Imagine the curse of being a musician who produced one hit but wasn't able to write another song that would be nearly as successful. No matter how many albums you'd release, people at your concerts would constantly request that one song. And you'd probably have to give it to them -- a substantial portion of your ticket sales may have depended on it. So you'd be performing the same tune over and over, and over again...
Reddit user Dexley decided to find out whether tattoo artists suffer from repetitive work as well. He made a post on the r/AskReddit subreddit, asking "Tattoo artists, what pieces are you tired of doing?" The short answer is yes. The long answer is the post went viral and has received nearly 16K comments, painting a pretty vivid list of overdone tattoos. Continue scrolling and check it out.
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If I have to tattoo the entire declaration of independence on one more fat dude's back, I'm going to scream.
Ten bucks says that none of the men have actually read every single word in the document.
Tattoo artist Lauren Harper, for example, has always loved traditional work. "I like to do a lot of that so I can appeal to a wider audience in my city," she told Bored Panda. "I like to do a lot of floral designs too, which is actually what the majority of my portfolio consists of."
Harper thinks that instead of asking 'what tattoos are unoriginal?' we should be questioning whether we can still think of an original tattoo in the first place. "We all get ideas or inspiration from something else. If you can think of it, it's probably already been done," she said. "And that's ok!"
However, if a client comes to a tattoo artist with a design that is particularly overdone, Harper thinks the professional wouldn't be out of line to point that out. "I might inform my client that something they're wanting is 'trendy' and suggest changes to make it more unique and their own, but at the end of the day it's their tattoo and their body so it's ultimately up to them."
Friend of a friend got so tired of doing barcodes on people's necks that he made a game of using the silliest products as references. Were the customers to scan the tatoo they'd read sanitary products, a bag of nuts, mashed potatoes, spotted d*ck and so on.
Yana, the owner and artist of Foxy Ink Tattoo Studio, agrees that there are motifs that historically have been around for a while, or are 'trendy' right now. "What makes a design unoriginal is copying it exactly and without much thought," she told Bored Panda. "It usually comes from a lack of research and I advise other artists to look for more inspiration and variations of the theme, or ask the client if we can add a personal touch to their idea."
Even though the content might not be original, the story, intent, and execution, according to Yana, can be. "Any rose, pocket watch, anchor, or heart can be executed in an original manner. Except for infinity signs. Infinity signs and flocks of tiny birds are doomed."
Yana thinks that it's up for the tattoo artists to guide people to more original designs. "As an artist, I am responsible that what I put out into the world is up to my standards," she explained. "I've never refused the design idea for that particular reason and I'm sure that opulent and over the top designs suit certain personalities. If I feel some elements don't fit into the design in terms of content or composition, I will say so, and there will be a clear reason why. Ultimately, the ability to include multiple design elements while keeping them readable depends on the skill of the artist and the limitations of the medium."
Infinity knots. Infinity knots with hearts. Infinity knots with names too long to be in the infinity knots.
Please infinity not.
When it comes to developing a design that stands out, Yana advises to really research your idea. "Look around, most of the popular ideas are only the surface of what's out there. Dig a little deeper."
Harper pointed out that it's important for people to remember their tattoo won't (and shouldn't) look like the reference they bring in from Pinterest. "You ideally pick your artist because you like their work and you should trust them to make you something you like. Trust is a big part of getting a tattoo," she said, adding that in the end, you're the one getting inked. So if you really want a Disney quote, just go for it. It's your skin.
I hate when couples get each others names tattooed on each others arm and crap because then like 2 weeks later the dude will come back for a cover up becuase they broke up, it drives me up the wall.
I worked as a shop manager for a little bit. My boss/the head artist was getting super burnt out on big cats (specifically lions) wearing crowns. In about a month, he'd done 5 realistic lions (and a panther) wearing crowns on dudes who wanted to feel like kings. I had to start politely turning them down when people called to inquire about them.
"Sorry, Ian's not really interested in doing more big cats this month."
I’m not against face tattoos, I have friends and peers that wear them quite well. My issue is 18 year olds who want to get them because they want a certain look. Pop culture has made them seem a lot more acceptable then they actually are. At the end of the day in the majority of careers they will hinder employment.
