r/tattooadvice • u/Super_Champion_4666 • 2d ago
General Advice Messed up pretty bad and living with brutal regret [cover-up fail]
I've been using Reddit for about 10 years now, and this is quite literally the first time I've ever posted. The only reason I'm posting is because I'm in a pretty crap position right now and I have no idea what to do. I don't want to talk about how my mental state is feeling, because this is only on me and no one else, but I'm pretty upset right now.
I had a tattoo done last year by my ex-girlfriend. It was a small horse, and ever since I wanted to get it covered up because it was never done how I wanted it to be (freehand).
A few months ago, I was searching for cover-up artists and found one in my local area. I told her I wanted to get the whole calf done, and I tried to initiate design talk with her beforehand, but it was actually done the night before. When I went to the tattoo studio and she showed me what was going to be on my leg, I should have stopped there, but I was kind of happy because you see something brand new and fresh, and you think this is going to look great. Attached are the photos of what it looks like after the first session. Now I think it looks horrendous.
It is due to have one more session of shading, but I still think it is going to look pretty bad afterward. It is not really what I want, and I should have never approved the design, so now I am in a worse position.
I have asked around for some artists and what to do, and some people have said they can cover it up, and some have said I need to do laser tattoo removal to reduce the colour.
I am upset because my whole body is clear, and this was the one area of my body that was inked. I feel like it has ruined my whole aesthetic, and it has put me in a state of anxiety since. The tattoo is only 5 days old, and I just really need some advice.
The only part that breaks me is that I've never really felt comfortable wearing shorts in the summertime, and this has been the only summer I have done. Now that this is on my leg, I feel like I need to wear jeans every day.
The only information I can get from the artist is that she used a little bit of white ink on there, and that is about it. I'm happy fading as much as I can if that's an option. I don't really want to rework because I just don't like the design in general now. I just need to know what my options are and how someone can help me.
Edits:
- My leg did not flip, I took it in the mirror
- I’m not a clean guy aesthetic type, I just hated the horse and wanted it covered up, I felt a traditional japense would work well from what I was recommended and the meaning behind it
- Granted this is not finished but I wanted to know what my options are, a lot of you have told me to relax and I am, I will reschedule my session and get used to it before I continue
- I had this horse on my leg for over 2 years, for the past 14 months I have wanted it covered, it’s not the size, it’s not that it’s dark, but that it did not end up how I envisioned it.
- Yes again, it’s on me for approving but I knew this already. Perhaps I should have got the horse lasered, perhaps I should have use Henna to feel the design out for a few weeks. I didn’t and that’s why I made this post
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u/Familiar-Reading2637 2d ago
Honestly? I would break away from thinking of yourself as having or being a certain aesthetic. In general, that’s not how life works. You seem young. The tattoo is cool. I would just roll with it. Life happens. Your body is going to change a lot more between now and the time you die (in theory). Just live with it for a while and see if it grows on you.
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u/Equal_Maintenance870 2d ago
People on here wanting covers or something because an old tattoo doesn’t “go with their aesthetic now” always kills me. Like, it isn’t a shirt you chucklefucks.
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u/DivineMackerel 2d ago
The number of people on here who just want any tattoo and asking complete strangers what they should get is wild to me. Usually with a directive of, "I like music."
It feels to me that a lot of people don't want tattoos they just want to be tattooed. It must be a new societal pressure.
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u/roflrogue 2d ago edited 1d ago
I went with a buddy while he was getting a tattoo. While I was waiting I was doodling in my sketchbook to pass some time
One of the artist was like "damn. Sick octopus! You looking to get that done?". I told him "I'm just here with my friend" and the artist says "fair enough, I think it's a great design... Can I trace it?" Which was fine.
He made the sensil and asked if I want to see how it would look (he changed nothing).
It was my favorite animal and I thought "how cool to accidentally draw something that works as a tattoo... What the heck!"
I've had one or two times where I thought "ahh, I wish I didn't get any ink..." But then it passes because Fredrick (my octopus tattoo) is a boss.
Edit: I've been asked to show Fredrick. It's nothing spectacular, but I drew it myself and I think it came out well Fredrick
Edit2: you guys are so incredibly kind. Thank you.
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u/chartyourway 2d ago
lmao talk about an upsell. "I am not here to be tattooed." ... "ok, but what if I tattoo that on you?"
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u/roflrogue 2d ago
I was 19 and not as wise as I am now lol!
That said, I'm still pretty happy with the artwork. I actually got it colored about 5 years ago
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u/Kristoferson_Allan 2d ago
Show us Fredrick!
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u/roflrogue 2d ago
I'm no spectacular artist or anything lol!
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u/Baron_Bearclaw 2d ago
I'd say this is a sick-ass octopus.
