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30 Of The Worst, Horribly-Done Tattoos That Are The Pride And Joy Of This Dedicated Online Group
When I saw my colleague Jonas' story on the Facebook group 'That's It, I'm Inkshaming', I realized that for every good tattoo, there must be at least two terrible ones. And it didn't take long for me to find proof that I'm probably not that far off.
Turns out, there's a subreddit called 'Bad Tattoos' and it's filled with the worst designs to have ever been inked on the human body. Whether we're talking about cringy concepts or lines that look like they were done by a two-year-old, you can't help but feel sorry for the people who have to "wear" them.
I wonder how many people have asked if they're permanent!
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Some Guy Tried To Copy My Tattoo Artist's Work - Nipple Tattooed On His Arm
Mistiekim 3 years ago (edited)
Ha! You really can’t copy someone else’s work. It will never be good. You can ask for a tattoo inspired by something you like and work together with your artist to get something like it. The only time this isn’t really true is if you get one the generic tattoos from the wall. They already have one those outlines ready to go.
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#2
Terrifying
Velocity Raptor 3 years ago
I don't think this falls into the "Bad Tattoo" category, it's funny!
Ellen Ranks 3 years ago
How is this a fail? I think it is well done. if you like this sort of thing.
To learn more about underwhelming tattoos and how to avoid them, we contacted tattoo artists Adam Grant of Gypsystables Tattoo and Josh Young of Highwater Gallery.
The process of inking your skin begins with homework; if you haven't researched your tattoo artist or studio, you've already made a mistake.
"In my opinion, what causes a tattoo to be 'bad' is perhaps not enough research," Josh Young told Bored Panda. "Nowadays, there is such an extensive range of different styles by such a huge variety of tattooists, and so you have to go to the best artist suited for the type of tattoo you are after."
#3
I'm Speechless
LynzCatastrophe 3 years ago
People, please do research before a tattoo. I promise it doesn't take much effort now that we have the internet. When choosing to get a portrait (and I'm always baffled why people get portraits of famous people), get someone who actually specializes in that kind of style.
#4
"What Angle Do You Want The Plane From?" "All Of Them"
Jef Bateman 3 years ago
It has perspective, just not the perspective we expected. Maybe now we know why the ancient Egyptians were never able to design a working model of an aircraft.
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Gabriela Cink 3 years ago
There were times when this broken perspective was very in. Looking at you, year 1920 and later...
#5
They Did Freddie Wrong
karen snyder 3 years ago
You ever hear the old joke about, "So, a horse, Freddie Mercury and Ron Pearlman walk in to a gene splicer..."
Andrew Gibb 3 years ago (edited)
The lazer tattoo remover dude: 'Another one bites the dust' 🎵🎶
"So many times customers have complained to me about bad work they have had done by tattooists who were ill-fitted for the type of tattoo they wanted, and so I try to encourage them to do some research and actively seek out the best for the job," Young explained.
"You wouldn't go to a carpenter to fix your boiler so why would you go to a black and grey realism artist and expect a traditional tattoo? Unless you go to an artist who excels at all styles, do some research, find out who specializes in what, and you more than likely won't be having any bad tattoos."
#6
"O No! Can You Remove That S?" "Say No More, Fam"
Falcon 3 years ago
My mother I the heart thats keep me alive? Does sound better 🤔
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GoddessOdd 3 years ago
So what we've learned here is that it's very important to make sure your artist can read and write before commissioning a tattoo.
#7
Friend On Facebook Seems Proud Of This Gem
#8
Friend Bought A Tattoo Gun On Amazon For £100. Tattooed Darth Vader On Himself
GoddessOdd 3 years ago
I think the friend needs to be introduced to the idea of a preliminary sketch... this looks like he did it with his non-dominant hand from the vaguest memory of what Vader looks like.
UpQuarkDownQuark 3 years ago
Looks like three raccoons stacked up in a homemade Darth Vader costume.
