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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.

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    #3

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

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    olaff 422
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated 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
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    2 weeks ago DotsCreated 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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    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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    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.

    They could easily avoid tattoo regret and make it less common, says Russ.

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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.

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    TerathNinir
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated 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.

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

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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.

    "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."

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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."

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    #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
    2 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated 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."

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    #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
    2 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated 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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    #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
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated 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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    #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
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated 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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    #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
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated 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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    #34

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

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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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    #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
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is the artist or recipient blindfolded or both?

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    #42

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

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    Skogsrået
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated 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.

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    LakotaWolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated 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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    #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
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated 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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    #51

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

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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
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated 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.

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    Nope
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated 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.

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    LakotaWolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated 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
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated 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.

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    LakotaWolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated 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.

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    Ashtophet
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated 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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    #63

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

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    Nope
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated 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
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated 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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    #72

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

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    Lyoness
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated 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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    #77

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

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    #79

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

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    Bi.Felicia
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated 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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