“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!
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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
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
His back looks like the last page of my notebooks in school. Some classes were soooo boring.
Its cute that they got their kids art work tattooed on them. A much better choice that your partners name.
By the way, the text is "grass [or weed] syringe equals" in Polish. Then "Kosa [which is a nickname i suppose] tramp" under the face. Then at the bottom "K.K. 05.04.2021" is the date a famous Polish artist Krzysztof Krawczyk passed away (he's drawn on the left). So many questions, so few answers there anyway
This is the result of trying to tattoo your own back standing in front of the mirror.
Thought so too. But there's some redness like a new tattoo under some of that color (and too red to be from when you have to push too hard with a pen).
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If you ignore vertical it has some sense (linguistically) (trawka równa się strzykawka)
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You're gonna grow old, propably go to a nursing home at some point, nurses Will help you bathe, and they Will ser that on your back lol....
And it will make her day. Every time. This person will have more baths then any other client.
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That can't be permanent right? Guy just felt asleep topless and the kids got to the markers.
Actually, as a woman, I think it is a woman. I think that’s mom.
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Why use a tattoo machine when permanent markers would have suffice? At least you get to change the graffiti after a few showers.
Nope, someone had a good laugh while they were asleep or something. This is definitely markers/pens..at least some of it.
A-are we sure that isn't just what happens when you pass out drunk around idiot friends with markers? Please tell me this isn't permanent.
Don’t believe this is real. Looks like these are scribbled on with a pen.
I thought the mlp was drawn on with sidewalk chalk, but now it looks like 🖍 , I wonder what the one is looks like it was either a removal, or a branding.
Bet these are kids drawings....a friend of mine got some of her kids done her and everyone asks, hey who did your work? You know I gotta guy who can fix those !! Lol
No one's mentioned the tattoo of the cartoon kid version of Louie Anderson on his forearm, which is actually pretty sweet.
WTF? Words fail me, and they obviously failed the idiot with the tattoo gun.
Not sure what is making me retch more, the 'tatts' or the stretch marks
I'm willing to bet either his kid drew it, he did it on a dare, or he got the tattoo completely unironically.
I dont absolutely hate it, the one i do is the crossed out weed And the pony could have been better, tho I like doodle looking things or basically like a child drew it but yeah
Looks like when I was in 6th grade and all the girls would color themselces with pens
They look like drawings by his kids. They're huge but adorable. At least I hope what they say is adorable :)
Is this actually a tattoo or did he fall asleep and a toddler drew on him?
you went and fell asleep with your drunk buddies and a box of permanent markers, didn't you
Looks like a child got a hold of a pack of markers and went to town... Geez!!! What a mess!!!
Surely nobody could be THIS stupid!! Most of that HAS to be felt tip
What the hell does this mean? This person has no sense and no self respect.
Post skin removal surgery and framing, these Jean-Michel Basquiat tattoos are worth a friggin fortune.
Looks like someone took a pic of a bathroom wall and was like, yes, all of this ..
I honestly have never seen such awful tattoos. I thought it was illegal to tattoo someone if either of you are drunk or under the influence of drugs.
Only the skin around the pony has inflammation, meaning this wasn't some "I got black out drunk and woke up with bad tattoos all over me" moment. This guy deliberately choose each one 😭
I don’t think this is a tattoo is more like a children’s drawing board
Remember the PSA, ". . and this is your brain on drugs".These tattoos, current PSA. 🤯
Looks like a drunk baby drew all over his back. Glad they didn't show his tootsie...
This guy is so punk! For real. Also love the cartoon Louis Anderson on the left forearm. Nothing but respect!
I read that Angelina Jolie had her kids decorate her wedding dress. Well, I guess this person let his kids decorate his body suit.
At least the mess is on the back, where they won't see it, unless they are trying to look at it.
Honestly. I like the people in it. Just not a fan of the jumbled stuff in between them.
This is what happy when your two-year old gets hold of your tattoo equipment.
I only see art here. I agree they shouldn't breed. But I admire their... uhhh... individualism
I’m gonna assume his son is Napoleon Dynamite and his daughter is a 5 year old fan of plants and ponies and he just loves his kids so much he dedicated his back to their art
It's like they had a cast on and let thier friends draw whatever, but....it's actually their skin. :/
Someone saw the graffiti on the bathroom stall and thought, “that’s for me”.
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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
