Get Premium
Dark mode theme is available exclusively for premium users. Learn more about the benefits of subscribing.
No fees, cancel anytime.
Dark Mode 
No fees, cancel anytime 
then open in external browser
and click "Open in External Browser" 
50 Actually Horrible Tattoos The Internet Won’t Let These People Forget (New Pics)
Interview With Expert
While tattoos are subjective, bad craftsmanship rarely goes unnoticed. Shaky and blown-out linework, poor placement, wrong proportions, patchy and uneven shading, and spelling mistakes are just a few characteristics that unarguably make a tattoo bad.
In the list below, you’ll find plenty of such examples that people online didn’t hold back and shamed to the max. We all know that the Internet never lets people forget these kinds of mistakes.
While you're scrolling through, don't forget to check out a conversation with Russ Abbott, tattoo artist and founder of Ink & Dagger tattoo studio based in Roswell, Georgia, who kindly agreed to share his insights on tattoo regret and how to avoid it.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
sturmwesen 7 months ago
I read it as a swear.."I can do all things though! Christ!"
Load More Replies...
RosaTheWitch 6 months ago
I only saw an example of someone called Christ a couple of weeks ago - I've never seen that before, though Jesus is pretty common in many places.
Load More Replies...
Mook The Mediocre 7 months ago
You can do everything except spell. And punctuate. But can you die and resurrect yourself? Please try, and let me know how it goes.
Richard Iachetta 6 months ago
You should make sure your tattoo artist is literate BEFORE you let him work on you
karen kraus 6 months ago
It's a very common phrase for Christians who believe God can help them do anything. There's nothing wrong with that belief. I'm surprised at the amount of sarcasm in the comments.
kissmychakram 6 months ago
Reread it - it should probably say "through" Christ, but it doesn't.
Load More Replies...
RELATED:
#2
RosaTheWitch 6 months ago
Bizarrely, a lot of men do have 'pënıs pointer' tattoos (according to various tattooists on the internet and TV.) Maybe it's because I'm a woman, but I really don't understand why!
Load More Replies... 
Zaach 7 months ago
My girlfriend's x had a tattoo of an arrow pointing down and the text "pleaser"
RosaTheWitch 6 months ago
It's from multiple surgeries - note the different types of stitch.
Load More Replies... #3
olaff 422 7 months ago
Besides those just being random letters, this pic looks like there is some concerning swelling going on.
Hilary 6 months ago
I thought so too at first but then I saw the shadow about 1.5 inches below where the ink ends.
Load More Replies... TerathNinir 7 months ago
A man who does not concern himself with either straight lines or with things making sense.
Pamela Keown 6 months ago
Live Your Truth - I am who I am --- easy for crossword fans -- BUT Bad alignment and Font choice.
Russ Abbott, tattoo artist and founder of Ink & Dagger, tells us that their studio in Georgia receives frequent requests for covering up the tattoos their clients have started to regret.
"Many clients seek a cover-up because they no longer feel aligned with their existing tattoo. This could be due to several factors, such as the quality of the artwork, the symbolism, the style, or even the placement and size of the tattoo."
#4
LakotaWolf (she/her) 7 months ago
Look, I'm not saying it looks GOOD, but those Pandas who have seen some of BP's other "bad tattoo" posts... this is NOT the worst lion I've seen. I can at least tell it's a lion. Its nose at least approximates a big cat's nose (we've seen lions with canine noses...) It actually has vibrissae. Its incisors.. are... pretty wrong, but at least its mouth isn't filled with shark teeth or something. And 10-year-old Lakota drew a LOT of animals/animal-people who (somehow) had "tattoos" on their fur.......... XD
TerathNinir 7 months ago
This lion is so brave. It's had its face bashed in with a crucifix, nose broken, teeth broken, permanent scar over its eye, yet it is still defiant.
quentariel 7 months ago
This is arguably bad, but after seeing the rest of these monstrosities, it starts to look almost decent.
