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 
Imagine the curse of being a musician who produced one hit but wasn't able to write another song that would be nearly as successful. No matter how many albums you'd release, people at your concerts would constantly request that one song. And you'd probably have to give it to them -- a substantial portion of your ticket sales may have depended on it. So you'd be performing the same tune over and over, and over again...
Reddit user Dexley decided to find out whether tattoo artists suffer from repetitive work as well. He made a post on the r/AskReddit subreddit, asking "Tattoo artists, what pieces are you tired of doing?" The short answer is yes. The long answer is the post went viral and has received nearly 16K comments, painting a pretty vivid list of overdone tattoos. Continue scrolling and check it out.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
If I have to tattoo the entire declaration of independence on one more fat dude's back, I'm going to scream.
Full of Giggles 4 years ago
Ten bucks says that none of the men have actually read every single word in the document.
Tattoo artist Lauren Harper, for example, has always loved traditional work. "I like to do a lot of that so I can appeal to a wider audience in my city," she told Bored Panda. "I like to do a lot of floral designs too, which is actually what the majority of my portfolio consists of."
Harper thinks that instead of asking 'what tattoos are unoriginal?' we should be questioning whether we can still think of an original tattoo in the first place. "We all get ideas or inspiration from something else. If you can think of it, it's probably already been done," she said. "And that's ok!"
However, if a client comes to a tattoo artist with a design that is particularly overdone, Harper thinks the professional wouldn't be out of line to point that out. "I might inform my client that something they're wanting is 'trendy' and suggest changes to make it more unique and their own, but at the end of the day it's their tattoo and their body so it's ultimately up to them."
RELATED:
#2
Friend of a friend got so tired of doing barcodes on people's necks that he made a game of using the silliest products as references. Were the customers to scan the tatoo they'd read sanitary products, a bag of nuts, mashed potatoes, spotted d*ck and so on.
Yana, the owner and artist of Foxy Ink Tattoo Studio, agrees that there are motifs that historically have been around for a while, or are 'trendy' right now. "What makes a design unoriginal is copying it exactly and without much thought," she told Bored Panda. "It usually comes from a lack of research and I advise other artists to look for more inspiration and variations of the theme, or ask the client if we can add a personal touch to their idea."
Even though the content might not be original, the story, intent, and execution, according to Yana, can be. "Any rose, pocket watch, anchor, or heart can be executed in an original manner. Except for infinity signs. Infinity signs and flocks of tiny birds are doomed."
Yana thinks that it's up for the tattoo artists to guide people to more original designs. "As an artist, I am responsible that what I put out into the world is up to my standards," she explained. "I've never refused the design idea for that particular reason and I'm sure that opulent and over the top designs suit certain personalities. If I feel some elements don't fit into the design in terms of content or composition, I will say so, and there will be a clear reason why. Ultimately, the ability to include multiple design elements while keeping them readable depends on the skill of the artist and the limitations of the medium."
#3
Infinity knots. Infinity knots with hearts. Infinity knots with names too long to be in the infinity knots.
Please infinity not.
When it comes to developing a design that stands out, Yana advises to really research your idea. "Look around, most of the popular ideas are only the surface of what's out there. Dig a little deeper."
Harper pointed out that it's important for people to remember their tattoo won't (and shouldn't) look like the reference they bring in from Pinterest. "You ideally pick your artist because you like their work and you should trust them to make you something you like. Trust is a big part of getting a tattoo," she said, adding that in the end, you're the one getting inked. So if you really want a Disney quote, just go for it. It's your skin.
#4
I hate when couples get each others names tattooed on each others arm and crap because then like 2 weeks later the dude will come back for a cover up becuase they broke up, it drives me up the wall.
#5
I worked as a shop manager for a little bit. My boss/the head artist was getting super burnt out on big cats (specifically lions) wearing crowns. In about a month, he'd done 5 realistic lions (and a panther) wearing crowns on dudes who wanted to feel like kings. I had to start politely turning them down when people called to inquire about them.
