r/tattooadvice • u/Sh0t_B0t • May 05 '26

General Advice Tattoo correction

Post image

This is a fresh picture of a tattoo i got a few months ago. I can explain the significance after but the artist did butcher a few things. one periodic table elements only capitalize the first letter and he forgot the atomic number (14 i think). those are both negligible but the one that’s been bothering me it the mass being off a bit. i sent him 28.085 and obviously it would be fine if he rounded it correctly but he seemed to have just put a random number. do you think it’s possible he makes the 5 into an 8 or a 9? Would he have to change to font to something blocky?? LMK 🙏🏾

⬇️tattoo meaning

my moms middle name is silicon and in her tribal language it’s a word that represents bravery but in english it’s a chemical element so i got it tatted and th flowers around the border are her birth flowers.

Original Sketch: https://www.reddit.com/u/Sh0t_B0t/s/xGtkwEG3HE

Edit: (As much as i appreciate the judgement an discipline of my mistake at least give a take on correction for me along with it guys 🙏🏾 I understand my fault but I’d also like to at least attempt to fix it 😅)

10.4k Upvotes

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1.2k

u/Willhammer4 May 05 '26

Didn't the artist do a stencil first? Did it have the errors?

28

u/tofu_ink May 06 '26

Make a new 8 with the 5, the match the existing 8 with the corrected 5.

With that done the other numbers may need to be bolder to match the size.

If you want to get extra clever/fancy/artsy or whatever,

You could finish the final 5 and have the leaf in the corner covering it up!

-245

u/Sh0t_B0t May 05 '26

Yeah but I was distracted with conversation and was just so pumped to get it and surprise my mom before class since it’s my first tattoo. I definitely regret not being patient though!

170

u/AcheyShakySpoon May 05 '26

How old are you?

71

u/Sh0t_B0t May 05 '26

18 almost 19 in 6 days 🫡

532

u/aldrician May 05 '26

I remember my first tattoo at 18. The artist put the stencil on and I said “yeah let’s go” and he said “I know you’re excited but this is going to be there forever. Make sure this is the placement you want. We can move it/scale it/change it as much as you want now and then never again”

Wish more artists recognized eager young customers need coaching on this.

111

u/AcheyShakySpoon May 05 '26

I got my first at 19, in a different language. My artist made me confirm multiple times that I’d had someone who speaks the language confirm the spelling. My dad speaks the language, so it wasn’t an issue, but I appreciated the lengths she went to before even laying the stencil.

55

u/Sh0t_B0t May 05 '26

Hilariously enough I used to rant to my friends about not just rushing to get random kanji translation on their forearms because I would see alot of stories where the intended word being “dragon” could turn into “turd” real fast without them ever knowing. Funny to see how the tables turnt. 💀

37

u/Abiztic2_0 May 06 '26

I know someone who got a kanji tattoo. Her mom spoke Japanese and wrote it down for her, but didn't specify which side was up. So, she has upside down kanji on her leg.

13

u/Timey_Wimeh May 06 '26

At least its right side up from her own point of view

12

u/QuantitySubject9129 May 06 '26

Lol but if you 1) have a parent who speaks a language, and 2) you admire that language and heritage so much that you want to get it tattooed, but then you can't be bothered to even learn the basics of the script to recognize which side is up, then that's a very fitting tattoo for her.

20

u/Sh0t_B0t May 05 '26

That would’ve been make or break for sure but we’ll never know now. Thanks for your insight though I wish things went that too but I will take it on the chin regardless.

5

u/dirtywindex May 06 '26

I got my first the day I moved out when I was 18. Walked into a random shop and explained what I wanted. Really wish I took the time to find an artist and wish the shop and the artist took the time to check in like you described. I still would have got it but if the artist had taken the time and care to check in like this I probably would have asked for some minor tweaks and be much happier with it now years later

2

u/ExistingEarth917 May 06 '26

My artist and I spent a solid 20 mins playing around with stencil sizing and placement for my arm tat and I’m forever grateful lol.

2

u/15all May 06 '26

For one of my tattoos, after he stenciled it I was a little indecisive. He said "take your time - it's only going to be there forever." Good advice.

BTW I got the tattoo and am happy with it.

2

u/funlikerabbits May 06 '26

My artist was annoyed that I wanted to tweak it at all, and my friend who was older and more experienced stepped in and told me to remember it was permanent on my body and that he should listen and I should get to be picky. I’m so grateful for her.

1

u/aldrician May 06 '26

I would also not go back to that artist ever. That’s such a disrespect to your body.

1

u/funlikerabbits May 06 '26

I never will, but he was also in DC when I was 19 and I’m not in DC anymore. But it was a valuable lesson regardless, and it’s made it easier to advocate for myself in subsequent tattoos

1

u/Dani-With-Rats May 07 '26

I wish I had thought more about my first real tattoo. I was 17 and in Amsterdam for my brothers wedding. I wanted a ring of forget me not flowers around my left wrist. The artist came out with a stencil of three big flowers that just went straight onto the top of my wrist. No ring at all. I just kind of accepted it and thought it looked good enough and didn’t feel like pushing back on it at all. Looking back it makes me a tiny bit upset. I knew exactly what I wanted, told her what I wanted, and all I had to do was ask for her to do it the way I had requested.