#9
I Think It’s Eye-Catching
Andy Williams 3 years ago
and he even has to keep that regretful expression for you to know what it is
TheDivineMsM 3 years ago
I think it's supposed to be high tops with the tongue of the shoe showing
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However, we must keep in mind that everyone's entitled to their own taste. Adam Grant, for example, thinks that if a particular design is tattooed well, then it's only bad as a matter of opinion.
"What makes any tattoo bad are things that show straight away that the 'artist' has little to no training in tattooing," Grand explained. "Wobbly lines, forgotten elements, overworking the skin, and blowouts are all things to look out for. Safe hygiene standards are an absolute must. Make sure you go to a professional by checking online reviews and their body of work on social media."
#10
Dude Sure Loves His Turtle
Emerald Ocean 3 years ago (edited)
It’s actually quite sweet. He could change the placement of the arm or make it longer by a little AND OF COURSE REMOVE THE TAIL!!!. This actually isn’t too bad! Hey, maybe you can nickname your kid “turtle”!
OneHappyPuppy 3 years ago
It looked good... And then I read the title. Snorted my drink out my nose. Thanks
#11
That's Too Expensive, I Have A Friend That Can Do It For Less
#12
Maximum Facepalm
UpQuarkDownQuark 3 years ago
Finally, someone doesn’t misspell “lose” as “loose”, but then they hose the rest of it. 🤦🏻♂️
Loretta 3 years ago
S**t, why did you need to point that out?! Now I see it too T-T
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Poeha 3 years ago
Yeah just say you're Dutch and Youself is your friend, brother from Youssouf.
Load More Replies... #13
The Concept Looked So Promising
Nathaniel 3 years ago (edited)
Everything is wrong but.... the Shrek ears! The lion reminds me of that bad taxidermy lion.
Megan The Viking Traveler 3 years ago
OMG THATS EXACTLY WHAT I WAS THINKING TOO
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kim morris 3 years ago
I actually like the final piece a lot. I really do. It's very medieval in its execution, I hope they never try to 'fix' it.
Remi 3 years ago
Add some bunnies dueling on snails and a buttrumpet and you're good to go 😂
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Loki’s Lil Butter Knife 3 years ago (edited)
The longer you stare at this hideous rendering of what I think is a lion crying out to be put out of its misery, the funnier it gets. Was the artists channeling their inner Medieval artist?
Young also added that if you are getting tattoos from your friend in his apartment from a two-bit machine he bought from Wish, that will also probably end up being a bad tattoo. "Stop that. Please," he said.
But if you aren't happy with the tattoo you already have, there are still a few things you can do.
"Firstly, don't go back to the artist who did it," Young advised. "A lot of customers I know have complained about work they have had from someone else, and yet, have returned to them for more, expecting a different outcome—that doesn't make sense."
"Secondly, there is always a cover-up option. Again, do some research, find a tattooist who specializes in coverups or at least a tattooist who has some experience in doing it. Not all artists can cover work, and not all bad work can be covered, so you need to find the right tattoo artist for the job."
#14
Playboy Can't Wait To Go To The Beach To Show It Off
Mavis 3 years ago
I guess they figured out that they couldn't have the tail emerging between his legs lol.
Ozymandias73 3 years ago
Demon dude needs to eat a few souls or something. Looking a little emaciated.
#15
It's Supposed To Be A Galaxy
Who Panda 420 3 years ago
I can't imagine how this one could be covered up
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Featherytoad 3 years ago
Did anybody, when you were a kid, take shavings of different colored crayons, put them between two pieces of wax paper and then take a warm iron to it? That's what it reminds me of.
Joanna Palmer 3 years ago
Do tattoos usually leave ink all over the edges of clothing or is this facepaint?
Natalie 3 years ago
Right? It's definitely paint. At the top right, there are yellow spots over top of dark colours, and I don't think tattoos work that way. Also, did this person spill molasses on it too?
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#16
It Looks Like A Lawsuit
GoddessOdd 3 years ago (edited)
I think this is Popeye's amputated and flayed arm, clutching some spinach with his final reflex.