I always said if I made it as an artist I would get stars on one side.. But I've been saying that since 98 and I'm still not there. :/
When I got my tattoo of a juggling bear, I was making small talk with the tattoo artist. She said she was tired of doing nothing but tribal designs and dragons all the time. She said the whole shop talked about my Bear juggling a club, a ball, and a machete, and that they were so thrilled by the originality that they were thinking about doing it for free.
They didn't. Cost me $300. Great tattoo though. Still my only one.
Tattoo artist from Alabama here. I am not religious at all but I think I've ascribed the entire bible on human flesh at this point.
Not an artist, but as I was setting up my last appointment, my artist and I were talking at the front desk and the person at the reception at the desk took a call, said "just a minute" and asks my artist;
"Hey Kev, do you have time for a walk in today?"
He looks over and says "maybe, what do they want?"
"An infinity loop"
"Are they on hold?"
"Yes."
"F**k that, I'm so f**king sick of infinity loops. Tell em I'm busy."
So I think infinity loops for Kev.
I wouldn't know but seems like easy money for this one. Must get really old.
Basically anything from Pinterest. Bird silhouettes, live laugh love, infinity symbols, etc
"Its an anchor to symbolize I can't be held down"
I'm having a difficult time understanding this symbolism. Anchors are devices to hold stuff down. Or is this why the tattooists cringe too?
UK tattoo artist. Okay, pocket watches with roses surrounding them have started to die out bit one or two years ago,, my god they were f**kin rife. The worst part is when the customer says they want one they follow with, I've got an idea to make it special and unique to me. And I'd say ..."you want the time your baby was born don't you?". ..."omg how did you know" -_-. This year it has definitely moved on to lions, tigers etc wearing crowns, it's always the guys that have to check with their lass if the design is ok before they start too. Like mentioned before however, I'll take a pocket watch with a lions face in the centre, birds flying off it merging into an infinity symbol with each bird having its own individual birthstone of the families lost cats over the years, than a smelly person.
Mine told me he is refusing to do anymore forests around someone's arm.
Wow! That is gorgeous. I can see why so many people request a forest theme sleeve from the artist.
Not a tattoo artist, but so many people I've seen get the mustache on the inside of your pointer finger. I feel like that fad has to have gotten old with a few artists.
Idk but 20 years from now there's gonna be a lotta old people with mandala tattoos and tree silhouettes.
Went to a tattoo artist in NoCo once. He asked what I was thinking of doing, I said "I want an outline of-" and he just sighed and said "listen dude, I'm sorry but if I have to tattoo Pikes Peak one more time I'm gonna lose it."
For the record, I was asking for a rat, and he apologized profusely, but I thought it was hilarious. I know three different Coloradans with Pikes Peak tattoos.
Asked my buddy. He said, "if I have to do another goddamn Latin paragraph on a chick's ribs, I'm gonna shoot my brains out!" Ironically, he was doing one on his GF at the time he told me...
Snake coming out of the eye of a skull and why does the guy who wants this tattoo always have a perfectly groomed goatee.
My grandpa is an artist and so I showed him this post , and immediately he said “butterflies on a obese persons lower back, I can’t tell you how many of those f**kers I drawn over stretch marks” yikes.
My friend who's a tattoo artist said he's done the Deathly Hallows symbol probably 15 times in his career.
That happens to be a pretty one. Hey, but at least it's relatively easy, just a line, circle, and a triangle. Not like Mr. Declaration of Independence.
True. Also, have you seen Malfoy? He left the tap on.
Load More Replies...Am I the only one who wants an 'I must not tell lies' tattoo on my left hand?
I have one. In spite of JKR being a C**t, I love Harry Potter. And just like the main character, my mum survived death twice.
Its a 30-45 mintue tattoo at best so no not really a lot at all. and this particualr one is not good the colors are nice the line work is garbage though.
Load More Replies...I've seen that on a lot of people. Why? What does it even mean? I don't remember from the book and never watched the movie. Don't yell at me, please.
