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Your body isn't just a tool, it's also a canvas, and tattoos are one of the most personal forms of expression. But if there's one thing people love to do with art, it's to critique it.

Ink Shaming — All Bad Tattoos is a Facebook group where that becomes especially clear. From terrible designs to bizarre subject matter and questionable placements, nothing escapes the judgment of its 397K members.

However, since the group also sees a lot of discussions (mainly over who's to blame for these pieces), some of them even get acquitted. So continue scrolling, upvote the ones you dislike, downvote those you believe are actually alright, and don't miss the chat we had with tattoo artist Nat Rita of Rita Tattoo — you'll find it in between the images.

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    #2

    Why They Gotta Do 40 Like That, Man

    Tattoo of a person's face wearing a cap and a chain, shared in a Facebook group discussing undesirable tattoos.

    Joe Dobrzensky Report

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    xolitaire
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't know rappers, so instead of E-40 my idiot brain went "40 cent??"

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    To get a better understanding of what we're seeing here, we contacted Nat Rita, a tattoo artist and creative designer from London, United Kingdom.

    "There are three main factors that usually make a tattoo bad: execution, idea, and placement," she told Bored Panda. "You might have an excellent idea for a tattoo, but if it's done by someone who lacks the experience and skill to execute it properly, it will be disappointing."

    And where you put it is crucial as well. "People come up with all sorts of unconventional body areas for their tattoos. In the best-case scenario, this might just make your tattoo look odd because the shape is distorted by the placement, but in the worst case, you could end up with something like a half-body silhouette of a dollar-store Wolverine stuck to your torso and arms."

    And when it comes to ideas, well, some concepts simply do not belong on your skin forever.

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    #3

    This Is The Absolute Worst Thing I've Seen

    Tattoo showing a cartoonish face with exaggerated features, shared in a Facebook group.

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    Robert T
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My two favourite films are Batman and The Planet Of The Apes. Say no more! ;-)

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    #4

    Oh My God, That’s Truly Just Awful

    Unusual tattoo of a child with exaggerated facial features, showcased in a Facebook group for tattoos that shouldn't exist.

    Taylor Sanders Report

    However, if for whatever reason you end up with what you believe is a mistake, don't worry. As you can see from the pictures, you're not the only one!

    According to a 2023 survey of a thousand Americans, 73% of them like tattoos and 39% have at least one themselves.

    But the study also revealed that 1 in 4 inked people regret at least one of their designs, with the top types being:

    1. Lettering/script (19%);
    2. Symbol (16%);
    3. Name (12%);
    4. Animal (10%);
    5. Tribal (9%).
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    #6

    Done In Potsdam NY Around 2004ish At A Shop That's Long Gone

    Unusual tattoo of a face with open mouth and eyes on the back of a shaved head, shared in a Facebook group.

    Dude thought he was THE S**T because his shop stayed busy. His shop stayed busy because he was the only place for an hour in either direction.....and those places weren't great either.

    Errol J. Cathcart Report

    #7

    I Think They Got His Hair All Wrong

    "Tattoo of a muscular figure stretches across a man's chest and arms in a unique design."

    Ricky Ricardo Report

    #8

    Harley Quinn Had A Daughter With Sloth From The Goonies

    Colorful face tattoo on forearm, depicting exaggerated facial features with vibrant lipstick and eye makeup.

    Cameron Beyer Report

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    The regret for these people usually sank in after 2+ years (51%) or just a few days (18%) after getting the tattoo. Furthermore, 48% of them said they got the tattoo spontaneously.

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    According to Nat Rita, everyone in this situation has a few options, but they depend on a few factors. "If they opted for the cheapest artist in the area, asked a friend to do it at home, or even did it themselves, the best option is to research studios or artists [...] who specialize in reworking or cover-ups."

    "Alternatively, you could go back to the original artist and explain why you're unhappy," she said. "If the tattoo only has minor issues, the artist might be willing to fix it. Whatever you decide, it ultimately comes down to doing thorough research on who you're working with."