T.R. (she/her) 3 years ago
According to OP on Reddit, this is a “personal interpretation of a Tree of Life”. I’m… not even sure what that means, honestly XD
FleurTangClan 3 years ago
I like this interpretation from Reddit: Harry Potter reference? Looks like a snake at the lower left, into a passage of some sort? Phoenix in the middle, on.... a shitty womping willow? I don't even know what to say about the purple person who looks like they're swimming Ohhh, yes, I think we have a winner! The secret tunnel under the womping willow with Fawkes flying overhead while Ron (with his broken leg) is dragged into the tree. 🤣
#17
Christopher Walken Or Steve Buscemi? And Why Is He Green?
3Woodstock 3 years ago
I feel awful because I knew who it was before looking at the picture! Poor poor Christopher Walken....
LynzCatastrophe 3 years ago
My first question is why did you want a portrait of him in the first place?! Actually, it's my only question, I've already said my piece on why you should research artists before you give them your skin.
Then, of course, there's the laser. Adam Grant said that if a touch-up can't remedy your disappointment, a trip to getting zapped is basically your last option.
"If the tattoo was executed as discussed but you don't like it afterward, then unfortunately, that's just tough luck," he explained. "If it was done how it was discussed beforehand, then the tattoo was done as asked."
#18
Ting Baby From The Future
GoGoPDX 3 years ago
I don't know if that is the most disturbing part of this tattoo though.
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Tamra 3 years ago
Do these "artists" not draw on the skin first? And show the client before inking??
Cin 3 years ago
I do wonder that. I've only had one tattoo, and was shown the 'marker' sketch on skin before the needle went anywhere near my arm.
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dream of delusion 3 years ago
i think it’s meant to say tiny, they just wrote the y real weird
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Jane Doe 3 years ago
It took me scrolling thru comments to find someone who deciphered it and shared. Thank you.
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#19
A Buddy Of Mine Has A Friend Who Gave Himself This In 8th Grade
Sarah K 3 years ago
What a conversation starter though!! I like it. It has a primitive feel, like a cave painting or a tree carving-it really makes me feel at one with nature. You don't have to squint at it and say, what is it? It says what it is. It is FOX. And can't we all agree with that message? I'm gonna 10/10 approve this one.
Mimi M 3 years ago
The worst part of this is that he saw it coming and somehow allowed it to continue to the bitter (or shall I say 'foxy') end...
#20
Joney Cesh
Marlowe Fitzpatrik 3 years ago
Sad thing is, it is done pretty good. Just very bad when it comes to the perspective
#21
No Ragrets On This One
T Lee Mac 3 years ago
Nah. It’s a revenge tat. The artist probably has a tattoo if Chinese lettering on himself that he found out meant loser instead of strong. Lol
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Dmytro Taldykin 3 years ago
We should go further. The pain is mightier then a word
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Oogiebogieaugiedaddy 3 years ago
Christopher Walken is ugly enough without that hideous tattoo!
All of this might sound too tedious for a tattoo, but sitting down in the chair having done the preparation is way better than spontaneously popping into a studio.
One study found that 3 out of 4 people with "tattoo regret" didn't plan for the tattoo beyond a few weeks.
#22
Facebook Delivered. Originally Thought The "Talons" Were Fidget Spinners
GSMountainWolf 3 years ago
I like this tattoo, minus the fidget spinners. They could have done better there XD
#23
Some Terrible Anatomy. Where Are His Feet?
Okiedokie 3 years ago
100%. If it’s been made this cute deliberately this gets a pass.
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#24
The Incredible Hulk - His Face Gets Me Every Time
Bender Bending Rodríguez 3 years ago (edited)
Now it makes sense why is he so angry.
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Loki’s Lil Butter Knife 3 years ago
The Magnificent Bulk, the Incredible Hulk's lesser known third cousin twice removed on his mother's side. The less said about the Bulk, the better.
David Otto 3 years ago
Imagine having to look at that c**p on yourself every freaking day, all day. I would skip my 10 year tooth cleaning and get a cover up buddy.