#5
Daniel Atkins 7 months ago
It is Proverbs 26:11 not sure why you would want that tattooed on you.
featherytoad 7 months ago
Especially on your chest like that. I can't think of anything more unattractive.
Load More Replies...
and_a_touch_of_the_’tism 7 months ago (edited)
Didn’t even quote it right. “As the dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly” edit: apparently it’s a Bible quote, not just from Terry Pratchett. My bad.
Marianne Grann 6 months ago
Absolutely disgusting - and I’m sure she’s regretting it very much.
#6
RosaTheWitch 6 months ago
He probably gave the tattooist a crude drawing of what he wanted… and the tattooist just copied the drawing as it was!
Load More Replies...
However, the most common reason Russ hears for tattoo regret isn't what we might expect.
"Sure, we still see our share of clients wanting to cover up an ex’s name—that’s almost a cliché at this point. But more often, tattoo regret comes down to poor artist selection. Many people get their first tattoos without doing proper research. Later, they fall in love with what tattooing can be and realize they started off on the wrong foot," he explains.
#7
Lyoness 7 months ago
Maybe they had one of their kid's drawings tattooed?
Load More Replies...
iluvanimals 7 months ago
I think his front. Too bad he can't grow neck hair to cover that.
Load More Replies...
Laughing Orc 7 months ago
i think we need to talk about whats going on with the tattoo on his chest, too...
RosaTheWitch 6 months ago
If it's a kid's drawing, then he has to remember that anyone other than his nearest and dearest is just going to see it as a very, very shîttý mess. Also, why have it so large, and on the neck, for goodness sake? I hope he's really rich, because I can't see many job offers happening in his future.
#8
quentariel 7 months ago (edited)
This is cute, stays hidden under formal clothes and doesn't violate anyone. I fail to see why it's in this post. It's even better if it's his kid's drawings.
Bubs (he/they) 7 months ago
these ones are cute, tbh. the bee is missing some legs, but I still think its cute
#9
But if only people had taken the time to:
- Identify the tattoo styles they truly love.
- Discover which artists specialize in those styles.
- Collaborate with the right artist to achieve their vision.
They could easily avoid tattoo regret and make it less common, says Russ.
#10
RosaTheWitch 6 months ago
If the weather is hot, he might inflict it upon the unfortunate general public, though.
Load More Replies...
#11
RosaTheWitch 6 months ago
Why do people always think they know better than the experts when the professional tattooists offer advice on size, colouring, placement etc.?
Load More Replies...
RosaTheWitch 6 months ago
Is that supposed to be a graphic interpretation of a voice message recording on the opposite side from this one?
To minimize the likelihood of people getting tattoo regret, Russ and other artists at the Ink & Daggers tattoo studio take an ethical and responsible approach when advising clients.
"If a tattoo request goes against our moral code, we decline it," Russ says.
#13
Lyoness 7 months ago
The right side looks like all the shading was overpacked and then bled. Maybe an allergic reaction but I'd say most of the fault lies with the "artist".
Load More Replies...
Original Kinkster 6 months ago
Well, I'd guess that the eternal love wasn't that eternal at all and the doves had to be covered up...
#14
RosaTheWitch 6 months ago
I have a really severe phobia of spiders, yet this isn't triggering me at all. Is that a good or a bad thing, regarding the accuracy of this tattoo? 🫤
#15
Lene 6 months ago
My best guess is that it's an attempt to do some sort of binding runes but not really understanding how they work/should look? That, and probably going for the self harm-look, as Robert T mentions.
Load More Replies... 
"We also look for opportunities to educate clients about the potential social or workplace implications of certain tattoo choices," he adds.
"If someone has unrealistic expectations, like wanting a design that's too small, we explain how tattoos age over time and discuss longevity. Ultimately, we aim to match each client with the artist best suited to bring their vision to life in a way they’ll be proud of long-term."
