“Do You Really Want That On Your Body Forever?”: 30 Of The Worst Tattoos Shared On This Online Group
They say you're gonna regret it, you’ll get bored with it, it will look bad when you age, and so and so on. Although we know it’s not true, the prejudice against tattoos still exists, but it usually comes from people whose skin is a blank page.
Sometimes, however, tattoos do indeed turn out not quite as cool and beautiful as you imagined. And it’s fine. In fact, they may end up on this entertaining corner of Reddit which goes by the all-telling title “Shitty Tattoos.”
The community gather ink art aficionados to ‘celebrate’ (and not just mock!) their not-so-perfect tattoos, share some inspirational cover ups, and have a good laugh. Scroll down to see the funniest and the best of the worst ones!
This post may include affiliate links.
If It's Up, Then It's Up, Then It's Up, Then It's Stuck!
Mom Knows Best
Thankfully She Had The First “Artist” Stop Before It Was Too Late To Save
To find out more about the community behind the Shitty Tattoos subreddit, Bored Panda spoke with its moderator Xnerdyxrealistx who said that he inherited the subreddit when it was much more inactive. “It originated due to the 'shitty x, y, and z subreddits' that all sprung up around 2015. I've always been into tattoos and art in general so I joined the subreddit when it was young. Since it was so small, there was only 1 real active moderator who wanted to give it up so they reached out to me and gave me the moderation activity,” Xnerdyxrealistx recounted.
Now the community of Shitty Tattoos is very varied, the mod argues. “I would say a vast majority are tattoo enthusiasts who either have friends who are artists or watch a lot of Inkmaster. Seeing the best tattoos in the world does make one curious to what the other side looks like.”
Beautiful Cultural Tattoos
The post is wrong though. It's a Moari tattoo, which is from New Zealand.
Load More Replies...
It's not really a tattoo - it's henna, which washes off.
Load More Replies...
The Japanese one, isn't that the Yakuza tattoo (aka Japanese mafia)? If it is, those tattoos are not the kind you'd casually show to people.
Was thinking the same thing; looks like Māori to me.
Load More Replies...
U should see the bridal Mehendi/ Henna... intricate designs with groom's name hidden, has Peacock, Mango and other such shapes
Load More Replies...
The Japanese tattoo definitely looks like what a criminal would have. But it's cultural I guess.
That's a beautiful tattoo, don't judge based on looks
Load More Replies...
The Indian one is not permanent. That's just henna before it turns red. Still rad though. Love henna art. Nope, no comment on the Sacramento one. Nope. Nuh uh.
The Philippine tattoo looks more like a Polynesian tattoo, maybe Hawaiian or Tahitian.
The Indian 'tattoo' isn't a tattoo. It's maridhani, it wears off. It's not permanent.
I am absolutely LOVING the India one! I would love something like that on me!
I like the Indian cultural tattoo! A few of my former classmates who were Afagnin(from Afghanistan I don't know if I spelled it right:/) markered these on themselves
The Phillipines tatto looks like something a dude would have from Moana
Wow! That Japanese tattoo is awesome. I've seen plenty of the Sacramento variety.
https://www.facebook.com/Wildchildlaunion1994/ They say he’s one of the best in my country. I’ll let you guys be the judge 😊
I have a very similar tattoo to the India one on my forearm/hand - I love it
New Zealand one and India one combined are Ben McKee's tattoos edit: just found out it's new Zealand lol
I Drunkenly Tattooed Some Inspiration On Myself From Nessie
Found On Ig. This Makes Me Appreciate All My Tattoos
Meanwhile, another side of the community has its own shitty tattoos that want a sense of community. “Having a bad tattoo can be quite an experience that many don't want to take alone so it is good to have a community that is willing to show off their mistakes.”
Xnerdyxrealistx said that despite the permanent nature of tattoos, he actually finds having a bad one to be a sign of honor. “It is a display of our reckless youth and how we all thought we were invincible.”
However, the Shitty Tattoos community tries to exclude well-done tattoos that are tasteless and refers them to /r/ATBGE for that. “So recurring trends in shitty tattoos that appear here are bad lines, smudges, blowouts, ugly coloring, bad placement, and amateurish looks. Many shitty tattoos still have their charm, like turning our bodies into a doodle page.”
Got A S**tty Tattoo Today! Girlfriend Is Starting Out Trying To Learn How To Tattoo And I Thought It'd Be Fun To Get Her To Tattoo Me. Obviously Wasn't Expecting Much. I Think The Sloppy Lines Really Add To The Character Of A Depressed Ratatouille!
Yikes! Showing It Off Like A Boss
Wolf Tatoos Are The Best
In a community like this, having a shitty tattoo is a bit of a bonding experience. Those who have them definitely love to share them with each other. “Being able to laugh at yourself and your own mistakes is a big lesson in maturity, so I think posting on our subreddit helps people deal with that,” the mod told Bored Panda.
