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Most tattoo artists know a bad design when they see one. That is why they might offer some slight changes or suggest getting rid of the thing overall. However, some people are determined to get what they want. This leaves the tattooist with one option—trying to make it the best possible terrible tattoo using their skills. Luckily, some of these attempts turn out pretty great and end up on the internet, where they are met with repulsion and praise at once. That is due to the cringy idea, yet exemplary execution of the tattoo.

The Awful Taste But Great Execution community on Reddit is overflowing with examples of ATBGE type of masterpieces. From crossovers of children’s favorite characters to unexpected portraits, and more—people’s fantasy has no limits. Look through these fantastic tattoos and appreciate the intricate work of the artist even with the weirdest of requests.

If you’ve enjoyed these awful yet excellent tattoos, check out the examples in this Bored Panda post that are definitely more awful than excellent.

Coming up with the right tattoo for yourself might become quite a quest. It takes time to think of the idea, whether it’s something meaningful or just a nice image. That is when tattoo artists come to the rescue. Years of experience working in the field and an eye for detail might help sort out your design.

Tattooists noticed a rise in demand over the last decade. Research shows that back in 2012, 21% of Americans had at least one tattoo, while in 2019 the number reached 30%. People with at least one tattoo account for 40% of those aged 18-34 and 36% of 35-54 year-olds. The data also stated that a tattooed person most commonly has two of them, yet the average number of tattoos that Americans with ink have is four.

While some choose this way to show tribute to their loved ones, others simply find tattoos pretty. Research by Statista discovered that the most common reason for people aged 18-59 to get a tattoo is to express their style and character. 

Other popular bases include indicating personal opinions, commemorating a place, an event, or a new chapter in life. One of the least popular reasons on the list is energizing oneself or getting a tattoo as a mantra. To each their own, and these Reddit pictures are here to prove it.

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#4

Client: "I Want A Tattoo That Makes Me Feel Drunk When I Look At It"

Client: "I Want A Tattoo That Makes Me Feel Drunk When I Look At It"

thebayallday Report

#5

I Went On A Date Today, He Proudly Showed Me This Tattoo

I Went On A Date Today, He Proudly Showed Me This Tattoo

btacceber Report

The aforementioned research also found that 53% of people over 60 think that tattoos are not an option for them. Only 21% of 30-59-year-olds and 9% of 18-29 share such views. Be that as it may, some people only realize they don’t want one anymore after it becomes too late.

Unlike wine, certain tattoos might not get better with time. This is mostly proved to be right by those with a lover’s name inscribed on their skin. Luckily, with the help of technology, nowadays, this art form is not as permanent as it used to be; there are ways to remove it using lasers or cover it with the help of skilled artists.

#6

This Sub Is The First Thing I Thought Of When I Saw This Tattoo

This Sub Is The First Thing I Thought Of When I Saw This Tattoo

samansadayo Report

#7

This Snake Skin Tattoo On Some Dude’s Leg

This Snake Skin Tattoo On Some Dude’s Leg

biblio-lavendula Report

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J S
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow. I want to have a conversation with this guy. Granted, it might freak me out, but would be interesting.

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Some of the pictures on the list prove that tattoo artists can turn even an abomination into something decent-looking. From terrible designs to concepts one would have doubts about tattooing, the artists did their best to try and save the execution part, at least. That’s why you should always choose the tattooist wisely; their skill can make or break the end result.

According to IBISWorld, there are nearly 33,500 tattoo businesses in the US, so there is definitely plenty to choose from. Data presented by Zippia shows that there are currently more male artists, despite the nearly 10% rise in the number of female tattoo artists in 2010-2019. However, when it comes to salary, this form of artistry provides some surprising statistics—women in the industry earn more than their male colleagues.

#11

This Tattoo Sleeve

This Tattoo Sleeve

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Yourname942
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Honestly I think it's awesome. I like the colors and uniqueness

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Danielle
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It’s great, but the hand’s execution could have been done better.

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CG
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A lot, depending on your artist, quality of work, and size. I would assume this would have been at least two, maybe three sittings. I'd assume these would be 6, maybe 8 hour sessions. Wouldn't be shocked if this cost him over $1500.

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Lakota Wolf
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Okay, I'm genetically/biologically a McKittrick of Clan Douglas, and quite proud of my Scottish heritage, but.... I'm not sure I'd want to wear my clan's tartan... 24/7

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SobyKay
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That plaid must've been so hard to do and so painful to have done!! 😮

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Carol Quinn
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm a Scott, living in Scotland. Nice tattoo but lol why America? I just don't get it. we don't have this love your clan stuff. I couldn't tell you mine and neither could anyone I know lol

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Kim Gilbert
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Another fake, sad to say, but nobody has an arm shaped like that. Osteoarthritis is a b***h, apologies.

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Mistiekim
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’m sure it was doesn’t at once, but I can’t even imagine how long it took to do that tartan. Also, the motto piece looks pretty faded. I wonder how old this is.

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Some more interesting stats depict how tattoos might affect one’s likelihood of employment. According to YouGovAmerica, the majority of employers (54%) say that it doesn’t affect their perception of the candidate’s suitability. In addition to that, 6% stated that they would be more likely to hire a candidate with tattoos. 

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However, face tattoos are not perceived as favorably by most employers. 61% of them state that they’re considerably less likely, while 17% admit to being slightly less likely to hire a person with a design in such a place.

#12

Teach A Man To Fish... Then Tattoo His Leg

Teach A Man To Fish... Then Tattoo His Leg

FreshlyCutGrass976 Report

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Mafia!
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't have any problem with this, as long as the measurement's accurate, this is awesome.

