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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.

#1

Tattoo with misspelled phrase inkshaming a badly done inspirational quote on a person's side rib area.

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    #2

    Chest tattoo with the words brave heart and an arrow design, an example of hilariously bad tattoos and inkshaming.

    Anonymous Report

    Lorna S
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    HIS BOOBIES HAVE EYE BROWS 👁️ 👀

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    #3

    Tattoo on neck with distorted and misspelled words, an example of hilariously bad tattoos and inkshaming moments.

    Anonymous Report

    olaff 422
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Besides those just being random letters, this pic looks like there is some concerning swelling going on.

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    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."

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    #5

    Large chest tattoo with a bold black border and text showing a humorous example of bad tattoos and inkshaming.

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    Bi.Felicia
    Community Member
    Premium
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I really hope this was done because she lost a dumb bet or something.

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    #6

    Tattoo of a chicken with human legs in fishnet stockings and high heels, showcasing a hilariously bad tattoo design.

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    Loloroyoboat
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Which came first...the chicken or the legs?

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    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.

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    #8

    Two hilariously bad tattoos of a bee and a turtle on a person's bare chest, showcasing funny inkshaming moments.

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    Upstaged75
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You really shouldn't buy a tattoo kit on Amazon.

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    But if only people had taken the time to:

    1. Identify the tattoo styles they truly love.
    2. Discover which artists specialize in those styles.
    3. Collaborate with the right artist to achieve their vision.
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    They could easily avoid tattoo regret and make it less common, says Russ.

    #10

    Back tattoo with a failed 3D design and bad tattoo art that looks unintentionally humorous.

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    #11

    Tattoo of a heart, soundwave, and a distorted figure on a woman's shoulder showcasing hilariously bad tattoos and inkshaming.

    Anonymous Report

    TerathNinir
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A beautiful combination of tattooing skill and gods-awful placement.

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    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.

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    "If a tattoo request goes against our moral code, we decline it," Russ says.

    #13

    Side-by-side photos showing a neck tattoo of birds fading and blurring, illustrating hilariously bad tattoos.

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    #14

    Tattoo of a large spider on upper arm showcasing a hilariously bad inkshaming example of body art.

    Anonymous Report

    me McG
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When hair growth potentially lends a touch of realism.

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    #15

    Close-up of a hilariously bad tattoo on a leg showing a crude design with text about love protection and tattoo fails.

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    CD Mills
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Or, when you buy a tattoo gun, and shouldn't have.

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    "We also look for opportunities to educate clients about the potential social or workplace implications of certain tattoo choices," he adds.

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    "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

    Leg covered in various small text tattoos and a poorly executed large red and blue tattoo, showcasing bad tattoos.

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    Deb H
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't understand what this is supposed to be

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    #17

    Tattoo on arm showing a snarling wolf with trees and a deer, an example of hilariously bad tattoos people didn’t realize.

    Magdalena Janik Report

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    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

    Blue and purple fantasy creature tattoo on leg showing a hilariously bad tattoo example for inkshaming content.

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    LakotaWolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    5 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    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!)

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    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

    Funny bad tattoo on leg with misspelled words that people hilariously failed to notice, showcasing inkshaming moments.

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    Upstaged75
    Community Member
    5 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Got it from your cousin Bud who bought a home tattoo machine and wanted someone to practice on?

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    #23

    Person showing a hilariously bad tattoo of a crescent moon with misspelled text on their upper arm.

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    Upstaged75
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Do some of these people not realize tattoos are permanent?

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    #24

    Bad tattoo on upper arm showing a distorted face and an unclear red shape, illustrating hilariously bad tattoos and inkshaming.

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    JK
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is what happens when you don't do appropriate skin care after a tattoo.

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    #25

    Small, poorly executed Hello Kitty tattoo on a person's forehead, an example of hilariously bad tattoos inkshaming.

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    #26

    Arm tattoo with poorly drawn angel faces and wings, an example of hilariously bad tattoos from inkshaming posts.