    Then there's the laser. But with the average cost of $463 per session and around 7-10 sessions needed, it might not be accessible to many.


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    #11

    I Did Not Know She Had A Gap

    Tattoo of an exaggerated doll-like face on an arm, featured in a Facebook group for unusual tattoos.

    Cellar pet Report

    #12

    Been There

    Tattoos of a cartoonish alien in a car with text "Where am I?" on skin, featured in a Facebook group.

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    Cat Chat
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This really makes me laugh, in a fun, good way, though. Well done if this was what was intended.

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    To lessen your chances of a fiasco in the first place, Nat Rita recommends people do their homework.

    "Check studio reviews, see if the artist is reputable, look for recommendations, and review their portfolio," she said. "Be cautious of AI-generated art or Photoshopped images—professional artists won't oversell themselves or promise things that aren't possible."

    "They'll have a clear idea of what works and what doesn't, and even if you don't book with them, they'll still offer valuable advice."


    #15

    What’s Up Yall

    Unusual tattoo design resembling a sketched object with spiral and bands on skin, shared in a Facebook group.

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    #16

    One Of Picasso's Finer Works

    Poorly drawn tattoo of a face with lines and swirls on arm, shared in Facebook group for bad tattoos.

    Audrianna Bader Nichols Report

    #17

    Ran Into This On Another Page And Wow..i Think It’s Supposed To Be Adam Sandler?

    Amateurish tattoo depicting a smiling person wearing a blue cap, featured in a Facebook group highlighting questionable tattoos.

    Marcos Rodriguez-Toro Report

    "Many tattoos that end up being disappointing seem to have been done on a whim—rushed, poorly executed, and so on," Nat Rita continued. "To avoid this, go to a studio, find an artist, and follow them on social media to see their work and how they interact with clients."

    "If you're unsure how your idea will translate onto your body, request a consultation where you can discuss the details with the artist. Remember, you don't have to decide on the spot—you can visit a studio just to seek advice before committing to anything. Following this process can save you a lot of regret, giving you time to think about what you're getting before booking in advance."


    #18

    Probably The Worst Work I’ve Ever Seen

    Tattoo of two baseball players on a person's back in a Facebook group featuring questionable tattoos.

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    Andy Pandy
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Number 18 looks like he's wearing a flipper not standing on base

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    #19

    All That Wasted Canvas

    Back tattoo with the words "Less is more and nothing is too much," featured in a Facebook group about tattoos.

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    John Mosley
    Community Member
    4 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Was it done with a scalpel and against his will? Crime either way.

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    #21

    Dude I Work With Got This

    Tattoo of a distorted skull with blue flames on an arm, featured in a Facebook group for unusual tattoos.

    Jonas Benson Report

    Nat Rita also practices what she preaches. She has been getting inked since she was a teenager and hasn't had any regrets. Again, the tattoo artist attributes this to not lying down in front of a needle impulsively and carefully choosing who's holding it.

    "When I worked in walk-in studios, I often encountered people who wanted a tattoo but didn't know what they wanted. Even after a brief conversation, they might still be unsure, yet they didn't want to book for another day and would get upset if no artist was available immediately," she recalled. "If you want a tattoo but don't know what you want, you probably don't truly want a tattoo—you might just be bored, and tattoos seem cool. I don't disagree with that; it's your body, your choice. If we can come up with a cool idea together, I'm happy to do it, but there’s always a risk you might regret it later."

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    #23

    I Just Wanted To Share My Cool Tattoo, It's Actually One Of My Favorite Tattoos That I Have

    Tattoo of abstract feet and square shape on skin, shared in a Facebook group for unusual tattoos.

    Carlee June Robbins Report

    #24

    Oooof

    Child's portrait alongside an unusual tattoo depiction, as shared in a Facebook group for bad tattoos.