"Sorry, Ian's not really interested in doing more big cats this month."
#6
I’m not against face tattoos, I have friends and peers that wear them quite well. My issue is 18 year olds who want to get them because they want a certain look. Pop culture has made them seem a lot more acceptable then they actually are. At the end of the day in the majority of careers they will hinder employment.
Kisses4Katie 4 years ago
I always said if I made it as an artist I would get stars on one side.. But I've been saying that since 98 and I'm still not there. :/
#7
When I got my tattoo of a juggling bear, I was making small talk with the tattoo artist. She said she was tired of doing nothing but tribal designs and dragons all the time. She said the whole shop talked about my Bear juggling a club, a ball, and a machete, and that they were so thrilled by the originality that they were thinking about doing it for free.
They didn't. Cost me $300. Great tattoo though. Still my only one.
#8
Tattoo artist from Alabama here. I am not religious at all but I think I've ascribed the entire bible on human flesh at this point.
#10
Not an artist, but as I was setting up my last appointment, my artist and I were talking at the front desk and the person at the reception at the desk took a call, said "just a minute" and asks my artist;
"Hey Kev, do you have time for a walk in today?"
He looks over and says "maybe, what do they want?"
"An infinity loop"
"Are they on hold?"
"Yes."
"F**k that, I'm so f**king sick of infinity loops. Tell em I'm busy."
So I think infinity loops for Kev.
Misterscooter 4 years ago
I wouldn't know but seems like easy money for this one. Must get really old.
#11
Basically anything from Pinterest. Bird silhouettes, live laugh love, infinity symbols, etc
#13
"Its an anchor to symbolize I can't be held down"
Electric Ed 4 years ago
I'm having a difficult time understanding this symbolism. Anchors are devices to hold stuff down. Or is this why the tattooists cringe too?
#14
UK tattoo artist. Okay, pocket watches with roses surrounding them have started to die out bit one or two years ago,, my god they were f**kin rife. The worst part is when the customer says they want one they follow with, I've got an idea to make it special and unique to me. And I'd say ..."you want the time your baby was born don't you?". ..."omg how did you know" -_-. This year it has definitely moved on to lions, tigers etc wearing crowns, it's always the guys that have to check with their lass if the design is ok before they start too. Like mentioned before however, I'll take a pocket watch with a lions face in the centre, birds flying off it merging into an infinity symbol with each bird having its own individual birthstone of the families lost cats over the years, than a smelly person.
#15
Mine told me he is refusing to do anymore forests around someone's arm.
Full of Giggles 4 years ago
Wow! That is gorgeous. I can see why so many people request a forest theme sleeve from the artist.
#16
Not a tattoo artist, but so many people I've seen get the mustache on the inside of your pointer finger. I feel like that fad has to have gotten old with a few artists.
#17
Idk but 20 years from now there's gonna be a lotta old people with mandala tattoos and tree silhouettes.
#18
Went to a tattoo artist in NoCo once. He asked what I was thinking of doing, I said "I want an outline of-" and he just sighed and said "listen dude, I'm sorry but if I have to tattoo Pikes Peak one more time I'm gonna lose it."
For the record, I was asking for a rat, and he apologized profusely, but I thought it was hilarious. I know three different Coloradans with Pikes Peak tattoos.
#19
Asked my buddy. He said, "if I have to do another goddamn Latin paragraph on a chick's ribs, I'm gonna shoot my brains out!" Ironically, he was doing one on his GF at the time he told me...
#20
Snake coming out of the eye of a skull and why does the guy who wants this tattoo always have a perfectly groomed goatee.
#21
My grandpa is an artist and so I showed him this post , and immediately he said “butterflies on a obese persons lower back, I can’t tell you how many of those f**kers I drawn over stretch marks” yikes.
#22
My friend who's a tattoo artist said he's done the Deathly Hallows symbol probably 15 times in his career.
