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Getting a tattoo can be a sort of leap of faith. As wonderful and clear as the drawing may be, it ultimately comes down to the tattoo artist’s ability to use their machines. Unfortunately, that means that some folks out there have ink that serves as a warning to always do your research beforehand.

This Instagram page is dedicated to some of the most questionable, bizarre and downright terrible tattoos out there. So get comfortable as you read through, prepare to be deeply confused by how someone could want that, upvote your favorites and be sure to share your thoughts below.

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#1

Mind-Bending Ink

Bald man with spiral tattoo on head, showcasing an epic tattoo fail.

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Phil T
Community Member
1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's so well done I can't un-see the illusion.

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    #2

    No Shame Zone

    A person on the street displaying epic tattoo fails, wearing a swimsuit and holding a bag.

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    #3

    Muscle Goals, Kinda Reached

    Man with tattoo fail depicting a muscular figure holding handles on his chest.

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    Saddest_Lion
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It'd be a funny t-shirt, but not so much a permanent tattoo

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    Tattoos are evidence that no matter how long something has been around, ultimately it comes down to human artistic skill to make it look good. We have evidence that people had some sorts of tattoos over 5000 years ago, for example, “Ötzi” whose mummified remains were found in the Alps, had a number of simple, line tattoos on his corpse.

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    We have more evidence from the ancient Egyptians, who put in more work to preserve their bodies after they died. One example had multiple animals, a bull and sheep, showing that the ancients weren’t that different from us and liked modifying the way they looked.

    #4

    Blue Collar Rapper Vibes

    Epic tattoo fail featuring a blue cartoon character with a human face and a beanie on a person's leg.

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    #5

    Built-In Excavator Skills

    Hand with an excavator tattoo, appearing to dig into concrete rubble, representing an epic tattoo fail shared online.

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    Lyoness
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This one is actually kind of cute.

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    #6

    Waves of Irony

    A humorous tattoo fail on a person's head with wavy text reflecting the head's shape.

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    Jay Scales
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    His head looks like a deflating balloon....

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    This means that humans have been developing this skill for thousands of years, yet there are still tattoos being made in 2024 that are absolutely terrible. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but, importantly, the person requesting the tattoo is almost never the person making it, so there is always the question of if this was what they really wanted.

    #7

    The Half-Hearted Haircut

    Man with sunglasses showcasing an epic tattoo fail of a hair design on his head.

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    David
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It looks like something "fraternity bros" might do to each other if one is passed out drunk.

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    #8

    Hidden Art Confusion

    Back tattoo fail with number looking off; person wearing a white crop top in a store.

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    Lyoness
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nope, that's a nazi tramp stamp. Trashy and offensive all at once.

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    This underscores just how important it is to do one’s research. Good tattoo artists tend to charge a lot of money, but it’s best to think twice before entrusting someone’s roommate who happens to have a tattoo machine. This list stands as a warning as to what can happen. Remember, getting it removed is not at all fun either.

    #10

    When Ink Goes Wrong

    Epic tattoo fails featuring a humorous attempt to replicate a family portrait with floral accents.

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    #12

    Permanent Eyebrow Goals

    Man with glasses and tattooed eyebrows in a humorous tattoo fail moment in a store.

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    On the flip side, doing your research might take time and cost a bit more, but you can discover actually awesome artists who you maybe never would have known existed. Unless you have a very, very particular idea of what you want, it can be beneficial to explore some other art styles and see what a creative professional can suggest.

    #13

    Artistic Oops Moment

    Epic tattoo fails on a man's back, featuring uneven portraits and mismatched designs.

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    #14

    Belly Button Takes Center Stage

    Epic tattoo fail of a cat with its rear end humorously placed around a belly button.

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    #15

    Birds of a Forehead

    Man with an eagle tattoo on his forehead inside a tattoo shop, showcasing an epic tattoo fail.

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    #16

    Birds of a feather tattoo together

    Epic tattoo fails featuring mismatched bird wing tattoos compared to real pigeons.

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    #18

    Quirky Ink Surprise

    Close-up of an epic tattoo fail featuring an unusual portrait on a person's thigh.

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    Daniel Atkins
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wednesday day if Samuel L Jackson was her father.

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    #19

    Face Swap with Ink

    Bald man with a tattooed face on the back of his head, driving a convertible, showcasing an epic tattoo fail.

