Tattoo rework: don't cover it, let's fix it!
- Pixie Red
- May 26
- 3 min read
Hi, Pixie here!
So, I don't often do reworks or coverups. They don't really work with my fine lines you see.
However, once in a while, I get a project I really can't refuse, so let me use that opportunity to talk a bit about tattoo reworks.
What's a rework?
It's ... exactly what it says it is - A tattoo cover-up involves creating a new tattoo design that completely hides an existing tattoo, usually by using a larger or darker image to obscure the original. This is typically done when someone wants to replace an old tattoo they no longer like with a fresh, different design.
On the other hand, a tattoo rework, sometimes called a tattoo refresh, focuses on improving or restoring an existing tattoo without covering it up. The artist might clean up faded lines, add new shading, or enhance colors to make the original tattoo look sharper and more vibrant.
Essentially, a cover-up replaces the old tattoo entirely, while a rework enhances or refreshes the original design to bring it back to life.
When can I do a rework?
As I said, I don't often do reworks, for most pre-existing tattoos will not work in my style. However, sometimes, someone shows up with this:
Now, that is a great tattoo to work with.
It's rather faded, there aren't any details, it's just linework, so it does make for a great base to work off of.
A lot could have been done with this tattoo, of course a cover up would have been possible, but for once, even my sketch style in fine lines was also an option!
Not to mention that when my customer said he was a Legend of Zelda fan and wanted to turn this design into Wolf Link ... I knew I just couldn't say no!
My customer originally wanted to turn one of the wolves into Wolf Link (Zelda Twilight Princess) but didn't quite know what to do with the other two. After discussing different option, the idea of schematic tattoos came up, as the movement of the wolves on his existing tattoo was reminiscent of pose studies one does in art school. As it runs, the wolf would evolve from a very basic sketch to a complete Wolf Link.
Rework design process
Here of course, I can only speak for myself, each artist will have their own way of approaching this. As for me, I start by tracing the existing tattoo over cling film, so I have a flat version of it. The rest is done on my Ipad - for now.
Once I have a plan that works - on paper at least, it's time to tattoo - and that's another area where different artists may have different approaches. Instead of wrestling with the stencil and trying to find the perfect size, I decided to freehand the motive, redrawing on the skin what I had drafted on my Ipad.
And finally, here's the result!
I for one am particularly happy with how this turned out, it now looks finished, polished, and just that extra touch of nerdy! If you also have an old tattoo you'd like to improve, feel free to contact me! And if you have anything video game or anime related in mind for your next tattoo, I'm also here for you!
Stay nerdy!
Cheers
Comments