#23
Not an artist, but the tattoo shop I go to back home in the Caribbean has a running tally of how many times they have to tattoo palm trees on girls ankles
#24
Shadow birds and infinity symbols with children’s names within them. Never again.
#27
I was with a friend who was getting a tattoo and the artist mentioned he was sick of tattooing “This Too Shall Pass.”
Made sure to pull down my sleeve after he said that.
But f**k it, I got it as a reminder when it comes to my bad anxiety, so whatever.
Electric Ed 4 years ago
I guess that was not the start from the Jane Austen quote "This too shall pass, and probably much faster than it ought to".
#29
Little sun/moon combos.
#30
Sugar skulls.
What do you think ?
Brigitte 4 years ago
I get it. Tattoo artists are sick of doing the same thing over and over again but guess what? That's everywhere in the working environment. They are paying customers - just do your job. Having a sign at the door saying "Don't even come in if you want ..." is very unprofessional.
Troux 4 years ago
Agreed. Couldn't imagine going into a restaurant and being told I can't eat something because the cooks are bored with making them.
Load More Replies...
ToGo 4 years ago
Jeez! I didn't realise tattooists had such big ego's. I get it, being a human printer is pure talent but so is answering 100+ calls in an 11 hour shift with customers screaming at you and not totally losing your sh*t. It's talent standing on your feet all day serving Karen's in a coffee shop while keeping a smile on your face. Just slap on the damn infinity symbol, rob them blind and STFU. Snooty b*stards.
Salvador Laurienti 4 years ago
The equivalent of 15 different girls named Brittany ordering a pumpkin spice latter per day
Load More Replies...
Sherbaan Naab 4 years ago
So, basically, they are just complaining about their jobs. Same as everybody else. Imagine a bartender saying: If I have to pour one more gin and tonic... Or a cab driver: If I have to take home another group of drunk girls... It's part of the job.
Mim“the Swede”Sorensson 1 year ago
And they’re doing it. They wouldn’t have been so sick of these motifs if they hadn’t actually done a large number of them. Do they have to absolutely love every part of it too? A bit much to ask, don’t you think?
Load More Replies...
Brigitte 4 years ago
I get it. Tattoo artists are sick of doing the same thing over and over again but guess what? That's everywhere in the working environment. They are paying customers - just do your job. Having a sign at the door saying "Don't even come in if you want ..." is very unprofessional.
Troux 4 years ago
Agreed. Couldn't imagine going into a restaurant and being told I can't eat something because the cooks are bored with making them.
Load More Replies... ToGo 4 years ago
Jeez! I didn't realise tattooists had such big ego's. I get it, being a human printer is pure talent but so is answering 100+ calls in an 11 hour shift with customers screaming at you and not totally losing your sh*t. It's talent standing on your feet all day serving Karen's in a coffee shop while keeping a smile on your face. Just slap on the damn infinity symbol, rob them blind and STFU. Snooty b*stards.
Salvador Laurienti 4 years ago
The equivalent of 15 different girls named Brittany ordering a pumpkin spice latter per day
Load More Replies... Sherbaan Naab 4 years ago
So, basically, they are just complaining about their jobs. Same as everybody else. Imagine a bartender saying: If I have to pour one more gin and tonic... Or a cab driver: If I have to take home another group of drunk girls... It's part of the job.
Mim“the Swede”Sorensson 1 year ago
And they’re doing it. They wouldn’t have been so sick of these motifs if they hadn’t actually done a large number of them. Do they have to absolutely love every part of it too? A bit much to ask, don’t you think?
Load More Replies... You May Like Finger Tattoos Are The Newest Trend, And We've Collected Some Amazing Ideas For You To Check 30 Of The Best Palm Tattoos 50 People Who Wanted A Cool Tattoo But Ended Up With A Permanent Mistake
Akvile Petraityte 🇺🇦
Akvile Petraityte 🇺🇦
Justinas Keturka
Related on Bored Panda
