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Tattoos aren’t for everyone, that’s for sure. But there’s no denying the effort and skill that goes into creating them. Tattoo artists spend years refining their craft, constantly pushing the limits of what can be achieved with ink and skin.

This dedication shines through in the incredible designs that can be found on the subreddit r/TattooDesigns, where professionals and tattoo fans gather to share their work. We’ve scoured through their posts and rounded up some of their most impressive ones for you below. Scroll down to check them out, and don’t miss our chat with Andrew Borysiuk, an expert tattoo artist from Ukraine.

#1

So Realistic! What Do You Think Of It?

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Irish Lassie
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3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looks as if a real Dobie is jumping thru this person’s skin. Unbelievably realistic & unbelievable talent.

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With over 1.7 million followers, r/TattooDesigns is one of Reddit’s most popular communities. It’s a lively space where people not only share their stunning tattoos but also swap creative ideas, discuss various techniques and styles, and offer professional advice. To learn more about what goes into this craft, Bored Panda got in touch with Andrew Borisyuk, a talented tattoo artist from Ukraine and an active member of the subreddit.

“My journey into tattooing was kind of a fluke,” he tells us. “Although I’ve been drawing since childhood, I was more interested in piercings during my teenage years. Getting a tattoo myself, let alone becoming an artist, never even crossed my mind.”

“Then, one day, I found myself hanging out at a tattoo shop as a guest and decided to talk to the local artists. The whole process fascinated me, and I peppered them with basic questions, like how much the equipment cost and what all the tools were for. Curiosity eventually got the better of me, and I started practicing on myself and my friends.”

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“I started tattooing quite early for our region, in late 2007,” Andrew recalls. “Globally, the industry was already well-developed, but here in Ukraine, there weren’t many artists around, finding information was tough, and equipment was hard to come by.” Back then, with no Instagram and none of the resources he has access to today, Andrew relied on online forums and a lot of trial and error. “In the beginning, I was terrified of messing up, so I shied away from complex designs for a long time,” he admits. “I mostly did simple tattoos, like quotes or phrases. Gradually, though, I started analyzing the work of other artists online and experimenting with different techniques.”

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#6

My First Tattoo On Real Skin As A 18 Yo Apprentice

My First Tattoo On Real Skin As A 18 Yo Apprentice - Clementine_AJ

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As Andrew gained more experience, word-of-mouth helped grow his client base. After two years, he and a friend rented their own space, and he has been tattooing full-time ever since. His versatility as an artist is on full display on his Instagram, where you can find everything from detailed, colorful arm sleeves to classic black-and-white designs, and even quirky tattoos of popular memes. Among his many serious works, Andrew’s favorite recent piece is a cartoonish bird with a whimsy side-eye. He can’t quite explain why he loves it so much, but its simplicity and humor never fail to make him smile.

#7

Backpiece By Me, 8 Sessions

Backpiece By Me - Andrew Borisyuk. 8 Sessions

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#9

Would Getting A Tattoo Like This Be A "Job-Stopper"?

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“I wouldn’t say I have a signature style,” Andrew muses. “Looking back, I gravitated towards old-school at one point, then later, neotraditional. But for various reasons, I ended up embracing a mix of styles and techniques.”

This creative freedom is a big draw for him, but ultimately, his clients’ wishes guide his work. “People often come to me with something specific in mind, which isn’t always what I’m most interested in doing, but that’s fine; it’s just part of the job.”

“During consultations, I often hear things like, ‘I love your work, but can we do this picture I found on Pinterest?’ So, I don’t have any illusions about the tattoo industry. It’s definitely visual art, but I see it more as a skilled craft.”

#10

My First Tatt. Panel “Hell” From “The Haywain Triptych” By Hieronymus Bosch. Forearm

My First Tatt. Panel “Hell” From “The Haywain Triptych” By Hieronymus Bosch. Forearm

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#12

Charmander Watercolor By Marissa At Nice Tattoo Parlor | Brooklyn, NY

Charmander Watercolor By Marissa At Nice Tattoo Parlor | Brooklyn, NY

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Andrew’s work process revolves around careful planning and having in-depth talks with his clients about their desired tattoos. “It’s almost always a compromise between what the client wants, the limitations of working on skin, and my own taste. If we’re all on the same page there, the rest is just about technique and time,” he explains.

