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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!

#1

If It's Up, Then It's Up, Then It's Up, Then It's Stuck!

If It's Up, Then It's Up, Then It's Up, Then It's Stuck!

Rainbow_Soul_Poet Report

#3

Thankfully She Had The First “Artist” Stop Before It Was Too Late To Save

Thankfully She Had The First “Artist” Stop Before It Was Too Late To Save

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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.”

#4

Beautiful Cultural Tattoos

Beautiful Cultural Tattoos

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#5

I Drunkenly Tattooed Some Inspiration On Myself From Nessie

I Drunkenly Tattooed Some Inspiration On Myself From Nessie

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#6

Found On Ig. This Makes Me Appreciate All My Tattoos

Found On Ig. This Makes Me Appreciate All My Tattoos

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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.”

#7

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!

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!

Chemo55 Report

#8

Yikes! Showing It Off Like A Boss

Yikes! Showing It Off Like A Boss

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#9

Wolf Tatoos Are The Best

Wolf Tatoos Are The Best

MischievousDoodle Report

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.

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“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.

#11

One Of The Sexiest Pinup I’ve Seen

One Of The Sexiest Pinup I’ve Seen

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(Anti)Social Penguin
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

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#12

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

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

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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.”

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#13

But Why?

But Why?

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bp_13 avatar
Nobody
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

umm, a d**k pick from a tattooist with a severe tremor

tedrivera avatar
caljones avatar
Cal Jones
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's like a toddler drew on him when he was passed out drunk.

emmawalmsley avatar
still tired
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What do you see? I'll start. A bouquet of flowers with legs

winnalibert avatar
Winna Libert
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The smeared ink gives this one away, and the drawing in his hair..pen ink not tattoo ink.

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Kat Hoth
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

WTF is this and how much do laser removal treatments cost?

cheyanne_pavan avatar
Cheyanne Pavan
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The placement is awful, but I actually like the design (or a smaller version of it anyway).

phideaux2 avatar
Simon Bolivar
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm betting the tat on his back is an Idiocracy quote that says: "Go away, I'm Bait'n!"

angelabohlen2007 avatar
Angela Bohlen
Community Member
7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Maybe when you decide to share your thoughts with the world... or just a junky d**k pic🤷🏻‍♀️

mickwoodhall avatar
mick woodhall
Community Member
8 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Obviously he's old enough to remember the childhood game spirograph

cpryce avatar
C Pryce
Community Member
8 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think it started out as a flower... but got lost on the way

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LillikoiSeed
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

“But Why” is right. How drunk do you have to be to let someone do that to you? And if they did it themselves, they should never be allowed to hold a pen of any kind again.

weatherwitch101 avatar
weatherwitch
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A Spirograph tribute tattoo that went wrong? 🤷🏻‍♂️🤔😮😂😂

jenm_1 avatar
Jen M
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Weirdly it goes way up in hid hairline. Looks like one of those charts mapping eye movement on an image, lijeshiws where your eyes bounce around taking in an image.

macforme17 avatar
Lindy Mac
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why?.... maybe the guy never wants to work the the service industry again. Oh!!! just noticed... it's in his hair too!!!

ryancorman avatar
Smilodon, a Bad Cat
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you stick random bits of metal in your face to be oh so cool, this is the ink you deserve.

lenacanepa avatar
elcee
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm thinking old crank egg beater, or spirograph... or both?

jeanmariecp avatar
Jean Thompson
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why won't employers give me a job? Well, perhaps they know instinctively that you are an idiot.

anamac1210 avatar
Anne McKinney
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Did this guy just grab a tattoo gun and start drawing on himself?

donnasempek avatar
Donna Sempek
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Grow your hair and a full beard. Never get another tattoo ever

squibby2112 avatar
Trent Tulpo
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Perhaps this is to demonstrate how much pain he can take as the line is unbroken, it probably hurt quite a bit for quite a long time during the tattooing process.

