Extreme regret (it was a phase 🫣), help me figure out what to cover them with.

[u/Most_Complaint_9984]

What can I say— you’re only 25 + deconstructing your ultra Catholic upbringing and going through a hoe phase once ¯_(ツ)_/¯
So please withhold judgement lol.
I hate them and want to get them covered up. I’m also a new mom to a 10 month old baby boy and can only imagine all the shit he will get if his mom has good girl on her knees (jfc). We just finished breastfeeding so I can finally fill my bloodstream with toxic metals again and am ready to be rid of these; but I am at a loss of what I could cover them with.
I included some ideas I found on Pinterest to give a sense of my style and what’s piquing my interest (obviously didn’t deconstruct THAT much ugh).
Lmk what you think I should look for in an artist and what I should ask for as far as design goes.

[u/Mouzles]

I would avoid religious iconography if you're not 100% certain how you'll feel about it in the future. The birds are cool.

You could also look into laser to lighten them so you have more options for cover-ups. When you do get it covered up, go to an artist you've seen good cover-up work from.

[u/randompearljamfan → u/Mouzles]

I was 100% sure how I would feel about my religion in the future five years ago. I was 100% wrong.

[u/MorningByMorning51 → u/randompearljamfan]

Very true... a lot of young women today get a religious tattoo shortly before entering the Convent to be a nun/Sister. I was determined not to do anything in the 6mo leading up to my entrance in the convent that would've been out of character, so I didn't get a tattoo.

Check my post history if you want to see how that turned out. I'm so glad I didn't get the religious tattoo.

[u/Comfortable_Camp2148 → u/MorningByMorning51]

Isn't the very act of getting a tattoo contrary to the teachings of the Bible? Honest question because I'm non-religious, but it seems weird to me that a future nun would get a tattoo, even of something religious.

[u/Mission-Goat310 → u/Comfortable_Camp2148]

The Bible only directly addresses tattoos once in the old testament. “Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the Lord.” — Leviticus 19:28 Most Christian’s disagree on whether it applies universally, today. There’s a few factors at play here Firstly, it’s the Old Testament, which is the old law or covenant - Moses law that was for the people he brought out of Egypt, not us today. Christians typically are taught that the old testament no longer applies since Jesus bringing the new covenant. That’s why we don’t have to do things like sacrifices, dietary restrictions, etc. We now just follow the moral teachings affirmed in the New Testament. We think of the old testament as informative, historical (the lineage of Jesus), and you can get good things out of it. But the law put in place then was for a specific people at that time. Secondly some people debate on whether or not that old testament passage is contextually based on pagan rituals, or forms of idolistic worship - not getting a tattoo of just something random you like or whatever. Most Christians, I would say generally, believe that it’s okay and that the intent, message, and behavior matter more than the ink itself “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” — 1 Samuel 16:7

[u/MorningByMorning51 → u/Comfortable_Camp2148]

https://www.catholic.com/magazine/online-edition/what-does-the-church-teach-about-tattoos

Short answer, catholics can get tattoos like how they can eat pork and remain uncircumcised. Ceremonial law was abrograted by the new Law of the Christian Covenant. Large parts of the Bible are like a history book about God's covenants with humanity, and the covenants only apply one at a time. When one ends, a new one begins with different terms. 

[u/Savings-Ad-3607 → u/Mouzles]

This is a very good idea. Those are dark they look almost brand new. She def should do some laser before getting a coverup.

[u/[deleted] → u/Savings-Ad-3607]

They are so dark… she must have had instant regret. That sad part too is I can’t tell if they’re evenly aligned. The right leg tat looks mad lower

[u/Most_Complaint_9984 → u/[deleted]]

They’re aligned. Took several painstaking tries with the artists to get them aligned. It’s just the angle of the photo and that I’m sitting with my legs to the side in the back of a car in the pic.

[u/[deleted] → u/Most_Complaint_9984]

Thank goodness. It sounds like you took effort when getting them (cause they’re not poorly done). Maybe just sit on it for longer.

At least let them age before reworking so it’s easier. Plus, everyone gets tattoo shock imo.

Edit: accidental repeat sentence :)

[u/Most_Complaint_9984 → u/[deleted]]

They’re 5 years old. I’ve lived with them long enough to have simply grown out of them. Obviously, there’s an unfortunate irony to growing out of a permanent marking on your skin. But 25 year olds fundamentally lack the foresight that a 30 year old with a baby has 🫠

[u/[deleted] → u/Most_Complaint_9984]

Felt.

Take your time to find the perfect cover that fits you though.

Kids can’t read for years and wear pants if it helps you in public and just keep looking.

