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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.
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#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."
#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.
⚞ Katniss Everdeen ⚟ 4 years ago
The infinity symbol is also an autistic pride/solidarity icon, so that's one reason why it's popular, jsyk.
kkathleen517 4 years ago
Totally! Next time you get a tattoo please make sure it's something that the tattoo artist is really going to like!! Please make sure they aren't bored because that is the most important thing to remember when getting a tattoo on your body! Fu**in jerkoffs, don't do tattoos if you don't like it. Sitting around talking s**t and making fun of peoples tattoos.
A Dumbo Octopus 4 years ago
What if it's a rainbow infinity knot because I'm on the Autism Spectrum
Herta Schneider 3 years ago
Not at all and it'd be fine if they were. Being a d**k won't make yours bigger.
Load More Replies...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.
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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
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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?
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Electric Ed 4 years ago
I wonder what was left out. What do the artists like to tattoo? Apart from juggling bears of course.
Monday 4 years ago
Anything they don't get to do often I'd imagine. Or perhaps designs they come up with themselves where they're allowed to be creative? Honestly I'd like to see a thread about it.
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Reirei 4 years ago
If you think about it, everything has been done before. If you don't want to tattoo something, politely refuse. The thing about a tattoo is that it's usually important to the person getting it. So what if it's not original, you aren't the one who's wearing it. I intend to get a giraffe and a fish one day because they remind me of my grandparents. I really don't care how many people have giraffes or fish, it means something valuable to me.
ZombieGirl 4 years ago
Our shop never turns away a tattoo, unless its racist or sexist or anythingist. The artists will, however, steer the customer to new ideas if they come in with something from Pinterest or come in with something overdone. The customers always leave happy so its a win/win
Shelp 4 years ago
Some tattoo artists are tired of doing this or that tattoo again and again, I get it. But how can they just say "we don't do that anymore"? Can you imagine a hairdresser saying that he doesn't feel like cutting someone's hair because he's done it too many times? This doesn't make any sense to me.
Crissy Brandt 4 years ago
So basically everything? Let me tell you what I hate about my job. I work in health insurance so we are going to be here awhile....
Jayne Kyra 4 years ago
I have a couple original tattoos, a few unoriginal ones, and one that I let the artist do whatever she wanted. Love them all. But if a tattoo artist is "sick and tired" of doing a specific type that they might have got famous for, perhaps consider doing their own art with a brush instead of a vibrating needle. Or both! Decorate the studio with stencils and art and have fun.
Mike Crow 4 years ago
I am planning to get a new tattoo on my wrist. It is a small skull with the words “Not Today” surrounding it. I suffer from severe depression and I had a couple close calls with suicide.
Tabitha L 4 years ago
That sounds like a wonderful tattoo. I'm glad you are still here.
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Zoe's Mom 4 years ago
The thing about being a tattoo artist is that you are your own boss so if you want to turn some one down, that's entirely up to them. However, I don't understand why they would turn someone down if they are paying customers regardless of how unoriginal it might be unless the artist is in so much demand that they can turn away clients. But it's not the best reputation you want I would think.
Sardonic Scribe 4 years ago
At the end of the day - they're paying customers & it's their body. Refusing work is incredibly unprofessional.
Isle_of_stressed_pilots 4 years ago
Why do people keep judging others because they want a tattoo that is "unoriginal"?? Who the hell cares if it's original or not?! People usually wants tattoos because they look pretty or they have a hidden meaning to that person. Who are you to judge what a person puts on THEIR OWN BODY??
Cecilia Bivald 4 years ago
I need to start wearing my pants on my head so that I don’t get judged for being unoriginal.. for most of history tattoos were never made to be original. It was religious or a code to be read, as in prison or sailor tattoos.
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Deborah B 4 years ago
I get this, but I'm of the opinion that a tattoo should be something deeply meaningful, a one-off designed for the individual client. Why get something just because it's trendy? It will go out of fashion soon enough. If I was a tattoo artist, I'd have a sign up of the top five requests, "Number of times requested this year; Anchor: 67, Infinity sign with heart/name: 53, Pocket watch: 42. Your tattoo idea is not as original as you think. Why not consult our artists for a uniquely personal design?"
Mary Montejo 4 years ago
Really, like complain to a friend or fellow tattoo artist. It just makes me wonder if people should even bother. You may have seen it fifty times but it's unique for them and original for them.
