ADVERTISEMENT

They say there’s no arguing about taste, but some decisions seem so objectively awful that the internet can’t help but call people out. Sometimes, it’s okay to be a bit judgmental about art. Unsurprisingly, a huge number of people get tattoos featuring characters from the legendary TV show The Simpsons.

Unfortunately, not all of those designs turn out to be winners. One account on Instagram, s****ysimpsonstattoos, collects some of the most egregious Simpsons designs ever, and they’re so bad, it’s hard to look away. Check out some of the worst offenders and biggest fails below!

Bored Panda got in touch with the founder of s****ysimpsonstattoos, and they were happy to answer our questions. You'll find our interview with them below.

#1

Simpsons tattoos on toes, featuring cartoon characters, with person smiling in the background.

s****ysimpsonstattoos Report

Liz Siemens
Community Member
7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I actually like this one. Nice and discreet, but will likely get a good laugh when someone finally does see it.

View more comments

We were very curious about what inspired the curator to create the s****ysimpsonstattoos account in the first place. "The inspiration came from the rise in popularity of the 'eBay tattoo kit' and the 'Facebook Marketplace apprentice,' coupled with the already popular 'thesimpsonstattoo' Instagram account," they told Bored Panda.

"There was a crossover period between genuinely bad tattoos and the sudden boom of the 'ignorant' or 'trash' style tattoo (intentionally badly done). Most kids have grown up on The Simpsons, with many quotes being core vocab for a lot of millennials and Gen Zs."

RELATED:
    #2

    Two tattoos on a chest: one of a name "Mary" and a funny Simpson character with "Marge" script.

    s****ysimpsonstattoos Report

    Lotekguy
    Community Member
    Premium
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It appears the "something about Mary" wasn't permanence.

    View more comments
    #3

    Yellow cartoon character tattoo with "Worst Tattoo Ever" text, referencing a humorous Simpsons design.

    s****ysimpsonstattoos Report

    Skogsrået
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Anyone else heard this in comic book guys voice in their head?

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT

    Bored Panda also asked the founder of the account what, for them, are some potentially glaring red flags when it comes to tattoo art.

    They said that art is "always subjective." One person might find a design to be awful, while others might love it. The curator said that you can find evidence of this throughout their posts, with people commenting that something isn't bad.

    According to them, a bad tattoo on their account "can be anything from the content, the placement, reference, or the fact it was done at 2 a.m. on a bathroom floor with a stick and poke needle with no gloves on."

    They added that, on the flip side, "a great tattoo encompasses artist originality, with the core elements like line work, shading, colour palette, etc."

    #4

    Homer Simpson tattoo on a bald head, showcasing a unique Simpsons tattoo design.

    s****ysimpsonstattoos Report

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

    I like this one, but I bet it hurt like h3ll.

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #5

    A humorous Simpsons tattoo featuring Milhouse with exaggerated features on a person's skin.

    s****ysimpsonstattoos Report

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

    Some tattoo artist must have really needed the money.

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT

    The s****ysimpsonstattoos account has been horrifying Instagram with awful ink and terrible designs for nearly a decade, since September 2015. Over the years, the curator of the account has amassed a following of 141k people. The account is a testament to the fact that The Simpsons has had a deep impact on popular culture. Even to the point that some people choose to get tattoos featuring the most popular characters from the show.

    However, just because a TV show character or pop culture icon is popular doesn’t mean that you can pick a tattoo artist at random. No matter what design you have in mind, whether it’s low-key or elaborate, you have to be careful that you reach out to someone who’s skilled, experienced, and qualified to get that particular job done well.

    #7

    Simple sketch tattoo of a character on a leg, inspired by The Simpsons.

    s****ysimpsonstattoos Report

    Lotekguy
    Community Member
    Premium
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I hear it saying "release the hounds!"

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT

    In this day and age, with such easy access to the internet, it’s easier now than ever to evaluate a tattoo artist and their body of work. Many artists upload their designs on social media or their business sites so that they can show off the type of work that their customers can expect.

    After looking through their photo archive and checking some online reviews, you can either give them a call, send them a message, or pop into their salon for a quick chat.

    #10

    Simpsons tattoo of a cartoon character in a pickle costume on a person's leg in a tattoo studio.

    s****ysimpsonstattoos Report

    T
    Community Member
    Premium
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's super tacky.

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT

    On the one hand, you, as the customer, want to get a feel for the artist and figure out whether you can trust them to ink your fave design in their personal style.

    On the other hand, the artist will likely want to gauge your attitude as well and to check whether there’s a match between your expectations and their skill level and approach.

    For example, someone who doesn’t focus as much on animated character designs may feel like they’re not experienced enough to ink Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, or Maggie. On the flip side, someone who’s very much on top of pop culture might see this as a challenge that genuinely excites them.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Often, artists put small stylistic twists on designs, so you have to be okay with them taking some small liberties. Let the professionals do their jobs without micromanaging them.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT

    That being said, you also want to be transparent about your expectations. If something genuinely bothers you, speak up. Just try to be friendly about it. At the end of the day, you won’t get anywhere without open and honest communication.

