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Did you know that 48% of adults in Italy have a tattoo? Not far behind, 47% of Swedes have at least one piece of ink. And in the United States, 46% of adults have been permanently branded with artwork. Well, “artwork” might be a stretch, because in some cases, these tattoos are just painfully bad.

That’s right, folks. Today, we’re going on another deep dive through the That’s It, I’m Inkshaming (Actually Bad Tattoos) Facebook group, which shares photos of some of the worst tattoos the world has ever seen. If you’re considering getting a new piece of ink any time soon, these photos will make you think long and hard about that decision (As you should!). And if you already have some tattoos that you’re not particularly proud of, just know, they could always be worse.

Keep reading to find a conversation we were lucky enough to have with the Administrators and Moderators of That's It, I'm Inkshaming (Actually Bad Tattoos), and be sure to upvote all of the pictures that you would show a teenager to scare them out of getting tattoos. Then, if you’re interested in checking out even more tattoos that must sting worse and worse the longer they exist, you can find Bored Panda’s last article featuring the same Facebook group right here!

#1

Found This On Someone’s Facebook

Found This On Someone’s Facebook

Jess Akers Report

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pink_panda
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ahh, it's the beloved saint Our Lady of Skeletor and her three-legged ventriloquist dummy

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To learn more about how That’s It, I’m Inkshaming (Actually Bad Tattoos) came to be, we reached out to the administrators and moderators of the group on Facebook. “There’s another group on Facebook called That’s It, I’m Inkshaming. Several members of that group were disappointed by the rising level of quality of tattoos in that group, so they splintered off and started this page, That’s It, I’m Inkshaming (Actually Bad Tattoos),” the admins told Bored Panda. 

“The modmin team works hard to weed out submissions that are bad in concept, but are technically applied well,” they explained. “There’s another group for that type of tattoo, called Eh, It’s Not Really A Bad Tattoo, I Just Don’t Like It.”

“Since the inception of our group, the page has far surpassed the original group in membership, engagement, and posts per day. We even have a couple copycat groups that try to emulate our formula, to varying degrees of success,” the modmin team shared.

#2

If I Ever Saw This Lion In Real Life, I'm Sorry, But I'd Have To Put It Out Of Its Misery

If I Ever Saw This Lion In Real Life, I'm Sorry, But I'd Have To Put It Out Of Its Misery

Wendy Louise McGrath Report

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We were also curious if the administrators and moderators of this Facebook group actually have any tattoos themselves, and as it turns out, despite being a diverse group, they all do! “We’ve got folks working in Project Management and Administration, a Senior Technical Support Analyst, a Senior Editor for a pop culture news site, a beertender, a salt bagger, a cat rescuer, a few full time parents,” they shared with Bored Panda. 

“Working full time jobs (or several part time jobs) and finding time and energy to manage a page like ours is challenging, but is usually rewarding and worth the effort,” the modmin team noted. 

“We all have tattoos, and love them because they’re snapshots of our individual life experiences,” they explained. “There are some really bad ones that we got when we were young and dumb, and some really spectacular pieces that represent other phases in life. Tattoos can be anything, and represent anything. There really is no end to the creative possibility.”

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#5

Oh My!! The Arms, The Teeth, Just... Everything!! They Truly Hate This Person They Had Tattooed On Them!!

Oh My!! The Arms, The Teeth, Just... Everything!! They Truly Hate This Person They Had Tattooed On Them!!

Kelly Dreller Report

#6

He Tried To Copy His Friend’s Design

He Tried To Copy His Friend’s Design

Brian Aguilar Report

We also asked the administrators and moderators why they think it’s so common to end up with a tragic tattoo. “At this point, tattooing is a very common artform. If you don’t have a tattoo, you know someone who does. And if you have one yourself, you probably have several. It’s not the type of thing people usually give up on after just one,” they pointed out. 