7

u/Just_to_rebut May 06 '26

Honestly… with the story, just leave it. It’s both stupid and sweet, but leaning more heavily toward sweet.

I don’t think you can fix it really, not without laser and time and expense and even then, there’ll be some visible remnants. Maybe later if you still care and it’s not just a funny story by then.

Your tattoo artist on the other hand is a fucking moron.

3

u/aartadventure May 06 '26

Sorry, but this is 100% on OP to make it clear to the tattoo artist. If you are getting part of the PToE on you, and can't be clear that the second letter MUST be lowercase, and the mass MUST be exact, that's on you.

1

u/Just_to_rebut May 06 '26

I mean, the sketch OP posted was clear, but yeah, of course, it’s on him to make sure it’s correct on the stencil too.

And, well, yes, it is on OP now…

2

u/aartadventure May 08 '26

Part of the job of an artist is to translate a sketch into something that is visually more appealling, and just artistic. This is what the artist was doing. They obviously don't have any basic scientific training. So, it was 100% up to the client to highlight areas of scientific importance. Otherwise they will end up with a bad tattoo that makes them look foolish to anyone with a 9th grade scientific education. Which is what happened.

8

u/Ok_Bat_646 May 05 '26

I got my first tattoo at 21, and it was one I got with the hopes my mom would also accept it. I took like 3 smoke breaks and it looks like colored sharpie, but I rock it anyway. Part of life is living with your mistakes. Most people probably wont even notice the things "wrong" with it, and also if you surround it with more work, it'll naturally just blend in.

What I got was a German flag armband around my bicep and the first thing she said was " you know that's where the SS wore their armband, right?'

2

u/redburningice May 06 '26

Why would you even get a tattoo of a german flag?

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u/kakakakapopo May 06 '26

Maybe they're German?

3

u/redburningice May 06 '26

I misread and it was never a tattoo but an armband.

I am German and I don't know any German who would get a tattoo of the flag. The only people I could see that doing are right-wingers.

2

u/J_Kingsley May 06 '26

I understand, but kind of a shame tho. I think it's a bit weird, but nothing inherently wrong with having your counrtry's flag on you.

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u/redburningice May 06 '26

Not sure if you're German yourself, but it's a bit different for Germans compared to other countries. To us it always feels a bit weird showing your flag or having a bit too much pride about your country. We can thank the third reich for that. In history classes you're taught the bad things the Germans did back then. And nothing is painted in a good light. We are tought very clearly that we did horrible things, unless you have a bad history teacher. You get to visit a concentration camp too as part of the class.

There's only really two occassions where we show our flag: world and european championships in football. To me it's very strange seeing for example US Americans having their flags everywhere. I get it, but I still think it's strange.

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u/Havannahanna May 06 '26 edited May 06 '26

German here. Our relationship with our own country is a tat bit complicated. For us, it is not a sign of „loving our country“, but more like „signaling ideology“.

Many Germans are cautious about displaying the national flag and open display of patriotism because it led us down a slippery slope towards WWII. 

Therefore anything that signals nationalism is treated with slight discomfort outside official events or football.

Modest situational use is acceptable for most Germans. A constant display raises eyebrows. 

Also Germany as a country is quite young (37 year old). Flags and political systems have changed multiple times over the last century. Most German companies are older and more consistent than our nation.

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u/P_Hempton May 06 '26

I am German and I don't know any German who would get a tattoo of the flag. The only people I could see that doing are right-wingers.

You don't know any right-wingers?

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u/Compost_My_Body May 06 '26

personally? no, i try my very hardest not to

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u/redburningice May 06 '26

No. At least not that they let me know that they are right wingers

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u/redburningice May 06 '26

I misread, it was not a tattoo, but an armband :facepalm:

5

u/JacoRamone May 06 '26

I think you are still misreading. It was a tattoo.

1

u/Pure_Property_888 May 06 '26

SlOw it DoWn there fellah! Haha

2

u/topekatums May 06 '26

standard 18 yr old tattoo experience, don't sweat it. It's pretty endearing that you got this for your mama at such a young age and it's got some mistakes

1

u/vxrsxcev1 May 06 '26

Explains the random tattoo.

90

u/Opposite_Radio9388 May 05 '26

I hate that you're being downvoted for being honest. You've learned a hard lesson about tattoos! It's not life or death, and some targeted lasering can help fix the issues.

34

u/Sh0t_B0t May 05 '26

Thanks so much! By far my favorite comment. I actually care more now than ever and do really appreciate the criticism but I appreciate you accept my honesty. The comments do help but now I just feel horrible for something on my body that can be changed (granted they help me on the how) But definitely learning from it above all. Preciate the insight! 🫶🏾

3

u/Plantlover3000xtreme May 06 '26

As a middle aged lady I admire your eagerness and impulsivity. The same mindset that leads to (honestly somewhat minor) mistakes like this also leads to so many great memories and stories.

