ADVERTISEMENT

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.

ADVERTISEMENT
#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

Add photo comments
POST
thpppfft avatar
J S
Community Member
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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

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

stormytattoos Report

Add photo comments
POST
sonjahackel avatar
gregdalessandro avatar
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

daansmeeladres avatar
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.

marygard avatar
connor_griswold avatar
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.

Load More Replies...
cali-tabby-katz avatar
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

sobenna_kahill avatar
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!! 😮

carolquinn13 avatar
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

gilbertkim757 avatar
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.

staphgirl79 avatar
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.

View more commentsArrow down menu

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. 

ADVERTISEMENT

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

Add photo comments
POST
lexihux avatar
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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#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

Skinsarelli Report

Add photo comments
POST
loudmanslover avatar
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

View more commentsArrow down menu
#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

ADVERTISEMENT

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

Add photo comments
POST
stevecampitelli65 avatar
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

View more commentsArrow down menu
#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

Add photo comments
POST
lexihux avatar
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!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

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.

ADVERTISEMENT
#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

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

Add photo comments
POST
aceupyoursleeve avatar
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 :)

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#37

This Rat Tattoo

This Rat Tattoo

AgentXenon Report

Add photo comments
POST
lexihux avatar
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!

View more commentsArrow down menu
#39

Technically Very Sound Tattoo, But

Technically Very Sound Tattoo, But

graypupon Report

#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

thegreatinsulto Report

#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

Add photo comments
POST
lianna_bolt avatar
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. 😴

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
See Also on Bored Panda
#51

Beautifully Done... Cockroach.. Head Tattoo

 Beautifully Done... Cockroach.. Head Tattoo

-Primum_Non_Nocere- Report

#54

Usually You Have A Great Idea And An Awful Tattoo, But

Usually You Have A Great Idea And An Awful Tattoo, But

DarthFarris Report

#55

The 90s In One B**chin’ Tattoo

The 90s In One B**chin’ Tattoo

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
#56

This Person’s Tattoo

This Person’s Tattoo

Floodbucket Report

#58

This Tattoo

This Tattoo

sedatefobia Report

Add photo comments
POST
evigrimes avatar
Evi Grimes
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Tell me you love whatever is currently popular, even if it's stupid, without telling me you love whatever is currently popular, even if it's stupid.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#59

Yea Let’s Just Get A Spider Tattoo

Yea Let’s Just Get A Spider Tattoo

fluffybigmac Report

See Also on Bored Panda
#60

This Awful Joe Rogan Tattoo

This Awful Joe Rogan Tattoo

dickintheass Report

Add photo comments
POST
magnificogiganticus avatar
Magnifico Giganticus
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

At least they only have to have it until they're dead. Joe Rogan of all people...

View more commentsArrow down menu
#64

This Air Jordan Dragon Tattoo

This Air Jordan Dragon Tattoo

ShankKunt42 Report

#66

This Tattoo

This Tattoo

bada_boi Report

Add photo comments
POST
#67

A Guy I Went To School With Just Got This Tattoo

A Guy I Went To School With Just Got This Tattoo

MrSirmcawesome Report

#68

Argyle Sock Tattoos

Argyle Sock Tattoos

GuerrillaGodzilla Report

Add photo comments
POST
cali-tabby-katz avatar
Lakota Wolf
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I mean, if you're really a fan of the pattern of your grandpa's golf socks... XD

View more commentsArrow down menu
See Also on Bored Panda
#70

Demon Tattoo

Demon Tattoo

PixAlan Report

Add photo comments
POST
cnd82019 avatar
Cindy M
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He has a really intense scar underneath. I wonder if/how that plays in?

View more commentsArrow down menu
#72

My Body Is My Journal And My Tattoos Are My Story (Found On Instagram)

My Body Is My Journal And My Tattoos Are My Story (Found On Instagram)

Lucif6r Report

#73

Shared On Local Tattoo Shop's Social Media This Week. I Am Speechless

Shared On Local Tattoo Shop's Social Media This Week. I Am Speechless

mysaviourelia Report

#74

For Tattoo Tuesday… I Present This Horrific Realism Portrait

For Tattoo Tuesday… I Present This Horrific Realism Portrait

katefromthenorth Report

#75

Capybara Tank Tattoo

Capybara Tank Tattoo

dingelbob Report

#77

Friend Got King Of The Hill Calf Tattoos

Friend Got King Of The Hill Calf Tattoos

FuckTheFrontPage_ Report

#78

Full Back Tattoo Of The "Holy Trinity Of Music": Jimi Hendrix, Taylor Swift, Carly Rae Jepson

Full Back Tattoo Of The "Holy Trinity Of Music": Jimi Hendrix, Taylor Swift, Carly Rae Jepson

capobeira Report

#79

Took This A While Back. I Know He Got Alot Going On But That Head Tattoo Was Done Very Well Even Though It's Also Terrible

Took This A While Back. I Know He Got Alot Going On But That Head Tattoo Was Done Very Well Even Though It's Also Terrible

iamlarrypotter Report

See Also on Bored Panda
#80

Probably Went About As Well As A Jeffrey Dahmer Tattoo Possibly Could

Probably Went About As Well As A Jeffrey Dahmer Tattoo Possibly Could

LaiikaComeHome Report

#82

This Tattoo

This Tattoo

basshead541 Report

Add photo comments
POST
#84

This Joint Tattoo

This Joint Tattoo

xValtrez Report

#87

A Mutual Friends New Tattoo (She Has No Other Visible Tattoos)

A Mutual Friends New Tattoo (She Has No Other Visible Tattoos)

manmothhan Report

#88

This Dumb & Dumber Tattoo I Saw On Instagram Is Possibly The Worst Thing Anyone Has Ever Done To Their Body

This Dumb & Dumber Tattoo I Saw On Instagram Is Possibly The Worst Thing Anyone Has Ever Done To Their Body

polizman20XX Report

#89

Stranger Things Tattoo

Stranger Things Tattoo

thebayallday Report

Add photo comments
POST
evigrimes avatar
Evi Grimes
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I mean it's a good show, but is it chest piece worthy? I wouldn't even get a Game of Thrones tattoo on my chest, and that's my favorite show ever. But that's just me *shrug*. It's kind of a spot for something sacred, I feel, since it's over the heart.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
See Also on Bored Panda
#90

This Browns Fan's Tattoo Of Myles Garrett Hitting Mason Rudolph With His Own Helmet

This Browns Fan's Tattoo Of Myles Garrett Hitting Mason Rudolph With His Own Helmet

JoinTheBattle Report

Add photo comments
POST
cali-tabby-katz avatar
Lakota Wolf
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes, glorifying a moment of senseless violence in the NFL is absolutely something I want immortalized on my body for all to see and admire. /s

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#91

Antique Store Find - Saved It For Tattoo Tuesday Just In Case

Antique Store Find - Saved It For Tattoo Tuesday Just In Case

gardenlevel Report

#92

Let Me Get That My Chemical Romance Face Tattoo Real Quick

Let Me Get That My Chemical Romance Face Tattoo Real Quick

wilsonw Report

#96

Tattoo Of Serial Killer Albert Fish

Tattoo Of Serial Killer Albert Fish

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
stevecampitelli65 avatar
SCamp
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why on earth would you want this horrid numbnut tattooed on yourself??

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu