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Tattoos as a form of art are impressive in and of themselves. Not only do they just flat out look cool, there is something significant about them being permanent and serving as a form of self-expression.

But it doesn’t stop there. Tattoo artist Tia Naayem, a.k.a. @delicatesquash on Instagram, takes tattoos to a whole new level by wrapping them in ways that only make sense if you move your body right.

Scroll down to see some of her best tattoo designs, warped and leggy-bendy or not as it’s awesome regardless, and be sure to check out our interview with her!

More Info: Instagram

Meet Tia Naayem, an LA-based tattoo artist with an extremely versatile style. Surreal, abstract, warped or realistic—she seems to have done it all as seen on her Instagram page, which features nearly 1,400 posts of various tattoo designs and is followed by 77,300 people.

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Jane Doe
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9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Finally one that is abstract while extended and words when contracted.

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jkenby
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9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Tattoo is done very well; beautiful work. Have NO idea what it means, so the meaning is definitely hidden!

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While all of her designs are captivating, folks online have started gravitating towards a particular kind of tattoos—the ones where the image is warped.

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You see, these aren’t your run of the mill tattoos—they come to fruition under certain conditions, namely when the person with the tattoo bends their limbs. Only then does the full message start making sense.

Either that, or you have a very visual mind and can piece it together regardless.

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Nea
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9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I accidentally rub my arm against a freshly painted wall.

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In an interview with Bored Panda, Tia elaborated that she actually used to work in film, but one fateful tattoo appointment changed that:

“[I] felt like I was missing a creative outlet, so I was drawing all the time trying to get something creative done. Eventually, I got a tattoo from an artist and became enamored with the process and how involved it is with both art and biology. It became fascinating to me.”

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Tia continued: “I decided to buy a machine and try it out as a hobby just to see what could come of it! I loved the process so much that I kept doing it, and here we are!”

“I’m inspired by so many different artists, there’s so many amazing Tattooers and everyday objects that inspire me. I try to draw what I love.”

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LuckyL
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9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't get the "hidden" meaning. Is there more than "try again"?

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Each knee piece that Tia designs is actually entirely custom-made to fit a person’s leg. She explained that it’s a collaborative process of sorts: sometimes she comes up with phrases together with the client, but there are occasions when the clients themselves bring a phrase they already had in mind, or even go with something Tia thought of.

“I’ll generally see the way their body works and stencil the piece around their flexibility and go from there!”

“It usually takes anywhere from around 3 to 5 hours depending on the client’s skin, the amount of details and the size we go with,” added Tia. “Some people are really relaxed throughout and we can get through it quicker. [Others] are in more pain and we have to take frequent breaks.”

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Agfox
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9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Bend don't break" - well, it's on the side of a knee so it has that going for it, I guess but not much else. I'm starting to think the hidden meaning is "There isn't a hidden meaning"

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E. Hamilton
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9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Soooo.... I made it down to this one and I am confused... None of these are clever. Just wavy black font near the knee... What am I missing.

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The art of inking tattoos in and of itself comes with its challenges, so you can guess how going above and beyond with warped designs might lead to more of it.

“The most challenging part I would say is making sure they fit right on the client’s body and making sure they flow nicely,” says Tia. “Also, for the less flexible people, getting in and out of that squat can be a bit of a challenge.”

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Brooke
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4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's a skull head that is supposed to come together when the knee is bent, but again they did a terrible job with these side knee tattoos!

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Mark (it/urgh)
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9 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is the worst list Bored Panda has ever done. And that's saying something.

She continues: The most rewarding part of that tattoo is seeing the look on the client’s face when they see the finished product and see how much they love it! It’s so heartwarming. I’ve had people cry and hug me and that always makes it worth it.”

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Be sure to check out more from Tia on her Instagram page, and if you're in the LA area and are interested in getting a tattoo, nudge-nudge, wink wink.

And if you haven’t had your fill of tattoo art today, check out these 3D-looking tattoos. But before you do that, the comment section awaits your lovely voices.

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Roos Dillema
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9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I made it until this one. And I don't like them. Not one. The texts are stupid and you can't read them. This tattoo 'artist' should get another job

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Note: this post originally had 40 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.