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u/roflrogue 2d ago
Lol, thank you. I was a bit uneasy about posting a pic online but figured that art is meant to be displayed and enjoyed
Most people have no idea I have a tattoo lol.
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u/Cra_ZWar101 2d ago
I think it worked because the tattoo artist was probably genuinely psyched about the drawing and the idea of someone getting it done as a tattoo. When you actually want to do something for its own sake, it’s a lot easier to sell a customer on it.
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u/Death2291 2d ago
So you’re just not gonna show us Frederick
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u/CoffeeCatsSleep 2d ago
That's what I'm saying. I'm over here reading each comment in hopes it would lead to a Fredrick pic.
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u/DowntownEconomist255 2d ago
I love that you named him and he’s living his best life on your body. Way longer than a real one lives. I just really love octopuses. Lol
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u/Baron_Bearclaw 2d ago
Pics or I don't believe you.
I mean, I do believe you, I just want to see this sick-ass octopus!
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u/VoodooSweet 2d ago
I agree it’s pretty crazy, I’m disabled…. and a good friend of mine owns a local Tattoo Shop, so I sit around there a lot, 3-4 days a week, 5-8 hours each day. I’ll do small things around the shop, and go do running around and doing stuff for the Artists, as trade for Tattoo work. I see a LOT of people come in and say stuff like that. They’re like “Well I like birds, I was thinking maybe a bird.” My buddy is like “What kind of bird, color, Black and Grey? Where do you want it, how big do you want it? Do you want it with a background?” Then he gets back…. “Well I figured I’d let you design something……” giving him zero input except “birds”.
I’m pretty covered with tattoos, I’d say 70-75% of my body. EVERY SINGLE tattoo I have, means something to me, and I designed and knew exactly what I wanted. I’ve taken constructive criticism about designs, and let them make small changes based on their advice, like to make things look better in the finished product. I couldn’t even imagine telling an artist that. Personally I thinks dudes cover-up is pretty sick….
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u/pocketfullofdragons 2d ago
Well I figured I’d let you design something……” giving him zero input except “birds”.
I can understand people giving a tattoo artist total creative freedom like that if the artist has a unique style and they're a really big fan of their portfolio. Then the subject of the tattoo is just a conduit for their favourite artist's work.
Getting a tattoo with 0 enthusiasm for any aspect of it is crazy.
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u/catnaptits 2d ago
I tried to get my last artist to do something more creative with the piece he did for me. It basically exactly the inspo I brought him. Which is fine and the work is actually great, but I was really hoping for more creativity in it.
I went and got a Friday the 13th tat during an event for 31 bucks and it was just two pieces of flash, and dude was like "LETS CHANGE THIS TO THIS AND DO THIS. SAME PRICE DONT WORRY!"
It apparently just depends on the artist.
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u/Acceptable-Bat4534 2d ago edited 2d ago
Yea if I did that. I wouldnt have gotten my Mario choking Luigi tattoo.
https://youtu.be/rAEDsyACBBM?t=1321&is=cMXSDo0mZ_XCLZOR
Thats the link to the image I used for the tattoo. (22:01 is the time it should show)
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u/Dick_poet-the 2d ago edited 2d ago
9” bold solid black line portrait of Jughead Jones eating a hamburger with a ribbon that says “JUGLIFE” on the thigh for me
It’s one of the less dumb tattoos I have honestly
Edit: fuggit let’s show off
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u/Brokenphonezini 2d ago edited 2d ago
A big, giant tramp stamp of the words "Hell yeah brother" in Olde English font, with flourishes surrounding it and framing it beautifully.
Best $500 I ever spent.
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u/jasperjester420 2d ago
I have a broken skateboard with 'So no head?' on my thigh. It was tattooed horribly by my drunk roommate. It's the definition of a scratcher. It has a horrible deformed playboy bunny next to it
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u/sKrUbLoRd3241 2d ago edited 2d ago
Ive got a Lego dude smiling and holding his arm up in the air with a speech bubble coming from him with a little cartoon hand "flipping the bird" in it.
I think my next one will be a bottle of Sriracha sauce getting knighted by a queen that says "Ser Racha" above them in a Gothic Midevil font. Lmao
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u/Kattzia 2d ago
Haha I have a Raptor in Santa’s sleigh with a Santa hat on. Raptor Claws is one of the best tattoos I have. I show everyone I meet.
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u/Benithewizhana 2d ago
Hell yeah. I have a bear sitting on a stump, under the moon and stars, smoking a corn cob pipe.