#25
Tweakerbell
T.R. (she/her) 3 years ago
Are… are the wings supposed to be the Confederate battle flag?! NOTE to everyone: Not all Americans are like this person! I swear!
The Other Guest 3 years ago
What, you've never seen someone whose feet & eyes are the same size before?
"If you are indecisive even up until the day of a tattoo, then don't get one," Adam Grant said.
"Wait until you feel comfortable with altering your body. Once you're tattooed, it's done. There's no rewind. The only remaining options are to remove it or cover it up. It's a tattoo, not a haircut so be sure about what you want and who you're getting it from."
#26
How? Why?
Matthew Jameson 3 years ago
Ok, I've drank 36 beers, 22 shots of Cuervo, dropped 17 hits of acid, smoked an ounce of PCP and the 85 mescaline tabs should kick it at any moment. Who wants to be inked?
T Lee Mac 3 years ago
There is nothing that will cover this one up. This requires laser surgery asap!
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#27
Spotted This On My Facebook Feed
Betsy Green 3 years ago
It was *supposed* to be the old logo for the Washington Redskins football team. (Up until 2019. Who knows when this pic was taken)
#28
If Only Their Familey Had Warned Them
GoddessOdd 3 years ago
I think I would ask my tattoo artist to write it on paper first, and then go find a smart person to proofread it before committing.
#29
My Roommate Got Mad When I Laughed, Am I In The Wrong?
Loki’s Lil Butter Knife 3 years ago
Definitely not a well-done tattoo, but I don't think I would ever laugh at a roommate or friend if they got a tattoo tribute to a loved one.
Jane Doe 3 years ago
I’m thinking it was involuntary, followed by “oh, sh!t,” when OP realized what he was looking at.
Load More Replies... YinzerGhost 3 years ago
If you're going to do an entire back piece honoring your grandma, maybe research the artist first.
T.R. (she/her) 3 years ago
I noticed that :( this Granny was born 3 years after my mom was. Granny was VERY young :( My brain is trying to calculate the ages of the tattooed person and their parent, because they look like an adult.
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pink_panda 3 years ago
There's no room to memorialize your next departed loved one! Economize!
Marlene Ricker 3 years ago
I'm sure his heart was in the right place, but his poor Grandma is probably laughing her head off wherever she is.
David Otto 3 years ago
Wow and entire, really bad back piece dedicated to his grandma? I would be willing to bet she was also his mom most of his life with such wonderful human debris having unwanted babies in this country.
"Don't stand for the ego, don't get tattooed through intimidation or being made to feel uncomfortable, and don't go to someone just because they are 'the best,'" Josh Young said. "There are horror stories of tattoo artists out there who are horrific to be tattooed by and yet people still go to them purely because they have a large number of followers; the tattoo artist should be doing everything to make it the best tattoo experience for you."
"Don't rush into getting any work done, you will always end up enjoying and appreciating your tattoo more if you have thought carefully about it, and you have gone to the right tattooist for the job."
Plus, it's not uncommon to feel some regret immediately after getting a tattoo; after all, we get used to seeing our body a certain way, and when it all of a sudden changes, that can cause a little bit of anxiety. Give it a few days or weeks, maybe you'll grow into it!
#30
Okay, Buddy, Okay
Nathaniel 3 years ago
‘Veni, vidi, vici.’ I came, I saw, I conquered. As a comment it always struck Vimes as a bit too pat. It wasn’t the sort of thing you came up with on the spur of the moment, was it? It sounded as if he had worked it out. He’d probably spent long evenings in his tent, looking up in the dictionary short words beginning with V and trying them out…Veni, vermini, vomui, I came, I got ratted, I threw up? Visi, veneri, vamoosi, I visited, I caught an embarrassing disease, I ran away? It must have been a big relief to come up with three short acceptable words. He probably made them up first, and then went off to see somewhere and conquer it. — Jingo, Terry Pratchett
Holly Benedict 3 years ago
The comment would have made sense if the last had been left blank to be filled in later .... But no, let's be in denial about what really happened
Adam Zad 3 years ago
"I will get my tattoo spelt [sic] the right way." No, you won't. That's permanent. It's not like you can just put some White -Out over it and change the spelling. 😆
Smoofy 3 years ago
I love when Americans think something is spelt wrong because that’s not how *they* spell it lol
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#31
Go Yonkees!