Suzanne Torres 4 years ago
Don't bitch about what YOU do...it isn't the customers' fault because YOU said yes! Oh yeah, AND you get PAID! Just stop it! Either do it or don't, who cares? They will find the artist that will...or is that the rub? There are enough things going on without you complaining about the career you have chosen. Be grateful, not hateful!
ivan bolitekurac 4 years ago
I am sick of tattoos in general,especially inspirational instagram life quotes
Mark Serbian 4 years ago
I'm a Jazz Drummer. Mine is a skull & drumsticks with a pork pie hat. It says "Born to Play Bebop". The artist laughed the whole time he was putting it on.
MELONLOOOORD 4 years ago
Am I the only one who wants an 'I must not tell lies' tattoo on my left hand?
Cordi Schmidt 4 years ago
I am not sick of any particular tattoos (I do henna tattoos) but it was fun when I tattooed a group of Japanese girls. As Europeans/Americans often want tattoos of Japanese characters, these girls wanted their names/words in latin alphabet. Cute. :D
enjoyinglife 4 years ago
What happened to give the consumer what they want? They have to live with it and tattoos aren't free. Sounds like a win-win to me.
Patrick Millet 4 years ago
I totally get that trendy designs become way overdone and that the artist might get tired of them but at the same time popular flash is a quintessential part of tattooing. Anchors, swallows, roses, eagles, pinup ladies, dragons, those black panthers, pharaoh's horses, etc. And its kind of arbitrary that these are considered ok to get (probably because there's an entire mythology of old-timey tattoos as being "the real deal") but others are not. I'd def never get an infinity sign or a pocket watch, but if someone else wants one, they should go for it
⚞ Katniss Everdeen ⚟ 4 years ago
While this is valid, this post kind of left a bad taste in my mouth. Like sure, maybe a lot of other people have it, but in the end, it isn't your place to judge. Also, some things have different/special meanings for different people (i.e. the infinity sign being a symbol of autistic pride and acceptance), and it isn't fair to put them down for liking something aesthetically. It's their body, not yours.
ZOE JONES 4 years ago
To be honest, I don't get why everyone's so angry at the artists in the comments. Wouldn't you find it a little soul-crushing if you took up painting only to be commissioned sunset after sunset, the only variation being the little farm or the beach that plays little part in changing the fact that your craft, which you intended as a way to help others show themselves, has turned into one after another of the same piece? I'm not a tattoo artist, but I can definitely sympathize with signing up for one thing, thinking it would be new and unusual and unpredictable before being faced with having to do the same thing over and over again.
John Baker 4 years ago
It's no different from being a musician, a painter, a photographer or what have you. If you're depending on your artistic endeavors to pay the bills and put food on the table, you give the customer what he wants. If you want the freedom to be creative, you get a regular job and do the art on the side.
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Darlene Capstick 4 years ago
At least when I got my first tattoo and it was flash art, I didn’t have to deal with some pretentious ass.
Cecilia Bivald 4 years ago
I think you have to be pretty sure all of your own tattoos are the equivalent of Picasso before you judge others too harshly. I can see it’s annoying, and I’m sure most tattoos artists are professional, but why have flash if you are going to be runde or condescending to people for choosing it?
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Ileana Sky Aviles 4 years ago
These symbols sometimes have deep meaning for people. Just do your job and be grateful you've got income!
Naoko Yamaguchi 4 years ago
Be very careful when you want to tattoo with kanji! I've ever heard about a man who tattooed with kanji "kitchen" (Unfortunately he chose the word just because "it looks really cool"... he didn't know what that means :(
Hans 4 years ago
Tattooed people show their individualism...which makes them just like everyone else. >:-)
What's In Your Head? 4 years ago
Ah come on, why the downvotes? It's true! I got a tattoo at 19 because I wanted to be badass and special, now I think that's hilarious. I absolutely don't regret/regert getting that tattoo, it's a snapshot of that part of my life, but we as people can be pathetic (yes, I am including myself).
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Southernpatriot 1 month ago
This article annoyed me. Not that i have any of these or am butt hurt by it, but bc it's your job to do what the customer wants, so just be happy you have business coming in, stfu & give the girl a fckn palm tree. This article is a perfect example why I run my own s**t if I can. People are arrogant tools.