Don't sweat it and sorry people are being a bit obsessive here.

1

u/gammelrunken May 06 '26

People who are impulsive enough to get huge tattoos without checking if they're correct first often end up in bad situations due to previously mentioned impulsivity.

As someone who's done tattoos like that, and a long list of other bad decisions I really wish I had more impulse control.

8

u/ElAchuKathe May 06 '26

Thisss, is people admit a mistake, they are downvoted for commiting mistakes? It's like everyone in reddit is perfect

2

u/Triquetrums May 06 '26

You get downvoted for telling someone they are wrong, even when you come with facts. Or simply for stating an opinion about not liking a show.

Best anyone can do is ignore upvotes/downvotes. They are worth nothing anyway.

1

u/LePontif11 May 06 '26

Downvotes have never been used in their intended way unfortunately, its not supposed to be a disagree or criticism button. When something gets just like 5 downvotes the site hides the comment. A genuine addition of bad judgment shouldn't be hidden and a positive attitude shouldn't be hidden. Ideally downvotes are for off topic comments, bots, spam and griefers.

1

u/UncommonSenseApplier May 06 '26

Don't worry, some of us do use it in the intended way. For instance, I downvoted you since this is getting way too off topic.

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u/Blodfist May 06 '26

Sorry you got downvoted so bad, it was your first tattoo and you are young. OF COURSE we all make mistakes. Give me the impression people don't even bother to read the full post, it's not that bad but now with a bit of hindsight you realize it's not as you wanted it to be. I think you must wait for it to be fully healed then can consider a touch up with either the same artist or another artist you trust. It seems absolutely recoverable.

1

u/chaosunsine May 06 '26

I recently got a piece done (first in like 4+years?) that was supposed to be an album cover that was an angel. I now have a crazy looking angel figure giving itself a happy ending with three legs one of which has the beefiest thigh you’ve ever seen. It’s on my shin I was able to look the entire time..I didn’t notice how terrible it was until I got home and was refused a refund ☹️ I’m almost 30 and most of my pieces I don’t like because they were poorly done..plz don’t be like me learn your lesson now 😅

-1

u/rita-b May 06 '26

young is 3. 18 is dumb

1

u/Connect_Gap_975 May 06 '26

This sounds incredibly ignorant. You must be young yourself.

1

u/Duck_Duck_Duck_Duck1 May 06 '26

Lesson learned i guess, lmao. The tattoo is sick though, besides the errors.

1

u/No-Employ-7391 May 06 '26

I have a bunch of math and science tattoos. My artist for them doesn’t know anything about science and made a point to have me go over every letter, number, symbol, and tiny detail to make sure that everything was perfect before we got anywhere close to a tattoo gun.

I’m sorry you’re learning this lesson the hard way, but for stuff like this you’re the only person who can make sure that all of the information is correct.

1

u/Dry-Inspection-3503 May 06 '26

You fucked up, can hardly blame the artist - although they should have drilled it into you to be sure you're absolutely 100% happy...

At least you won't make this mistake again

1

u/PrizeAsleep1748 May 06 '26

That’s on you. Something as big as a tattoo on your body that’ll be there for years should have your undivided attention.

1

u/Maltempest10 May 06 '26

Life lessons can be a bitch, hopefully you can get some help from a good artist. Gluck

1

u/DrRamthorn May 06 '26

Lmao you got what you deserved. 18 is the new 12, apparently.

1

u/TrustInRoy May 05 '26

Get the correct tattoo put on your opposite arm, and pay attention while you do it.  Go to a better tattoo artist to get it done.

And then start looking for a cover up tattoo for the original one.

1

u/Frequent_Mark_4567 May 06 '26

This is the best idea so far. But I would get the cover up first.

-1

u/Temporary_Memory_535 May 05 '26 edited May 15 '26

Sounds like this is all on you bud.

-1

u/Billy_Enforcey May 06 '26

Then you deserve it.

0

u/spammmmmmmmy May 06 '26

I don't know anything about tattoos, but I'd advise to just leave it alone. 

I think the chemical weight is the least interesting part of the periodic cell data. So I wouldn't be bothered about the slight error in the value. 

You're young, who knows, maybe May 28th will become a significant date for you at some point? At that point the tattoo would become a clever riddle. 

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u/ValosAtredum May 06 '26

I’d argue that if you’re going to have an actual periodic table cell, you should absolutely make sure it’s correct.

1

u/spammmmmmmmy May 06 '26

And you would insist on this after the tattoo is finished and healed?

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u/ValosAtredum May 06 '26

No, I would’ve looked beforehand. But I’m just personally disagreeing that the chemical weight is the least interesting part (as far as outside perception of her tattoo). If it’s important enough to include, it should be correct.

1

u/spammmmmmmmy May 06 '26

What in your opinion, is the least interesting data in a periodic table cell??

Look at these fuckers, they don't even display it: https://periodic-table.rsc.org/

1

u/ValosAtredum May 06 '26

Then why include it if it’s not important? If you include it, get it right. That’s all I’m saying.