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#13

A Fellow Redditor’s Tattoo Of His Two Favourite Drummers, Ringo & Animal

A Fellow Redditor’s Tattoo Of His Two Favourite Drummers, Ringo & Animal

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Ches Yamada
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is awesome. It really is great and it incorporates the person's fave things/drummers

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#14

Contributing To Tattoo Tuesday

Contributing To Tattoo Tuesday

RossNub Report

In addition to being very noticeable, face tattoos are also among the most painful ones to get. The level of pain caused by the process differs depending on gender, pain threshold, and age. Nevertheless, certain spots, such as the neck, ribs, and stomach are typically more sensitive to the unpleasant sensation induced by needles.

#15

Been Saving This Blobfish Tattoo For Today, So Ugly It’s Beautiful

Been Saving This Blobfish Tattoo For Today, So Ugly It’s Beautiful

Easy-Hovercraft-6576 Report

#17

My Friend Was Going To Get A Tattoo, But Then He Took An Arrow In The Knee

My Friend Was Going To Get A Tattoo, But Then He Took An Arrow In The Knee

Gemingo Report

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Data from 2018 shows that Italy is the country with the leading number (48%) of tattooed people. It is followed by Sweden (47%), the US (46%), and Australia and Argentina sharing fifth place with 43% of tattoo-bearing respondents.

#18

Such A Good Tattoo Of A Cat Butthole

Such A Good Tattoo Of A Cat Butthole

VaginalRelativity Report

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SCamp
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Mmm, they are ‘traditionally’ placed strategically around the belly button

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#19

A Skeleton Arm Tattoo With The Wrong Anatomy

A Skeleton Arm Tattoo With The Wrong Anatomy

Kaneki_Yeager Report

#20

Sunflower Seeds Tattoo

Sunflower Seeds Tattoo

copaOW Report

Out of the countries where people feel this way the most, India is the number one. According to 2016 data, a staggering amount of people (nearly 23,000) decided to undergo a removal procedure. Japan takes a close second (roughly 20,000), then the US (slightly over 14,000), Italy (around 11,000), and Taiwan (nearing 6,000). According to Statista, 12% of people with tattoos regret getting them. 

#21

Nick Cage Leg Tattoo

Nick Cage Leg Tattoo

TheLostPariah Report

#22

A Toad Knee Tattoo

A Toad Knee Tattoo

xoJigglypuff Report

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Mafia!
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is so cool! When you bend your knee, the toad's pouch will inflate!

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With a growing number of tattoos, the demand for eliminating at least some of them is projected to grow as well. A tattoo removal market overview predicts that by 2027 this market will reach nearly 800 million USD.

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#25

Pretty Sure These Bruise Tattoos Belong Here

Pretty Sure These Bruise Tattoos Belong Here

MikkiD4311 Report

#26

Sailor Devito By @jasminedilworth And @matt.does.tattoos

Sailor Devito By @jasminedilworth And @matt.does.tattoos

shitlord_traplord Report

One of the main reasons for tattoo removal is the spontaneity of the decision. A survey by Advanced Dermatology found that out of those regretting their decision, 28% only gave the thought a couple of hours. 24% of the people let it soak for at least a few days and 21%—for a few weeks. The smallest number of people regretting their actions (6%) contemplated the idea for around a year or more.

#27

Pretty Sure This Goes Here

Pretty Sure This Goes Here

reddit.com Report

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Whether it’s a masterpiece or something you would tell your old self not to do, it requires proper care. It is important to make sure the fresh tattoo is well-maintained, not only for health reasons but for its longevity as well. Nonetheless, you might need a slight correction in the future as it tends to blur out with time.

#32

This Deeply Unsettling Snake Tattoo

This Deeply Unsettling Snake Tattoo

szuckle Report

#34

This Ace Ventura Tattoo

This Ace Ventura Tattoo

KungFooKangaroo Report

#35

My Tattoo Artist’s Favorite Thing To Tattoo Is Foodporn. Literally Pornographic Food

My Tattoo Artist’s Favorite Thing To Tattoo Is Foodporn. Literally Pornographic Food

SeienShin Report

#36

These Family Guy Tattoos

These Family Guy Tattoos

Gaza1121 Report

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aceupyoursleeve
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Family guy is overrated and not that good imo. Edit: Like what you like though :)

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#37

This Rat Tattoo

This Rat Tattoo

AgentXenon Report

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Mafia!
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is AWESOME. Maybe not on my head, but I'd get this on my shoulder!

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#39

Technically Very Sound Tattoo, But

Technically Very Sound Tattoo, But

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#40

Big Krang Tattoo On A Big Belly

Big Krang Tattoo On A Big Belly

reddit.com Report

#42

These Tattoos Give Me The Heebie Jeebies

These Tattoos Give Me The Heebie Jeebies

Domestica Report

#44

Posted To Local Tattoo Shop's Fb. Pretty Sure That's A Lower Back, Btw

Posted To Local Tattoo Shop's Fb. Pretty Sure That's A Lower Back, Btw

ystinfection Report

#46

This Lady Wanted Her Husband's Bite Mark As A Tattoo

This Lady Wanted Her Husband's Bite Mark As A Tattoo

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#49

This Tattoo Of Chiellini Fouling Saka During The Euro 2020 Finals

This Tattoo Of Chiellini Fouling Saka During The Euro 2020 Finals

Ridavv Report

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AbsintheMinded
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Did this really happen? Sorry, I don’t watch soccer/football. It’s about as exciting as watching golf. 😴

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#50

From My Local Tattoo Shop

From My Local Tattoo Shop

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Note: this post originally had 96 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.