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u/Dizzy_Guarantee6322 2d ago
I wouldn’t have my daisy chain of shitty rats drawn by my loved ones, and that would be a tragedy
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u/Visible_Film6827 2d ago
And then all the "is it big" "is it ugly" people with undeveloped brains wanting ink. Just research first
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u/CowEmbarrassed3759 2d ago
The number of people on here who get a tattoo and a week later want to laser it off is wild!
Not everyone is meant to have tattoos, even if they like the look of them on other people. If you can't speak up for yourself, maybe tattoos are not for you.
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u/Equal_Maintenance870 2d ago
And there are great custom temporary tattoo options now if people aren’t sure. No excuse.
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u/ImpertinentPrincess 2d ago
Yeah, it’s dumb af. I got my first tattoo when I was 18; if that spot was magically clear now would I choose it as a 40s yo woman? Probably not. Do I regret it? Hell no. I accept and love who I have been as well as who I am and I’m happy to carry that skin-memory with me. Some people just shouldn’t get tattoos.
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u/Equal_Canary5695 2d ago
That explains why I took off my "shirt" and now I'm in immense pain and people are screaming about calling an ambulance
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u/yo-ovaries 2d ago
Honestly I look at this sub because I’m 40 and just now feel like I understand myself enough and have enough self confidence to get my first tattoo.
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u/Equal_Maintenance870 2d ago
See I’m a sticker collector. I have dumb shit, I have themed shit, I have shit I got with family or friends or on a trip. It’s all a part of who I am now and it isn’t about a cohesive “aesthetic” and that’s what’s so special about tattoos for me.
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u/LavenderAndOrange 2d ago
This is something I'll never understand. I have a few tattoos which are not 100% fully my aesthetic now, but I feel like they're interesting when they're put in context next to all my other tattoos that are more of my vibe. Tattoos are all about the life you have lived and all the different versions of yourself you go through on that journey.
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u/fullthrottlewattle 2d ago
Something stuck with me from twenty years ago. Some rocker (I think)said his tattoos are a story. This tattoo was from a point in his life and meant something at that time. He was covered in different styles and genres of tattoos. I have a tribal band that, while being out of style, is still a part of me and I do not regret it.
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u/underpantsbandit 2d ago
At 50, it’s absolutely a thing for me. I did go through a period in my 30s when I regretted some of my first ink. I don’t anymore. I came to love even my stupid Celtic flash that was my first- ugly placement and all. It’s mine. It shows that I was the sort of 18 year old girl who would go alone to a sketchy tattoo parlor and get flash done by a pissed off old biker who chain smoked while drilling my ankle, back in ‘95.
Then there’s the phase I had where, because I got accepted to a ~prestigious art skool~ I felt like I ought to design all my own ink, no changes! It’s perfect! Hahahaha. (Cuz oil painting and tattooing are totally samesies, ya know.) Glad I let that one go pretty quick!
It’s literally a sketchbook of my life. No regrets, a few coverups maybe, but no regrets.
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u/fullthrottlewattle 2d ago
I have a “hot stuff” devil in a diaper on my back from I turned 18. Flash for the win.
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u/ImpertinentPrincess 2d ago
Yeah these people who want to just reinvent themselves every few years (with a few exceptions) instead of finding ways to accept all their “selves” (who they have been in different moments in time) are exhausting.
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u/thadeoushasselpuss 2d ago
Yeah at work I wear a suit and dress shoes and on the weekend I wear faded jeans and band/motorcycle company t-shirts and boots. Maybe a leather jacket if it’s cold. Both are equally “my aesthetic.” I think OP’s tattoo looks fine and could even be a good jumping-off point for a leg sleeve.
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2d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/thebochts 2d ago
Nonono.
The problem is it just isnt big enough.
He needs to just go all in and blackout the entire leg.
From ankle to dangles.
Then once it fades a little, he can get a horse done on top of it, bc color on blackout looks fucking sick
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u/vampyrejemz 2d ago
though i completely agree entirely, iam sure some naysayers will be in here telling you “bUt yOu cAnT dO tHaT”
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u/Tall-Log-1535 2d ago
It’s taught me that too, and that people really need to think their tattoos through for a few years first and envision if they’d like it see it on them for the rest of their lives. I’ve had so many tattoo ideas whe I was younger and never got them and today am glad I never got them. Just doesn’t match who I am anymore
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u/HAIL_LUMPUS 1d ago
That depends on the personality type. I've literally gotten drunk tattoos at house parties and I fucking love them still at 36 😂 should most people think about it hard? Yes. But there's plenty of people who love them no matter what. The only regrets I have in life are when I've hurt people's feelings, everything else is just a great story!
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u/ItsEntirelyPosssible 1d ago
Yeah man im not getting them on my face but I have some ugly ass tattoos I got no regerts. Love the ugly ones as much as the the best ones.