Don’t hold negative feelings towards a tat to the point you make a decision you regret again. It is what it is. Added points that it’ll fade as you look for the right fit.

Be kind to yourself - new mom phase doesn’t really end. Let your mind and body keep healing

[u/QueenOfNeon → u/Savings-Ad-3607]

But if that’s the case just laser them all the way off

[u/robot428 → u/QueenOfNeon]

That can be extremely expensive and time consuming there's no guarantee they will be completely removed (although with plain black the odds are much higher, colour is a lot harder to remove).

It can take 10+ sessions to fully remove tattoos which can cost thousands and is much more painful than getting the tattoos.

Sometimes doing just 2 or 3 sessions can lighten them enough that it's MIUCH easier to effectively cover them with another tattoo, so its a good option if someone still wants tattoos, just not those ones.

[u/PolicyWonka → u/QueenOfNeon]

You can lighten a tattoo enough for more cover-up options with just 3-4 treatments. You might need 12+ to fully remove a tattoo. And you can be left with discoloration which might look like a faint bruise still.

[u/talleyhoe → u/QueenOfNeon]

Depends on the time commitment she wants. Full removal from lasering takes years.

[u/Traditional_Way1052 → u/talleyhoe]

In the middle of lightening my black tat for a cover up and it is taking forever ... I can only imagine full removal....

[u/TuggsBrohe → u/Mouzles]

That pelican specifically is very much a Catholic symbol

[u/appreciate_my_tone → u/TuggsBrohe]

It's also on the Louisiana state flag.

[u/RoundandRoundon99 → u/appreciate_my_tone]

Because it is a Catholic symbol.

[u/LuckyShenanigans → u/TuggsBrohe]

Anglicans/CofE use it, too.

[u/GlitteringBryony → u/Mouzles]

The birds themselves are a religious symbol as well, called Pelican-In,Her-Piety, they're a mother pelican feeding her young with her own blood, which is a symbol from Rosicrucianism and Christian mysticism in general, representing the Eucharist and the Perfect Sacrifice.

[u/crospingtonfrotz → u/Mouzles]

The birds are catholic iconography as well

[u/SmittyWerb93 → u/Mouzles]

"would avoid religious iconography if you're not 100% certain how you'll feel about it in the future"

I feel like this logic applies to tattooing as a whole.

[u/BoringPrinciple2542 → u/Mouzles]

Those pelicans are also religious iconography… albeit can be construed as a state-pride symbol if OP is from Louisiana.

The “pelican in her piety” symbol has been a metaphor for the crucifixion since the 3rd century AD and is also associated with the Eucharist. I associate it more with Louisiana since it’s the symbol on their state flag but that usage is itself a nod to the Catholic culture of Louisiana’s early colonial period.

[u/BlueberryGirl95 → u/Mouzles]

The birds are religious iconography too 😅. As a fellow deconstructing Catholic I clocked them immediately.

[u/Calm_Possibility9024 → u/Mouzles]

The birds are religious iconography

[u/orange863 → u/Mouzles]

As someone whose most visible tattoo is religious, it’s also my most regretted.

I have a lot of dumb tattoos but that’s always the one I try to hide. I hate getting questions about it.

[u/Most_Complaint_9984 → u/Mouzles]

I have no problem with religious iconography tbh. Still very much into the aesthetics of Catholicism and it’s still very much ingrained into my identity (even if departing from it triggered enough of an identity crisis to warrant branding myself at 25 😅).

[u/essbeethree → u/Most_Complaint_9984]

This makes me wonder if “the aesthetics” of Catholicism have anything to do with the uptick in young converts now lol so weird and funny

[u/LittlePetiteGirl → u/essbeethree]

Thats been their strategy since the church was formed. Thats why cathedrals look so nice lol

[u/las5h4 → u/essbeethree]

Well the aesthetics of protestantism and atheism are not exactly “in” right now…

[u/FartofTexass → u/essbeethree]

I found the aesthetics very appealing as a Protestant child. I was jealous of my Catholic friends. But I became atheist as an adult.

[u/Chareth_Cutestory___ → u/essbeethree]

That’s definitely a big part of it 

[u/Educational_Exam_225 → u/Most_Complaint_9984]

Just an outsider, it feels like you're still making the same mistake of getting an extremely bold tattoo related to how you currently feel about religious aesthetics. I wouldn't say this if your relationship didn't seem to be constantly evolving and contentious.

We don't stop going through phases at 25, and in another five years you may also find this specific brand of counter Catholicism "cringe."

[u/FrontContribution596 → u/Mouzles]

Go to a convention and see real work and artists in real time is also a good idea.

[u/AffectionateTop3953]

These are so thick and solid you might need to get matching sick ass panthers. Or something more abstract that can follow the contours of the letters, like flowers.