The deathly hallows are three objects: the resurrecting stone which 'raises people from the dead' (although not completely), the elder wand, which is an unbeatable wand, and the invisibility cloak which renders the wearer completely invisible and never fades. The triangle portion represents the cloak, the line in the middle is the elder wand, and the circle is the stone. You're welcome. I recommend you re-read the series, Harry Potter's story is one worth remembering! :D
Load More Replies...I would like to note that I didn't actually want the Deathly Hallows symbol. I was getting Hedwig in mid-flight carrying a letter and my tattoo artist said "hey why don't we add this in the background just so we have a little more ?" good idea on her part, it looks great
I didn't realize that's what it is until a few years ago. I thought it was the symbol for AA.
I have the deathly hallows tattooed hahaahhha and yes, a freaking lot of people have it but it's also a very good starting of conversations with the "twins tattoos"
I bet all the people who got this are now all regretting it after J.K. Rowling started to become controversial.
It's not about J.K. Rowling, it's the magic of the story and the passion people have for the series. It really is a great set of books, no matter what J.K. Rowling is.
Load More Replies...Not an artist, but the tattoo shop I go to back home in the Caribbean has a running tally of how many times they have to tattoo palm trees on girls ankles
Shadow birds and infinity symbols with children’s names within them. Never again.
I was with a friend who was getting a tattoo and the artist mentioned he was sick of tattooing “This Too Shall Pass.”
Made sure to pull down my sleeve after he said that.
But f**k it, I got it as a reminder when it comes to my bad anxiety, so whatever.
I guess that was not the start from the Jane Austen quote "This too shall pass, and probably much faster than it ought to".
Little sun/moon combos.
My artist said he was sick of Longitude Latitude coordinates of their home towns
The new age tramp stamp: Under Boob Mandala
Crescent moon. Its easy, but can you at least try to think.
I have a star on the back of neck, both wrists, and ankles. Moon sun star cluster on bottom back.If I stand with my arms and legs out I look like Orion. Not intentional.
The chinese word for "water" or "hope" or whatever else cliche term.
Empty your mind, be formless, shapeless — like water. Now you put water in a cup, it becomes the cup; You put water into a bottle it becomes the bottle; You put it in a teapot it becomes the teapot. Now water can flow or it can crash. Be water, my friend. Bruce Lee
Crowns. Do I f**king hate crowns... With that being said... I did one tonight.
this is bad, lines arent straight, the orbs arent matching, the leafs or whatever they are on the edges of it are different sizes as well. Didnt even bother to bring down one of the many crooked lines on the inside of the crown. Hope it was a freebie because it wasnt worth paying for its just c**p
Mine told me he is no longer doing matching M’s on each butcheek, spelling out MOM when someone is bent over. The jokes been played out.
I'm completely sick of octopus tattoos. Everyone who has one thinks they're insanely unique and doesn’t realize it’s a ridiculously popular tattoo.
When my parents named me, they didn't no anyone else with the same name. In my maths class, at school, there were 4 Nicola's and 2 Nicholas'... So they all had the same idea and the same time?
Srom my 2 artists (from a tattood gal) infinity symbols, tramp stamps and anchors with the words "dont sink".
Tiny cactuses.
My first tattoo was “I love you forever and always” in my mom’s handwriting on my foot. While my tattoo artist was doing it another artist came in the room to ask what I was getting, when he found out it was script on my foot he asked, “let me guess, ‘live, laugh, love’?” He awkwardly left after we explained it wasn’t that and in fact my mom’s handwriting. So. I’d say he’s sick of that.
I'm getting my first tattoo at 60, next month. I have an old letter from my mom that was signed simply "Love, Mom". I'm having that tattooed on my wrist in her handwriting. I can always see it there. I'm going with my 20 year old son who is having his "sleeve" colored.
I’d imagine crosses. Damn near every one with tattoos have a cross somewhere lol.
Butterflies... I f**king hate butterflies. They are part of the reason I quit tattooing. But the main reason were pain-in-the-ass customers who thought they were experts because they watched a couple of episodes of Miami ink. "What!?! You can't do an entire back piece in one session?"
If I were a tattoo artist, I'd have a "no butterflies" sign, just like there's a "No Stairway to Heaven" sign in Wayne's World.
Tiny Roman numerals.
26-3-20. But the Romans had different ways of writing dates, none of which are like this.
I was told arrows and crosses. Confederate flags. Hmm...