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    #20

    Hidden Faces Revealed

    Man showing off epic tattoo fail on his arm, with cartoon face and glasses.

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    #21

    Bandana, But Make It Permanent

    Man with a tattoo fail on his head, featuring a bandana design, standing in a room with teal walls and checkered flooring.

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    #22

    Quirky Confidence Unleashed

    Cartoon character Shrek in unusual attire tattooed on skin, illustrating a humorous tattoo fail.

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    #23

    Modern Art or Brave Choice?

    Amateur back tattoo resembling a stick figure Jesus, showcasing epic tattoo fails.

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    Hippopotamuses
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There really is no comment that can do justice to this abomination.

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    #24

    Expectation vs Reality Ink

    Epic tattoo fail of Jesus with a rose compared to original image on a phone.

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    #25

    Chicken Wings, But Make It Literal

    Two wing tattoos on a person's back, showcasing an epic tattoo fail.

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    #26

    Permanent April Showers

    Back tattoo of clouds with rain, illustrating an epic tattoo fail shared online.

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    #27

    Checkmate or Just Checking In

    Man with a full-face tattoo of a black checkerboard pattern, illustrating an epic tattoo fail.

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    Anxiety Panda
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The everlasting job stopper

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    #28

    Tattoo Oops Moment

    Tattoo fail featuring crossed-out name 'Megan' with text 'Oops! I meant Hollie' on a person's arm.

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    Skogsrået
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The start of a very long list of names and explanations.

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    #29

    Six-Pack Goals

    Epic tattoo fail of a six-pack of Bud Light on a man's belly, holding a Busch Light can.

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    Joshua David
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wonder what he felt when the whole BL controversy hit?

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    #31

    Silent But Spiky

    Man with a tattoo resembling a mustache, illustrating a tattoo fail.

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    Zaach
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I am sure there is a swastika on him somewhere

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    #32

    Burger Brain Energy

    Man with a tattoo fail featuring a hamburger design on his bald head, standing in front of a Christmas tree.

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    Traveling Lady Railfan
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Another example of really neat idea if this was done for a Halloween party or something with makeup, but as a permanent tattoo? Perhaps not the best choice

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    #33

    Permanent Ice Cream Rant

    Epic tattoo fail on a woman's back, questioning ice cream prices with humorous, informal script.

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    WindySwede
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Drunk tattoo made by some ärsehole?

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    #34

    Unlikely Crew Goals

    Tattoo fail featuring Batman hugging Shrek with Sonic flying nearby, illustrating a humorous blend of characters.

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    #35

    Blink and You’ll Miss It

    Epic tattoo fail featuring a cartoon bug tattooed around an eye, creating a humorous optical illusion.

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    Traveling Lady Railfan
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If this was done with eyeliner pencil for a party or something, cool. Permanent tattoo? Oh my god.

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    #36

    List of Exes, Meet the Marker

    Epic tattoo fail featuring multiple crossed-out names on an arm, highlighting humorous tattoo mistakes.

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    LilliVB
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Such a good taste/s. And just to add, as this is Italian, where there's the name Daniela written, there's also written slût (troia). Disgusting

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    #38

    Abstract Art Gone Wrong

    Back tattoo fail with uneven lines resembling wings, highlighting a major tattoo fail shared online for humor.

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    Jay Scales
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If you want this effect, just use a Biro until you sober up!

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    #39

    Sunburn with a Statement

    Epic tattoo fail on a sunburned back, displaying large text about Manchester under a beach umbrella.

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    #40

    Sunshine With a Twist

    Epic tattoo fail with a large, colorful sun design covering a person's back.

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    Lee F.
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It was just completed and already looks infected

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    #41

    Tattoo or Optical Illusion?

    Man in a hat with a hole in his vest revealing a tattoo, showcasing an epic tattoo fail on a city street.

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    Skogsrået
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When you really really want show off your tattoo?

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    #42

    Ink Meets Stubble Drama

    Close-up of a man's face with tattoos covering his cheek and neck, wearing a hat and hoodie.

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    #43

    Sketchbook Came to Life

    Arm with tattoo fail showing cartoon characters in a clothing store aisle.

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    #44

    Palm Party Starfish

    Epic tattoo fail of a cartoon character with funny body and legs inked on a person's palm.