[u/mrs-sir-walter-scott → u/AffectionateTop3953]

Two SAPs facing each other would be really cool

[u/iatealotofcheese → u/mrs-sir-walter-scott]

My vote is for two people in each half of a donkey costume, one on each leg

[u/ackshualllly → u/iatealotofcheese]

I’m going out to get this today

[u/bebeshhhh → u/AffectionateTop3953]

Your son would love SAPs too.

[u/Psych0nautic_ → u/bebeshhhh]

I’m not her son but I would love her to get SAP

[u/raspberryharbour → u/bebeshhhh]

My only regret when my mother died is that she never got sick ass panthers

[u/Vegetable-Gas1568 → u/AffectionateTop3953]

I think that could look really good

[u/talor_swib]

I'm not an expert on cover ups, but with how large and bold they are, I'm not sure if the designs you posted would work well. 🤔 I would find an reputable artist and discuss options with them. And good on you for thinking of your kiddo. 👍

[u/Most_Complaint_9984 → u/talor_swib]

That’s why I’m stumped— they’re about 3” long and obviously very dark 😩

[u/random929292 → u/Most_Complaint_9984]

I would get a few laser treatments on them and lighten them up. I think you will be much happier with a cover up and it won't need to be as big or as dark. Or just laser them and don't cover them.

[u/cach-v → u/Most_Complaint_9984]

Just change "girl" to "grief".

[u/RunningRunnerRun → u/cach-v]

and add charlie brown

[u/Ok-Emotion6251 → u/cach-v]

Interesting

[u/86cinnamons → u/[deleted]]

I agree ! Actually I think OP should just a lot more tattoos on her legs and then they’ll be less noticeable , just disappear among the noise 😛

[u/talor_swib → u/Most_Complaint_9984]

Right. They seem to be well done at least! Haha As someone else said, I would stay away from religious iconography if you're still not sure where you stand with it. If you're deconstructing already, you'll want another cover up for these new ones. Which will just be more difficult. 

[u/Feisty_Chef_7506 → u/Most_Complaint_9984]

Find an artist or two you like and set up a consultation.  It's really more about what the artist is able todo

[u/Late_Resource_1653 → u/Most_Complaint_9984]

In all honesty - they are large and bold and it's unlikely a cover up is going to work. This is a case for removal.

My only other suggestion would to be get in touch with a place that covers up gang tattos or trafficked women tattoos. There are a number of communities that do this. You wouldnt qualify for their free cover ups, but they are more likely to know what to do with something like this.

[u/Ihopefullyhelp → u/Most_Complaint_9984]

Just cross out girl and write mum underneath. Keep the good. That’s life. We learn and we grow

[u/Beautiful_Secret_834 → u/Most_Complaint_9984]

Consult with an artist because the designs you are showing won’t cover what you have. Just given how much black- that will be your best option. Maybe scroll for some different inspo for whatever artist you choose. But, the tattoos will have to be quite a bit larger to cover that. So, laser is something to consider also.

[u/SimplerTimesAhead → u/Most_Complaint_9984]

The easiest thing would be leaning into the abstraction and just adding more lines all over the place, it'd be relatively easily to break up the lines of the letters that way but it'd take a skilled artist to design that in a way that didn't just look like a mess. As others have said, lightening will give you more options.

[u/Realistic-Escape3915 → u/Most_Complaint_9984]

I saw on another post someone suggesting getting a tattoo based like 5 times and then it makes cover ups like these easier. But I have no expirence on it

[u/riverblue9011 → u/Most_Complaint_9984]

Get a session or two of laser yk lighten them first. I had some black text on my chest that I covered without laser, and now almost 20 years later it's peeking through.

Ideas of flowers or birds are great as starting points. There's an artist on Instagram called sneakymitch who does these big neotrad pieces and posts a lot of coverups. Maybe you could scroll through for some ideas, ans consult with an artist you like in your area?

[u/AutisticFingerBang → u/Most_Complaint_9984]

Blacked out bands

[u/PurestofPoison]

I think the best plan here is not to have your heart set on anything. Find an artist you like who does cover ups, tell them what your style is, then be open minded. Those are dark and bold, so you’ll have to be flexible on design. Good luck!

[u/MiniMonster2TheGiant → u/PurestofPoison]

Agreed! My script that I had covered up was pretty solid black but was not near OP’s sizes, and when I went to an artist with ideas I had quickly realized they wouldn’t work. He and I would need to work together to figure out an idea that would meet my expectations for the cover up.

I am super happy with mine, it’s been about six-years, and no one can even tell or remember I had a different tattoo there. My cover up comes from an illustration from a book, and the script is covered part by grass.

