Tattoos can be removed by lasers with relative ease in 2018. That is, for those who can afford multiple laser treatments and manage the pain that comes with them. But for those who can't, there's another option: covering it.

How big is it? How thick are the lines? Are certain colors faded? These are all questions and observations an artist will need to make before they attempt to cover your tattoo. Be prepared that they might recommend laser removal first.

Cover-up work is an art form all its own and a lot of artists simply don't do it, so do your research. The last thing you want is yet another cover up a few weeks later.

A lot of people tend to go for flowers or trees because the details help hide trickier lines, but it's best to discuss feasible options that will actually cover the old tattoo.

If it’s simply a bad tattoo, there’s the possibility of incorporating the old lines into a new tattoo. It’s a matter of playing with the highlights, the shading, and the color of your existing tattoo to evolve what it is into a whole other design.

Although tattoo pricing varies from artist to artist, most will charge by an hourly rate. For larger tattoos, most cover-ups take more than several hours and multiple appointments. The price will also go up depending on how much healing time you need between sessions.

Not to be a Debbie Downer, but going over an old tattoo with more ink can be a pain to plan, pay for, and finish. Take time to really think about your options before you commit.