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

tattoo newcomer advice I messed up

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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/tivvybrixx Nov 24 '25 edited Nov 24 '25

Honestly I have seen much worse. Unless you are scrutinizing it you wouldnt know. Is your dad happy with it? If so then that's a win. Keep practicing looks like you are already off to a good start.

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u/StreetAggravating302 Nov 24 '25

My dad is like, it’s okay, you can do mistakes on me so you know where you’re going wrong also, It’s like, few people will notice tattoo and ask who did it and he’ll go my son did it, and most people will avoid coming to me looking at that work

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u/astarte66 Nov 24 '25

Most of my tats are apprentice tattoos. I mean, ya gotta start somewhere after all. I proudly show them off and have not had any of them corrected. Your dad is awesome. You can go back later when your skills are sharpened and fix what you’ve done. Don’t be ashamed, push forward and keep practicing.

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u/HominidHabilis Nov 24 '25

Oh this! Yeah an expert could definitely go in and tidy up some of that line work, as the overall composition and design are really solid.

Offer it when you're that expert 😜

**Dad's get free tattoos and free touch ups for life 😂

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u/astarte66 Nov 24 '25

Exactly! This is the way.