Sounds like the artist may have overworked the area or you have clotting issues. I would recommend a light coating of antiseptic cream and get it checked for any signs of infection as you have to make sure it keeps clean.
I would recommend a visit to the gp and get it checked.
Also do you have a current photo?
Take care
Matthew

If you love the ink and intend to get more by the same artist build up a professional relationship repeat work will always pay much more than a one off piece.
Also it’s good practice for the artist to perfect their techniques.
Looking forward to seeing a pic of your tattoo.
Matt

Hi
Glad it was practice skins and not your leg 🙂
As first attempts go it is a good effort but as said you need to practice on liner control (outline is a bit wobbly). Also always pre-sketch as the spacing is out which makes the tattoo look distorted.
I would love to see some paintings you have done as will better give an idea of your art style and composition.

Take care
Matthew

Hi been from the UK it is 18 or nothing when getting inked.

That said looking through various state legislation on the matter the artist is liable for physical or sexual assault on a minor (depending on where the tattoo is) and so would be double sure to check any and all ID presented.

If they don’t bother to do this despite the possibility of bad ink you could also end up with a collection of infections of HIV, Hep, etc.
Lets face it if they don’t give a damn who they ink they might not give a damn about hygiene either.

From personal experience laser removal and skin graphs really really hurt. I’d tell your friends to wait and really think about what ink they want.

Take care
Matthew

Congrats!

Really pleased for you both.

Matthew

Hi I like the progress of the piece.

As for extending there are many things that you can do. If you want to continue with the religious element you can have the angel overlooking Mary and Yeshua as a baby.

You can have the hand extended so that it is pointing down to a symbol or scene of choice;

Examples

Templar knight kneeling in prayer

Torah/Religious scrolls

Crosses/crucifixes, altar, shield, tomb etc

Have the hand resting on the head of a lion/lamb/ supplicant or even resting on the lip of the grail.

You could also extend the piece to show more of the chapel such as a stained glass piece.

The only limit is that of your imagination.

Take care
Matthew

Hi

Constructive criticism;

First of all I would suggest a relining on the outline of the cat on the left. It needs to have thicker and bolder lines, especially around the ear and nose.

I would make better use of shading around both cats – they both look a little fuzzy and with better depth it will help with the size perception.

The cat on the right would benefit from a deeper shade and fill on the stripes and also both could use some touching up with white highlights for tone and comparison.
Peterpoose’s ink gives a good example on the use of highlight and shade.

The line work on the fangs also require a bit of extra bolding as there is slight wobble – easy to fix that.

With a good artist that piece can def be turned into a decent piece of art. You could also consider having leaves or shade background to bring it more together.

Alternatively you could get a major full backpiece and have them covered over without too much trouble.

Take care
Matthew

That is a seriously creepy tattoo – but well executed and a great piece!
Would love to visit Norway for some ink but seriously expensive country to tourist in 🙁

I will have to keep saving.

Take care
Matthew