Decorative graphic bars

Rework finish or improve a tattoo

Kaiiza seated and leaning forward, elbows on her knees, listening during a studio appointment.
Ornamental stencil placed on a client's shoulder blade, a gloved hand checking the placement.
Close-up of the tattoo machine on the skin, black-gloved hands stretching the area.

Already tattooed?

Got a tattoo you never had the chance to finish, a piece that no longer looks its best, or an overall quality or a detail that doesn't match what you expected? Whether going back to the original artist isn't an option or is an experience you'd rather not repeat, I'm happy to refresh, complete or finish an existing tattoo wherever possible.

Since the original work isn't mine, the project may evolve with ideas and/or techniques that differ from the first artist's.

Discussion & direction

Every rework is unique, with its own details to take into account. It all starts with an appointment at the studio. We look at the existing piece together, you tell me what you'd like and I share the options open to us. If needed, I'll take photos and possibly a tracing of the piece to move forward with the design. And if the old tattoo should disappear entirely, the right page is the cover-up one.

Worth a thought

Is it the subject itself that bothers you now, rather than the quality of the work? That's one of several situations where I'd still invite you to consider getting in touch with the original artist first, so they can follow up on their own work and have room to respond.

What's more, skin is an organic medium. Even when a tattoo artist combines years of experience, extensive knowledge and great care, the skin can still react and leave something that needs correcting, through no fault of their own.

Examples completed at the studio

Sometimes it's about adding elements without touching the existing piece. Sometimes it's a smaller or more substantial refresh, without adding anything. And sometimes it involves both. Every situation is unique!

  • Tattoo of a dagger with a crescent moon handle on the forearm before reworking.
    Tattoo of a dagger with stronger outlines and reworked shading on the forearm after reworking.
  • Tattoo of the date 1968 in Gothic numerals with mountains and rays on the arm.
    Tattoo of the date 1972 in Gothic numerals surrounded by leafy branches on the arm.
  • Tattoo of a circular motif with pointed edges on the upper back above a second medallion before reworking.
    Tattoo of a circular motif surrounded by a ring of fine rays on the upper back after reworking.
  • Tattoo of an owl surrounded by roses with faded outlines on the upper arm before reworking.
    Tattoo of an owl surrounded by roses with stronger outlines and shading on the upper arm after reworking.
  • Tattoo of a howling wolf in blue tones with faded outlines on the chest before reworking.
    Tattoo of a howling wolf with a crescent, red geometric star and dotwork motifs on the chest after reworking.
  • Tattoo of a hand in front of a blue cloud with rounded swirls before reworking.
    Tattoo of a hand in front of a blue cloud with stronger outlines and added yellow lightning after reworking.
  • Tattoo of a black ornament with symmetrical scrolls and faded fill on the right foot before reworking.
    Tattoo of an ornament with central scrolls and strengthened black fill on the right foot after reworking.
  • Tattoo of a black ornament with symmetrical scrolls and faded fill on the left foot before reworking.
    Tattoo of an ornament with central scrolls and strengthened black fill on the left foot after reworking.

Before reworking

do you take over another artist's work?

Yes, as far as possible. Since the original work isn't mine, the project may evolve with my own touch. If you want strict continuity in an aesthetic that isn't mine, we talk it through first at the studio.

my tattoo doesn't match what i expected: can you fix it?

Yes, as far as possible. If a correction isn't enough, we can evolve the piece or go for a cover-up.

my tattoo was never finished: can you complete it?

Yes. We'll look at what's in place, you'll tell me about the original project and what you expect from it today, and I'll suggest a way to finish it that blends in.

how long should i wait before a rework?

The old tattoo must be fully healed before we work on it again. Every skin and every piece is different, so we confirm the right moment together, at the appointment.

how much does a rework cost?

As with any project, the starting price is CHF 150 (Swiss francs), design included. Beyond that, it depends first on the size, placement and style of your piece. At our discussion appointment, once we've looked at the existing piece together, I'll give you a price range for your project. The full workings are on the prices page.

discover the cover-up
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