Cover-up tattoos

Short guide for cover-up tattoos

Before and after healed photos included

For a bunch of reasons, it can be more difficult to decide on an old tattoo cover-up than to get your very first tattoo. This may be due to an unsuccessful experience with a tattoo artist in the past, as well as thinking that it may be painful, etc. Doubts and insecurities can be as individual and subjective as possible. And this is absolutely normal and expected. I’m here to answer some of your questions about cover-up tattoos. Didn’t find information you’re looking for? Feel free to email me for the answers.

When a person comes to me with a request for a cover-up, my job is not only to help a person choose a design and make a quality tattoo, but also to act as a support on the way to a new stage. Therefore, it is only logical that the first thing we will do is set up an online consultation.

What information will I need from you before the consultation:

A photo of the existing tattoo.
Age and the quality of the tattoo.
Features of your skin, for example, do you have a predisposition to the formation of keloid scars?
Have any manipulations been already carried with the tattoo, for example, laser removal?
And of course, details of your vision and reference images.

It is my duty to warn you in advance:

A cover-up tattoo will be a bigger size than an actual tattoo.
Thick contours cannot be made thinner, and dense shading is not always possible to completely cover. In this case, you should think about pre-lightening with a laser. Another option is to Include elements of the old tattoo in the new design.
Sometimes it takes more than one session to cover up a tattoo. So your ideas about how much a tattoo should cost and how much time it will take may deviate from the expectations.

But don’t think if I'm trying to scare you on purpose. I am just encouraging you to approach this issue consciously. Read articles about cover-up tattoos, about which ink colors are more resistant, and see photos before and after the cover-up. Get a consultation on laser removal. Try to decide in advance on the main theme of the design. We will have to make a plan in order to pursue your expectations. 🙂

How to choose a design for a cover-up tattoo?

As you may have noticed, one of my specialties is floral motifs. Such designs are ideal for covering, in my opinion, as there is always freedom in creativity. It will be more difficult to overlap the geometric shape with an anatomically correct illustration of an animal for example. So be realistic with choosing the cover-up design. I’ll gladly discuss your ideas and give you the options of what we can do. And don’t be shy to ask any questions you have. The design will be unique and bespoke, but we can use one of my available tattoo designs as a base, find inspiration here.

Covering tattoos is essentially creating an illustration based on an old one to distract attention from it. Losing old design in the new patterns. Working with scars is approximately the same. Obviously there’re a lot of other factors to take into account. My goal is to make you feel comfortable with yourself and your decisions. Some clients choose to embrace the old tattoo with new meanings and arrangements.

It will be important to prepare yourself to the fact, that it always be possible to touch the trace of an old tattoo or a scar. It really depends on many things. Visually, it is achievable to create a picture in which nothing will be noticeable. Of course, you will need time to get away from the knowledge of the existence of an old tattoo. A new design will help you with this.

Between a consultation and the actual tattoo session, we might have a Drawing Together consultation to work together on the sketch. It benefits big projects. And helps you to reduce anxiety. The necessity of a drawing consultation or an in-person meeting will be determined by a standard online consultation.

Keep in touch with your tattoo artist

Depending on the quality of an old tattoo and the features of your skin after a few weeks of the healing process you might get a feeling, that you wanted to have a darker color. Don’t hesitate with sending me a healed photo. So we could decide if the touch-up is needed. All of my clients get before/aftercare instructions. And I strive to keep in touch with everyone to find out how things are going with healing.

Please read my F.A.Q. section to know my current hourly rates and service policy.

Cover-up tattoos by me

I selected a group of my tattoo projects, which are cover-ups of old tattoos and/or scars. Fill the inquiry form here to contact me with your thoughts about your future tattoo.

Cover-ups of old tattoos

Black&grey Hummingbird memorial wrist tattoo

Read the behind story and design creating process.

Botanical fine line Tattoo on arm by Natasha Tsozik

Cover-ups of scars

New life for the old tattoos

Read the behind story and design creating process.