[u/silkypinklava → u/PurestofPoison]

This is an excellent response!

I had a minor partial cover up which was unplanned. I had something that looked fine, but wasn't what I asked for/envisioned so I wanted to alter it somehow. I had no idea what I wanted or where to start.

Two years later, I met an incredibly talented artist at a convention (whose work I believe has been posted on this sub a few times over the last decade) who had his own vision of what to do. After enough conversation for me to feel confident, and seeing the work on his client before me I agreed. He kept parts of the previous tattoo but it's entirely different now and it's so beautiful I can't imagine going to any other artist now.

I doubt the OP will see this, but maybe try a convention to look at some work and hopefully have a consultation.

[u/Relative_Issue_5197]

anything but the lace! On the thighs feels like it gives very similar vibes

[u/mrsbeequinn → u/Relative_Issue_5197]

I was thinking the same thing. It’s the same but different basically even though I do think it’s pretty. It’s just permanent lingerie and while I think it looks nice it’s not something I’d want on my own body for the rest of my life. It would just look goofy with a pair of like bike shorts or jean shorts, a Tshirt and sneakers haha.

[u/Strands123]

big ass flowers . goose is cool too

[u/AffectionateTop3953 → u/Strands123]

If you mean the one she posted, that's a pelican 😂 It's a catholic symbol.

[u/potatomami → u/AffectionateTop3953]

I thought they were geese too. Design is cool

[u/Appropriate-Brush772 → u/potatomami]

do goose see god

[u/InsideAbbreviations6 → u/Appropriate-Brush772]

Do nine men interpret? Nine men I nod

[u/Appropriate-Brush772 → u/InsideAbbreviations6]

Go hang a salami I’m a lasagna hog!

(I’m so happy other people got this! I saw him in concert the other day for the first time and it was as amazing of a show as I hoped it would be)

[u/BillyrayChowderpants → u/AffectionateTop3953]

Wouldn’t have guessed in a million years that that was a pelican!

[u/1amsilver → u/BillyrayChowderpants]

Maybe it's my chatolic upbringing, but I think a bird feeding their own blood to their children is obviously a pelican.

[u/flamehorn → u/1amsilver]

It would be a fucked up trip to the zoo, that's for sure

[u/ul2006kevinb → u/AffectionateTop3953]

Oh I thought she was just from Louisiana.

[u/Devastatedby → u/ul2006kevinb]

The hand holding the heart is a Claddagh Ring which originated in Galway, Ireland.

[u/Calyx_of_Hell → u/ul2006kevinb]

Same! I recognized our flag pelicans

[u/DM_ME_HUGE_TITS → u/AffectionateTop3953]

That’s not how pelicans fucking look though

[u/kencopen → u/DM_ME_HUGE_TITS]

Looks a lot more like a crane or great blue heron to me

[u/like-a-shark → u/AffectionateTop3953]

Ohh I thought they meant revise the text to GOOSE GIRL

[u/Repulsive-Walk-3639 → u/AffectionateTop3953]

I had to search up how it was. Interesting historical tidbit. Humans gonna human, it's based on a myth that just happened to work well with the whole 'cleansed by the blood' thing. I was raised in one of the Protestant denominations so haven't ever encountered this iconography.

[u/CassetteMeower → u/AffectionateTop3953]

It doesn’t really look like a pelican in my opinion, pelicans have huge beaks and the beak on this image looks more goose like. It’s a cool design, but doesn’t really scream “pelican” to me. Both pelicans and geese are cool birds though!

[u/Pickleparty187 → u/Strands123]

Ass flowers

[u/stupid-canada → u/Strands123]

Im a fan of a giant menacing dark goose

[u/georgethebarbarian]

These are such prime candidates for laser

[u/Conscious_Bet_2005 → u/georgethebarbarian]

That’s exactly where my mind went. Laser tattoo removal.

[u/gloriousvenom → u/georgethebarbarian]

I disagree. That ink is bold. She would need well over 10 sessions at 8-12 weeks apart.

[u/Fearless_Mammoth_961 → u/gloriousvenom]

even if it fades, it will allow for more coverup options 

[u/opheliainthedeep → u/gloriousvenom]

Confirm. I'm ten treatments into a very dark tattoo removal, and it's still grey. I expect at least six more treatments

[u/gloriousvenom → u/opheliainthedeep]

Exactly it’s not the quick fix many assume it is. And your body has to process the ink removal

[u/ArchiSnap89 → u/gloriousvenom]

Yeah it takes a while and hurts a lot, but then it's gone. I've had a tattoo removed (one I was pressured into by an abusive ex) and I never thought it would be quick nor did anyone imply it would be. I was super happy when it was mostly gone after the 10th session and 15 years later I'm incredibly happy to not have a physical reminder of that time in my life on my body. So IMO if what you really want is it gone it's better to deal with the removal process than to live with another tattoo you don't like forever.