I have a couple chemistry tattoos and my artist made a comment about girls getting dopamine, serotonin, & oxytocin with the word happiness. Seemed like he might have done a few too many.
I see a lot of people with the Harry Potter Deathly Hallows symbol. Overdone yet?
From the artist I work with: "Literally anything from Pintrest. F**k Pintrest."
My guy spent the entire time he was doing my last tatt raging against the people coming in for Harry Potter tatts; He's got a big sign up on the entrance stating not to even ask
I've heard people say they've stopped doing "your name" on people's butts
I keep trying to talk my husband into corresponding butt tattoos. I want mine to say "Acious D"
F**king. Nautical. Stars.
Gross. Stop it. That dumbass f**king red and black or purple and black stars are so over done and trashy. Literally never had a good experience with a girl who’s had that tattoo and I’ve been with 8.
Couldn't have been that bad considering you repeated the mistake 7 times.
I hope it’s not the script to Bee Movie
I get it. Tattoo artists are sick of doing the same thing over and over again but guess what? That's everywhere in the working environment. They are paying customers - just do your job. Having a sign at the door saying "Don't even come in if you want ..." is very unprofessional.
Agreed. Couldn't imagine going into a restaurant and being told I can't eat something because the cooks are bored with making them.
Load More Replies...Jeez! I didn't realise tattooists had such big ego's. I get it, being a human printer is pure talent but so is answering 100+ calls in an 11 hour shift with customers screaming at you and not totally losing your sh*t. It's talent standing on your feet all day serving Karen's in a coffee shop while keeping a smile on your face. Just slap on the damn infinity symbol, rob them blind and STFU. Snooty b*stards.
The equivalent of 15 different girls named Brittany ordering a pumpkin spice latter per day
Load More Replies...So, basically, they are just complaining about their jobs. Same as everybody else. Imagine a bartender saying: If I have to pour one more gin and tonic... Or a cab driver: If I have to take home another group of drunk girls... It's part of the job.
And they’re doing it. They wouldn’t have been so sick of these motifs if they hadn’t actually done a large number of them. Do they have to absolutely love every part of it too? A bit much to ask, don’t you think?
Load More Replies...I wonder what was left out. What do the artists like to tattoo? Apart from juggling bears of course.
Anything they don't get to do often I'd imagine. Or perhaps designs they come up with themselves where they're allowed to be creative? Honestly I'd like to see a thread about it.
Load More Replies...If you think about it, everything has been done before. If you don't want to tattoo something, politely refuse. The thing about a tattoo is that it's usually important to the person getting it. So what if it's not original, you aren't the one who's wearing it. I intend to get a giraffe and a fish one day because they remind me of my grandparents. I really don't care how many people have giraffes or fish, it means something valuable to me.
Our shop never turns away a tattoo, unless its racist or sexist or anythingist. The artists will, however, steer the customer to new ideas if they come in with something from Pinterest or come in with something overdone. The customers always leave happy so its a win/win
Some tattoo artists are tired of doing this or that tattoo again and again, I get it. But how can they just say "we don't do that anymore"? Can you imagine a hairdresser saying that he doesn't feel like cutting someone's hair because he's done it too many times? This doesn't make any sense to me.
So basically everything? Let me tell you what I hate about my job. I work in health insurance so we are going to be here awhile....
I have a couple original tattoos, a few unoriginal ones, and one that I let the artist do whatever she wanted. Love them all. But if a tattoo artist is "sick and tired" of doing a specific type that they might have got famous for, perhaps consider doing their own art with a brush instead of a vibrating needle. Or both! Decorate the studio with stencils and art and have fun.
I am planning to get a new tattoo on my wrist. It is a small skull with the words “Not Today” surrounding it. I suffer from severe depression and I had a couple close calls with suicide.
That sounds like a wonderful tattoo. I'm glad you are still here.
Load More Replies...So, basically, all tats are out of limits and next time I feel like getting one I need to travel deep into the Amazonas and find an extinct, marvelous, hybrid plant/animal which no one, not even the scientists, actually knew existed because, well, it was extinct? Awesome! Planning that trip as we speak..