#16
Thomas Berry 7 months ago
Yep. That’s the tower on a cruise ship and those are names of cruise ships with (I assume) the years they sailed on those ships.
Load More Replies...
Ingrid Mackay 6 months ago
i have never been on a cruise, and even it was the best experience of my life, I would not tatoo the ships names on my body with the dates I cruised
RosaTheWitch 6 months ago
It seems to be a whale tail funnel from Carnival Cruises' 'Freedom' ship. Yes, I jumped down the rabbit hole because I was intrigued. I have lost a good 10 minutes off my lifespan so nobody else has to! See: https://shouldbecruising.com/carnival-freedom-will-get-replacement-whale-tail-funnel/
#17
mooshoflove 7 months ago
🤣🤣🤣 I didn't see the deer at first! Thanks to you, I'm snort laughing! 😂🥲
Load More Replies...
LakotaWolf (she/her) 7 months ago
We told Uncle Nigel to get dental work. We even offered to give him money to help cover it, since he was a bit strapped. But nooo, he didn't listen, and just kept on eating sugary rabbits without at least rinsing out his mouth afterwards, and LOOK what happened to his teeth, just LOOK!
Gingersnap In Iowa 7 months ago
Oh Lakota! I laughed so hard and loud at this! Melvin gave me the side eye!
Load More Replies...
#18
RosaTheWitch 6 months ago
Was the tattooist named Ford Prefect, you think?
Load More Replies... CooperDooper81 7 months ago
Baby shark do do do do do do, baby shark do do do do do do.... Sorry.
RosaTheWitch 6 months ago
Although I know about that Baby Shark song, I've never actually heard it, and I intend to keep it that way.!
Load More Replies...
In general, to avoid tattoo regret, Russ recommends taking the time to find a skilled artist, having a decent budget, and a thoughtful design in mind.
"From what I’ve seen, most tattoo regret stems from a mix of low effort or concern on the client’s part and a lack of skill or care on the artist’s side. When people come in with low expectations and low budgets, the odds of a poor outcome go way up. And those who knowingly get tattooed by amateurs outside of a professional studio—well, that’s the ultimate recipe for regret."
#19
LakotaWolf (she/her) 7 months ago (edited)
It's Sisu the dragon from "Raya and the Last Dragon"! I don't know why she's so ... lumpy, but hey, dragon! XD (edited because I didn't fact-check, haha. Raya is the human character's name, not the dragon's!)
#21
Andre Wiktorowitz 6 months ago
Ich übe z.Zt. auch das tättowieren,aber selbst der schlechteste Anfänger,baut nicht so einen Mist,warum lässt man so jemandem an seiner Haut???
Lastly, since we've been focusing on the negative side of tattoos, Russ wants to remind people that getting tattooed can be an incredible experience.
"One you’ll remember for the rest of your life," he says. "If you take the time to learn what styles you love, carefully choose an artist, meet with them, and feel a genuine connection, then trust them to do their best work… You’re far more likely to walk away with something meaningful you’ll never regret."
#22
Upstaged75 7 months ago (edited)
Got it from your cousin Bud who bought a home tattoo machine and wanted someone to practice on?
Susan Teter 7 months ago
I think your cousin wanted a home tattoo machine, bought some bud, THEN wanted to practice on someone.
Load More Replies...
LakotaWolf (she/her) 7 months ago
Times New Cräppy. XD Or possibly Hellish-vetica or Failrial.
Load More Replies... #23
#24
Lyoness 7 months ago
Or it gets overworked. Either way my arm hurts looking at this.
Load More Replies...
Ja.Christine H. 7 months ago
at some point he looked at it and agreed to let him finish... but why??????
#25
#26
LakotaWolf (she/her) 7 months ago
"Hear no customer protests, Silence all customer protests, Secretly cry in shame at your terrible tattoo job after the customer has left" XD
doredde 7 months ago
That´s brilliant! And as it is on the backside of his arm, at least he doesn´t have to look at it himself too often...
Load More Replies...