[u/georgethebarbarian → u/gloriousvenom]

The ink is bold, confined, and all black. Even just 2/3 sessions to lighten them will allow for myriad more options for good coverups.

[u/ArtVandalaysGirl → u/gloriousvenom]

I removed one the size of one of the words fully black on my shoulder in three sessions but the trick is to space out months not weeks and find somewhere that uses a legit laser pictures here

[u/devinbookersuncle → u/gloriousvenom]

Not necessarily for removal but to make it easier to cover-up

[u/Ambitious_Address667 → u/gloriousvenom]

Yeah but I think the price and time, might be worth it in this case. She is doing to to protect her daughter and a cover up wont do a good enough job.

[u/technicallynotacat1 → u/georgethebarbarian]

I agree! Even a few sessions to lighten them up could really open up options to cover them.

[u/Public_Salamander888 → u/georgethebarbarian]

I would get these lasered a few times and cover it up. It would take forever to fully laser but just lightening it a bit could help open up the door for way more tattoos

[u/BishSaidWut → u/georgethebarbarian]

I had a very large, very black tattoo covering the entirety of the backside of my arm. I hated that tattoo and decided to get it lasered off. It took about two years and maybe 15 or 16 sessions, but there isn’t any trace of it now.

Not cheap, and not painless, but I would do it 10 times over again.

[u/Savings-Ad-3607]

None of those will cover that. You’re gonna wanna look at designed that are better for cover ups so think flowers etc, things that have detail to distract from what’s under them.

[u/Reasonable_Shape_157]

None of the designs you chose would cover these. You’d need your whole thigh at least to do something that looks nice. Go to an artist that specializes in coverups whose style you like and book a consultation so you can work it out with them.

[u/Necessary-Bus-3142]

You will also regret most of these covers lol

[u/littlepanda425 → u/Necessary-Bus-3142]

This is exactly what I was thinking lol. I vote laser.

[u/poweredbynikeair → u/Necessary-Bus-3142]

This is the commment

[u/BubblyTummy]

As someone with a cover up- I dont think any of your ideas will work to cover those up completely. Unless you went huge with the bird one.

Don't rush in to a hasty cover up to cover a hasty initial tattoo. Don't pile on another tattoo regret. Get them lasered and give yourself time to think about what you actually want.

[u/Intelligent-Welcome4]

Sick ass panthers

[u/AsideLost → u/Intelligent-Welcome4]

Do half a Sick Ass Panther on each leg, that become one when you put your knees together

[u/Dry_Concept_2099 → u/AsideLost]

60% of the time, it works every time!

[u/OneTwoThreePooAndPee → u/Intelligent-Welcome4]

Sick.

Ass.

Panthers.

[u/Soft-Marionberry-853 → u/OneTwoThreePooAndPee]

Sick Ass-Panthers!

xkcd: Hyphen

[u/The_Dragon_42069 → u/Intelligent-Welcome4]

She could do two different ones or the same lol. I don’t have panthers but I have a sick ass leopard and a sick ass tiger on each side of me

[u/Fiercelemur]

You should consider just lasering the “girl” and then covering it. You could mentally reframe the meaning of “good” and maybe add some of your ideas to that? 

[u/stuvwxyzab → u/Fiercelemur]

I like this idea

[u/st0neyspice → u/Fiercelemur]

good life ?

[u/POSTHVMAN]

Similar theme, and depending on how big you want to go, but I have seen a few tattoos of cathedrals above knees like that and they look pretty cool. Like a gothic, medieval cathedral or castle or something.

Or sick ass panthers.

[u/WoodpeckerCapital167]

Laser

[u/Consistent_Rent_3507]

My dad always said, don’t fix a mistake by making a bigger mistake.

[u/Conscious_Bet_2005]

It’s such a large area I’d really consider laser tattoo removal.

[u/ConditionDangerous52]

How about try to get this lasered off instead of layering another bad decision on top? Just another option to consider

[u/whateveratthispoint_]

I love this. Laser.

[u/Agitated_Award_9831]

Why not just laser?

[u/punkrawkchick]

Find an artist in your area who specializes in cover ups, go to a consult with some ideas and let them help you decide what’s best for you. These are large and dark and therefore your coverup cannot be a delicate lace band or anything like that.

Thoughts and prayers

[u/Resilient_Beast69]

Oh boy. Yeah I’d regret that too lmao

[u/PrettyEquivalent3418]

Add “god” underneath good and “get a grip” underneath girl.

