Embarrassing Tattoo Tales: A Cautionary Guide for Future Muscle Fans and Passion Painters

Have you ever faced a tattoo gone wrong? As someone with firsthand experience in both the artist and the customer roles, I can attest to the importance of thorough research and careful selection when it comes to getting inked. This article aims to share notable stories of tattoo disasters and offer valuable lessons to help you avoid similar pitfalls.

A SIMPLE TATTOO, A COMPLEX EXPERIENCE

Back when I was 18, I asked a tattoo artist for a straightforward tattoo on my back leg. Initially, the tattoo artist showed me an array of impressive work, and I trusted his word that he would execute the design flawlessly. My desired tattoo was minimally complex, yet I wouldn’t have a chance to inspect the outline during the procedure since it was on the back of my leg.

When the work was completed, my expectations were shattered. The lines were neither straight nor shallow. In some areas, he had gone so deep that I was bleeding. The outcome was a disfigured leg with thick, dark lines stretching from ankle to just above the thigh. It looked as garishly as a scissor lift with a bow at the top, and it proved nearly impossible to cover up completely. Although I managed to obscure it somewhat, the lines still showed through in certain areas.

Remember: always research your tattoo artist thoroughly. Ensuring that they have a good reputation and the right skills can make all the difference in the world of body art.

THE TROUBLE WITH TRUST

Another time, early in my tattoo journey, at the age of 18, I sought a “rainstorm” design on my rib cage from a tattoo artist who had already worked on two other tattoos for me. However, the results were far from satisfactory. Instead of the envisioned rainstorm, I ended up with a cloud adorned with hearts, executed in the most intricate and deep line work conceivable. From a technical standpoint, this was garbage, and it became apparent that the artist was under the influence of substances.

The situation took a turn for the worse when I attempted to get it fixed at the age of 20. I chose a late 30s male artist who had previously worked on my mother and was known for her friendliness. Yet, during the session, he not only made inappropriate advancements (attending to me and smoking weed throughout the time), but he also failed to fulfill our agreed-upon cover-up. Instead, he tattooed an odd position of a snake, which was done with a single needle, further increasing the darkness of the lines.

After enduring an 8-hour session with an artist that would make anyone reconsider getting a tattoo, I received a video on Instagram from him that showed his disreputable behavior. This experience caused me to avoid tattoos for almost four years out of fear. Even though I was left with a permanent reminder, I finally found an artist I could trust, Serenity Bliss (serenityblisstattoos on Instagram), who has been a breath of fresh air. She has the perfect balance of professionalism and ease, and she has helped me take the first steps in my cover-up process with results that are already remarkable.

Lessons Learned

The stories above offer valuable lessons:

Research thoroughly: check the artist’s portfolio, reviews, and even google the artist. Ask for references and be wary of overly gregarious behavior. Communication is key: make sure the design and expectations are clearly defined and understood. Beware of artists who downplay their mistakes and seem reluctant to make corrections. Risk management: be prepared for the possibility of a bad experience and have a backup plan in case of issues.

Ultimately, finding the right tattoo artist can be the difference between a beautiful piece of art and a lifelong regret. Take your time, do your due diligence, and most importantly, be your own advocate when it comes to your body and your decisions.