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    LakotaWolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Hear no customer protests, Silence all customer protests, Secretly cry in shame at your terrible tattoo job after the customer has left" XD

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    #27

    Back tattoo featuring a lion, warrior, helmet, mountains, and tank with a misspelled conqueror, showcasing a bad tattoo fail.

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    #28

    Two poorly drawn horse head tattoos on skin, showcasing hilariously bad tattoos people didn’t realize.

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    Janet L
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Shame the artist has never seen a horse

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    #30

    Tattoo of a skull with large black sunglasses and number 659 on forehead, example of hilariously bad tattoos and inkshaming.

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    Skogsrået
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    G59 - apparently it's to show tribute towards the $uicideboy$, an underground rap group.

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    #32

    Black ink tattoo on forearm featuring a crescent moon with mushrooms and stars, an example of hilariously bad tattoos.

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    #33

    Bad tattoo of a poorly drawn yin-yang with cartoon faces on a person's chest, showcasing hilariously bad tattoos.

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    #34

    Hand tattoo with a poorly done forest and moon design, an example of hilariously bad tattoos and inkshaming fails.

    Anonymous Report

    Nope
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'd bet a months wages his other knuckles say "head"

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    #35

    Pink unicorn tattoo with a rainbow mane on skin, an example of hilariously bad tattoos and inkshaming moments.

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    #36

    Two matching tattoos with a misaligned design and text reading Perfectly Misaligned on forearms.

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    #37

    Back tattoo featuring a poorly drawn tiger, clouds, and abstract shapes, showcasing hilariously bad tattoos and inkshaming.

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    Nope
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Even the tiger is angry about the poor quality.

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    #38

    Black ink tattoo of a crescent moon with a face and leaves on a person's thigh showcasing hilariously bad tattoos.

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    Bi.Felicia
    Community Member
    Premium
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is the artist or recipient blindfolded or both?

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    #41

    Tattoo sleeve featuring a poorly drawn Darth Vader and Death Star in a hilariously bad tattoo style.

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    Skogsrået
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why does it look like it was done with street crayons?

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    #42

    Minimalist tattoo with three hands and cursive word that appears misspelled, showcasing a hilariously bad tattoo design.

    Anonymous Report

    Skogsrået
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    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."

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    #43

    Tattoo on thigh showing two poorly drawn faces, an example of hilariously bad tattoos and inkshaming moments.

    Anonymous Report

    LakotaWolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    5 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    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

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    #44

    Hilariously bad tattoo of a multicolored flower with uneven shading and unclear design on light skin.

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    me McG
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Once again ... where is this located?

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    #46

    Man's arm with a tattoo of a crown and diamond, showing an example of hilariously bad tattoos and inkshaming fails

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    CD Mills
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I wonder if he knows how c**p this tattoo is? It's ALL the c**p! LOL

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    #48

    Tattoo of a crystal cluster with a framed figure and text, accompanied by a triple moon symbol on the forearm in bright colors.

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    LakotaWolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Pretty sure "The Mommy" is not a standard-issue Tarot card...

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    #49

    Tattoo of a woman's face and snakes with a heart on chest, an example of hilariously bad tattoos and inkshaming moments.

    Anonymous Report

    CD Mills
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why are the sides of her brea sts sucked in like that?

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    #51

    Hand tattoo of a poorly drawn paw print, an example of hilariously bad tattoos in inkshaming fails.

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    Upstaged75
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Tattooing yourself is a terrible idea! Proved by this pic....

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    #52

    Black and gray sunflower tattoo on upper arm showcasing detailed leaves and petals in a hilariously bad tattoo style.

    Anonymous Report

    #53

    Colorful sunflower and monstera leaf tattoo on thigh, showcasing a vibrant botanical design, part of hilariously bad tattoos collection.

    Anonymous Report

    Michael Melfa
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well, I guess she can say the sun(flower) shines from her a*s.

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    #56

    Tattoo of a witch's broom crossing a crescent moon with two bats, an example of hilariously bad tattoos indoors.

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    CD Mills
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    She needs to see a better artist and have them fix the Moon, the rest is fine.

