The only issue I have with your reasoning is that a forearm tattoo with the amount of elements (and resulting size) that you wanted will inevitably end up crossing onto the top of your forearm. I’m sure Russ explained to you how your skin has elasticity like a rubber band, so that what seems to lie only on your inner forearm with your arm laid out flat changes once you drop your arm to your side. I think that makes sense haha.
Just wondering, why does it matter if it slightly goes onto your outer forearm? You are already getting your forearm tattooed. It’s not like you can hide your inner forearm while leaving your outer forearm uncovered. I believe you said you wanted a piece that could stand alone, so you’ll have to wear long sleeves to cover it regardless, so I don’t really see how it matters.
As for the details, no artist is going to copy another artists’ work. From what I heard, there were certain details you wanted that were pulled straight from the reference picture. You came to Russ because you liked his work, so of course he is going to make it his own.
And as for the sizing, he drew it on you so that it fits your body and is aesthetically pleasing. He can’t exactly wipe you down and apply a smaller stencil. He probably said no for those reasons, also because he spent all that time drawing on you just for you to want to make it a little smaller, which would mean he would have to start all over. Might not be the end of the world, but still haha.
Oh well though, in the end the tattoo didn’t happen which is a bummer, but kudos for paying him for the time he spent working on you. Some assholes would of just said no and left.

Yea. That dense border is a paisley pattern and the dots on the inside are individual paisleys.

Haha yup that’s where I work. Crazy coincidence. I think I overheard you and russ talking about it the other day. He’ll kill it. That shit is right up his alley.

Go color. Take advantage of being pale. Thats what I did, and I’m glad I went the color route.

I’d guess I would probably take more than one session. 1 for outline and shading, another for color. But if you sit well and your artist is down for a long session, I guess it could be done in 1. As for rates, average is usually $100-150 an hour depending on the artist, but some are more. Who did you have in mind?

my first was a chestpiece. the only good thing about it is that you dont really know what to expect pain-wise going into it so you have nothing to compare it to.
and if you plan on doing your arms too then they will be a breeze. i say go for it, it worked out well for me.
as for pricing, mine was around 1K but im sure they can range above and below that depending on what you get, coverage, and your artists rate.

Looks very good. Solid work. Congrats to you.

i believe its called scarification or branding. id check with shops that do more of the “extreme” body modifications, ie tounge splitting and whatnot