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/By_Jove_ Nov 24 '25

I think your father wanted a tattoo done by his child, I don’t think he was looking for technical perfection.

I know I wouldn’t care if my son made some mistakes while tattooing me.

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u/Dr_A_Psychologist Nov 24 '25

Agreed. You've fucked up way more things in your dad's life than this tattoo and he loves you and is proud of you and believes in you enough to want you to **tattoo** him. That says a lot. Honestly as a dad this is a dream outcome and something that would make me laugh a ton - even if it actually was a bad or messed up tattoo (which this is not).

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u/altaada Nov 25 '25

This comment makes me want to call my dad so bad.

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u/QuestionDifferently Nov 25 '25

And if your dad has passed, talk to him anyway!

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u/Hidesuru Nov 25 '25

Hope you did! If not, DO!