But if you’re unhappy with one of your pieces, know that you’re in good company. “It’s very rare that anyone with tattoos doesn’t have at least one that’s really bad,” they added. “Whether it’s the first tattoo that they got on their 18th birthday because they were young and inexperienced, the unrecognizable blown out vacation tattoo, or the bad decision made on their cousin’s kitchen table, almost everyone who’s inked has one terrifically bad tattoo.” 

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#7

Hello Lovely People, This Is My Horrid Tattoo! Roast It In The Comments Before My Coverup Appointment On The 28th!! (Be Harsh Hahah)

Hello Lovely People, This Is My Horrid Tattoo! Roast It In The Comments Before My Coverup Appointment On The 28th!! (Be Harsh Hahah)

Chloe Chloe Report

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Sherilynne DeMaio
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love this one so much! Head in the clouds, just vibin' with nature, loving life!

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We also asked the modmin team if they think people often realize when they have a bad tattoo, or if it’s all just a matter of preference. “Most people do recognize these pieces are bad, but either haven’t thought of the perfect cover-up yet, or just don’t have the money to have it lasered off or blasted over,” they told Bored Panda. 

“It becomes sort of a conversation piece for the rest of their lives. The majority of folks in this situation will tell you the tattoo is bad, and crack jokes on it. That’s the reason behind Self Shame Sunday on the page. Members bring their own tattoo pics to the group, and we all have a good laugh together.” 

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“Of course, there are some who don’t recognize that their terrible tattoo is terrible, and others who just love bad tattoos and get them intentionally,” the modmin team added. “There’s actually a sort of bad tattoo movement called ‘ignorant style.’ It was popularized by a street artist named Fuzi, and the pieces mimic the kind of terrible tattoos one would get in the basement of a friend’s house at a keg party. It’s… definitely a choice.”

#11

Omg I Had To Pry Myself Away From This Account Lmao Content For Days

Omg I Had To Pry Myself Away From This Account Lmao Content For Days

Carla Horner Report

#12

I’ve Been Staring At This Thing For An Hour And I Still Don’t Know What It Is

I’ve Been Staring At This Thing For An Hour And I Still Don’t Know What It Is

Brian Aguilar Report

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Dozingdahlias
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Mermaid having a bad hair day wrapped in bacon with the end of her tail cut off obviously

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And when it comes to what qualifies as an “inkshame” worthy tattoo, the modmin team told Bored Panda that they “really try to focus on the quality of art and application, rather than content".

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“There’s no room in our group for racism, ableism, homophobia, transphobia, content shaming, kink shaming, body shaming, or any other lifestyle judgments on canvases,” they added. “The modmins don’t care that it’s a Twilight tattoo, or that someone wanted the Nickelback logo across their entire back. We’re looking for wonky lines, blowouts, unconnected lines, messy shading, unrealistic anatomy… actually bad tattoos.”

#13

A Shop Near Me Did Artist On Artist "Blind Tattoos".... I'm Wondering If That Means They Were Blindfolded Because Yikes

A Shop Near Me Did Artist On Artist "Blind Tattoos".... I'm Wondering If That Means They Were Blindfolded Because Yikes

Taylor Gribble Report

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MeowZer
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's hilarious and fantastic. Blind tattoos are usually pretty great.

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#15

These Faces Couldn’t Possibly Have Been An Accident. Right? Right!? I Have Searched For An Explanation And There Is None

These Faces Couldn’t Possibly Have Been An Accident. Right? Right!? I Have Searched For An Explanation And There Is None

Hayley Thomas Report

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smolspeedycats
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The best explanation I can think of is that the tattoo artist was on something, but even that doesn't quite cover it.