Bender Bending Rodríguez 3 years ago (edited)
As a Bostonian and Red Sox fan this is how I see Yankees logo. So I don't see anything wrong here.
#32
Savage
Featherytoad 3 years ago
I wonder if some of these people got them in prison? Maybe they do a better job in prison, who knows.
#33
An Alternative To Buying A Designer Brand
Dónal Ó Murchadha 3 years ago
forget that..... why has a white dude with freckles have a Black Anarchy tattoo? it's on a cross too.... This is hilarious!
°CORLEONE° 3 years ago
I think that is Lois Vitton. LOL, The genuine brand is called Louis Vuitton.
#34
I See A Lot Of These On My Feed
Mara Is Non-binary 🇺🇦 3 years ago
if anyone was wondering, that is supposed to be a portuguese man of war… i think
Dónal Ó Murchadha 3 years ago
nobody is wondering, it's not great but no bad and obviously a man of war i think
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#35
Probably Drawn While Blindfolded
#36
A Girl I Know Works At The Studio That Posted This
Rosemary Booth 3 years ago
I think the lion is supposed to be snarling, but he's really commenting on how much this tattoo stinks.
#37
Skater Rat
Porch santa 3 years ago
I raise you SKATER SNOOKUM BEAR. Snookum bear plus skaters. Do some imagination things.
#38
I Can't Tell If This Is A Joke
LynzCatastrophe 3 years ago
If an entire sleeve is only 75 bucks, run away. Most artists charge more than that PER HOUR! And when they do, it tends to be worth it.
Ozymandias73 3 years ago
LMAO ohhhhh no no no no! The "artist" should be paying people to have them do tattoos on them
#39
Never Forget
Marlowe Fitzpatrik 3 years ago
To be fair, though, they themsf do not 'heal' but remain. Wounds heal. Scars remain the same
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#40
The Ace Of Kings
RMA 3 years ago
They could try to save face by claiming it is ‘kacek’ or ‘different’ in Indonesian. It’s certainly different.
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#41
I Was Trying To Decide Which One Was The Worst, But Luckily The Artist Made This Convenient Collage Of Mediocrity
Annemarie Mattheyse 3 years ago
Do tattoo artists (and their customers) not realize you need to be able to draw in order to be a tattoo artist??
#42
Spotted On The Beach. Go Bulls!
#43
Wolf?
Jan Eivroc 3 years ago
The front legs are all on one side? or is one front leg coming out from the stomach? The face goods look though.
Porch santa 3 years ago
Just an imitating bacteria that is telepathic and breeds inside the internet.
Aisling (she/they) 3 years ago
Yeh..sorry, the location of that middle leg does not make me think it''s a leg
T.R. (she/her) 3 years ago
As a wolf, I am offended by this pictorial representation of my people.
#44
A Gem From My Wife’s Facebook Feed
Spock's Socks 3 years ago
Oh my, I feel sorry for Avery's podiatrist. Some gnarly malformations on those tootsies.
#45
Looks Like Sharpie
#46
Found This Gem Browsing Facebook
#47
Found On Facebook
Argle Bargle 3 years ago
Is that a dove, a falling sumo wrestler, or someone flipping the bird?
OneHappyPuppy 3 years ago
Assuming it was a child this person lost, this tattoo which was supposed to be for remembering is a disaster. I feel sorry for the person
Load More Replies... #48
A Guy I Went To High School With Has An Angel. With Cutoff Jean Shorts
Devil child 3 years ago (edited)
My husbands friend has a 6 legged pony, a winged penis cuming and the words " your name" tattooed on his penis oh and his friends signature on the underside of said penis. All dares in a stupid youth.
#49
Are You Ready For Some Football?