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    G A
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Was the tat the little girl after the fight with the raccoon? That nose is seriously wonky

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    #25

    Saw This Beauty On TikTok… Said It Took 7 Hours

    Abstract back tattoo with phrases and a flower, shared in a Facebook group for tattoos that shouldn't exist.

    Anonymous participant Report

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    Montanavanna
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It looks like a sketch someone close to them that has passed made and they got it tattoed on them in memoriam. I like the flower too.

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    Nat Rita is interested in the photos from 'Ink Shaming — All Bad Tattoos,' but she did notice a few comments along the lines of, "Oh, it's just this part that's bad; otherwise, I love it."

    "Do they really love it, or are they just ashamed that someone might point out how bad it is?" the tattoo artist said. "Maybe they admit something's wrong because they don't want to see themselves as being at fault. Usually, the fault lies somewhere in the middle. You could have the worst idea in the world, but a seasoned artist will always advise against it or suggest how to make it work. If you have a clear vision of what you want and how you want it, you're less likely to choose the easiest or cheapest artist—you'll seek out someone with the experience and skill to bring your idea to life."

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    #26

    Georgia Tie Fighter LOL

    Unusual tattoo featuring a peach combined with spaceship elements on a person's leg.

    Amanda Falzon Report

    #27

    This Marilyn Monroe Tattoo By Some Local Tattoo Artist

    Tattoo of a classic Hollywood star with iconic hairstyle, shared in a Facebook group for unusual tattoos.

    Anonymous participant Report

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    iBlank
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I feel like they drew this face from the bottom up, with the intention of having her head tilted back, but then forgot what they were doing half way through

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    #29

    I Truly Don’t Know What I’m Looking At

    Intricate tattoo design of a skull and floral patterns shared in a Facebook group about unusual tattoos.

    Anonymous participant Report

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    Premislaus de Colo
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Whatever this skull represents it's extremely well executed and doesn't belong here.

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    #30

    That’s Butthead Under There

    That’s Butthead Under There

    Ashley Ann Report

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    #31

    Kind Of A Cross Between Butterbean And Uncle Fester

    Kind Of A Cross Between Butterbean And Uncle Fester

    Taylor Sanders Report

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    #32

    Looks Like They Asked For Every Mother In Law In History And Combined Them All Into One

    Looks Like They Asked For Every Mother In Law In History And Combined Them All Into One

    Scott Brandon Report

    #35

    Well It’s Easy To See She Has Crabs

    Person with multiple crab tattoos on the torso, wearing a bikini at the beach.

    David Stockland Report

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    Paul C.
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Those crabs have been digitally added. This is a picture of Lauren Boebert an American "Politician" who has a thorn tattoo down the side of her body.

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    #36

    Imagine Sloth Holding Your New Born Bruhhh

    Imagine Sloth Holding Your New Born Bruhhh

    Anonymous participant Report

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    #37

    I'm A Linkin Park Fan, But Oof

    I'm A Linkin Park Fan, But Oof

    Laura King Report

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    TheNewJenBrady
    Community Member
    4 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Looks like somebody ordered a tattoo gun off temu and then had his best friend copy the doodle he drew on his 7th grade math notebook. Actually most of these in this post look like they were sourced from middle school notebook doodles

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    #38

    If I Was This Guy I Wouldn’t Be “Walken” Away From This Session A Happy Customer! Lmao

    If I Was This Guy I Wouldn’t Be “Walken” Away From This Session A Happy Customer! Lmao

    Anonymous participant Report

    #39

    Why Did They Make Jesus Look Like A Sea Otter?!

    Why Did They Make Jesus Look Like A Sea Otter?!

    Marcos Rodriguez-Toro Report

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    Robert T
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I see that Spanish woman has moved on from frescos to tattoos.