Fuhleeheece 7 months ago
Word of warning: Look at the horrible paint job on the nails of the "artist" and then decide if you want her to ruin your arm.
#27
LakotaWolf (she/her) 7 months ago
He just has cat acne on his poor nose because his owner fed him from a plastic bowl, that's all! XD
Load More Replies... Michael Melfa 7 months ago
Dude, this is the kind of thing you air brush on your panel van. You get the same creepy manosphere energy, just less permanent.
LakotaWolf (she/her) 7 months ago
I have a giant van (VW Eurovan, not a panel van per se) and I used to want to have a radical mural airbrushed/painted on the side. Unicorns, wizards, the whole 80s thing (I was born in '82.) Now it's like noooo thank you XD
Load More Replies... 
Beak Hookage 7 months ago
Dude, the only thing you ever conquered was a case of Bud Light. Get over yourself.
LuLuBelle 7 months ago
It's very, very important to make sure your tattoo artist can draw. Shocking how many can't, one would thank that's a basic requirement but apparently not.
RosaTheWitch 6 months ago
I think a lot of tattooists can draw well on regular media. Working on people's flesh is a whole different discipline.
Load More Replies... 
Andre Wiktorowitz 6 months ago
Naja,so schlimm is es nicht,der Löwe is,naja,sehr schlecht,aber im grossen und ganzem geht es!!!
#28
RosaTheWitch 6 months ago
I guess the customer's horses have weirdly shaped blazes.
Load More Replies... Susan Teter 7 months ago
My dad always said "You can't ride two horse with one a*s", but evidently you can tattoo two horses on one. And I don't mean the body part.
#29
LakotaWolf (she/her) 7 months ago
I remember when I was young and my bööbs were so perky that they grew straight out of my collarbones... XD
Load More Replies...
Richard Iachetta 6 months ago
Whether it's finished or not nothing is going to make her look good. whatever procedures remove tattoos might save the limb
#30
#31
#32
RosaTheWitch 6 months ago
To be specific, it's a waning crescent moon; (and I'm an insufferable pedant!)
Load More Replies... 
#33
RosaTheWitch 6 months ago
OMG, thanks for that hit of nostalgia, Lyoness!
Load More Replies... Sarah Bailey 7 months ago
I like this one, it's a really neat idea , not too terribly done but could be better
#34
Satan Laughs 7 months ago
Hopefully he’s a just a healthy southern boy who prefers “skin-less.”
Load More Replies... LakotaWolf (she/her) 7 months ago (edited)
"Skin"? EDIT: refreshed and saw Nope's comment. AAAAAAGH :'( now it makes sense why it says "SKIN".... what a loser (the person in the photo, not Nope)
LakotaWolf (she/her) 7 months ago
Nah. If they're a skinhead, they're the Orange Overlord's kind of people!
Load More Replies... #35
RosaTheWitch 6 months ago (edited)
They've had unicorns and (I think) alicorns since I was a kid in the '80s. It was an entirely different set-up back then though, and the toy ponies were differently designed. I still have my '80s Seashell and Applejack! 🙂
Load More Replies... me McG 7 months ago
When will the children learn? "Sit on a unicorn, it's gonna leave a mark."
RosaTheWitch 6 months ago (edited)
I think the parents need to teach the kids about *where* you sit on a unicorn first!
Load More Replies... #36
Motivated sloth 7 months ago
They should’ve had the actual tattoo artist that did the lettering do the rest of it as well
#37
LakotaWolf (she/her) 7 months ago
He wants to know where his other hind leg is. That's why he screamin :(
Load More Replies... Upstaged75 7 months ago
Don't let people practice their tattoo skills on you - it's permanent!
Motivated sloth 7 months ago
“I want a full back piece but I only have thirty minutes”, apparently
RosaTheWitch 6 months ago
I'm assuming that's irony. Please let it be irony.
Load More Replies... #38
RosaTheWitch 6 months ago
TBH, I don't think it's that bad. For me, the main problem is the horrible design.
