Reef tattoo started

So I started doing my reef tattoo on my leg. Was a bit hesitant because I wasn't sure how the colored ink would look on my skin complexion. I will do some fishes first and then the background.
I'm attempting to do it myself and I am in no way a professional tattoo artist.
Here are some pics.
The clown came out very "cartoon-y" I think.

 

Very cool and big ouch. Great job on the Moorish Idol. I think if you put an anemone around the clown he'll fit right in. Did I say ouch.

 

this is probably the "mom" in me but is it a good idea to do this yourself?? I would think an infection may be possible when one starts to put things into your skin....I agree with Corailline that the idol does look really cool.

 

Thanks. I hope to have my whole leg covered in my favorite fish, corals and inverts by this time next year.
I am very finicky about keeping things clean and sanitized. I follow all the rules and regulations professional tattoo artists live by. I'm not worried about infection because I am sure to always keep my tattoo environment clean.
Eventually, I want something like this but with more diversity.