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    #40

    I Can't Get Over The Hands

    I Can't Get Over The Hands

    Anonymous participant Report

    #41

    Truly Speechless

    Truly Speechless

    Cherry Sarita Report

    #42

    Found This Beauty Online A Few Days Ago. All I Gotta Say Is Nailed It!

    Found This Beauty Online A Few Days Ago. All I Gotta Say Is Nailed It!

    Marcos Rodriguez-Toro Report

    #43

    He’s Just The Salt Of The Earth

    He’s Just The Salt Of The Earth

    Rick Copeland Report

    #45

    Another Big Fish I Pulled Out Of The Vast Sea We Call The Internet..i Don’t Even Have Words

    Another Big Fish I Pulled Out Of The Vast Sea We Call The Internet..i Don’t Even Have Words

    Marcos Rodriguez-Toro Report

    #46

    It's So Sad To See A Once Reputable Company (Which Got Sued And Is No Longer Star Brite) Share Something So Bad From Their Shop

    It's So Sad To See A Once Reputable Company (Which Got Sued And Is No Longer Star Brite) Share Something So Bad From Their Shop

    Anonymous participant Report

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    Ge Po
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    An elastic worple that's snapping. I see no problem with this one?

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    #47

    Found In The Wild At The Water Park Yesterday

    Found In The Wild At The Water Park Yesterday

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    Rigor Moreno
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think this is from a bloody manga. The nurse is about to.... anyways. :D

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    #48

    Nicolas Cage?

    Nicolas Cage?

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    Barbara Burns
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Looks more like a mash-up between Russell Crowe, Jeff Daniels, Mo, and a padre.

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    #49

    No Concept Of Facial Anatomy

    No Concept Of Facial Anatomy

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    #50

    Oh Ok

    Oh Ok

    Anonymous participant Report

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    Stephanie Did It
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Any tattoo artist that agrees to do this should have their business shut down.

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    #53

    Local Artist In A Shop. One Of The Worst I’ve Seen From A Shop Artist In My Area

    Local Artist In A Shop. One Of The Worst I’ve Seen From A Shop Artist In My Area

    Anonymous participant Report

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    Nathaniel He/Him Cis-Het
    Community Member
    4 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Can I get a herd of elephants tattooed on me? Make sure they look dead behind the eyes, absolutely soulless."

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    #54

    Done By A Local "Artist" Who Owns Their Own Shop. Thoughts??

    Done By A Local "Artist" Who Owns Their Own Shop. Thoughts??

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    Okiedokie
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I…I like it…a lot. I wouldn’t get it so big, but I like it

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    #55

    This Was On A Local Shop Owners Page, He Usually Does Good Work. Just Don’t Understand What Went Wrong Here

    This Was On A Local Shop Owners Page, He Usually Does Good Work. Just Don’t Understand What Went Wrong Here

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    #56

    The Little Tumbleweed

    The Little Tumbleweed

    Blicky Goth Report

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    Silly-Rabbit
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why do people do this! All I would focus on is the awful image. Who in the right mind wants to look at something like that! As a lover of tattoos this is a disgrace 😭

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    #58

    She’s Got The Morning After Pic So U Know What To Expect

    She’s Got The Morning After Pic So U Know What To Expect

    Billy Knight Report

    #60

    The Person That Tattooed This Owns Their Shop. The Fact That They Went Ahead And Did This On A Large Scale To, Blows My Mind

    The Person That Tattooed This Owns Their Shop. The Fact That They Went Ahead And Did This On A Large Scale To, Blows My Mind

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    #62

    No Shame Love This Artist But This One Got My Jaw Dropped

    No Shame Love This Artist But This One Got My Jaw Dropped

    Shayla Christine Report

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    Carl Roberts
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Looks like the deformed offspring of Michael Myers and Leatherface

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    #63

    Talk About Give You Nightmares

    Talk About Give You Nightmares

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    #64

    Bro This Is A Brazilian Guy. He Call Himself Of "The King Off Tattoos"

    Bro This Is A Brazilian Guy. He Call Himself Of "The King Off Tattoos"

    Leo Ferreira Report

    #65

    Found This Online And Wow This Is So Atrocious That I Immediately Thought Of Sharing To You Guys. It’s Supposed To Be Michael Jackson

    Found This Online And Wow This Is So Atrocious That I Immediately Thought Of Sharing To You Guys. It’s Supposed To Be Michael Jackson

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    #66

    Tom Cruise As A Clown???