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    #46

    When Tears Don’t Come Easy

    Man with face tattoos featuring red streaks, representing tattoo fails shared online.

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    #47

    When Art Goes Off Script

    Epic tattoo fail depicting two solemn faces on a person's head and neck in vivid detail.

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    BarBeeGirl
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Who’s the fat lady with the little hands?

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    #48

    Permanent Prescription Problem

    Close-up of a man's face with an eyebrow tattoo resembling Ray-Ban glasses, showcasing a tattoo fail.

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    Marno C.
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Gosh, I never would have guessed that was fake.

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    #49

    Bold Statements, Bald Canvas

    Man with numerous tattoos on his head, featuring logos and text, exemplifying epic tattoo fails.

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    Svenne O'Lotta
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's an old school skinhead. Not necessarily the racist kind. The Oil! and ska gives it away.

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    #50

    Nailed The Detail

    Epic tattoo fail with "Audi" text and uneven circles on fingers.

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    #51

    Frankling

    Frankling

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    #53

    The Tattoo Was Placed Perfectly 👍

    The Tattoo Was Placed Perfectly 👍

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    #54

    Cool Guy Alert

    Cool Guy Alert

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    Richard Ross
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Bragging about driving a BMW is nothing to be proud of 😂😂😂

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    #56

    Thoughts? He Doesn’t Need A Barbershop Anymore

    Thoughts? He Doesn’t Need A Barbershop Anymore

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    Skogsrået
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He does need to get his head checked though.

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    #57

    Eagle 🦅

    Eagle 🦅

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    Mike F
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Until this moment I never knew eagles had nipples.

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    #58

    Why Go To The Gym? If You Can Get A Tattoo Of A Beautiful Body

    Why Go To The Gym? If You Can Get A Tattoo Of A Beautiful Body

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    Traveling Lady Railfan
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Although I wouldn't recommend it, this tattoo is not terrible

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    #59

    Lara Croft Tattoo

    Lara Croft Tattoo

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    Lee F.
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The look in his eyes is like "bro did you not look at the picture?"

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    #60

    Always Smile Widely

    Always Smile Widely

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    Andrew Keir
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wisdom teeth missing, I notice ...

    #61

    2.1% Neandertaler

    2.1% Neandertaler

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    Svenne O'Lotta
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Come on, that's funny on a super hairy person like that

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    #62

    The Dude Loves Lettuce

    The Dude Loves Lettuce

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    Lee F.
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is ..is he trying to look like a dragon??

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    #63

    What Are Your Thoughts On This? 🤔

    What Are Your Thoughts On This? 🤔

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    Skogsrået
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Still better then alot of others on this list.

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    #64

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    Lyoness
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Please tell me he got paid to do this.

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    #66

    Sucky Backwards Wolf 🐺

    Sucky Backwards Wolf 🐺

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    #67

    How Much Do You Like Hot Dogs? 🌭

    How Much Do You Like Hot Dogs? 🌭

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    Hippopotamuses
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I guessing (read: hoping) that this isn't permanent.

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    #68

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    T5n
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Good idea in theory, terrible execution though.

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    #70

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    WindySwede
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Let's hope it stays at the same level from now on..

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    #71

    Beautiful Eyebrows By @vidocorp

    Beautiful Eyebrows By @vidocorp

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    Bookworm
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sure, if you're doing it with face paint for a Barbie movie watch party

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    #72

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    #73

    Slag Tag

    Slag Tag

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    Mike F
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm getting the feeling that this is a guy.

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    #74

    Lion, Tiger Or Bear? Oh My

    Lion, Tiger Or Bear? Oh My

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    Andrew Keir
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Whatever it is, kill it and bury it

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    #75

    Sucky Reveals

    Sucky Reveals

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    Svenne O'Lotta
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah that's bad, but maybe try wiping the tat properly before taking pictures

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    #76

    Done By @themojaveroom & @hairynscary

    Done By @themojaveroom & @hairynscary

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    BarBeeGirl
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That’s some pretty good artwork especially that small

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    #77

    Are There Any One Piece Fans Here?

    Are There Any One Piece Fans Here?

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    #78

    Yin Yang

    Yin Yang

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    Svenne O'Lotta
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When you get diagnosed with incurable brain rot

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    #79

    Is This True Love?

    Is This True Love?

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    #80

    What’s Your Favorite Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Character?

    What’s Your Favorite Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Character?

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