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    #57

    Simple outline tattoo of a duck on skin with visible hand tattoos, showcasing a hilariously bad tattoo example.

    DuckDealer420 Report

    Nope
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm far more concerned about her hand than the duck. Doodle with a Sharpie, not an ink gun, kids (my PSA)

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    #58

    Tattoo on leg with unusual design featuring gray and red ink, illustrating a hilariously bad tattoo from inkshaming collection.

    Anonymous Report

    LakotaWolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    OBLIVION!! One of the BEST games ever made. I'm currently playing the remaster and it's AMAZING.

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    #59

    Two hands with matching tattoos featuring black ink designs surrounded by flames, showcasing hilariously bad tattoos.

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    Skogsrået
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    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."

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    #60

    Tattoo of a sword on a forearm with flawed details, showcasing a hilariously bad tattoo mistake and inkshaming trend.

    Anonymous Report

    LakotaWolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    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

    Black ink tattoo on upper arm depicting a poorly done cartoon character silhouette, a hilarious bad tattoo example for inkshaming.

    Madyson Chene Report

    Ashtophet
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I’m pretty sure you’re supposed to wipe off the bl**d before you take the picture.

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    #62

    Close-up of a hilariously bad tattoo on a man’s neck showing a hand in a sign language gesture.

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    Karen Reedy
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Someone missed hand day in anatomy class...

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    #63

    Poorly executed tattoo of a lion resembling a famous character, showcasing a hilariously bad tattoo fail.

    Anonymous Report

    Nope
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well, I guess everyone's portfolio has a first picture...yikes

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    #64

    Black and grey tattoo of a woman with a crown, holding a pomegranate, showcasing hilariously bad tattoos and inkshaming moments.

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    Jen
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Persephone, Greek goddess of the Underworld.. I think this actually looks pretty good...

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    #65

    Snake tattoo on neck showcasing a hilariously bad tattoo example of inkshaming from a funny tattoo collection.

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    #66

    Red flower and butterfly tattoo on shoulder with shading and details, an example of hilariously bad tattoos and inkshaming.

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    #68

    Bad tattoo of a skull wearing a VGK hockey helmet with distorted features and uneven coloring on a person's arm.

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    #71

    Tattoo of a moth with an abstract design featuring sun, moon, stars, and leaves inked on a person's back, showcasing a bad tattoo.

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    C L
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is pretty & very well done

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    #72

    Man's back and arm showing tattoos including a grim reaper and tiger, illustrating hilariously bad tattoos and inkshaming moments.

    Anonymous Report

    Lyoness
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    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.

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    #74

    Tattoo of a misspelled quote with a dragon on mountains and a crescent moon, an example of hilariously bad tattoos.

    Ezra Tooley Report

    Deborah B
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is reasonable, and not badly executed.

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    #75

    Tattoo of a woman with crossed arms and fishnet stockings with the text Lost Lands, an example of a bad tattoo.

    Anonymous Report

    #76

    Tattoo of an open book with a dragon flying out, showcasing a funny and bad inkshaming tattoo design on the arm.

    UndercoverSuperstar Report

    Skogsrået
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Magic, books and dragons. Not the worst tattoo here.

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    #77

    Tattoo of a bee with stylized sun rays and crescent moon on skin, an example of hilariously bad tattoos inkshaming.

    Lindsay Baddick Report

    quentariel
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Some wonky lines, but otherwise really pretty.

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    #78

    Tattoo of three dark roses and a butterfly on a person's lower abdomen with scattered star designs, example of bad tattoos.

    Anonymous Report

    Hosteshumanigeneris
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm guessing that is a cover up based on how dark the colors are

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    #79

    Mermaid tattoo on thigh with vibrant colors and details, an example of hilariously bad tattoos in inkshaming collection.

    Jake Oliver Report

    Bi.Felicia
    Community Member
    Premium
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I actually think it's rather pretty. Am I missing something?

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    #80

    Tattoo of a frog with butterfly wings surrounded by floral designs, an example of a hilariously bad tattoo inkshaming.

    Anonymous Report