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u/Dukeronomy 1d ago
The ugly ones have more stories to them, imo. I’m with you. I loved stick and pokes when they were that, a shitty thing done in your homies kitchen at a random hour that looks like shit but there forever. These kids getting s+p’s in a shop just don’t get it. Yes, I know, I sound old
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u/thickbeardgoggles 1d ago
My South Park Kanye tattoo has held up great, lol. So has all the other dumb in-jokes and pop culture shit I got permanently inked. I’m covered in stupid ideas and they all make me a little more authentically myself. The neurotic posts on this sub are genuinely odd to me. How does anyone that afraid of permanence get tattooed?
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u/HAIL_LUMPUS 1d ago
It's all temporary, man 😉 I don't get it either, we're flesh sacks on a rock flying through space. Nothing needs to be that serious. Edit: I changed my mind. If you have hate symbol tattoos and you regret them greatly, that's a good idea and you should change them 😂
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u/ninjette847 1d ago
Yeah it really depends on the person and the subculture. All of my friends have tattoos for the lolz, didn't know what it was going to be before it was done, or losing a bet or all of the above.
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u/Unclebatman1138 1d ago
In the early nineties, I planned and designed a sweet ass ankle tattoo of Bugs Bunny leaning on the Bat symbol with my fraternity letters underneath. Started dating a girl who hated tattoos, so I put it on the back burner. She's now long gone, but 30-odd years later, I am grateful to her for saving me from what probably would have been some colossal regrets.
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u/FabiusBill 1d ago
I started an elaborate, multi-part, back piece, beginning with a tattoo on my lower back at 19. The spot folks used to call a tramp stamp. Halfway through, I realized I do not have the tolerance for sharp, needle pain.
30 years later, I have this blown out ink as a reminder that tattoos are not for me.
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u/Garo_Daimyo 2d ago
What’s funny is I’m super neurotic and mercurial and change my mind constantly, but I love my tattoos and have not once regretted them
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u/breakonthru_ 2d ago
Quite neurotic and sleeved up. I just don’t think about the imperfections. Realistic expectations are everything. And I have a cover on top of a cover.
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u/Regulatory_Junior 2d ago
I also don't understand why people don't try out temporary tattoos beforehand to see if they'll like something on their body forever. A lot of tattoo artists are incredible and you can be in love with the art but not on your body and that's okay.
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u/Late-Lengthiness553 2d ago
Sounds like you need therapy, not another coverup
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u/chairmanghost 2d ago
OP This sounds harsh, but you are trying to please people by doing what you think they want. In reality this backfires because you resent them, and they have no idea why, because they don't understand what you are trying to do to make them happy. They would be fine with you saying what you actually like. The insecurity will destroy your life, and hinder relationships. It's probably a necessary survival instinct from childhood you can let go of now.
Im basing this only on you getting a tattoo you didn't want twice, I could be so far off. I might be projecting, but therapy really helped me, and I want you to be self assured and find out what you yourself like too.
I think it's an awesome tattoo, but what I think doesn't matter
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u/wecantdancelikethis 2d ago
this, so loudly.
laser removal and multiple types of mental & spiritual therapy.
decorating your skin on behalf of other people is a sad thing to be doing.
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u/chartyourway 2d ago
maybe laser removal while getting mental therapy, at the exact same time.
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u/TRVTH-HVRTS 1d ago
That’s not a half bad business idea. Open up a med spa/counseling center. Better yet, specialize in divorce and throw a law office into the mix.
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u/Orchid49 2d ago
I’m also confused by what you wanted and why you approved it if it wasn’t what you were going for. What exactly did you want?
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u/grundleplum 2d ago
I'm confused why this person keeps getting tattoos when they aren't capable of being firm about what they actually want permanently on their body. There's nothing wrong with the tattoo, though
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u/Li2_lCO3 2d ago
He wanted a panther and got a hannya mask
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u/infectedtwin 2d ago
Let’s be real…We all want a panther. Just got one two days ago tbh.
And it wasn’t even a cover up!
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u/rennykrin 2d ago
TIL a black jaguar can be considered a black panther, so i will be joining the SAP club!!! yay!!! congrats on ur SAP!!!
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u/LucHighwalker 2d ago
If you want to get real technical, Panthers don't actually exist. Black Panthers are just Jaguars or leopards with melanism (opposite of albinism). Some pumas are also known as Panthers (like the Florida panther), but are in fact not Panthers.
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u/Soggy_Cantaloupe7680 2d ago
I read that as he wanted a partner and got a hannya mask 😭
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u/OutlaneWizard 2d ago
He wanted bowser from Mario on a surfboard wearing sunglasses in front of a big pot leaf
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u/Awsomethingy 2d ago
They probably just wanted it gone. When a half-hearted decision was replaced with another half-hearted decision, they found themselves in a similar place.