    #16

    Tattoo of "El Barto waz here!" on an arm, representing a Simpsons tattoo done in a garage for $5.

    s****ysimpsonstattoos Report

    AP
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Honestly not bad for 5 bucks

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT

    Regret is something that we all face at some point in our lives. Most often, we regret the things we don’t do rather than the ones we end up doing. However, if you get a truly awful tattoo, it’s only natural to feel upset and embarrassed.

    Luckily, there are lots of ways to remove tattoos with modern technology. The biggest downsides, though, are that it can be expensive, time-consuming, and painful.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT

    With that in mind, it’s usually best to thoroughly think through your choice before committing to it. Something that you could do is get a temporary tattoo of your design and see how you feel about it a few weeks or months later.

    You could also set your design as your phone wallpaper and then check whether or not you’re sick of it months down the line. In short, you want to get a sense for how you’ll think of the tattoo not just now when you’re super excited, but also after lots of time has passed.

    #22

    Minimalist Simpsons tattoo on forearm, featuring a simple sketch and the word "Moo."

    s****ysimpsonstattoos Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #23

    Simpsons tattoos on a shaved head, featuring various characters in a colorful design, displayed in an indoor setting.

    s****ysimpsonstattoos Report

    ADVERTISEMENT

    The Cleveland Clinic explains that one popular way to remove tattoos is laser tattoo removal, which involves focused beams of light heating up the ink particles in your skin to break them down so that your immune system can remove them. Usually, this takes multiple sessions.

    Another technique is dermabrasion, a surgical procedure where your outer skin layers are removed, including the tattoo ink. This will leave an open wound on your skin, which will need lots of time to heal.

    #25

    Feet with tattoos referencing Lisa Simpson braces scene.

    s****ysimpsonstattoos Report

    CCLoos
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why must you turn my office into a house of lies?

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #27

    Tattoo of a matchstick resembling a character from The Simpsons on a person's arm.

    s****ysimpsonstattoos Report

    Snazzy Smurf
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This one is definitely better than the other "Marge".

    Other procedures include chemical peels (using chemicals to remove the permanent ink from your skin), surgical excision (removing the skin with the ink and then stitching the skin together, but this only works for small tattoos), and removal creams (they contain irritating and damaging acids that work slowly over months and may not be as efficient as other techniques).

    #28

    Homer Simpson tattoo error with misspelling on a person's foot.

    s****ysimpsonstattoos Report

    Snazzy Smurf
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No lies told with this one.

    #29

    Tattoo of a Simpsons character on a person's neck, showcasing a unique and unusual design style.

    s****ysimpsonstattoos Report

    Khavrinen
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Don't cry for me. I'm already dead."

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #30

    A black line tattoo of a Simpsons character on a person's leg.

    s****ysimpsonstattoos Report

    Jeff Lefavor
    Community Member
    Premium
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why does the hair look like s***m cells??:)

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Which of these abhorrent Simpsons tattoos do you personally feel are the very worst of the bunch, dear Pandas? Were there any designs that you thought were so bad that they’re actually kinda good?

    Have you ever regretted getting a tattoo? What designs are you the most proud of? What, for you, are the signs of a truly great artist? We’d love to hear your opinions. Feel free to share yours in the comments.

    #31

    QR code tattoo leads to a Simpsons "Steamed Hams" video, combining humor with unusual tattoo ideas.

    s****ysimpsonstattoos Report

    T
    Community Member
    Premium
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This one is great.

    #32

    Simpsons tattoo depicting a humorous dance sequence on a person's back.

    s****ysimpsonstattoos Report

    PeepPeep the duck
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    At least he’s now prepared at all times for those fly guys.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #33

    Unusual Simpsons tattoo with distorted character features on skin.

    s****ysimpsonstattoos Report

    #34

    Simpsons tattoo featuring a character mix-up, blending elements humorously on skin.

    s****ysimpsonstattoos Report

    Abel
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I choose you Molechu!

    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #40

    Simpsons tattoo of character in a suit with the text "Homer? Who is Homer?" surrounded by question marks.

    s****ysimpsonstattoos Report

    Abel
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Homer? NO. Guy incognito!

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #41

    Simpsons tattoo of a character with braids and face tattoos on skin, blending cartoon and realistic styles.

    s****ysimpsonstattoos Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #44

    Horrible Simpsons tattoo of a character petting a dog with a humorous caption.

    s****ysimpsonstattoos Report

    SandraG_lak
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    SLH sneezes Miss Krabappel: "he thinks he's people!"

