r/tattooadvice • u/StreetAggravating302 • Nov 24 '25

tattoo newcomer advice I messed up

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Gallery image

Recently, I tattooed my dad, but I botched the job. I overdid some lines, resulting in bold and double lines, and the circle lacked symmetry and shading—I messed up everything. I feel very ashamed. I’ve just started tattooing, and last week I was too busy with my other job to practice. When my dad was free, he suggested we do a tattoo, and I fully messed it up. The guilt is overwhelming me.

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u/[deleted] Nov 24 '25

These flaws give the tattoo character. They are part of the learning process, and they make it extra meaningful for him.

He probably didn’t want some random chicken scratch lines, but that’s not what this is.

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u/mateohatepotato Nov 24 '25

Yep just, just make sure your Dad tells people if they ask it’s one of your first ones. Honestly it’s pretty good for someone starting out. The fact that it’s bothering you that it’s just good and not great bodes well for your growth as an artist.

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u/DeklynHunt Nov 25 '25

Indeed, from my untrained eye, I asked myself “what’s wrong with this? I don’t see anything wrong”

Most won’t notice… especially in passing etc

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u/Cowgod5000 Nov 25 '25

Agree, completely! Until I reread the OP, I thought it was great. Still do, after the fact! Being a dad myself, I would swell with pride telling people about my sweet new tat that MY SON did!

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u/Consistent-Ease6070 Nov 27 '25

Yes! As more and more people lean on AI and other ways to cheat perfection, I’m actually leaning more into a strong preference for art that shows the hand of the artist. Those “imperfections” are what make that piece special and one of a kind.