The thing about being a tattoo artist is that you are your own boss so if you want to turn some one down, that's entirely up to them. However, I don't understand why they would turn someone down if they are paying customers regardless of how unoriginal it might be unless the artist is in so much demand that they can turn away clients. But it's not the best reputation you want I would think.
At the end of the day - they're paying customers & it's their body. Refusing work is incredibly unprofessional.
Why do people keep judging others because they want a tattoo that is "unoriginal"?? Who the hell cares if it's original or not?! People usually wants tattoos because they look pretty or they have a hidden meaning to that person. Who are you to judge what a person puts on THEIR OWN BODY??
I need to start wearing my pants on my head so that I don’t get judged for being unoriginal.. for most of history tattoos were never made to be original. It was religious or a code to be read, as in prison or sailor tattoos.
Load More Replies...I get this, but I'm of the opinion that a tattoo should be something deeply meaningful, a one-off designed for the individual client. Why get something just because it's trendy? It will go out of fashion soon enough. If I was a tattoo artist, I'd have a sign up of the top five requests, "Number of times requested this year; Anchor: 67, Infinity sign with heart/name: 53, Pocket watch: 42. Your tattoo idea is not as original as you think. Why not consult our artists for a uniquely personal design?"
Really, like complain to a friend or fellow tattoo artist. It just makes me wonder if people should even bother. You may have seen it fifty times but it's unique for them and original for them.
Don't bitch about what YOU do...it isn't the customers' fault because YOU said yes! Oh yeah, AND you get PAID! Just stop it! Either do it or don't, who cares? They will find the artist that will...or is that the rub? There are enough things going on without you complaining about the career you have chosen. Be grateful, not hateful!
I am sick of tattoos in general,especially inspirational instagram life quotes
I'm a Jazz Drummer. Mine is a skull & drumsticks with a pork pie hat. It says "Born to Play Bebop". The artist laughed the whole time he was putting it on.
Am I the only one who wants an 'I must not tell lies' tattoo on my left hand?
I am not sick of any particular tattoos (I do henna tattoos) but it was fun when I tattooed a group of Japanese girls. As Europeans/Americans often want tattoos of Japanese characters, these girls wanted their names/words in latin alphabet. Cute. :D
What happened to give the consumer what they want? They have to live with it and tattoos aren't free. Sounds like a win-win to me.
I totally get that trendy designs become way overdone and that the artist might get tired of them but at the same time popular flash is a quintessential part of tattooing. Anchors, swallows, roses, eagles, pinup ladies, dragons, those black panthers, pharaoh's horses, etc. And its kind of arbitrary that these are considered ok to get (probably because there's an entire mythology of old-timey tattoos as being "the real deal") but others are not. I'd def never get an infinity sign or a pocket watch, but if someone else wants one, they should go for it
While this is valid, this post kind of left a bad taste in my mouth. Like sure, maybe a lot of other people have it, but in the end, it isn't your place to judge. Also, some things have different/special meanings for different people (i.e. the infinity sign being a symbol of autistic pride and acceptance), and it isn't fair to put them down for liking something aesthetically. It's their body, not yours.
To be honest, I don't get why everyone's so angry at the artists in the comments. Wouldn't you find it a little soul-crushing if you took up painting only to be commissioned sunset after sunset, the only variation being the little farm or the beach that plays little part in changing the fact that your craft, which you intended as a way to help others show themselves, has turned into one after another of the same piece? I'm not a tattoo artist, but I can definitely sympathize with signing up for one thing, thinking it would be new and unusual and unpredictable before being faced with having to do the same thing over and over again.
It's no different from being a musician, a painter, a photographer or what have you. If you're depending on your artistic endeavors to pay the bills and put food on the table, you give the customer what he wants. If you want the freedom to be creative, you get a regular job and do the art on the side.
Load More Replies...At least when I got my first tattoo and it was flash art, I didn’t have to deal with some pretentious ass.
I think you have to be pretty sure all of your own tattoos are the equivalent of Picasso before you judge others too harshly. I can see it’s annoying, and I’m sure most tattoos artists are professional, but why have flash if you are going to be runde or condescending to people for choosing it?
Load More Replies...These symbols sometimes have deep meaning for people. Just do your job and be grateful you've got income!