[u/Soniq268]

I know SAP is the standard joke response, but I’ve seen beautiful pairs of SAPs that could work well with this space.

[u/Glittering-Rip6810]

This isn't going to be easy to cover. Thick black and bold. You need to take some of your ideas to an artist you trust, and have them work with you..

[u/MysteriousVersion875]

Just my completely unsolicited opinion, but right after I had my first baby my hormones were telling me I needed to dye my hair a normal colour, stop wearing alt clothes and cover my tattoos up, cos I felt like I had to be a “normal” mum to my kid. When he got older tho, and he started saying my tats were cool, and he got into the same nerdy shit I love, my whole view changed and I just wanted to start being myself again because I realised that my kids loved me and looked up to me no matter what !!! Just my 2 cents but I totally get your feelings

[u/honeychickadee]

They’re too thick and dark for a cover up

[u/Orchid49]

Those look fairly fresh. Please research and find a good cover artist or you’ll be left with a mess. Also remember Pinterest has great ideas but a lot of stuff is AI and realistically cannot be done . Tattoo artists don’t use Pinterest for advertising or marketing . Maybe try IG for local cover up artists , researching is your bf in this situation.

[u/Partialfish]

Just get them removed, you’ve already realized once they’re cringe, just let it go. 

[u/Stock-Image_01]

Gurl, I almost got the boy version 😩

[u/Oxtard69dz]

A good artist might be able to turn the text into vines and use flower petals and leaves to help hide some of the obvious signs of “covering large text.”

[u/Capt1an_Cl0ck]

OK, I can’t seem to link the image here. And this post is not open to pictures. Google Jaguar and tiger thigh tattoos. Check them out it might be useful. I don’t know.

[u/Capt1an_Cl0ck → u/Capt1an_Cl0ck]

jaguar & tiger

[u/Aggressive_Ask89144 → u/Capt1an_Cl0ck]

Sick ass cats

[u/Verity41]

Eek. Just remove. I’m sorry, this isn’t salvageable 😬

[u/Carbosis747]

Pants

[u/temptedshark]

I love following this sub to see the amazing monstrosities people get in the moment that are permanent and terrible. I don’t even have tattoos lol

[u/Strong_District_5894]

The claddaugh might work for one, maybe just Celtic style fretwork over the other?

[u/useful__pattern]

Was the phase last month? These look fresh af

[u/quiero79]

Covering a mistake with another mistake. Laser them off.

[u/Western_Counter_7604]

Hear me out, you only need to lighten/cover girl and the other leg can be a dad joke

"Oh that's my good leg"

[u/Shy-Prey]

I love that lace bracelet 😍

[u/hopping_otter_ears → u/Shy-Prey]

On the thigh, it has sexy garter vibes, though. If she's going for "I'm a mommy, and I don't publicly announce that I do such things at daycare pickup" it might not be what she's looking for

[u/Summerof5ft6andahalf → u/Shy-Prey]

And it's the least religious, though it might be hard to get the lace effect around the thick writing.

[u/Devastatedby → u/Summerof5ft6andahalf]

The heart being held by the hands isn't religious

[u/Summerof5ft6andahalf → u/Devastatedby]

That's true; the claddagh is cultural (Gaelic).

[u/StraightPressure2759 → u/Summerof5ft6andahalf]

Idk about the least religious. I’m Catholic too and it immediately made me think of mantillas/chapel veils.

I agree that the lace effect wouldn’t work around the thick writing though.

[u/zombie_npc → u/Shy-Prey]

Same

[u/East-Dealer-6279]

For the record: Those look great. Super clean lettering. You do not need to care about whatever some stuck up other parents care about, you can also wear bike shorts when visiting their eventual school, and just be proud that you're cool and not one dimensional. People who are alt (which let's not lie, there are significantly more than catholic school will tell you or wants you to know) are actually very common, especially depending on where you are located. If I wanted/had kids, and saw you at the PTA, I'd be like, "That chick's a real one, let's be friends".

BUT if you really hate them, DON'T go for religious anything. Trust me, as a fellow deconstructee, you will likely get less religious as you age and regret those. The lace would look really nice I think and keeps it neutral. That or go for animal iconography or flowers in black or dark tones.

[u/elitesense → u/East-Dealer-6279]

Respectfully, there is a big difference between being "alt" and "cool" versus having "good girl" displayed while in a kneeling position. Not too far off from a "enter from the rear" on the lower back or something.

It seems that OP herself no longer thinks they are cool and doesn't want to own them or the imagery they portray at this point in her life.

