When I saw my colleague Jonas’ story on the Facebook group ‘That’s It, I’m Inkshaming’, I realized that for every good tattoo, there must be at least two terrible ones. And it didn’t take long for me to find proof that I’m probably not that far off.
Turns out, there’s a subreddit called ‘Bad Tattoos’ and it’s filled with the worst designs to have ever been inked on the human body. Whether we’re talking about cringy concepts or lines that look like they were done by a two-year-old, you can’t help but feel sorry for the people who have to “wear” them.
I wonder how many people have asked if they’re permanent!
#1
Some Guy Tried To Copy My Tattoo Artist’s Work – Nipple Tattooed On His Arm
#2
Terrifying
To learn more about underwhelming tattoos and how to avoid them, we contacted tattoo artists Adam Grant of Gypsystables Tattoo and Josh Young of Highwater Gallery.
The process of inking your skin begins with homework; if you haven’t researched your tattoo artist or studio, you’ve already made a mistake.
“In my opinion, what causes a tattoo to be ‘bad’ is perhaps not enough research,” Josh Young said. “Nowadays, there is such an extensive range of different styles by such a huge variety of tattooists, and so you have to go to the best artist suited for the type of tattoo you are after.”
#3
I’m Speechless
#4
“What Angle Do You Want The Plane From?” “All Of Them”
#5
They Did Freddie Wrong
“So many times customers have complained to me about bad work they have had done by tattooists who were ill-fitted for the type of tattoo they wanted, and so I try to encourage them to do some research and actively seek out the best for the job,” Young explained.
“You wouldn’t go to a carpenter to fix your boiler so why would you go to a black and grey realism artist and expect a traditional tattoo? Unless you go to an artist who excels at all styles, do some research, find out who specializes in what, and you more than likely won’t be having any bad tattoos.”
#6
“O No! Can You Remove That S?” “Say No More, Fam”
#7
Friend On Facebook Seems Proud Of This Gem
#8
Friend Bought A Tattoo Gun On Amazon For £100. Tattooed Darth Vader On Himself
#9
I Think It’s Eye-Catching
However, we must keep in mind that everyone’s entitled to their own taste. Adam Grant, for example, thinks that if a particular design is tattooed well, then it’s only bad as a matter of opinion.
“What makes any tattoo bad are things that show straight away that the ‘artist’ has little to no training in tattooing,” Grand explained. “Wobbly lines, forgotten elements, overworking the skin, and blowouts are all things to look out for. Safe hygiene standards are an absolute must. Make sure you go to a professional by checking online reviews and their body of work on social media.”
#10
Dude Sure Loves His Turtle
#11
That’s Too Expensive, I Have A Friend That Can Do It For Less
#12
Maximum Facepalm
#13
The Concept Looked So Promising
Young also added that if you are getting tattoos from your friend in his apartment from a two-bit machine he bought from Wish, that will also probably end up being a bad tattoo. “Stop that. Please,” he said.
But if you aren’t happy with the tattoo you already have, there are still a few things you can do.
“Firstly, don’t go back to the artist who did it,” Young advised. “A lot of customers I know have complained about work they have had from someone else, and yet, have returned to them for more, expecting a different outcome—that doesn’t make sense.”
“Secondly, there is always a cover-up option. Again, do some research, find a tattooist who specializes in coverups or at least a tattooist who has some experience in doing it. Not all artists can cover work, and not all bad work can be covered, so you need to find the right tattoo artist for the job.”
#14
Playboy Can’t Wait To Go To The Beach To Show It Off
#15
It’s Supposed To Be A Galaxy
#16
It Looks Like A Lawsuit
#17
Christopher Walken Or Steve Buscemi? And Why Is He Green?
Then, of course, there’s the laser. Adam Grant said that if a touch-up can’t remedy your disappointment, a trip to getting zapped is basically your last option.
“If the tattoo was executed as discussed but you don’t like it afterward, then unfortunately, that’s just tough luck,” he explained. “If it was done how it was discussed beforehand, then the tattoo was done as asked.”
#18
Ting Baby From The Future
#19
A Buddy Of Mine Has A Friend Who Gave Himself This In 8th Grade
#20
Joney Cesh