Craig Reynolds 1 year ago
Here's an idea! How about instead of whining about it, you grow a pair and put your own values and beliefs above profit, mate? Otherwise, quit B*tchin about what's paying your rent...
You're all wack I mean you 2 years ago
I have a sign outside my shop says no tattoos of lion and roses be original fck posers
betty anderson 3 years ago
I would like to note that i didn't want the deathly hallows symbol . I was getting hedwig in mid flight carrying a letter and my artist said " hey should we add this in the back just to add a little more ?" Good decision on her part , it looks wonderful .
Amarédesse Gemtree, SLYTHERIN 4 years ago
YESSS! I CAN STILL DO ANGEL WINGS ON MY BACK! FIRST I GOTTA GO TO JAPAN THO.
John Baker 4 years ago
I don't like doing the same thing over and over either, but it's called a job. It's something most of us have to do if we want to eat.
Jaded Queen 4 years ago
I m sick of seeing, butterflies, birds and angels, fairy . God the whole facination with "gonna fly away" is revolting.
D. Pitbull 4 years ago
I... feel weird... that I feel relieved that something-like-my-tattoo was not on here...
R.E. Daily 4 years ago
This is proof of what I have always said about the sheep who get tattoos because they are a fad and they are eventually going out of style. With that comes a generation of sheep who have marked up their bodies announcing to everyone that they cave to peer pressure, have zero originality and are willing to pay someone to do it.
Cecilia Bivald 4 years ago
No. It’s proof that we are a social species which interact and are influenced by each other and the place and time we live in. Our survival has often depended on it. The clothes you wear, the food you eat, what you drink - It’ all depends on the time and place you live in. Interactions with human beings and the effect that has on you doesn’t make you a sheep, it makes you human.
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White Wolf 4 years ago
All those people who say that doing the same and same tattoos over and over again is part of the tattooer's job and they should not complain - all of you are welcome to try it!
Brigitte 4 years ago
Doing the same thing over and over again is the general description of 'having a job' so we already know what it feels like.
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Jessica Jeffery 4 years ago
I like my tattoo artist friends, they'll do anything, but if they don't like it they'll just overcharge you for it. Pure professionals. Touched up a tattoo I got in a different city (couldn't go back to said city to the original guy, plus he was always way too goddamned busy). Didn't even complain once that "they didn't want to ruin the other artist's work". I hate it when tattoo artists say that. If I wanted the old artist to do it, I'd have gone to them, not you. I chose you because you're a better artists for f's sake.
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... Electric Ed 4 years ago
I wonder what was left out. What do the artists like to tattoo? Apart from juggling bears of course.
Monday 4 years ago
Anything they don't get to do often I'd imagine. Or perhaps designs they come up with themselves where they're allowed to be creative? Honestly I'd like to see a thread about it.
Load More Replies... Reirei 4 years ago
If you think about it, everything has been done before. If you don't want to tattoo something, politely refuse. The thing about a tattoo is that it's usually important to the person getting it. So what if it's not original, you aren't the one who's wearing it. I intend to get a giraffe and a fish one day because they remind me of my grandparents. I really don't care how many people have giraffes or fish, it means something valuable to me.
ZombieGirl 4 years ago
Our shop never turns away a tattoo, unless its racist or sexist or anythingist. The artists will, however, steer the customer to new ideas if they come in with something from Pinterest or come in with something overdone. The customers always leave happy so its a win/win
Shelp 4 years ago
Some tattoo artists are tired of doing this or that tattoo again and again, I get it. But how can they just say "we don't do that anymore"? Can you imagine a hairdresser saying that he doesn't feel like cutting someone's hair because he's done it too many times? This doesn't make any sense to me.
Crissy Brandt 4 years ago
So basically everything? Let me tell you what I hate about my job. I work in health insurance so we are going to be here awhile....
Jayne Kyra 4 years ago
I have a couple original tattoos, a few unoriginal ones, and one that I let the artist do whatever she wanted. Love them all. But if a tattoo artist is "sick and tired" of doing a specific type that they might have got famous for, perhaps consider doing their own art with a brush instead of a vibrating needle. Or both! Decorate the studio with stencils and art and have fun.
Mike Crow 4 years ago
I am planning to get a new tattoo on my wrist. It is a small skull with the words “Not Today” surrounding it. I suffer from severe depression and I had a couple close calls with suicide.