“Some people come to try and validate that their tattoo isn't as shitty as they think it is, but overall the majority want to poke fun at themselves. It helps people come to terms with what it is like to have a shitty tattoo when you can share it among a community,” Xnerdyxrealistx concluded.
This Is It, Guys
One Of The Sexiest Pinup I’ve Seen
There are men and women who like ladys with 1.5m of legs and there is this guy, who just loves a way too long torso.
This Sh**ty Apartment Tattoo Of A Pikachu I Got, They F***ed Up The Left Eye So I Said Just Throw An Eye Patch On There
According to Bored Panda's previous interview with tattoo artist Alex Alvarado from the Santo Cuervo studio, a lot can be said about a person just by looking at their tattoos. “I’d venture to say you could even guess nationality based on what style of tattoos they have, but the most obvious answer to me would be how much they have (or haven’t) invested in their tattoos,” he said.
According to Alvarado, tattoos aren’t simply a monetary investment; they also show the amount of research, time, and dedication that it took to make a particular piece of ink art. “Getting a good tattoo is sometimes a very multi-faceted process that could even include travelling to see a specific artist. Things like this can tell you how knowledgeable, patient and committed a tattooed person can be.”
But Why?
I Am Simultaneously Convulsing And Crying. This Is Terrible
Gosh
Alvarado also told us that there are many tattoo trends going around, but what is popular really depends on where you live. “Custom lettering seems really popular at the moment. I’ve seen a lot of very delicate, very intricate Korean-style tattoos lately, and on the opposite end of that, there’s a lot of heavy blackouts going on as well, but it seems all styles seem to be flourishing and being taken to the next level all over the world.”
For some people, the excitement and satisfaction never wears off, and they cherish their tattoos forever. For others, regret can begin as soon as the next day. One way to avoid post-tattoo blues is to carefully think through all the details of your ink art. From style to body placement, little details make the final result, so it’s best to be prepared. Consulting a couple of tattoo artists to make sure they get your vision well is the best and safest way to not have your tattoo end up on the Shitty Tattoos subreddit.
They Did Timon Dirty
I Believe This Belongs Here
Somke Weed
Other time-proven tips may sound like common sense, but you’d be surprised how many people forget them before having their skin inked. First, you have to know what you want and that you are 100% sure about it. It will be nearly impossible for an artist to guess your vision without you knowing it yourself.
Secondly, finding a reputable and talented artist is key. The professionals will ensure that your tattoo turns out exactly how you want it and they will be able to answer any questions that pop into your mind.
When You Have 9 Attempts At A Circle And Fail Every Time
They’ve Worked Out The Formula For Life
Oops, I Meant Hollie
Thirdly, listening to your artist is as important as listening to yourself. They know what they are doing and will be able to advise you on what will or won't work. If want a bold tattoo but the artist advises against it, or against its placement, make sure you take their advice into account.
Not getting a tattoo on an impulse, especially if it’s your first one and you’re still new to the ink world, is very important. And lastly, don’t forget to keep your tattoo well maintained. This will help it to look its best and prevent any regret down the road.
It's.. Kinda Cute Though
My Brother's Many Drunken Nights Tattoos
Saw This Loser At The Local McDonald's
Franklin
What A Subtle Coverup
Hardly a turn of direction, it's literally a cover-up: 88 stands for 'Heil Hitler'. With H being the 8th letter of the alphabet, and A being the first --- this has been done by neonazis since the 80s or earlier; e.g. the UK nazis of Combat18 in the 90s with the 18 standing for their idol's initials, AH.
Imagine Having This Kind Of Cover Up, I’d Be Livid
Live, Laugh, Limp Bizkit
What They Asked For vs. What They Got, They Were Told By The Artist That They Could Do Realism
Note: this post originally had 58 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.
Random tattoos are fun. It's all about finding that line between funny and ugly.
Load More Replies...
One of my friends passed away in his sleep in his 20's. A group of like 20 of us gathered and drank after thy Finneran and one of them had just got a new tattoo gun. He had never tatted before. He gave us all tattoos with his initials. I got the first one. It looks like dog s**t, but I love it and I don't care if it looks like prison ink.
When it comes to tattoos, you really do get what you pay for. Three friends and I have matching tattoos. Two got theirs done out-of-state by waking into random tattoo parlors, paying $60 & $150 and sitting for no more than 90 minutes. One friend & I researched our artists, met with them, made a choice & sat for design/quote, each had two 1-hour sessions & paid $350 each. The difference in quality of work is astounding. Night & day differences.
