9th tattoo, need advice and critique

Hello all,
I am new to this forum and to tattooing. This is my 9th tattoo and the one I struggled with the most so far. I have a specific question, but any critique and advice is much appreciated.

My question is about the linework. While tattooing I felt like I was following the stencil pretty accurately, but at the end when I took this photo, the design had this distorted wonkiness to it.

The steps I took:
I had her stand up with normal posture to place the stencil (all looked good at this point)
At first I had her lie down. The skin in this area was very elastic and difficult to get a good stretch.
Part way through I had her sit up, this helped tighten the skin in that area.
I worked from the bottom right to the top left and did not lose the stencil throughout the process.

Thanks, for the help.

Hi Karl, would be fine if you could post a photo of reference picture too. It's hard to comment what's wonky with nothing to compare with.

Apart from that - the area is one of the hardest to tattoo. Having her sit up was a good decision.

Thanks Malin,
Here is the digital copy of the stencil I used. The inkwell and books are separate because she had an old existing quill that faded away.

I honestly don't think it looks that wonky, or bad. Lines are not perfect, I can see that, but it's nothing that's disturbing for the impression of the tattoo.

The only part I find distorted is the ink bottle. If you followed the stencil as you say you did - are you sure she was standing relaxed and "correct" when you applied the stencil? And are you sure she was standing correctly when you took this photo? Tiny differences can distort a motif.

It looks like you used a fat needle - when tattooing a tricky area like this it can help using a smaller needle grouping, and if you want fat lines you can sculpt them.

The others on here surely knows more about turning volts up if you prefer using a bigger needle in an area like that. I never use fat needles myself.

Apart from needles it also would be interesting to know what ink and machine you used.

What was the client's opinion when she saw the tattoo?

Thanks, this is very helpful.

I think I should focus more to make sure the client is standing "correct" both before and after. I'm still nervous about being too fussy about these things and making the client unhappy, but it may pay off in the long run.

In the end she was happy with the result.

I used:
FK Irons Halo2 (no give)
Dynamic Triple Black
9rl cart

I know what you mean, we all go through that phase ? It feels a bit amateurish and awkward to be too fussy - but best is to be the complete opposite - very fussy ? Because the important is to get a good tattoo result.

Same when you tattoo - don't hesitate if you feel the position of the client or you doesn't work. Try new positions.

Good she was happy. She should be.

Halo 2, ey? I had two of them. Loved shading with them, but not great for lining. That could actually be one of the reasons you struggled so much in that area. Even if you had no give.

Jerry7297 may have some more tips for lining with it.

9rl - even if I never use these big needles I often read comments about them on here. And I'm guessing that definitely was too fat for that tricky place.

One thing to watch out for with shoulders, both in initial positioning and viewing, is that most people have a terrible habit of rolling them forward (I'm doing it right now). We sit all day, we look down at devices all day, and none of us has perfect posture. Yet when we view a piece of art on that part of the body, we expect to see it as if the shoulder was positioned properly. Do yourself a favor and practice rolling your own shoulder blades in the mirror so you can see what it takes to get them actually lined up right. That way you'll be able to guide a client into the right spot.

i'll be brief because MM & cyber hit it all.

the lining... it's been said

the stars on the shoulder do not look good artistically imo- especially the larger one.

perspective on the books is lost in spots (especially "behind" the feather).

i like the shading. i think it was a good choice & you did it relatively well, it even helps with some of the not so good line work on the interior imo (cohesive look with the lines being "broken" & the shading having a smooth yet grungy stipple appearance).

i actually agree w/the use of a 9rl here. i would have probably chosen the same thing.