Be very careful when you want to tattoo with kanji! I've ever heard about a man who tattooed with kanji "kitchen" (Unfortunately he chose the word just because "it looks really cool"... he didn't know what that means :(
Tattooed people show their individualism...which makes them just like everyone else. >:-)
Ah come on, why the downvotes? It's true! I got a tattoo at 19 because I wanted to be badass and special, now I think that's hilarious. I absolutely don't regret/regert getting that tattoo, it's a snapshot of that part of my life, but we as people can be pathetic (yes, I am including myself).
Load More Replies...Here's an idea! How about instead of whining about it, you grow a pair and put your own values and beliefs above profit, mate? Otherwise, quit B*tchin about what's paying your rent...
I have a sign outside my shop says no tattoos of lion and roses be original fck posers
I would like to note that i didn't want the deathly hallows symbol . I was getting hedwig in mid flight carrying a letter and my artist said " hey should we add this in the back just to add a little more ?" Good decision on her part , it looks wonderful .
YESSS! I CAN STILL DO ANGEL WINGS ON MY BACK! FIRST I GOTTA GO TO JAPAN THO.
I don't like doing the same thing over and over either, but it's called a job. It's something most of us have to do if we want to eat.
I m sick of seeing, butterflies, birds and angels, fairy . God the whole facination with "gonna fly away" is revolting.
I... feel weird... that I feel relieved that something-like-my-tattoo was not on here...
This is proof of what I have always said about the sheep who get tattoos because they are a fad and they are eventually going out of style. With that comes a generation of sheep who have marked up their bodies announcing to everyone that they cave to peer pressure, have zero originality and are willing to pay someone to do it.
No. It’s proof that we are a social species which interact and are influenced by each other and the place and time we live in. Our survival has often depended on it. The clothes you wear, the food you eat, what you drink - It’ all depends on the time and place you live in. Interactions with human beings and the effect that has on you doesn’t make you a sheep, it makes you human.
Load More Replies...All those people who say that doing the same and same tattoos over and over again is part of the tattooer's job and they should not complain - all of you are welcome to try it!
Doing the same thing over and over again is the general description of 'having a job' so we already know what it feels like.
Load More Replies...I like my tattoo artist friends, they'll do anything, but if they don't like it they'll just overcharge you for it. Pure professionals. Touched up a tattoo I got in a different city (couldn't go back to said city to the original guy, plus he was always way too goddamned busy). Didn't even complain once that "they didn't want to ruin the other artist's work". I hate it when tattoo artists say that. If I wanted the old artist to do it, I'd have gone to them, not you. I chose you because you're a better artists for f's sake.
I get it. Tattoo artists are sick of doing the same thing over and over again but guess what? That's everywhere in the working environment. They are paying customers - just do your job. Having a sign at the door saying "Don't even come in if you want ..." is very unprofessional.
Agreed. Couldn't imagine going into a restaurant and being told I can't eat something because the cooks are bored with making them.
Load More Replies...Jeez! I didn't realise tattooists had such big ego's. I get it, being a human printer is pure talent but so is answering 100+ calls in an 11 hour shift with customers screaming at you and not totally losing your sh*t. It's talent standing on your feet all day serving Karen's in a coffee shop while keeping a smile on your face. Just slap on the damn infinity symbol, rob them blind and STFU. Snooty b*stards.
The equivalent of 15 different girls named Brittany ordering a pumpkin spice latter per day
Load More Replies...So, basically, they are just complaining about their jobs. Same as everybody else. Imagine a bartender saying: If I have to pour one more gin and tonic... Or a cab driver: If I have to take home another group of drunk girls... It's part of the job.
And they’re doing it. They wouldn’t have been so sick of these motifs if they hadn’t actually done a large number of them. Do they have to absolutely love every part of it too? A bit much to ask, don’t you think?
Load More Replies...I wonder what was left out. What do the artists like to tattoo? Apart from juggling bears of course.
Anything they don't get to do often I'd imagine. Or perhaps designs they come up with themselves where they're allowed to be creative? Honestly I'd like to see a thread about it.