    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #45

    Unusual Simpsons tattoo featuring a distorted yellow character with exaggerated lips on a person's arm.

    s****ysimpsonstattoos Report

    #46

    Simpsons tattoo featuring characters in a "Just Married" car design.

    s****ysimpsonstattoos Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #47

    Simpsons tattoo of a character with "Never Give Up" text on a leg.

    s****ysimpsonstattoos Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #48

    Simpsons tattoos of Bart and Lisa with skull designs on hands, featuring the word "Stardust" on fingers.

    s****ysimpsonstattoos Report

    #49

    Simpsons tattoo of a two-headed winged creature with glasses, wearing an orange garment.

    s****ysimpsonstattoos Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #52

    Two funny Simpsons tattoos with text "Lindsay Say" and "Kurt Bimbson" on a person's leg.

    s****ysimpsonstattoos Report

    #53

    Unique Simpsons tattoo with colorful characters displaying quirky features.

    s****ysimpsonstattoos Report

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

    Why is Professor Farnsworth in this one?

    #54

    A distorted tattoo of Bart Simpson on skin, illustrating a humorous Simpsons tattoo design.

    s****ysimpsonstattoos Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #55

    Unusual Simpsons tattoo depicting a crude drawing of a character labeled "Kresty."

    s****ysimpsonstattoos Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #56

    Bizarre Simpsons tattoo with exaggerated features and rough outlines, showcasing a unique artistic style.

    s****ysimpsonstattoos Report

    #58

    Minimalist Simpsons tattoo with misspelled text reading "Omard Sinson" on skin.

    s****ysimpsonstattoos Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #59

    Tattoo of a distorted Simpsons character on forearm, highlighting unusual design features.

    s****ysimpsonstattoos Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #60

    Two small, poorly drawn Simpsons tattoos of Lisa with misspelled names, on different arms.

    s****ysimpsonstattoos Report

    AP
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    these are all hilarious, even the crappy ones

    #61

    A Simpsons tattoo of Marge with blue hair and a green dress on a person's skin.

    s****ysimpsonstattoos Report

    #62

    Man with a Simpsons tattoo reading "Krusty" on his stomach, surrounded by stars.

    s****ysimpsonstattoos Report

    T
    Community Member
    Premium
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This one is good. Kind of big, but not bad.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #63

    Tattoo of a distorted Homer Simpson on a leg, with "LAUGHS" text below.

    s****ysimpsonstattoos Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #64

    Cartoon character tattoo with distorted features on an arm, resembling a parody from The Simpsons series.

    s****ysimpsonstattoos Report

    Skogsrået
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "I wash myself with a rag on a stick."

    #65

    Simpsons tattoo featuring a rudimentary drawing of a character playing a saxophone on someone's arm.

    s****ysimpsonstattoos Report

    #66

    Simpsons tattoo featuring a stylized character surrounded by leaves and a flower.

    s****ysimpsonstattoos Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #67

    Minimalist Simpsons tattoos featuring Bart on two legs.

    s****ysimpsonstattoos Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #68

    Minimalist tattoo of a character from The Simpsons with glasses and a peculiar expression.

    s****ysimpsonstattoos Report

    Abel
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    From all the characters you choose this one...

    View more comments
    #69

    Minimalist Simpsons tattoo depicting a quirky character in sunglasses inked on forearm.

    s****ysimpsonstattoos Report

    #70

    Simpsons tattoos on legs featuring exaggerated cartoon faces with spiky hair and dramatic expressions.

    s****ysimpsonstattoos Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #71

    A Simpsons tattoo with "Eat Pant" text on the skin.

    s****ysimpsonstattoos Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #72

    Tattoo of a "Free Trampoline" ad from The Simpsons, featuring text saying 534 Center St.

    s****ysimpsonstattoos Report

    #73

    Poorly drawn Simpsons tattoo featuring a misspelling of Bart's name.

    s****ysimpsonstattoos Report

    #74

    A poorly done Simpsons tattoo with a design featuring a character's head and the word "DOU" alongside.

    s****ysimpsonstattoos Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #76

    A poorly drawn Simpsons tattoo on an arm, with a jagged outline.

    s****ysimpsonstattoos Report

    #77

    Tattoo of a cartoon character with the phrase "Eat My Shirts" on a leg outside a tattoo parlor.

    s****ysimpsonstattoos Report

    #78

    Amateur Simpsons tattoo of a character with "Eat Pant" text on someone's leg.

    s****ysimpsonstattoos Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #79

    Simpsons tattoo featuring a quirky Marge design on someone's leg in a park setting.

    s****ysimpsonstattoos Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #80

    Tattoo of a character resembling Mewtwo with "Moe" theme on a leg, referencing Simpsons tattoos.

    s****ysimpsonstattoos Report

    #81

    A blurry Simpsons tattoo with text "Do Not Sell To This Boy," depicting a humorous scene.

    s****ysimpsonstattoos Report

    #82

    Forearm with Simpsons tattoos in a clothing store aisle, featuring quirky designs.

    s****ysimpsonstattoos Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #83

    Homer Simpson tattoo on an arm with exaggerated features and vibrant colors, inside a tattoo studio.

    s****ysimpsonstattoos Report

    T
    Community Member
    Premium
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Re-Neducation!

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #84

    Simpsons tattoos on toes featuring two male characters with stern expressions.

    s****ysimpsonstattoos Report

    #85

    Lisa Simpson tattoo playing saxophone on an arm in vibrant colors.

    s****ysimpsonstattoos Report