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Raymond Pobiak
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’m surprised that everyone doesn’t have one of those. The artist probably charges way too much.

deniseindoung avatar
Denise Indoung
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was wondering when it would finally occur to someone to combine a tattoo gun with a spirograph

dranwriter avatar
Kendra Richardson-Drylie
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looks like the design from one of those swinging pendulums that makes designs in sand.

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ViFi
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hi, i have lots of inner ragge can you represent that? "Oh yeah, sure."

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Naughty panda
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Its like when you have a sleep over as kids and tell your friends not to be the first one to fall asleep or this will happen

blurdavis avatar
Blur Davis
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I honestly hoped this was just a writting pen but judging from the red glow on his skin I have second-hand embarrassment.

winnalibert avatar
Winna Libert
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Maybe someone pushed too hard w a pen or a skin irritation reaction. There's smeared ink on his ear.

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zombieporn21 avatar
Toy Slaughter
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Me when my bipolar hits the depression & mania points at the same time. 15 face tattoos later 🤦🏾🤷🏽

sassysquatch avatar
Sassy Squatch
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've seen people get a d**k drawn on their face for falling asleep at a sleepover, but using a spirograph was a nice touch!

dadurker avatar
Dadurker
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Inspired from the hangover movies, but the artist is epileptic?

alexa-sooter avatar
ThatOneWriter
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It looks like a failed attempt at the Extreme Blackout Project tattoos

mr_b avatar
Mr. B
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Someone used his face as canvas for an Etch a. Sketch lol

mr_b avatar
Mr. B
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Someone played with an etch a sketch on his face lmao

laura_murzynski avatar
Laura Murzynski
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looks like a demon possessed a Spirograph and transferred the unholy results into a hapless follower.

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Shirley Hanley
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

seriously I'm easily distracted already. but trying to have sex while looking at that...

scissortailokc avatar
Kelly Taylor
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"I want a face tattoo but I want you to make sure it isn't shaped like anything recognizable"

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CWebby
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Poor Moby. First a duet with Gwen Stefani and now this.

lilywhitedog126 avatar
Lily Francis
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It looks like someone took a spirograph drawing game to his face and those were around when I was a kid, so they're ancient! 😅

hunnreich avatar
T.Milly
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow! That's really .... unusual.... & not in a good way.

armond_franklin1973 avatar
Ozymandias73
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Let me just try this new tattoo Spirograph and see what happens.

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Jen H
Community Member
1 year ago

This comment has been deleted.

johnanderson avatar
John Anderson
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It looks like something in his hair line is pooping out a random string line

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Patti Billerbeck
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

To get the most attention he can, positive or negative doesn't matter?

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Deborah Enwright
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Guy has serious mental health needs to address this is self mutilation

jackiewacky avatar
Jackie Wacky
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looking at his piercings, he’s obviously into disfigurement.

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#14

I Am Simultaneously Convulsing And Crying. This Is Terrible

I Am Simultaneously Convulsing And Crying. This Is Terrible

Mjestik Report

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.

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#17

I Believe This Belongs Here

I Believe This Belongs Here

Bueno916 Report

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.

#19

When You Have 9 Attempts At A Circle And Fail Every Time

When You Have 9 Attempts At A Circle And Fail Every Time

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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.

#25

Saw This Loser At The Local McDonald's

Saw This Loser At The Local McDonald's

ChuklzDaJ Report

#27

What A Subtle Coverup

What A Subtle Coverup

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Marcello
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

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#28

Imagine Having This Kind Of Cover Up, I’d Be Livid

Imagine Having This Kind Of Cover Up, I’d Be Livid

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#29

Live, Laugh, Limp Bizkit

Live, Laugh, Limp Bizkit

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#30

What They Asked For vs. What They Got, They Were Told By The Artist That They Could Do Realism

What They Asked For vs. What They Got, They Were Told By The Artist That They Could Do Realism

the_misfit_123 Report

Note: this post originally had 58 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.