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Tattoos

Thinking about a tattoo or piercing? Find inspiration and advice on our Tattoo forum.

Original poster

Is the tattoo really that bad?

260 replies

Unsuretattoo · 30/06/2022 13:05

Got my first tattoo a few months back and was really pleased with it. Just posted it on reddit (first mistake I know) and everyone's saying it's awful

Is the tattoo really that bad?
OP posts:
Thread gallery
9
WiddlinDiddlin · 30/06/2022 15:18

RicherThanYew · 30/06/2022 14:58

The skull and wave is incredible, the only real issue with the snake is the colouring but you can go back (probably best to find someone different with more experience in using colours). You're brave for a first timer, was that 4hrs?

Egad - they're really really not. Below average and that is being generous.

This is incredible (tattoo by Sandy Riffard, pinched off the interwebs by me)

Is the tattoo really that bad?
RestingMurderousFace · 30/06/2022 15:22

P205 · 30/06/2022 15:03

If you compare the OP's tattoo to something like this, it's just a completely different ballpark.

But, if she likes it, that's all that matters.

I’m not usually a tattoo lover but that one is beautiful.

Spohn · 30/06/2022 15:22

‘It is nice though’ 😄 oh come on

Its your arm, you must think it’s fantastic, (if you didn’t stop the tattooist halfway through, and also paid for this) so that’s the only thing that matters.

P205 · 30/06/2022 15:25

Squills · 30/06/2022 15:09

This is fantastic. Is it yours?

Show quote history

No, just a random one I found online. 🐍

I think there are really beautiful and well-executed tattoos out there. There are some amazingly talented tattoo artists out there.

I never really understood why so many people get badly drawn tattoos. I don't think the OP's is terrible. It's average. The shape of the snake's head isn't great and the blocky scales around its mouth look strange.

LynneBenfield · 30/06/2022 15:25

“Incredible” is one way to put it @RicherThanYew. I thought the blue thing was coral, not a wave.

I would agree with the people who have said the execution is somewhat lacking here but it depends on what you paid for it. If you paid below average for the size and time taken and (as you say) you are pleased with it, then happy days. I’d do a bit more research next time though and go for someone with a higher level of skill, even if it means getting a smaller piece for your money.

Lalosalamanca · 30/06/2022 15:26

Looks like a child has done this tattoo. Anyone who tells you different has problems with their eyes or being honest. But, if you like it then you shouldn't worry what anyone else thinks

RicherThanYew · 30/06/2022 15:27

@WiddlinDiddlin meh, it is technically very good but it's a bit, try hard?

iBrows · 30/06/2022 15:28

Ok the tattoo isn’t good. The good thing is that it isn’t very detailed so you can get that corrected (by someone skilled!!) to look way better / slightly more realistic and make it part of a sleeve so it won’t stand out as particularly bad.

RicherThanYew · 30/06/2022 15:31

@1000Pieces and that's nice, but I am specifically referencing the posters without tattoos, who actively DISLIKE tattoos, who read the title of this thread and came here anyway, almost as though they wanted to see the thing that they dislike. I made no comment about the posters who enjoy tattoos who have given quite salient advice.

Booklover3 · 30/06/2022 15:31

It’s not to my taste but if you love it does it matter?

PollyEsther · 30/06/2022 15:36

Sorry, OP. It is objectively really not very skilled work. I personally do not like the style either.

knittingaddict · 30/06/2022 15:36

Flyinggeese1234 · 30/06/2022 15:01

If this is real, I think it’s the proportions that are wrong (amongst other things).

Why would a snake’s head be similar in size to a human skull?

I have to say that I was wondering if this was some kind of fake tattoo. It's "brave" for a first go. I'm hoping it isn't real for obvious reasons.

Arsewangry · 30/06/2022 15:37

Snakes have scales, the skull is patchy. I would want that improved before making it in to a sleeve.

ReneBumsWombats · 30/06/2022 15:37

How much was it?

Pluvia · 30/06/2022 15:38

Back in the 80s, when I was young and just getting going, I paid stupid money I couldn't afford for some very fancy Designer's Guild curtains in a fabric that was all the rage at the time. Within a couple of years interior trends had moved on and they looked dated and I hated them. That's why I don't have any tattoos. I'm sorry, OP, that you're not going to be able to replace your tattoo as easily as I could my curtains.

Iamacatslave · 30/06/2022 15:40

What exactly is it?

Simonjt · 30/06/2022 15:40

Do you like it? Thats all that matters. Some people may not like my tattoos, thats fine, after all they’re on my body so as long as I like them it doesn’t matter.

knittingaddict · 30/06/2022 15:44

I don't think the op is coming back to answer questions.

WinterMusings · 30/06/2022 15:44

RicherThanYew · 30/06/2022 15:31

@1000Pieces and that's nice, but I am specifically referencing the posters without tattoos, who actively DISLIKE tattoos, who read the title of this thread and came here anyway, almost as though they wanted to see the thing that they dislike. I made no comment about the posters who enjoy tattoos who have given quite salient advice.

@RicherThanYew

I've been on MN since almost the beginning, I use 'Active Conversations' & I didn't even know we had a 'tattoo' topic 🤣. So I don't agree that people come onto the topic just to say they hate tattoos. (Or dogs/niche hobby). I think they don't even realise it's in a 'topic' rather than AIBU/Chat etc.

@Unsuretattoo how did you feel about it before you posted on Reddit??
I think @gabagoulghost has given you really good advice.

PlasticsFantastic · 30/06/2022 15:49

You definitely shouldn’t get a tattoo for other people to admire.
Only get one for yourself.
Only get a sleeve for yourself.

pointythings · 30/06/2022 15:50

It's a matter of personal taste, isn't it? My DDs have tattoos and theirs are all done in the more delicate style that's currently in favour. I far prefer it to this, it's too blocky for me. But if you like it and it's your style then surely that is the only thing that matters?

Flixon · 30/06/2022 15:50

I do not have any tattoo's but I think some look amazing - eg that red and black sleeve above. Sadly yours is not in that league. If you like it though, why do you are what I think?

knittingaddict · 30/06/2022 15:50

I certainly came here from trending. Fascinated to learn that there's a Tattoo forum.

RestingMurderousFace · 30/06/2022 15:51

I bet a really skilled tattooist could tweak it a bit and make it look amazing x

SlashBeef · 30/06/2022 15:51

It's...not great. The thought of having that on me forever freaks me out. If you're going to get a big piece like that you wanna make sure your artist is top notch. I have a few dodgy ones but they're small and don't bother me. I'd see if you can get it re-worked.