by A.R. Marth

Created on: March 28, 2007   Last Updated: April 17, 2007

If only there was an eraser that worked on skin! All those past relationships and bad decisions would be so easy to forget. Unfortunately, laser removal is the closest thing to the magic eraser, and it is expensive and painful, some say more painful than tattoos.

Getting a coverup is a common solution. Here are a few easy things you can do to make sure you don't make the same mistake twice-

Pretend you have no bad tattoo. Imagine a peaceful world in which that tattoo never even existed. Now, picture a good tattoo on the area. What does it look like? Hint- it will NEVER be a current lover's name, or the same as the old one but smaller. Got it? Good. That's your goal. Keep that image in your mind throughout these steps.

Find an artist. Look at every tattoo shop and website you can find. Shop around- at shops. Don't go to someone's basement or home to get tattooed. Look at professional artists only. It will cost some money, since coverups take longer to do, but it will be worth it to get rid of the old mistake.

Look at all the portfolios you can, and pick up a few tattoo magazines. Who is doing something that is similar to the style of your imaginary tattoo? Try to find someone whose work resembles what you're picturing as your new tattoo. Don't look at the subject matter, look at the style. Look at the color choices, placement, and way of drawing. If you like it, it is good. This is your personal art collection, and your taste is all that matters.

Talk to an artist. For coverups, you will most likely have to go in person to the studio and talk to the artist. Getting a firsthand look at the problem is the only way they can find a solution. Listen to what they have to say; take it into account. They cover up old tattoos often and will probably have some good advice for you about your particular situation.

Coverups must usually be much larger than the old tattoo. They also must have at least some areas of shadow to hide any pre-existing dark areas. Tattoo inks are translucent, and a paler color will eventually let a darker one underneath it show through.

This does not mean your coverup has to be all black. "Tribal" designs are actually a very poor choice for a coverup design, as they rely on areas of smoothly curving negative space to be attractive to the eye. The negative space is empty skin, and usually it takes a lot of work to coordinate this negative space in a design with what is already present.

You will not usually find a design ready-made to cover up your tattoo.

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