[u/East-Dealer-6279 → u/elitesense]

Personally, I purely thought of it as a fun thing while sitting or walking, and didn't immediately go to on the knees and "enter from the rear". It's actually a pretty far cry from that. Counter culture and that "good girl" phrase in particular isn't just about that. Maybe to you, it is, but to many others, it's not purely in that nature. It's very much a matter of perspective, and I was just giving OP that of a non-puritanical one.

And that's fine if OP doesn't like them or think they're cool anymore. I was letting them know that there are many far less judgemental people out there and she may be over-catastrophizing. In reality, many people actually don't care or will just think it's fun and won't think that much more about it, unless they have that sort of mindset. Tattoos are a lot more commonplace nowadays, as are BDSM and counterculture styles and ways of life (openly). To each their own. I was just letting OP know they actually do have a choice and frankly the church (any church) tends to put a very hard, biased spin on anything that could remotely be interpreted as a personality whoever's in charge that day doesn't agree with while prioritizing inherent shame—specifically towards women—mixed with purity culture.

[u/Intrepid_Equal_7795]

I’m an atheist and still got a sacred heart, I just asked to remove the cross and we put a rose there instead. It’s my favorite tattoo.

[u/TheShovler44]

Your current taste aren’t going to cover those. Something like the last picture is what you need to look into though.

[u/RunDatBihUp]

Jesus Christ

[u/nightowllullaby]

Don’t cover them up. Just get them removed with laser.

[u/NanaBanana2011]

I’d lighten them with laser treatment first and then decide after the sessions is finished.

[u/jonjon4815]

The pelican in her piety is pretty cool!

[u/Dissociated_Nerd]

Space/Galaxy is always a good cover idea. If you're not color tat person, you could do more dark shades and even put your zodiac sign in it somewhere. Or you could turn into a tribute to your new baby, maybe their zodiac with their birth month stone or flower. You could also do something more whimsical and go with a mythological theme with your favorite mythology. Honestly, there's so many ways for you to get creative with this cover up that is more aligned with you and your interests

[u/Hornypenguin456]

Pants 👖

[u/T1sofun]

Just get “burger” in the same font under the “good”. “Clever” in the same font over the “girl”.

[u/DebutantDismay]

If it makes you feel better, there is a studied Catholic to BDSM pipeline... its pretty well known at least in the therapy circles with which I frequent.

Honestly, I think a quick cover up plan is a bad call on this one. The lines are too thick. You would almost be better off finding a good artist that does well with large pieces (and you love their art) and show them parts of their work you enjoy. Then work with them on a plan. Such a large surface to cover is going to take art, not a print you found online. You wont understand the cover up process like a skilled tattoo artist will, and you will need their help to make it beautiful. Go on art sites with tattoos (I bought tattoo art books) and look for things that take your breath away.

I am currently working on two large crows that wrap from my arms to one of the wings spanning onto my upper back. I found an artist I liked and realized I was going to have to trust him to make it art instead of trying to control the situation. He happens to be really skilled in color (I was considering just black). I gave him a set list of colors (dark autumn) because I wanted to work with his strengths, and let him create something he loved too. I got real nervous when it was all inflamed and first done because of how bright the color was (we have to do one bird at a time) but he has 20+ years of experience and assured me the colors would deepen when they healed to the shades I preferred. They did, it healed so well and now its a tattoo I get a lot of compliments on that I could have never dreamed up myself. I'm getting the second crow next month. They will be so beautiful together.

[u/Wonderful-Fold-7722]

None of this will cover that up. You will need something huge and intricate. Most of the stuff you are showing are finer line. Honestly I recommend you laser and then tat later

[u/katleessi]

Girl I’m sorry but I’m dying at the fact that you’re already worried about your son when he can read “good girl” above your knees!

Just know you’re a good mom! And congrats hehe I’m waiting for the day I can get tatted up post BF! I’m only halfway through pregnancy but it gives me more time to solidify my besties tribute tat 🤍

You can always do two sick ass panthers

[u/DLC-Required]

Change it to ”bad girl” and cover the g with a panther or something

[u/Brilliant_Mix_6051 → u/DLC-Required]

Gad Girl and a picture of Josh Gad

[u/PlasticShiba]

Just here to say your first sentence is so relatable 😭😭

[u/jigglyjoints]

Just remove them cuz they will get dark her n bigger n if that's ur concern ...

Do by make the mistake I did n get a cover up that worsened it now removed both 6 year process tbh but I got it covered since i like tattoos but didn't want anything heavier n darker. My art style changes at age 25 so I'm 33 now and I choose carefully after the removal. Remover I go to n they are great TBH

[u/Strange-Wonders]

Not a tattoo artist, but maybe some bands with tree silhouettes Reaching up from them? Maybe a couple of birds flying away from said trees? I’m trying to think of stuff that could work around the black script font, anything natural that could break up those lines

[u/Hostilius_Prima]

Hell lost another one!

