Is this realistically fixable with laser + rework? Seattle artist recommendations appreciated.
First Reddit post, so hopefully I’m doing this right.
I’m looking for opinions from experienced tattoo artists/collectors, especially anyone familiar with large reworks or partial coverups. I’m also open to Seattle-area artist recommendations.
I got this tattoo in my early 20s (currently in my 40s) and it’s already been reworked once because the original anatomy was worse. It was loosely inspired by Frank Frazetta’s Woman with Scythe. At this point, I’m evaluating whether the structure of this section is actually something that can be improved from a composition standpoint.
The woman with the axe, dragon, skull bats, and bio-organic elements were all older work done before the rest of my arm was completed by a stronger artist. I also have some concerns with the dragon section, but this area is my main focus right now.
My current thought is to do a few laser sessions to lighten the figure, then either:
- rework the anatomy and contrast, or
- redesign the composition so the foreground/background read more clearly and flow better into the forearm.
I understand that reworking part of an existing sleeve is difficult, and I’m not expecting miracles. I’m mainly trying to figure out whether this is realistically salvageable in the hands of the right artist, or if it’s something that would require a more significant reset.
I added a few rough phone edits just to communicate the direction I’m thinking about. The final photo also shows the bio-organic section more clearly. I’m happy with that part of the sleeve as well as the spider.
TL;DR: Older sleeve section may need structural rework. Looking for honest feedback on whether it’s realistically salvageable and/or Seattle artist recommendations for complex reworks.