Load More Replies... Upstaged75 7 months ago
I wouldn't have paid $200 for that! Not the worst I've seen, but those are experienced artist prices.
#39
#40
#41
-NEONA! 6 months ago
Actually? I think this looks fine. I'm convinced the chalky graffiti way it looks is an intentional design choice, and one I can agree with
Val 6 months ago
lol are you for real??? It looks like a toddler drew it with a Crayola.
Load More Replies...
LakotaWolf (she/her) 7 months ago
Well, can't unsee the Death Star as an old, wrinkly Minion now... XD
Load More Replies... 
#42
Skogsrået 7 months ago
Wikipedia: "Amor fati is a Latin phrase that may be translated as "love of fate" or "love of one's fate". It is used to describe an attitude in which one sees everything that happens in one's life, including suffering and loss, as good or, at the very least, necessary."
Fuhleeheece 7 months ago
Okay, but that tattoo isn't good or necessary. Just make a T-shirt, fer chrissakes.
Load More Replies... #43
LakotaWolf (she/her) 7 months ago (edited)
These are well-executed enough for me to say that I FEEL like I recognize them... but I'm not sure who they actually are XD EDIT: someone commented on the original FB post "Is that Junior Soprano?" I've never watched the show so I don't know, but I googled the character and it kind of DOES look like the actor. Still no clue about the person on the left, though XD
Geoffrey Scott 7 months ago
Older dude looks like Ernie Harwell (Detroit Tigers radio announcer)
Load More Replies... 
#44
Motivated sloth 7 months ago
Right above cleavage on chest. She probably cared less about the quality of the tattoo versus the attention it would get.
Load More Replies...
#45
#46
#47
#48
LakotaWolf (she/her) 7 months ago
Pretty sure "The Mommy" is not a standard-issue Tarot card...
NoRestfortheQWERTY 7 months ago
It's often included in non-standard decks, along with "The Weird Girlfriend" and "The Neighbor Who Plays Van Halen Records at Three in the Morning."
Load More Replies... Skogsrået 7 months ago
The tripple moon symbol at the bottom is used alot in paganism, wicca, witchcraft and the occult.
Lene 6 months ago
Yes. I think the person with the tats is a Wiccan (or simillar) who is into crystals and tarot cards and got this tattoo to celebrate being a mother.
Load More Replies... #49
Skogsrået 7 months ago
Maybe it's an underwire bra and she's using it to cover her breast?
Load More Replies...
LakotaWolf (she/her) 7 months ago
It's actually not even the worst tat, structurally speaking. VERY clean lines. Decently solid human face anatomy. The snakes are part dreadlocks/locs, which is why they look "fuzzy". It's definitely not something I'd get myself, but it's a pretty good black/dreadlocked Medusa!
Load More Replies... RosaTheWitch 6 months ago
Wouldn't her conquest's entire body, including the heart, be made of stone?
NoRestfortheQWERTY 7 months ago
So that's where Terence Trent D'Arby is hanging out these days.
#50
Bi.Felicia 7 months ago
Is this supposed to be Lisa 'Lefteye' Lopes from TLC? I really hope not 🤦🏻♀️
Karen Reedy 7 months ago
They're remaking Peter Pan live action with a "Baddies" twist. This is Tink's audition photo.
Load More Replies...
#51
Subaru645 7 months ago
I upvoted you, but it is fairly common for an artist to tat themselves…in this case, not so much.
Load More Replies... 
#53
#54
LakotaWolf (she/her) 7 months ago
I honestly don't see the issue with this one. Not my cup of tea (mead? lol) but not worth "inkshaming" it.
Load More Replies... #55
LakotaWolf (she/her) 7 months ago
This is supposed to be a Disney cartoon character called Stitch from the movie "Lilo and Stitch". He's an alien/experimental animal who has four arms when he transforms into his "monstrous" form. You can kind of see his lower left second arm; it looks like it's resting on his left knee.
