Tattoo question

[jacquettalux]

Shamelessly posting here as no replies elsewhere!

I'm considering getting a fine line tattoo on my ankle. I went to speak to a tattooist today who said it was a decent and easy design, and suggested having it a little bigger than planned so that there's space between the lines.

However, I'm now having doubts as:

1. I'm worried that over time the tattoo will bleed out/feather. If this happened, the beauty of it would kind of be lost. Does anyone have any i intricate fine line tattoos? How have they aged?

2. Will it get rubbed off due to sock/shoe friction?

3. My friend told me going to a fine line specialist is necessary for a decent tattoo. The guy I've spoke to was twice recommended (and there's always a queue out of the door on drop in days) but he doesn't seem to 'specialise' in anything. He has hardly any social media. He's said it will cost £25-30 (North east based). Thoughts?

Can anyone reassure me? Or am I best to avoid?

1.) It will definitely bleed and spread over time. I've never seen a fine line tattoo stay that way for more than 10 years. Depending on the size it might not retain its shape for more than 5 years.
2.) Only if you wear cheese graters for socks. Laser tattoo removal wouldn't be a thing if a little friction was all it took to remove them.
3.) If in doubt about an artist then avoid them. You don't want a bad tattoo that needs removing or covering later on.

It will definitely bleed out over time. Anything very fine will.

Artist wise do more research. Look up local tattoo studios on Instagram (that’s where most of them display their work now) and follow specific artists to see what they’ve done recently. Standard good artists charge roughly £60-75 an hour, area dependent. £25 seems very low, even for a tiny piece.

£25 is very cheap for any tattoo bigger than your fingernail. Have a look at tattoos that he's done and see if you would want it on you permanently.

I have a fine line, feathered tattoo on my lower ankle. It’s 8 years old and still looks perfect.

How big is this tattoo?

£25 seems way too cheap, that alone would concern me.

Oh gosh. My daughter has several, one on her left hand. She now wears a beautiful engagement ring and I think she’s regretting that one. Do think carefully through where you have it. £25 seems very cheap, that would worry me.

£25? Run for the hills. Seriously.

You shouldn't feel like this when your getting a tattoo, you should not be unsure of the process or worrying about what it might look like.

It should feel right. it should be fun and maybe even a bit spontaneous.

Ask to see examples of his work. Any decent artist will be more than happy to show you.
BTW, if you live in East Anglia, I can recommend an artist who is very good at line work!
The example attached is biggish, because the level of detail I wanted would have been lost if it was any smaller - that's something you will need to consider.

I have one that had some fine lines and I'd have said it still looks as good as new but the photo came up in my memories a few weeks ago and the lines have noticeably changed in just the year I've had it.

I'm also north east and that's very cheap which would be a red flag for me. If you PM me your email address I'll happily you sen the photos of my tattoo so you can see how the lines have changed in just a year