Tabitha L 4 years ago
That sounds like a wonderful tattoo. I'm glad you are still here.
Load More Replies... Zoe's Mom 4 years ago
The thing about being a tattoo artist is that you are your own boss so if you want to turn some one down, that's entirely up to them. However, I don't understand why they would turn someone down if they are paying customers regardless of how unoriginal it might be unless the artist is in so much demand that they can turn away clients. But it's not the best reputation you want I would think.
Sardonic Scribe 4 years ago
At the end of the day - they're paying customers & it's their body. Refusing work is incredibly unprofessional.
Isle_of_stressed_pilots 4 years ago
Why do people keep judging others because they want a tattoo that is "unoriginal"?? Who the hell cares if it's original or not?! People usually wants tattoos because they look pretty or they have a hidden meaning to that person. Who are you to judge what a person puts on THEIR OWN BODY??
Cecilia Bivald 4 years ago
I need to start wearing my pants on my head so that I don’t get judged for being unoriginal.. for most of history tattoos were never made to be original. It was religious or a code to be read, as in prison or sailor tattoos.
Load More Replies... Deborah B 4 years ago
I get this, but I'm of the opinion that a tattoo should be something deeply meaningful, a one-off designed for the individual client. Why get something just because it's trendy? It will go out of fashion soon enough. If I was a tattoo artist, I'd have a sign up of the top five requests, "Number of times requested this year; Anchor: 67, Infinity sign with heart/name: 53, Pocket watch: 42. Your tattoo idea is not as original as you think. Why not consult our artists for a uniquely personal design?"
Mary Montejo 4 years ago
Really, like complain to a friend or fellow tattoo artist. It just makes me wonder if people should even bother. You may have seen it fifty times but it's unique for them and original for them.
Suzanne Torres 4 years ago
Don't bitch about what YOU do...it isn't the customers' fault because YOU said yes! Oh yeah, AND you get PAID! Just stop it! Either do it or don't, who cares? They will find the artist that will...or is that the rub? There are enough things going on without you complaining about the career you have chosen. Be grateful, not hateful!
ivan bolitekurac 4 years ago
I am sick of tattoos in general,especially inspirational instagram life quotes
Mark Serbian 4 years ago
I'm a Jazz Drummer. Mine is a skull & drumsticks with a pork pie hat. It says "Born to Play Bebop". The artist laughed the whole time he was putting it on.
MELONLOOOORD 4 years ago
Am I the only one who wants an 'I must not tell lies' tattoo on my left hand?
Cordi Schmidt 4 years ago
I am not sick of any particular tattoos (I do henna tattoos) but it was fun when I tattooed a group of Japanese girls. As Europeans/Americans often want tattoos of Japanese characters, these girls wanted their names/words in latin alphabet. Cute. :D
enjoyinglife 4 years ago
What happened to give the consumer what they want? They have to live with it and tattoos aren't free. Sounds like a win-win to me.
Patrick Millet 4 years ago
I totally get that trendy designs become way overdone and that the artist might get tired of them but at the same time popular flash is a quintessential part of tattooing. Anchors, swallows, roses, eagles, pinup ladies, dragons, those black panthers, pharaoh's horses, etc. And its kind of arbitrary that these are considered ok to get (probably because there's an entire mythology of old-timey tattoos as being "the real deal") but others are not. I'd def never get an infinity sign or a pocket watch, but if someone else wants one, they should go for it
⚞ Katniss Everdeen ⚟ 4 years ago
While this is valid, this post kind of left a bad taste in my mouth. Like sure, maybe a lot of other people have it, but in the end, it isn't your place to judge. Also, some things have different/special meanings for different people (i.e. the infinity sign being a symbol of autistic pride and acceptance), and it isn't fair to put them down for liking something aesthetically. It's their body, not yours.
ZOE JONES 4 years ago
To be honest, I don't get why everyone's so angry at the artists in the comments. Wouldn't you find it a little soul-crushing if you took up painting only to be commissioned sunset after sunset, the only variation being the little farm or the beach that plays little part in changing the fact that your craft, which you intended as a way to help others show themselves, has turned into one after another of the same piece? I'm not a tattoo artist, but I can definitely sympathize with signing up for one thing, thinking it would be new and unusual and unpredictable before being faced with having to do the same thing over and over again.
