telling him I left it covered the very first night- he discouraged it and I never covered it again -only lightly with a handkerchief while in the 95° summer sun - which is ON the care sheet he sent home with me btw).
He recanted his touch-up offer and told me I'd have to pay additional keeping in mind having to make another 6 hour round trip, and for a tattoo I was WAY overcharged for in the first place for the size and time invested. $568 to be exact...my foot isn't THAT big.
He touted how he cut me some great deal - don't think so - and said that all my questions and request for a touch-up after healing was insulting and that I was basically asking too many questions and was annoyed with receiving so many emails regarding healing and care. He said I could email or call if I had any questions.... I did...only to be practically berated for doing so.
It's true, I should have been more vocal up front about my issues and concerns througout the process and that's on me. But what ISN'T is the poor professionalism, customer service and fair pricing for a permanent thing that will be forever a part of me. All that to say, while he does do good work, I'd look elsewhere if you want to find someone who listens, is fair, who understands the healing process isn't always "perfect" (esp on difficult body parts), and is genuinely concerned about customer service and doesn't backpedal when he feels it suits him.