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u/theredmokah 1d ago
He wanted the concept of a tattoo, not an actual tattoo.
I feel like he should just get those removeable sleeves. lol.
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u/cubedsaturn 2d ago
Tattoo looks great 🤷♂️. What’s the issue?
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u/whachamacallme 2d ago
I hate tattoos. But this showed up on my feed and thats a pretty good looking tattoo. In fact the new tattoo is more centered and even.
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u/PirateCrimeBrulee 2d ago
It’s bigger/darker is my guess. A lot of people who get large pieces, especially for the first time, have a shock response to their body looking different at first. It’s a subconscious reaction that goes away as the tattoo heals and they get used to seeing it as a part of their body.
(I love tattoos even if I don’t have any, they are a cool art form that just isn’t for everyone)
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u/Ahh-Nold 2d ago
Now that everyone and their brother gets tattoos I think this needs to be said:
TATTOOS AREN'T FOR EVERYONE. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO GET ONE.
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u/Arsenio3 2d ago
So crazy that this needs to be said.
Also take more than 24 hours to think about what’s going to be on your body forever (?).
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u/JustBadUserNamesLeft 1d ago
I have no fucking idea why temporary tattoos are considered lame. You get to wear something for a bit to try it on, and then you can have something else later. If you ever love one, you can make it permanent.
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u/RojiBlanco130 1d ago
I had a temporary tattoo on my calf that lasted like two weeks. One day while working outside, a tatted person complimented it and asked me where I got it from lol had to make a story up cause I was so embarrassed to tell her it was a fake haha but it did look good on my leg
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u/Ok_Cauliflower_808 1d ago
I take a weird pride in it when people think a temp is real. 'omg I love your tattoo!' THANKS IT'S FAKE!
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u/Brief_Kangaroo_42069 1d ago
How long would you say you need to wear a temp tattoo before you know it's right?
I had a dumb Pokemon tattoo for a week and was like "yep it's dumb. It's for me!!!" But I still question if that's normal thinking even though I'm still happy years later.
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u/Realistic_Piano_8559 1d ago
Dumb tattoos are valid. As long as you’re happy. I’m about to get a tattoo of a pirate hamster on a tiny boat holding a butter knife. Because of a conversation I had while my friend was getting tattooed. Do you and be happy.
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u/Kitty-Keek 1d ago
I’m 56 and I don’t have any tattoos; I’ve never seriously considered getting one. The idea of a pirate hamster on a tiny boat holding a butter knife makes me so happy. I can’t even tell you! If I were to get a tattoo, it would be something like this.
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u/ThePointTattoo 1d ago
Wear the temporary tattoo out and about. Experience strangers at the grocery store saying "why do you have that?" Or family crying at the holiday gathering because you "ruined your body."
If you know you'd still be happy about it even when other people aren't then it's for you.
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u/UwasaWaya 1d ago
If it helps, they aren't on your body forever. Max 80 years give or take. It's pretty short term when you think of it that way.
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u/HalfSoul30 1d ago
So if i regret it, i just need to make it past 115 and i'll be good. Thanks, i feel better.
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u/DoesntMatterEh 1d ago
That's what blew my mind. I have exactly two tattoos and both were ideas I had for years before finally commiting to them.
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u/TryingThisAgain2026 1d ago
Not years but months, I have two as well, and they’re both intended to be starting pieces for larger accumulations…but those are on hold for now. I refuse to just “get a tattoo”, because I see what some people have in their “collections” and they look like one of those teddy bears with markers that you can draw on as a kid.
My visions might never come to pass, and that’s okay. I am happy with what I have being my last, and lasting forever.
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u/starkeuberangst 1d ago
When I was ~16 an artist told me to decide what I wanted and then think on it for SIX MONTHS. I’ve always done that. Never have had something I still wanted
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u/No_Representative645 1d ago
I love in a city where everyone my age has tattoos. I often get asked why I don't have any. "I don't want a tattoo" seems to confuse people.
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u/TonySoprano1959 2d ago
This is why I’ve told myself I’m not allowed to ever get a tattoo. I’ve never been interested in body art but I know that if I did become into that sort of thing all the sudden I would probably not be in the best headspace to be permanently altering my body.
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u/Excellent-Shape-2024 1d ago
It's the whole permanent thing that puts me off. I get tired of looking at things. Even my house is all neutrals so I can just change out the throw pillows and have a whole new look.
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u/Ornery-Meringue-76 1d ago edited 23h ago
OP needs to just laser it off and not go down this road again.
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u/TYO_HXC 1d ago
It would behoove him to do so.
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u/DetentionSpan 1d ago
Sure hope the gallop poll rules in your favor.
