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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!

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#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

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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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#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

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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

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

I dont understand why these people don't stop the artist before they finish the entire thing??? Isnt this why artists show you sletches ?

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Upstaged75
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes, and they transfer the sketch to your skin and ask you to approve it before they start.

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

Why not tell the artist to stop? You're allowed to. If you see the tattoo going in a direction you don't like then STOP. You might lose your money (If you actually paid for this kind of thing, and it wasn't done by "my friend who does tattoos from their garage")

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

If your artist doesn't have instagram or pictures of their work on the wall, you shouldn't continue

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

I don’t think it’s that bad - unless you are going for realism..so yeah, I guess it’s pretty bad

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

It’s a little blocky, but if you take it to an artist that is actually good at realism and shading you could still get a pretty tattoo that looks much more delicate.

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

Always ask for references for realism. It's difficult to do

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

I wouldn't say realism is difficult to do as much as it's a more direct application of the same skill set. I can draw, paint, and photobash realistically (all separately) but I can't do cartoons very well.

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

It is a nice, pretty tattoo. But that doesn't matter, if it's not what she wanted. I don't get it though, doesn't every tattoo artist let you check after they've transferred the sketch onto your skin?

willowmaehayes avatar
Strawberry
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i actually like the 2nd one more. my mom is really tatted up and she wants a cherry blossom. i’m gonna show this to her lol

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

An attempt was made… and the victim could have seen the progress the entire time and didn’t stop it.

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

i like both, the one on the right has a cute cartoon-y look to it...but if it was supposed to be realism then yes, a total failure..

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

It’s not awful, but it’s not what they wanted. Which makes it awful. I feel bad for them.

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

The final one is pretty enough but the one they wanted is stunning and exquisite. What a terrible disappointment that must be 😔

angelinafowler avatar
Angelina Fowler
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I suffer from a M uch much much worse screw-up. I saw the work a guy did. I decided to have him tattoo something across my chest. It is crooked and It looks NOTHING Iike what was advertized.

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

I'd be absolutely pissed! I'd most likely take a look at it, burst into tears, then proceed to beat the sh!t out them!

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

Hi, trained artist here. The weird thing is, the one on the right doesn't even look like a attempt at realism, it very much looks like they were aiming for a graphic style. A prerealistic style would have looked a lot sloppier and poorly rendered, and wouldn't have had as strong of a sense of shape language. I don't know why the artist would have drawn this unless they didn't know they didn't know the client wanted realism, because there is a sense of implied competence here, just in a deliberately cartoons way.

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

This is why you do due diligence before getting a tattoo. Don't take a person's word for it.

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

What soer of pea brained simp would ever cave to that from what they really want?

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

The cheapest stencil in the book . Did she not glance down during the process? Stop the nonsense before it went so far!?

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

They're literally watching the tattooist do way thicker lines that what was asked for.... yet they sit there allowing them to f it up.

abigailhc avatar
Fluffy Feline Fire Hazard
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I mean.... not as cool as the first and DEFINITELY not realism... but at least it's kinda cute! ♥

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

Yeah, nice of Bored Panda for using a picture of my work (on the left) without mine or my client’s permission. The water mark is, clearly, readable (Inktuitive Tattoo Studio) Good on you guys 👏🏼

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

Yes, as far as realism goes this is really awful & really sucks. This is not a pleasant reality for anyone.

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

Should have checked the artists portfolio first. All reputable artists have one, available to any client who wants to see it. And , did she not look at the stencil before the artist started inking??

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

Ok. Panda is right. The worst tats I ever saw. Question,.who was drunk or high, the person getting the tattoo or the one doing it

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

Looks like the kind of tattoo you normally see on old men. It's "retro realism".

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

If you find a tattoo pic online and it has the artist tagged in it... go to THAT artist. Only way to guarantee you'll get what you want

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

I would be happy with that one anyways. That's better than what I could do and a lot of people say I'm very talented

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