Samvel Sarhsian visited Inked NYC in Chelsea for a full back tattoo, dreaming of a design with warriors and angel wings in a battle scene. Feeling that Inked NYC was the top tattoo place in the world, he trusted them to replicate an image he found online. Communication was difficult due to language barriers, but he paid a $500 deposit and went through three sessions, costing $7,500. However, the final tattoo was blurry, off-center, and incomplete, causing Sarhsian great disappointment and trauma.
Sarhsian claimed that the tattoo artist, Gian Villena, made errors such as overlooking the curvature of his spine and using digital means, resulting in a lack of contrast and realism in the image. Seeking unspecified damages, Sarhsian stated that an expert informed him the tattoo could not be fixed. Furthermore, the removal process would be complicated due to small moles on his back. He has experienced headaches, anxiety, and sleep problems since the botched tattoo.
In response, InkedNYC owner Donald Hellinger accused Sarhsian of not having enough experience with large-scale tattoos and not completing the required number of sessions for the tattoo to be finished. He compared the tattoo process to building a house, stating that refusing to finish the project would leave the client with an incomplete result. Hellinger suggested that Sarhsian should have trusted the process and allowed the tattoo to be completed to achieve his desired outcome.
Sarhsian expressed his disappointment at the botched tattoo, stating that he realized it was wrong as soon as he saw it. The experience has left him afraid to get any more tattoos. Despite being reassured by employees at Inked NYC to trust the process, he regrets not ending the sessions earlier. Sarhsian is seeking justice through a lawsuit against the artist and the tattoo studio for the damages caused by the poorly executed tattoo.
The language barrier and lack of communication between Sarhsian and the tattoo artist at Inked NYC contributed to the misunderstandings and mistakes in the creation of the tattoo. Sarhsian, who had a vision for the tattoo design, relied on the reputation of the studio and the artist to bring his dream tattoo to life. However, the final result was far from his expectations, leading to emotional distress and physical discomfort for Sarhsian.
The lawsuit against Inked NYC and Gian Villena highlights the importance of clear communication in tattoo design and execution. Sarhsian’s experience serves as a cautionary tale for individuals seeking tattoos, emphasizing the need to thoroughly research tattoo artists and studios, communicate effectively about design expectations, and carefully consider the process and potential risks involved in getting a tattoo. Despite facing challenges and setbacks in his quest for the perfect tattoo, Sarhsian’s determination to seek justice and hold responsible parties accountable for their mistakes demonstrates his commitment to ensuring better outcomes for himself and others in similar situations.