#14

Red Panda, My First Time Doing Full Colour Work

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Upstaged75
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3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is what Red Pandas do when they feel threatened. To make themselves look scary. They have no idea it only makes them more adorable. :)

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“The stuff I find truly interesting, my creative experiments, often don’t get as much love as the more popular and straightforward designs,” Andrew candidly shares. “But that’s what keeps me going, this constant pursuit of creating the perfect tattoo, both technically and conceptually. It’s a fascinating process, but I keep it separate from my everyday client work. Just keeping it real.”

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#16

Little Eevee In A Teacup I Tattooed On A Client A Few Weeks Back 🌸

Yodatattoos - Little Eevee In A Teacup I Tattooed On A Client A Few Weeks Back

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Tamra
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3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is so well done. The grey shading is done with a deft touch.

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#17

What Would You Call This Style Of Tattoo?

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triximp
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3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That must’ve taken ages, bravo to the artist AND the client, I wouldn’t have been able to sit still for so long.

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Andrew’s favorite aspect of tattooing is the connection he builds with his clients. “I love easy sessions when the client’s wishes coincide with my ideas and vision. It makes the whole process effortless.” And of course, seeing the final result is incredibly rewarding. “I’m always excited to witness how my work looks once it has fully healed,” he adds.

#19

Tattoo Done By Me - Krone Ink - In Denmark, Europe

Tattoo Done By Me - Krone Ink - In Denmark, Europe

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#21

I Got This In Pattaya (Thailand) At Ink.inc Studio The Artist Name Is Mon

I Got This In Pattaya (Thailand) At Ink.inc Studio The Artist Name Is Mon

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For those thinking about getting a tattoo, Andrew has some practical advice. “If you have a very clear understanding of what you want to get, find a skilled artist who works in a style you visually like,” he suggests. “If you’re still undecided, talk to artists whose work you find impressive. Share any motifs or ideas you want to avoid, and then trust them to do their thing. They’re just as invested in achieving a great result as you are.”

#22

Husband And I Have Been Together Since We Were 14, Now In Our 30’s. Cute Or Cringey?

Husband And I Have Been Together Since We Were 14, Now In Our 30’s.

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Regarding aftercare, Andrew keeps it simple. “It’s easy if you go to a pro. Just be responsible and follow the instructions they give you during or after your session.” This way, your tattoo will heal properly and maintain its great appearance over time.

If the stunning works from r/TattooDesigns and Andrew Borysiuk’s insights have sparked your interest in getting a tattoo, remember to take your time and consider your options carefully. And if you’re ever in Kyiv and decide to take the plunge, Andrew will be there, ready to bring your ideas to life.

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#28

Think About This One. What Y'all Think?

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Vay
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3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

“Prying open my fidget spinners eye”. But very nice work!

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#29

Any Thoughts On My Stoicism Tattoo?

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triximp
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3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love this. The skull, white eyes, and crow perfectly complement each other in a death theme. Bravo!

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#34

All My Fake Skin Pieces As A 18 Yo Apprentice. My Mentor Want Me To Do My First Tattoo On Real Skin Next Week And I'm Really Nervous. Any Tips?

All My Fake Skin Pieces As A 18 Yo Apprentice. My Mentor Want Me To Do My First Tattoo On Real Skin Next Week And I'm Really Nervous.

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#36

Everybody Here Has Incredible And Intricate Tattoos, So I'd Like To Change It Up A Bit. A Very Practical Tattoo

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Brittania Kelli
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3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My best friend had a tattoo like this, would write reminders in sharpie fineliner. Loved it so much.

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#38

Got A Fun Little One The Other Day

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Yoel Shapiro
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3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serotonin#/media/File%3ASerotonin-2D-skeletal.svg

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Note: this post originally had 68 images. It’s been shortened to the top 38 images based on user votes.