John Baker 4 years ago
It's no different from being a musician, a painter, a photographer or what have you. If you're depending on your artistic endeavors to pay the bills and put food on the table, you give the customer what he wants. If you want the freedom to be creative, you get a regular job and do the art on the side.
Load More Replies... Darlene Capstick 4 years ago
At least when I got my first tattoo and it was flash art, I didn’t have to deal with some pretentious ass.
Cecilia Bivald 4 years ago
I think you have to be pretty sure all of your own tattoos are the equivalent of Picasso before you judge others too harshly. I can see it’s annoying, and I’m sure most tattoos artists are professional, but why have flash if you are going to be runde or condescending to people for choosing it?
Load More Replies... Ileana Sky Aviles 4 years ago
These symbols sometimes have deep meaning for people. Just do your job and be grateful you've got income!
Naoko Yamaguchi 4 years ago
Be very careful when you want to tattoo with kanji! I've ever heard about a man who tattooed with kanji "kitchen" (Unfortunately he chose the word just because "it looks really cool"... he didn't know what that means :(
Hans 4 years ago
Tattooed people show their individualism...which makes them just like everyone else. >:-)
What's In Your Head? 4 years ago
Ah come on, why the downvotes? It's true! I got a tattoo at 19 because I wanted to be badass and special, now I think that's hilarious. I absolutely don't regret/regert getting that tattoo, it's a snapshot of that part of my life, but we as people can be pathetic (yes, I am including myself).
Load More Replies... Southernpatriot 1 month ago
This article annoyed me. Not that i have any of these or am butt hurt by it, but bc it's your job to do what the customer wants, so just be happy you have business coming in, stfu & give the girl a fckn palm tree. This article is a perfect example why I run my own s**t if I can. People are arrogant tools.
Craig Reynolds 1 year ago
Here's an idea! How about instead of whining about it, you grow a pair and put your own values and beliefs above profit, mate? Otherwise, quit B*tchin about what's paying your rent...
You're all wack I mean you 2 years ago
I have a sign outside my shop says no tattoos of lion and roses be original fck posers
betty anderson 3 years ago
I would like to note that i didn't want the deathly hallows symbol . I was getting hedwig in mid flight carrying a letter and my artist said " hey should we add this in the back just to add a little more ?" Good decision on her part , it looks wonderful .
Amarédesse Gemtree, SLYTHERIN 4 years ago
YESSS! I CAN STILL DO ANGEL WINGS ON MY BACK! FIRST I GOTTA GO TO JAPAN THO.
John Baker 4 years ago
I don't like doing the same thing over and over either, but it's called a job. It's something most of us have to do if we want to eat.
Jaded Queen 4 years ago
I m sick of seeing, butterflies, birds and angels, fairy . God the whole facination with "gonna fly away" is revolting.
D. Pitbull 4 years ago
I... feel weird... that I feel relieved that something-like-my-tattoo was not on here...
R.E. Daily 4 years ago
This is proof of what I have always said about the sheep who get tattoos because they are a fad and they are eventually going out of style. With that comes a generation of sheep who have marked up their bodies announcing to everyone that they cave to peer pressure, have zero originality and are willing to pay someone to do it.
Cecilia Bivald 4 years ago
No. It’s proof that we are a social species which interact and are influenced by each other and the place and time we live in. Our survival has often depended on it. The clothes you wear, the food you eat, what you drink - It’ all depends on the time and place you live in. Interactions with human beings and the effect that has on you doesn’t make you a sheep, it makes you human.
Load More Replies... White Wolf 4 years ago
All those people who say that doing the same and same tattoos over and over again is part of the tattooer's job and they should not complain - all of you are welcome to try it!
Brigitte 4 years ago
Doing the same thing over and over again is the general description of 'having a job' so we already know what it feels like.
Load More Replies... Jessica Jeffery 4 years ago
I like my tattoo artist friends, they'll do anything, but if they don't like it they'll just overcharge you for it. Pure professionals. Touched up a tattoo I got in a different city (couldn't go back to said city to the original guy, plus he was always way too goddamned busy). Didn't even complain once that "they didn't want to ruin the other artist's work". I hate it when tattoo artists say that. If I wanted the old artist to do it, I'd have gone to them, not you. I chose you because you're a better artists for f's sake.
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