Load More Replies... #56
Motivated sloth 7 months ago
It would seem tattoo artists need a full day practicing just the moon
#57
Nope 7 months ago
I'm far more concerned about her hand than the duck. Doodle with a Sharpie, not an ink gun, kids (my PSA)
#58
LakotaWolf (she/her) 7 months ago
OBLIVION!! One of the BEST games ever made. I'm currently playing the remaster and it's AMAZING.
Michael Melfa 7 months ago
This is actually a perfect representation of how janky the game is.
#59
Skogsrået 7 months ago
Looks like water in Japanese art style but what does water symbolise in Japanese art? According to the internet: " Water in Japanese art symbolises life, motion, change, and purity. It is a vital element in Japanese culture and is respected for its nurturing and cleansing properties."
Nope 7 months ago
It leads me to believe the linked hands are adding to the gestalt, but it also evades me what its supposed to be.
Load More Replies... #60
LakotaWolf (she/her) 7 months ago
Shading and lighting is inconsistent and the lines are going to bleed/blur in a few years so it'll just be one thick black blade, but not the worst, tbh.
#61
Ashtophet 7 months ago
I’m pretty sure you’re supposed to wipe off the bl**d before you take the picture.
CooperDooper81 7 months ago
That's going to turn into one big, black, fuzzy blur. Had an ex housemate who got the Charlie's angels 3 girls image as a silhouette. Within 2 years it was just a big black smudge.
#62
#63
#64
Jen 7 months ago
Persephone, Greek goddess of the Underworld.. I think this actually looks pretty good...
Delicate Fcuking Flower 7 months ago
The lines and proportions could be better but the potential is definitely there
#66
#67
LakotaWolf (she/her) 7 months ago
I think you're correct. This looks like a photo of someone's upper legs; I THINK their knees are at the top of the picture. I imagine 1996 was the year that this person was born. I'm just going to go lay in a corner and feel old for a while now XD
Load More Replies... Miss Tinker 7 months ago
Does this represent the number of brain cells required to get this tattoo?
#70
#71
#72
Lyoness 7 months ago
This is actually pretty true to the show's logo, but it's weird to put it on your back considering a) it's a fictional MC and b) he lives in Connecticut.
LakotaWolf (she/her) 7 months ago
I'm just amazed that he and the tattoo artist spelled all the words correctly XD
Load More Replies... #73
Motivated sloth 7 months ago
“Doesn’t look that bad” should not be a standard for judging what you permanently put on your body
#74
LakotaWolf (she/her) 7 months ago
Aw, c'mon, that dragon is cute, and the stippling shading on the wings looks neat!
CD Mills 7 months ago
I wonder why Crescent Moons are so hard to draw in tattoos? I haven't seen a single Crescent Moon here that was well done.
quentariel 7 months ago
That's my only problem with this one. I get that it's hard shape to tattoo, but these probably haven't even drawn it straight on a sketch/stencil (by straight I mean drawn eith a compass).
Load More Replies... #75
#76
#78
Hosteshumanigeneris 7 months ago
I'm guessing that is a cover up based on how dark the colors are
#79
LakotaWolf (she/her) 7 months ago
Those fine lines and bright colors are going to blur and fade in a few years even with excellent tat care, but overall I think it looks okay if one is into mermaids!
Load More Replies... #80
Add New Image
Explore more of these tags
What do you think ?
Mel in Georgia 7 months ago
A lot of these were ok to good. No need to be shaming many of these.
Mel in Georgia 7 months ago
A lot of these were ok to good. No need to be shaming many of these.
You May Like 50 Wholesome Tattoos That Show What People Truly Care About Finger Tattoos Are The Newest Trend, And We've Collected Some Amazing Ideas For You To Check 30 White Tattoo Designs That Look Like Magic Runes
Donata Ruzgaitė
Akvile Petraityte 🇺🇦
Akvile Petraityte 🇺🇦
Related on Bored Panda