Load More Replies...If you think about it, everything has been done before. If you don't want to tattoo something, politely refuse. The thing about a tattoo is that it's usually important to the person getting it. So what if it's not original, you aren't the one who's wearing it. I intend to get a giraffe and a fish one day because they remind me of my grandparents. I really don't care how many people have giraffes or fish, it means something valuable to me.
Our shop never turns away a tattoo, unless its racist or sexist or anythingist. The artists will, however, steer the customer to new ideas if they come in with something from Pinterest or come in with something overdone. The customers always leave happy so its a win/win
Some tattoo artists are tired of doing this or that tattoo again and again, I get it. But how can they just say "we don't do that anymore"? Can you imagine a hairdresser saying that he doesn't feel like cutting someone's hair because he's done it too many times? This doesn't make any sense to me.
So basically everything? Let me tell you what I hate about my job. I work in health insurance so we are going to be here awhile....
I have a couple original tattoos, a few unoriginal ones, and one that I let the artist do whatever she wanted. Love them all. But if a tattoo artist is "sick and tired" of doing a specific type that they might have got famous for, perhaps consider doing their own art with a brush instead of a vibrating needle. Or both! Decorate the studio with stencils and art and have fun.
I am planning to get a new tattoo on my wrist. It is a small skull with the words “Not Today” surrounding it. I suffer from severe depression and I had a couple close calls with suicide.
That sounds like a wonderful tattoo. I'm glad you are still here.
Load More Replies...So, basically, all tats are out of limits and next time I feel like getting one I need to travel deep into the Amazonas and find an extinct, marvelous, hybrid plant/animal which no one, not even the scientists, actually knew existed because, well, it was extinct? Awesome! Planning that trip as we speak..
The thing about being a tattoo artist is that you are your own boss so if you want to turn some one down, that's entirely up to them. However, I don't understand why they would turn someone down if they are paying customers regardless of how unoriginal it might be unless the artist is in so much demand that they can turn away clients. But it's not the best reputation you want I would think.
At the end of the day - they're paying customers & it's their body. Refusing work is incredibly unprofessional.
Why do people keep judging others because they want a tattoo that is "unoriginal"?? Who the hell cares if it's original or not?! People usually wants tattoos because they look pretty or they have a hidden meaning to that person. Who are you to judge what a person puts on THEIR OWN BODY??
I need to start wearing my pants on my head so that I don’t get judged for being unoriginal.. for most of history tattoos were never made to be original. It was religious or a code to be read, as in prison or sailor tattoos.
Load More Replies...I get this, but I'm of the opinion that a tattoo should be something deeply meaningful, a one-off designed for the individual client. Why get something just because it's trendy? It will go out of fashion soon enough. If I was a tattoo artist, I'd have a sign up of the top five requests, "Number of times requested this year; Anchor: 67, Infinity sign with heart/name: 53, Pocket watch: 42. Your tattoo idea is not as original as you think. Why not consult our artists for a uniquely personal design?"
Really, like complain to a friend or fellow tattoo artist. It just makes me wonder if people should even bother. You may have seen it fifty times but it's unique for them and original for them.
Don't bitch about what YOU do...it isn't the customers' fault because YOU said yes! Oh yeah, AND you get PAID! Just stop it! Either do it or don't, who cares? They will find the artist that will...or is that the rub? There are enough things going on without you complaining about the career you have chosen. Be grateful, not hateful!
I am sick of tattoos in general,especially inspirational instagram life quotes
I'm a Jazz Drummer. Mine is a skull & drumsticks with a pork pie hat. It says "Born to Play Bebop". The artist laughed the whole time he was putting it on.
Am I the only one who wants an 'I must not tell lies' tattoo on my left hand?
I am not sick of any particular tattoos (I do henna tattoos) but it was fun when I tattooed a group of Japanese girls. As Europeans/Americans often want tattoos of Japanese characters, these girls wanted their names/words in latin alphabet. Cute. :D
What happened to give the consumer what they want? They have to live with it and tattoos aren't free. Sounds like a win-win to me.