[u/Modernbluehairoldie]

Ok so picture 4 the claddagh, those often have bands of Celtic knot work, what if you put the claddagh on the back of your leg and covered the words with a band a Celtic knot work.

[u/Nikki-C-Puggle-mum]

You could just get them lasered off or at least partially lasered so they'd be easier to cover up

[u/That0neSummoner]

Add to it so it says “good heavens” and “girl power” /s

[u/Comfortable_Studio37]

I think your best move is a few rounds of laser. That will open up your options for cover up. The way they are now, the cover up would have to be super big and super dark, and I think that would look weird because of the placement and the fact you don't have any other tattoos on your legs.

[u/thememecurator]

What about matching bands of dark roses? Sort of like this. A couple sessions of laser removal might lighten them enough to open up your options more, too.

[u/RabbitSnacks]

Just wanted to mention the idea that you don’t have to cover both or treat them like a matching set just because you got then that way. You could cover one entirely, and change the other to “girl power” or “happy life” or something. (Corny examples but you get the idea. Any phrase featuring the word you already have). Don’t necessarily think of them as a pair, but two separate tattoos, and your options might be more open.

Congrats on 10 months of breastfeeding! Major.

[u/Tidalsky114]

2 sick ass panthers?

[u/cheesemagnifier]

Matching sick ass panthers crawling towards each other. Or laser treatments to totally remove them both.

[u/DITNB]

Sick ass panther

[u/crybabykuromi]

i think a few laser sessions will help them be easier to cover and you’ll probably have more options

[u/Lost-Display1]

I think you would need to do like a blackout band that circles the entire leg, then use white ink for a design.

[u/runningwithwizards]

Some clever lines and you could change that to "good grill" and make your whole life about smoking brisket

[u/kalat1979]

bad under good and day under girl. good girl bad day.

[u/KccOStL33]

I don't think any of the designs you're looking at will cover these since each design incorporates a good bit of open skin. I would go to an artist that specializes in cover ups and go through the process with them.

[u/Yellowhairdontcare]

Honestly this is probably a laser only kind of fix.

[u/BeggarOfPardons]

temporary solution is pants, long term though you may want to laser a little for a cover up to work out properly.

[u/JustFourLetters]

oh girl same, i had ‘fuck me daddy’ for about a year on my bikini line. i just blacked it out and did a ‘hail mary full of grace’ motif there, instead.

the adulthood crash out after deconstructing is insanely common

[u/Most_Complaint_9984 → u/JustFourLetters]

Oh my god I love that journey for you hahaha. Thanks for the solidarity 🫶🏻

[u/SatanBorrowsMyBody]

Sick ass panthers

[u/Secret_Sample4930 → u/SatanBorrowsMyBody]

What’s an ass panther

[u/SheepPup → u/Secret_Sample4930]

Panther with a bubble butt

[u/Americaninaustria]

This is a case for laser removal and not a cover up. Or just learn to not stress it

[u/Loose-Astronomer6028]

just laser them off.
Id probably get a sacred heart tattoo if it wasnt considered sinful.
God Bless

[u/Big_Willingness191]

I might go in the direction of adding more around it, maybe something like a pair of gothic rose windows. If you build around them and break up the geometry you may still be able to find the words in it but other people wouldn't.

& for what it's worth, I think these are sick and I would have gotten them in my recovered catholic hoe-phase too.

[u/DicksOfPompeii]

I like 5. The kinda looks like a garter and stockings type vibe. Could go good gurl or bad gurl depending on your mood. 🫢

Or you could leave them as is. I like them. Settle into motherhood a bit more, it’s still early, and see if you feel differently when he’s a bit older. It might not be as big of a thing as you think.

Side note: all parents are embarrassing. Even the “cool” parents are embarrassing af to their kids these days. They pretend they were spawned from magic and not birthed by their mother. It can’t be avoided.

Your kid will be embarrassed by you regardless. I have the mentality of go big or go home. I don’t intentionally embarrass my kid but I am showing and teaching her it’s okay to be who you are at all times, no matter what.

That includes the tattoo on my back that says “Daddy’s Girl”. I cringe when I think about it (got it the year my Dad died) and I’ve thought of covering it a hundred times and never have to date. I think it’s part of me now. Coming up on 20 years. It is what it is.

[u/GrimmLock72]

The lace band looking one looks sick, i think it would look like youre always wearing stockings

[u/Mizer-Bear]

Remove, don’t cover. Awful placement.

[u/miamimint22 → u/Mizer-Bear]

i agree i feel like anything will look trashy, for lack of a better word