#50
Another Gem
Joanna Palmer 3 years ago (edited)
This is a useful medical notification. I actually plan on having "Do Not Resuscitate " on my chest at 70.
T.R. (she/her) 3 years ago
I honestly can’t tell what part of the person’s anatomy this was tatted upon. Inner upper arm, just below the armpit?
#51
Instagram Delivers
OneHappyPuppy 3 years ago
Tbh I thought this was an attempt at lungs... And then I read "heaven" above it
#52
The Many Faces Of Michael Jackson
Peter Trudell Jr 3 years ago
if they had just done the eyes/nose/mouth, it would have been fine... sometimes less is more folks.
#53
Found A Shop On Instagram Post This Wolf(?) Tattoo
#54
You Guys Remember The Movie Spirit, Right?
The Other Guest 3 years ago
This *might* (mind you, I said **might**) be a tattoo of a kid's drawing, in which case the artist did a good job. Otherwise....yeah, not so much.
Miguel justino C 3 years ago
Why do people get tattoos on their back when you can’t see it yourself, it must be for others to see not you.When tattoos are visible and I ask what’s that mean? I always get the “it’s personal”. If I stood on the street with a sign that said I have past trauma but don’t ask me about it people would call me stupid.
#55
Posted In An Overwatch Group I'm Part Of
#56
Just Keep Swimming
CelticElff 3 years ago
Because of the semi-colon, I will refrain from any snarky comments. (SI survivor)
#57
Will It Look Good When It's Done? And Yes, It's Real.
#58
Saw On A Friend's Snapchat
CrazyDogLady 3 years ago
In the sense, that a good tattoo arrist could still save it
Load More Replies... #59
This Maybe On Of The Worst
Poultry Geist 3 years ago
Maybe it’s supposed to be : “To the world you are one person but to me you are the world” and also “ “78❤️‘S 77” maybe they are about the same person so they put them together :) maybe 😂
LynzCatastrophe 3 years ago
It's done decently for its simplicity, but you will have to explain that forever.
#60
Traded A Guitar For This Masterpiece When I Was 18ish
Florida, but without the beach 3 years ago
This is an absolute work of art, worthy of a prime spot in a museum, compared to these other disasters
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What do you think ?
Jayne Kyra 3 years ago
We all know the mantra: A good tattoo is not cheap. A cheap tattoo is not good. Browse artists and their work before committing and SPEAK UP if you don´t like something before the needle hits the skin.
Sage Gusano 3 years ago
Been tattooed a couple of times. They put the outline in place and I looked before approving that they begin the work. Is this somehow not a normal practice?
Steve Barnett 3 years ago
I don't have tattoos, but I've a lot of interesting scars. Scars are far more fascinating. There’s history with scars, a story to be told.
Who Panda 420 3 years ago
I agree. I find scars sexy. There's definitely that story aspect and sign of suffering which makes one stronger later
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Isabelle Lamarque 3 years ago
So the one I found the least disturbing was done by a non artist 😅 (Darth Vader) still a disgrace towards Vader but compared to the other ones.. that one is still laughable, the others often made my want to scratch my eyes out 😆
Jayne Kyra 3 years ago
We all know the mantra: A good tattoo is not cheap. A cheap tattoo is not good. Browse artists and their work before committing and SPEAK UP if you don´t like something before the needle hits the skin.
Sage Gusano 3 years ago
Been tattooed a couple of times. They put the outline in place and I looked before approving that they begin the work. Is this somehow not a normal practice?
Steve Barnett 3 years ago
I don't have tattoos, but I've a lot of interesting scars. Scars are far more fascinating. There’s history with scars, a story to be told.
Who Panda 420 3 years ago
I agree. I find scars sexy. There's definitely that story aspect and sign of suffering which makes one stronger later
Load More Replies... Isabelle Lamarque 3 years ago
So the one I found the least disturbing was done by a non artist 😅 (Darth Vader) still a disgrace towards Vader but compared to the other ones.. that one is still laughable, the others often made my want to scratch my eyes out 😆
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