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We were also curious if there were any particularly bad pieces on the page that are permanently tattooed into the modmin team’s minds. “The most recent tattoo that really stands out is the one we’re currently using as our banner image,” they told Bored Panda. “It’s a woman who got a tattoo of a sun on her hip, but the orientation and application are so bizarre, it’s unbelievable. The sun is right side up if she’s on all fours. There are rays coming off the sun, through her thigh, and into her calf, ankle, and foot, but only if she’s squatted down, naked, in the weirdest, most awkward position you can imagine. It is gloriously bad, for so many reasons.”

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#18

What Do You Think Of His New Tattoo?

What Do You Think Of His New Tattoo?

Brian Aguilar Report

The modmin team also shared what they think the most important things to consider before getting inked up are. “Always plan ahead. Once you’ve figured out what you want, search engines are your friend,” they noted. “Find examples of the style and subject that you’re looking for, and research local artists that specialize in that specific style, and that are at least aware of the subject. If you want an American Traditional Cyberman head with a sonic screwdriver handled dagger plunged through its metal skull, make sure your artist does AmTrad and has a favorite Doctor Who villain before dropping that deposit.”

“Communication with the artist is key,” they added. “Bring reference photos. Discuss what you like and dislike about each image, and ask questions. Any artist worth their salt will listen and give feedback before producing their own image based on your preferences.” 

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#19

Why Would Anyone Care How Much They Charge After Seeing This?!

Why Would Anyone Care How Much They Charge After Seeing This?!

Group member Report

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K Madd
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

AHHHHH it's not straight!! I don't like that lol! Cool idea tho!(edit: as an FYI, Idk if finger bones are supposed to be slanted lol, and I didn't mean to sound homophobic if you think that did

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#21

We Caught Ourselves One

We Caught Ourselves One

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ginny weasley
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I cannot decide if its supposed to be Napoleon or a possessed Japanese baby doll

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“Once the stencil is prepared and applied, if there’s something that rubs you wrong, SPEAK UP,” the modmin team told Bored Panda. “Odd placement? Details different than discussed? Smaller than you wanted? Bigger? This is the time to say something. Be open to suggestions from a reputable artist, but if they aren’t able or willing to do exactly what you want, consider a different tattoo, or a different artist.”

“If anything makes you uncomfortable about the stencil, it will continue to make you uncomfortable for the life of the piece,” they noted. “Patience is also a big factor in the quality of a tattoo. If an artist is booked out two months, but you’re certain they’re the artist you want to work with, drop that deposit and wait it out. The books are full for a reason. Respect the wait.”

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#22

Saw This One On My Feed. Supposedly Its A Teddy Bear With A Honey Pot And A Bee Above Its Head

Saw This One On My Feed. Supposedly Its A Teddy Bear With A Honey Pot And A Bee Above Its Head

Lori Dunahee Report

“Ultimately, our group is about having fun in a safe, like-minded community,” the administrators and moderators told Bored Panda. “We encourage group participation and have special share days that don’t follow the usual rules for submission (except the ones about hate speech and banned subjects).” 

“We already mentioned Self Shame Sunday. That’s a fun one, where members put up their own terrible tattoos to have a laugh at their own expense,” they shared. “There’s also Humble Hump Day, where members can display their own personal tattoos for praise OR shame, Brag or Bomb, where tattoo artists can post their own work, and OP vs. Modmin, where members can post any tattoo, even if it was previously rejected by the modmin team, to get the group’s reaction.” 

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“We also have a dedicated message box, where members are always welcome to ask questions, make suggestions, or present concerns. The door is always open. We want to hear what we're doing right, and what we may be able to improve upon,” the modmin team shared. If you’d like to join the group and get involved in the mocking, you can find That’s It, I’m Inkshaming (Actually Bad Tattoos) on Facebook right here!

