opinions on improving my tattoo

Hi, I am interested in opinions on how I can lighten/brighten/add more detail to my tattoo. You can see a picture of it at the link below. Next to the picture is a scanned image where I colored over the tattoo. I know the colors are too light, but how close could one get to something like that? Any other suggestions are also welcome. http://www.flickr.com/photos/47624737@N03/4370233932/sizes/l/ Thanks for your time :)

The colors that are already there cannot be lightened much, and the key to making them appear brighter is actually to bring in more contrast, either by bringing in a small amount of black shading as your picture shows, using a dark background, or incorporating some leaves or flowers of another color into the design. A single color with only a simple contrast creates a sort of "eye fatigue" and your head starts to tune out that single color. Additionally, working a good white into the already done color can "post mix", and lighten the color that is already there a little bit, but like I say, don't expect huge results from this : it is a case by case basis as to the original color, the white used and your skin that will determine the end result, and if it is done too aggressively, can scar the work. Contrasting colors and use of black will give you the most dramatic results. Good luck.

I agree- it needs more definition and I think that by adding deeper shadows either under the petals to sorta make it "pop" out more would help-as well as adding more leaves and different color pieces to the original work. It seems to need something "more". Would be nice to see what you come up with!