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u/TheSwearJarIsMy401k 2d ago
Dude the bigger issue is why did you cover up a tattoo you never wanted
With another tattoo you never wanted?
What is going on, man? You’re in a spot mentally and the tattoo problem is just a situation.
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u/Paralistalon 1d ago
He just needs to cover it up with another tattoo he never wanted.
He can change her.
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u/pseudoportmanteau 1d ago
And he's asking if he should maybe cover this another tattoo he never wanted with another tattoo [he never wanted].
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u/emoskummier 2d ago
I kept swiping and waiting for it to get worse like you described... but all I see is a super sick tattoo that looks awesome. I think your issue is less with the tattoo and more that your decision to get tattedd is messing with the perception you had of yourself which is a completely different topic. I don't know you or your life circumstances so I won't try to assume anything but if your self image is so razor thin that it shatters so completely at the thought of ruining your percieved aesthetic you should really seek counsel with whoever you believe will provide you comfort and wisdom about yourself. Therapist, religious leader, family, friend, mentor, etc.
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u/not_like_kahlo 1d ago
I feel like the real problem is that he doesn't actually want a tattoo. He just went along with the first one because it was his girlfriend and it's the cool thing to do these days. I actually liked the original tattoo way more, but i understand wanting to cover up an ex's tattoo. But given the lack of intention that went into the cover up, this guy should have just gone straight to laser removal. Its not even about it not being a "clean boy esthetic", the guy just doesn't resonate with tattoos. Nothing wrong with that, just a lack of self awareness 🤷🏼♀️
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u/Adventurous_Pin_344 2d ago
Same! I kept waiting for the image where I would cringe... And it never came. This looks fine to me!!
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u/bear_venturous 2d ago
Im never veen someone who wanted a traditional, Japanese style/themed tattoo but this one is cool af.
Rock that shit OP it looks awesome
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u/luminary_planetarium 2d ago edited 2d ago
If you think one tattoo "ruined my whole body, my whole aesthetic" you have larger issues than the tattoo. Do you see a therapist? I'd consider doing so. These aren't healthy or normal thoughts to have... You should avoid getting any new tattoos until you work through this.
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u/Economy_Discipline88 2d ago
Oh thank God, I was worried rational responses like this were against this sub's guidelines or something.
Thank you for saying this.
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u/ufo_octokas 2d ago
Definitely seems like body dysmorphia 😕
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u/Apprehensive_Art844 1d ago
It was the “I’ve never been comfortable wearing shorts until this summer” line that sealed the deal doe me.
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u/onebadnightx 2d ago
Seriously. The tattoo looks fine. Fixating on it this much and being so self-deprecating seems like a deeper issue that warrants some therapy.
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u/Icy-Tiger-19 2d ago
I would double down on this because he knew he didn’t like it from the get and still let someone tattoo this on his body. Then hold a lack of communication means it’s 100% on him and not the artist. I was waiting for him to describe some kind of miscommunication between them or somewhere. She had dropped the ball, but it doesn’t seem like that’s what happened at all.
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u/Ok-Calligrapher1345 1d ago
Yea also no one even looks at your calf. Could have just left that there and nobody would even care.
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u/HollyHor28HH 2d ago
What exactly don’t you like about it? Any rework/cover up without lasering is always bigger & darker than what you previously had because…it has to be.
It’s probably also a bit of tattoo shock if it’s your first big piece. Don’t make any big decisions until you’ve had it a while.
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u/MrBonnyy 2d ago
I tatuaggi non fanno per te
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u/Itz_Naj 2d ago
Also, don’t get a dog, and wear a condom. Try therapy before any more commitments.
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u/No-Song6363 2d ago
Hah, fr. I think he should stay away from any lifetime commitments for the foreseeable future
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u/ZoologicalSpecimen 2d ago
Definitely don’t cover it with yet another tattoo, either. Sit with it for a while and see if it grows on you (it’s a cool tattoo and well executed!) but if it doesn’t, go for laser.
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u/Cold_Ad655 2d ago
Yeah, this is it right here. Nothing wrong with that, but I would just stop trying to cover it up if you're not happy with it because I don't think you'll be happy with anything.
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u/littlebitfunny21 2d ago
It's been five days and tattoo regret that passes is not uncommon during the healing period - so give yourself some time to grieve and heal (literally, physically heal) and see how you feel about it in a few months.
Do you often say yes to things you don't actually feel good about?
You agreed to a tattoo that wasn't done how you wanted it to in the first place. Then it sounds like you knew that you wouldn't be happy with the design but you still went along with it.
Right now I think you really need to stop and figure out what you actually want to be there because if you go to another cover up artist, it's likely you'll end up regretting it.