#25

Found In One Of My Other Groups. Her BF Was Taking Pics To Show Off The Hickies He Gave Her. But All I Can See Is The Tattoos

Found In One Of My Other Groups. Her BF Was Taking Pics To Show Off The Hickies He Gave Her. But All I Can See Is The Tattoos

Rin Toshaka Report

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fair_weather_rose
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I know the one with the blood turning into butterflies is a little morbid, but I kinda like it as a concept. Maybe not the best tattoo idea, but I could totally see it as a painting

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#27

This Looks Like A Gigantic Chicken Ring From Elementary School Lunch When I Was Younger

This Looks Like A Gigantic Chicken Ring From Elementary School Lunch When I Was Younger

Saranda Osterfeld Report

Are you feeling terrified to ever get a tattoo? Don’t worry, you don’t have to live with the “artwork” featured on this list, so you can enjoy upvoting the most painful pictures and feeling relieved that you haven’t made the same mistakes as these people. Let us know in the comments what the most tragic tattoo you’ve ever seen was, and then if you still haven’t checked out Bored Panda’s previous article featuring That’s It, I’m Inkshaming (Actually Bad Tattoos), you can find that right here

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#29

She Is Making Herself A Work Of Art

She Is Making Herself A Work Of Art

Jamie Fox Report

#31

This Is My Friends First Tattoo. ( Supposed To Be A Sour Patch Kid) And Yes It Was Done Professionally,the Guy Tried To Charge Him $100

This Is My Friends First Tattoo. ( Supposed To Be A Sour Patch Kid) And Yes It Was Done Professionally,the Guy Tried To Charge Him $100

Brooklynn Elder Report

#32

The Woman Was Too Stunned To Speak

The Woman Was Too Stunned To Speak

Jessi Vines Report

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smolspeedycats
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Use henna, it stays on for a couple of months and then you can change it up if you want to; also it doesn't have that greenish color.

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#34

I Understand It’s For Her Dad Which Explains The Handwriting But The Line Work…

I Understand It’s For Her Dad Which Explains The Handwriting But The Line Work…

Group member Report

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#36

From My Disney Tattoo Group- I Think It Says Something In The Blood- Still Trying To Figure It Out…

From My Disney Tattoo Group- I Think It Says Something In The Blood- Still Trying To Figure It Out…

Shannon Sully Report

#37

This Is Just Bad. He's Such A Nice Kid, Too

This Is Just Bad. He's Such A Nice Kid, Too

Alexis Boyens-Hahn Report

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smolspeedycats
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm sorry to say this, but neck tattoos don't set anyone's face off. Personal opinion, move on if you dislike, I'm pretty conservative when it comes to tattoos.

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#39

Oh God

Oh God

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smolspeedycats
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Conversation between him and tattoo artist: Him: Ya, I kind of want these anime eyes *shows reference* tattooed on me. Tattoo Artist: Ok. *a few minutes later* Sht. Him: What? Tattoo Artist: Uh, nothing. *not long after* SHT. Him: What? Tattoo Artist: Nothing. Third time's the charm. Have a nice day, young man.

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#40

I Found This Gem From A Newer Local Shop Near Me!

I Found This Gem From A Newer Local Shop Near Me!

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Anne Van Staden
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow. I'm left speechless at these tattoos. It's on your body for life. Why be cheap about it. Get it done properly

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#41

Saw This On One Of My Fb Friend’s Stories I’m Just At A Loss Of Words

Saw This On One Of My Fb Friend’s Stories I’m Just At A Loss Of Words

Group member Report

#42

This Person Is Actually In The Process Of A Coverup, But Im Not Even Sure What It Was Originally. Thank Goodness The Cover Is Looking Pretty Damn Amazing

This Person Is Actually In The Process Of A Coverup, But Im Not Even Sure What It Was Originally. Thank Goodness The Cover Is Looking Pretty Damn Amazing

Heather Ingram Report

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ginny weasley
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think its a wolf or a panther on a rock with regrettable 1990s barb wire style tribal behind it

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#45

Found In An Anime Group, Said It Was Self Done

Found In An Anime Group, Said It Was Self Done

Dan Day Report

#46

In A Tattoo Group I’m In

In A Tattoo Group I’m In

Group member Report

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Kelsey Rivera
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nor the worst on this list. Actually pretty well done ngl. Edit: wording, stupid auto correct 😑

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#47

Yikes

Yikes

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Tomasz Jackowski
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Depending on the situation that person can say it's either beer or a mitten (where beer would be inappropriate).