I totally get that trendy designs become way overdone and that the artist might get tired of them but at the same time popular flash is a quintessential part of tattooing. Anchors, swallows, roses, eagles, pinup ladies, dragons, those black panthers, pharaoh's horses, etc. And its kind of arbitrary that these are considered ok to get (probably because there's an entire mythology of old-timey tattoos as being "the real deal") but others are not. I'd def never get an infinity sign or a pocket watch, but if someone else wants one, they should go for it
While this is valid, this post kind of left a bad taste in my mouth. Like sure, maybe a lot of other people have it, but in the end, it isn't your place to judge. Also, some things have different/special meanings for different people (i.e. the infinity sign being a symbol of autistic pride and acceptance), and it isn't fair to put them down for liking something aesthetically. It's their body, not yours.
To be honest, I don't get why everyone's so angry at the artists in the comments. Wouldn't you find it a little soul-crushing if you took up painting only to be commissioned sunset after sunset, the only variation being the little farm or the beach that plays little part in changing the fact that your craft, which you intended as a way to help others show themselves, has turned into one after another of the same piece? I'm not a tattoo artist, but I can definitely sympathize with signing up for one thing, thinking it would be new and unusual and unpredictable before being faced with having to do the same thing over and over again.
It's no different from being a musician, a painter, a photographer or what have you. If you're depending on your artistic endeavors to pay the bills and put food on the table, you give the customer what he wants. If you want the freedom to be creative, you get a regular job and do the art on the side.
Load More Replies...At least when I got my first tattoo and it was flash art, I didn’t have to deal with some pretentious ass.
I think you have to be pretty sure all of your own tattoos are the equivalent of Picasso before you judge others too harshly. I can see it’s annoying, and I’m sure most tattoos artists are professional, but why have flash if you are going to be runde or condescending to people for choosing it?
Load More Replies...These symbols sometimes have deep meaning for people. Just do your job and be grateful you've got income!
Be very careful when you want to tattoo with kanji! I've ever heard about a man who tattooed with kanji "kitchen" (Unfortunately he chose the word just because "it looks really cool"... he didn't know what that means :(
Tattooed people show their individualism...which makes them just like everyone else. >:-)
Ah come on, why the downvotes? It's true! I got a tattoo at 19 because I wanted to be badass and special, now I think that's hilarious. I absolutely don't regret/regert getting that tattoo, it's a snapshot of that part of my life, but we as people can be pathetic (yes, I am including myself).
Load More Replies...Here's an idea! How about instead of whining about it, you grow a pair and put your own values and beliefs above profit, mate? Otherwise, quit B*tchin about what's paying your rent...
I have a sign outside my shop says no tattoos of lion and roses be original fck posers
I would like to note that i didn't want the deathly hallows symbol . I was getting hedwig in mid flight carrying a letter and my artist said " hey should we add this in the back just to add a little more ?" Good decision on her part , it looks wonderful .
YESSS! I CAN STILL DO ANGEL WINGS ON MY BACK! FIRST I GOTTA GO TO JAPAN THO.
I don't like doing the same thing over and over either, but it's called a job. It's something most of us have to do if we want to eat.
I m sick of seeing, butterflies, birds and angels, fairy . God the whole facination with "gonna fly away" is revolting.
I... feel weird... that I feel relieved that something-like-my-tattoo was not on here...
This is proof of what I have always said about the sheep who get tattoos because they are a fad and they are eventually going out of style. With that comes a generation of sheep who have marked up their bodies announcing to everyone that they cave to peer pressure, have zero originality and are willing to pay someone to do it.
No. It’s proof that we are a social species which interact and are influenced by each other and the place and time we live in. Our survival has often depended on it. The clothes you wear, the food you eat, what you drink - It’ all depends on the time and place you live in. Interactions with human beings and the effect that has on you doesn’t make you a sheep, it makes you human.
Load More Replies...All those people who say that doing the same and same tattoos over and over again is part of the tattooer's job and they should not complain - all of you are welcome to try it!
Doing the same thing over and over again is the general description of 'having a job' so we already know what it feels like.
Load More Replies...I like my tattoo artist friends, they'll do anything, but if they don't like it they'll just overcharge you for it. Pure professionals. Touched up a tattoo I got in a different city (couldn't go back to said city to the original guy, plus he was always way too goddamned busy). Didn't even complain once that "they didn't want to ruin the other artist's work". I hate it when tattoo artists say that. If I wanted the old artist to do it, I'd have gone to them, not you. I chose you because you're a better artists for f's sake.