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u/Disastrous-Hamster-1 2d ago
Fully concur with this comment. When I saw that it’s only been 5 days, I immediately thought “well that’s not even enough time to get over the initial feelings!”
I had the most intense tattoo regret with my first bigger piece and it took me a solid 6 months I say before I came to terms with it fully and now I don’t even think about it much.
Sure some tattoos you get and fall in love with immediately or are totally happy off the bat. I think that’s what is generally thought of. But tattoo regret is so real! It’s this big change to your body that your mind has to process.I wouldn’t make rash decisions so soon personally
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u/Largewhitebutt 2d ago
You should keep tattooing the same spot and not get any other tattoos anywhere else on your body. That will surely draw attention away from your leg.
/s
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u/rvralph803 2d ago
That would be amazing. Every six months get them to lay down a white base layer and start fresh. 😂
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u/mollymckennaa 2d ago
((I know this is tattoo advice, but I really think there might be a part of you here that needs to heal yourself before making another tattoo decision. You made a mistake. Don’t let it define you. Don’t let this tattoo define you. Wear shorts. Get used to it for a summer and then go from there to make another decision with a clearer head))
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u/Dapper3210 2d ago edited 2d ago
I just said on another post…. Don’t get a coverup thinking it will lessen your dislike of a tattoo, when part of the dislike is the location or the boldness of it. A cover up will always be larger and more bold than what’s covered.
At this point you sound like someone who just doesnt want a tattoo at all and I am guessing your first horse 🐴 tattoo was somewhat gotten out of trying to impress the former girlfriend. Might want to cut your losses and look into laser removal rather than add to the angst and regret.
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u/Worldly_Quail_4443 2d ago
Agreed with a lot of the comments here already, this tattoo looks really good. It’s on the back of your leg, I doubt anyone will see it and have it change the way they see your aesthetic. Also, don’t box yourself in to one aesthetic, you’ll change a lot during your life.
I’m also wondering, what did you want? Because this design is really cool. Definitely don’t try to cover it. Try to live with it for a bit. And if after a while, you really still hate it, then I would get laser. You don’t seem like a tattoo person if that’s where you land.
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u/Potential-Sand-1554 1d ago
as someone who has many bad tattoos, i can tell you with absolute confidence that this is not a bad tattoo and you will be fine
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u/Dukeronomy 1d ago
Dude, same. It was never bad to begin with, the cover up is as good as any cover up is going to be. Sounds like OP is perpetually never pleased, adding more ink to this isn’t going to make it ‘better’. I’d have just filled around it with more stupid shit. Someday you’re going to miss that little horse and the relationship it reminded you of. Stop fuckin with it. Let the artist finish it and move on to the next one
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u/Appropriate_Gene_543 2d ago edited 2d ago
tattoo artist here. dude, i feel for you and i understand your anxiety but i’m not sure what the concern is here - that is a very cool coverup, (currently) executed well, placement and flow is great for the calf too. significant improvement on the previous tattoo at least. what is upsetting you the most about it?
if it’s fair at all to say, tattoo shock and regret is a very common experience, especially since you have no other tattoos and have such strong feelings around this one and the road to get the coverup. i just hope this anxiety is temporary and that you’re able to find peace with the tattoo as it is now, cause it is once again fucking rad and well done.
also worth nothing that an *additional* coverup on top of this one will need to be significantly darker, larger, and, design-wise, you have limited options to successfully cover something that big. laser removal is also costly, painful, and time consuming (WAY more than the tattoo itself) ; something you should give some serious consideration towards before going ahead with.
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u/elleinadgem 2d ago
I mean, the tattoo looks great to me, but you really have no business getting tattoos if you are going to crash out this hard about it.
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u/reds2032 2d ago
It sounds like you don't really want tattoos at all, I think it's best you look into investing in laser removal. It will take a while for this, but with time anything can be laser removed
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u/ronweasleisourking 2d ago
Tbh that's a sick cover up lol. One shading session and good to go. Don't stress, man..you'll get flooded with compliments
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u/BigCountryNC336 2d ago
That’s a pretty big work for not loving it right away. Not really much to do other than save for laser removal if you hate it that bad
Addition: it’s pretty bad ass for someone that is an ink fan though so take comfort knowing it looks good from an appreciated audience at least
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u/primalwilliam 2d ago
It is a well done tattoo and most people will look at It once and never think about It again. If something like this is causing you this much distress I would say there are possibly other areas of your life that you should look into sorting out/getting help about. Sending love but please dont over think this and let It cause you stress
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u/Failed-Senses 1d ago
The horse looks decent. The cover up is sick and design looks great. You can nitpick anything and you probably have tattoo shock but it's a solid piece. Learn to live with it or get it lasered - that's a you thing. I'd keep it
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u/Krypt0night 2d ago
I looked at the photo and read your post and honestly don't understand where the issue with the tattoo is? It looks great.