January 25, 2023 — No Comments

My Private Tattoo Studio—Fine Art Tattoo

That's the moment I've been waiting for! It is with great pleasure I’m sharing this news with you. I’m opening my own private tattoo studio in Dogpatch, San Francisco in February. I’ll call it just by my name—Natasha Tsozik, my Fine Art tattoo studio.

The first thing I bought was a kettle

I'm at the final stage of the studio prepping. Tea mugs are already waiting for the first guests. But for me, it's still like a dream. Is it really happening? 🙂

Once I saw the “for rent” sign, I almost dropped my coffee.
Natasha Tsozik, vegan tattoo artist.

I’ve been a resident of Dogpatch for a while already. Passing by the building I’ve always thought “That would’ve been the perfect spot for a private tattoo studio”. Once I saw the “for rent” sign, I almost dropped my coffee. I knew: Today is the day! And if I ever had any second thoughts, my dearest husband would push them away and hype me with “you’re doing it!” So yeah, after months of dealing with all the preparation stuff, I’m ready to do the little sneak peek tour for you.

Details of Fine Art Tattoo—new private tattoo studio in Dogpatch, San Francisco found by Natasha Tsozik. — Details of the Fine Art Tattoo interior.

From Old Crow Tattoo apprenticeship to opening my private studio

My tattoo journey have started years ago and thousands of miles away from San Francisco. And then in 2018 I got introduced to Hannah Wolf, since we were going to the same tattoo conference. I got fascinated by her science approach to tattooing. She even wrote a book about it. That was one of the key moments in my life. I’ve got the tattoo apprenticeship! Can’t believe almost two years have passed since the day I’ve become a resident of Old Crow Tattoo. Forever grateful. To the whole team. I've met so many talented and sweet friends! To Hannah, my mentor who saw potential in me and was ready to help me grow despite all my stubbornness (Aries, am I right ?). The experience I got working with her is incredible and irreplaceable. And the support I’ve got is worth of years of waiting for that day.

For those of my clients who prefer Oakland, don't worry! I’m planning to guest at Old Crow from time to time. Love them to pieces! And my private studio is close to metro and bus station. So stay tuned!

What do I have for you in my private tattoo studio

In my new private studio, you will find a cozy atmosphere and stylish interior details. I’ve brought my favorite art books and cute things. You know, I love avant-garde and bright-colored stuff! But still, lots of place and light. Also, as a vegan tattoo artist, I remind you, that I use animal cruelty-free and eco products.

Here you can find information about my actual hourly rate and deposit/cancellation policy. Fill out the inquiry form to get details on how to book a tattoo session with me. I always reply to all inquiries:)

Loyalty Program

For my regulars, there is super news! Starting Feb I am introducing a loyalty program. If you spend 5 hours or more in my tattoo chair, you’ll get a $50 discount for your next session. Also, if you recommend a friend to get a tattoo by me, you’ll get the discount as well. We’ll just need to make sure your friend actually got that tattoo. 🙂 Check for more details here. How to get a coupon? Email me and I’ll count your tattoo hours and check if your friend came to me! If you forgot to tell me, I may not give you this secret hidden prize. Oh well, we’re only human, right? 🙂 Only hours starting this February are counted, not any previous ones.

To my art fellows

By the motto of my tattoo studio, you can guess, art is my life. All things from my online shop and my exclusive fine art will be exhibited in the studio and available for purchase.

If you’re a Dogpatch resident artist, or/and looking for an open studio, I’m ready to meet you and give you a platform for exhibitions starting summer. Email me to talk things through 🙂

Exclusive art by Natasha Tsozik. — Some of my exclusive art.

December 29, 2022 — No Comments

Redwood Tattoos

The selection of redwood tattoos by me.

As a symbol of California state, redwood tree is one of the most common choices as a memorial tattoo along with California poppy flowers. It's believed, that Redwood represents wellbeing, safety, longevity, wisdom, and bonding.

Redwoods have been around for about 240 million years, that fact makes them as old as dinosaurs. You might be surprised to know that a 2,200-year-old Sequoia is still standing strong in the forest of California.

Take a look at these Redwood tattoos by me and don't hesitate to contact me with your very own idea!