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#48

Wow

Wow

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You Should Do Nothing with the Fence
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's worn that way on military uniforms. The stars are on the right if it's on the upper sleeve. It's always meant to be advancing forward.

Old Roadie
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a vet: Star field goes toward our chest. Here's a link to Soldier's Project: https://www.thesoldiersproject.org/why-are-military-flags-backward/

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Sonora
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The flag is not backwards. It's meant to appear as it would if it were being carried on a staff, moving forward. Viewed from the left, the flag would have the star field on the left; from the right, a carried flag moving forward has the star field on the left. Patches on uniforms of military, astronaut, etc., appear this way for the stated reason.

Ashtray
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was told by an ex that was in military the flag is displayed like that on uniforms because the flag doesn't run away ie surrender.

CG
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That makes sense. Since I'm not in the military, nor from the US, I wouldn't have known that. So I won't knock the backwards flag if the intent was to go for how it is on the military uniform.

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CG
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've always had fascination with getting a skin tear tattoo, and I like the concept for this person if they were going to honour their military service with this piece. I think their concept is to try and replicate a stitched military patch from their uniform, though the muted colours don't really do that concept justice, and it looks more like low grade leather rather than fabric. Plus, the tears don't look great, and it looks like the artist struggled with a lot of the linework/texture, and maybe even in the drawing (the stars don't look like stars). The right artist would knock this out of the park.

Old Roadie
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Army Airborne: flag is bass ackwards, every, component is asymmetrical, and there's not one clean line. EDIT: only way that flag looks 'moving forward' is if he's running backward. STAR FIELD goes TOWARD CHEST.

Dozingdahlias
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Pretty cool if I do say so myself, minus the backwards flag ofc

Ta2dWhtTrsh
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It should face as if the wind was blowing in your face, so it would be normal on your left, backward on your right..............smh

Dana Trahan
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’m ok with this one. I don’t feel it belongs on this list

BatPhace
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The stars should always be going forward, so this is backward for the arm it's on

Riley Quinn
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This tattoo doesn't belong in this category. I'm assuming that it was chosen due to the placement of the flag. However, the placement is appropriate based on military tradition.

Kelli Pike
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Multiple people have stated its on the wrong arm for the stars to be on that side.

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David
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

People commenting on FLAG - go to link. Explains it. Tattoo is awful but the reverse flag is correct. The AA symbol appears to be 82nd airborne. https://blog.goruck.com/news/gorucks-reverse-flag-explained/

Old Roadie
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Flag is on shoulder. Star field should go toward chest. https://www.thesoldiersproject.org/why-are-military-flags-backward/

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Kelly Crader
Community Member
1 year ago

This comment has been deleted.

Robin Roper
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If the owner of the tattoo was/is in the Airborne and I think the background is supposed to look like damage from war, but the backward flag, I don't get.

ginny weasley
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Have a good look at it. Every single stripe in the flag has wavy lines, the white and the black bled to form grey smudges and the "stars" are whitish dots. There is not a straight, not bumpy line in this. And the black isn't solid. It looks scribbled in. Screen-Sho...2c3ca7.png Screen-Shot-2023-01-07-at-090033-63b90ab2c3ca7.png

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#49

Found This In The Wild. They Were Proud Of These

Found This In The Wild. They Were Proud Of These

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#50

Found On Instagram. I’m So Confused Because It Looks Like He Just Abandoned The Outline He Drew Almost Immediately

Found On Instagram. I’m So Confused Because It Looks Like He Just Abandoned The Outline He Drew Almost Immediately

Chelsea M Carboni Report

Note: this post originally had 128 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.

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