Yes and no. Got two done, one for $60 and one for $200. While both look fine in terms of execution, the $60 one has lasted so much better even though it's a year older. I'd say it's more about the research than just the price. A good artist can charge a lot, but so can a mediocre or even bad one.
Load More Replies...
These are when your friend of a friend's brother who lives in the garage bought a tattoo gun off Amazon
I have a half sleeve done by a really respected artist. It took a year to complete and 13 hours total. Some jerk at work tells me he’s bought some tattoo supplies on Amazon and says I need a touch up! The Jerk was pointing to an area of my tattoo with shading, telling me it should be solid. I’m sure if hell froze over and I lost all common sense his tattoo style would be “Sacramento”
I have two questions: Why the h*ll do people spend so much money on something they can't see. ( Back tats) ??? And why the bloody h*ll don't people spellcheck the ****ing text before making themselves look ignorant???
I have a half sleeve, it was expensive and painful, as cool as back tattoos look, I’d never get one because it’s too much money and pain for something I can’t enjoy looking at. If I ever change my mind, I’m putting double mirrors up everywhere!
Load More Replies...
I want to get a tattoo, but I have to find someone competent first, if this list has showed me anything.
Red Flags 1. An actual tattoo artist will NEVER say "Yes I can copy that!" As "that" is always somebody else's work. They will work with you to get something something similar but they're not gonna steal art. 2. An actual tattoo artist is going to have some form of portfolio and/or references. Ask for it/them. Do your research. This is a life decision. 3. If it seems too cheap to be true... it is. Figure rates in your area, if they're offering a deep discount to get you in the door, turn around and walk out. And bonus round. Always tip your artist well. You never know when you may be back. 👍
It’s 1am and I just looked through a bunch of bad tattoos… I don’t even have tattoos- what am I doing with my life
Some tattoo artists are phenomenal. The rest need a job at Walmart
I think some of them are childrens drawings parents get (like #15). The drunken brothers leg looks sick (#24). #2 us funny, #5 is in the "idiot" style of tattoo, with that said, The rest is stoopid.
Random tattoos are fun. It's all about finding that line between funny and ugly.
Load More Replies... One of my friends passed away in his sleep in his 20's. A group of like 20 of us gathered and drank after thy Finneran and one of them had just got a new tattoo gun. He had never tatted before. He gave us all tattoos with his initials. I got the first one. It looks like dog s**t, but I love it and I don't care if it looks like prison ink.
When it comes to tattoos, you really do get what you pay for. Three friends and I have matching tattoos. Two got theirs done out-of-state by waking into random tattoo parlors, paying $60 & $150 and sitting for no more than 90 minutes. One friend & I researched our artists, met with them, made a choice & sat for design/quote, each had two 1-hour sessions & paid $350 each. The difference in quality of work is astounding. Night & day differences.
Yes and no. Got two done, one for $60 and one for $200. While both look fine in terms of execution, the $60 one has lasted so much better even though it's a year older. I'd say it's more about the research than just the price. A good artist can charge a lot, but so can a mediocre or even bad one.
Load More Replies... These are when your friend of a friend's brother who lives in the garage bought a tattoo gun off Amazon
I have a half sleeve done by a really respected artist. It took a year to complete and 13 hours total. Some jerk at work tells me he’s bought some tattoo supplies on Amazon and says I need a touch up! The Jerk was pointing to an area of my tattoo with shading, telling me it should be solid. I’m sure if hell froze over and I lost all common sense his tattoo style would be “Sacramento”
I have two questions: Why the h*ll do people spend so much money on something they can't see. ( Back tats) ??? And why the bloody h*ll don't people spellcheck the ****ing text before making themselves look ignorant???
I have a half sleeve, it was expensive and painful, as cool as back tattoos look, I’d never get one because it’s too much money and pain for something I can’t enjoy looking at. If I ever change my mind, I’m putting double mirrors up everywhere!
Load More Replies... I want to get a tattoo, but I have to find someone competent first, if this list has showed me anything.
Red Flags 1. An actual tattoo artist will NEVER say "Yes I can copy that!" As "that" is always somebody else's work. They will work with you to get something something similar but they're not gonna steal art. 2. An actual tattoo artist is going to have some form of portfolio and/or references. Ask for it/them. Do your research. This is a life decision. 3. If it seems too cheap to be true... it is. Figure rates in your area, if they're offering a deep discount to get you in the door, turn around and walk out. And bonus round. Always tip your artist well. You never know when you may be back. 👍
It’s 1am and I just looked through a bunch of bad tattoos… I don’t even have tattoos- what am I doing with my life
Some tattoo artists are phenomenal. The rest need a job at Walmart
I think some of them are childrens drawings parents get (like #15). The drunken brothers leg looks sick (#24). #2 us funny, #5 is in the "idiot" style of tattoo, with that said, The rest is stoopid.