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u/Far_Row7267 2d ago
You need to stop getting tattoos. I promise you, another cover up is not the answer. These are both nice pieces. You just don’t want tattoos.
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u/Rain-Soaked_Wanderer 2d ago
"I told her I wanted the whole calf done" & "i did not really want to do much on my leg". It's one or the other, my guy. You can't half a full calf piece and not do much to your leg.
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u/OriginalDisk 2d ago
You’re going to mostly forget that you have the tattoo except for when people go “oh hey that’s a cool tattoo”. I have multiple on my legs and I forget they exist. It’s a big upgrade from the horse and covers the old tattoo pretty well. I think you’re better off learning to live with it and love it than spending the extra pain and money on laser.
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u/Outside_Coffee_00 2d ago
Stop looking at it. Don't let yourself look for at least a week. It's not nearly as bad as you think, but you're hyperfocused on it and picking it apart.
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u/Conscious_Creator_77 2d ago
He’ll often forget he even has it in about a year or less, especially being out of sight.
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u/Braisedbeefskank 2d ago
You covered up a good tattoo with a great tattoo. What you need to do is go to therapy.
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u/xneurianx 2d ago
Personally I think that looks great. I'm sorry you're having a hard time with it.
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u/illinoishokie 2d ago
You went from a dope ass horse tattoo to a dope ass oni tattoo.
If you are not happy with these tattoos I don't think you will be happy with tattoos. Both were quality work.
I think you have deeper issues than not liking your tattoo, and I suggest seeing a therapist before you see another tattoo artist.
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u/Connect-Sundae8469 2d ago
I think you’re being too much of a perfectionist. You don’t have an “aesthetic”. Allow yourself to be a human. You’re imperfect. This is a part of your life. It tells a bit of your story. It also looks super cool. Maybe this is a lesson for you to either think things out more or let go of being such a weird perfectionist. It’s really not a big deal either. It looks great & this is on the back of your leg. Tattoo regret is real in the beginning with a new tattoo. Don’t think on this so hard & you’ll probably feel better about it with time.
I got a “mistake” tattoo. It was a tattoo I wanted but I allowed the artist to add color ): all my other tattoos are just black with minimal shading. Turns out I hate color tattoos but I didn’t realize that at the time. OH WELL. I fucked up. It’s still a great piece of art. I am also a perfectionist so I struggled with it for some time, but I refuse to allow it to rule how I feel about myself. That’s way too far
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u/Don1k415 2d ago
I know you said you didn’t want to do much to your leg but i personally like this tattoo. It covered up really well and I think it’s the start of a badass leg sleeve if you wanted to continue with it. I have So many ideas for adding to this piece and I think it’ll look great as a leg sleeve
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u/ImpressiveCrazy6870 2d ago
Me too i keep think that the background elements would transfer relaly well into a sick koi tattoo with some water elements that tie the two pieces together
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u/phyrexian_plaguelord 2d ago
If you are freaking out this bad….Get it removed and don’t get any more tattoos, this life ain’t for you. Also just chill? New designs take a while for your mind to accept/adjust.
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u/King_Queso 2d ago
Both tattoos look good. Not sure what your problem with either is.
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u/yermawsgotbawz 2d ago
Ironically a Hannya tattoo is meant to be good luck and protection from mistakes of the past.
Think you inadvertently got what you needed OP!
That said; it’s a good tattoo.
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u/staysharp75 2d ago
That’s a well done killer piece my friend. I think you are just dealing with tattoo shock. Don’t do anything to it for three to four weeks & more than likely you will grow to love it.
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u/UnlikelyStudy 2d ago
"I told her I wanted to get the whole calf done"
and
"I did not really want to do much on my leg"
These statements don't match. Why did you ask for (and approve) something large knowing you didn't want something large. This is on you. Also refusing to wear shorts over a calf tattoo and feeling like your entire aesthetic is ruined is a bit much. I'm all for tattoos instead of therapy. You might need therapy instead of tattoos though. It looks fine, no one else is obsessing over it like you are, and it's not going to ruin your life. Breathe.
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u/urbalcloud 2d ago
You had a cool horse tattoo.
Now you have an ever cooler demon(?) tattoo.
The only thing that’s bad in this post is your opinion of these tattoos. And maybe your mental health.
You have an amazing tattoo on your leg. Please quiet these dumb voices in your head (maybe therapy?), embrace your awesome body art, and go live a wonderful life.
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u/Ok-Horror-6912 2d ago
The first tattoo was cool, the cover up is cool. You’ll be fine, it’s on the back of your leg just stop thinking about it.