    Tom Cruise As A Clown???

    Anonymous participant Report

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    Barbara Burns
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's Twisty the clown from American Horror Story. It's actually not bad!

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    #67

    I Imagine He’s Saving The Weird Space For When He Has More Kids?!

    I Imagine He’s Saving The Weird Space For When He Has More Kids?!

    Emma M Artin Report

    #69

    Not My Forehead Not My Problem, But Holy Hell

    Not My Forehead Not My Problem, But Holy Hell

    Sean Bellavich Report

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    #70

    Think Fight Club. I Know The Tattooer

    Think Fight Club. I Know The Tattooer

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    #71

    For Any Tool Fans In The House. Besides Maynards’s Deformed Potato Shaped Head In The Tat It’s Not Bad

    For Any Tool Fans In The House. Besides Maynards’s Deformed Potato Shaped Head In The Tat It’s Not Bad

    Sean Clark Report

    #72

    Dolphins I Guess

    Dolphins I Guess

    Shell Armstrong Report

    #73

    Found This Gem Today

    Found This Gem Today

    Guido Clynn Report

    #74

    Found On Marketplace, Not What I Would Use As Portfolio Work And Especially Not At That Price LOL!!!

    Found On Marketplace, Not What I Would Use As Portfolio Work And Especially Not At That Price LOL!!!

    HyPnoTiK Report

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    Skogsrået
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The placement of this tattoo is so stupid for several reasons.

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    #78

    Saw That On A Profile Picture Of My Friends Suggestions. So Many Things Wrong With That, I Can't Even Begin To Make A List

    Saw That On A Profile Picture Of My Friends Suggestions. So Many Things Wrong With That, I Can't Even Begin To Make A List

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    #79

    Professional Tattoo Not Ordered From Temu

    Professional Tattoo Not Ordered From Temu

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    #80

    I'm Begging You To Play Another RPG

    I'm Begging You To Play Another RPG

    Jack Barker Report

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    eric p
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Unlike most of the others, this is actually a really well done tattoo

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    #81

    This Crazy Guy Is 30 Years Old, I Think It Might Be Time For A Cover Up

    This Crazy Guy Is 30 Years Old, I Think It Might Be Time For A Cover Up

    Rick Walsh Report

    #82

    Thought This Belonged Here

    Thought This Belonged Here

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    #83

    Taste The Ratchet Rainbow

    Taste The Ratchet Rainbow

    Sheri Urbanek Report

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    #84

    Is This Real Love

    Is This Real Love

    Anonymous participant Report

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    Sarah Bailey
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think this one is actually very good especially compared to others.

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    #86

    I Saw This In Another Group…

    I Saw This In Another Group…

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    iBlank
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    at least it matches the drawing fairly well... like an image-based game of telephone

    #90

    Not Mine. Some Girl On My Facebook Keeps Posting The "Tattoos" That She's Been Doing. Totally Oblivious Of How Bad They Are

    Not Mine. Some Girl On My Facebook Keeps Posting The "Tattoos" That She's Been Doing. Totally Oblivious Of How Bad They Are

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    #91

    This Is Tomie, From Junji Ito Artwork, The Sad Thing Is Someone Was Actually Happy With This

    This Is Tomie, From Junji Ito Artwork, The Sad Thing Is Someone Was Actually Happy With This

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    #94

    Why

    Why

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    Vampiresscrow
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm kinda wondering if it is a tribute to a child who has passed away. If so, cute. It would be a great memory.

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