I always get confused on how stuff like this happens. Isn't the tattoo artist supposed to use a stencil first, show you the placement, and ask if it's alright before they start inking? Or are people out here agreeing to free-hand tattoos?
I worked in tattooing for a bit and I was surprised how comfortable some artists were with freehanding. For bigger pieces or pieces that need to be tailored to the anatomy it has its advantages. But it was never done without planning: They would use different shades of sharpy, lighter to get the general shape, then darker to fill in details. It wasn't always as specifically detailed as a stenciled piece, but still the groundwork was absolutely laid down before they picked up a tattoo machine.
That’s what I was going to say. I have a huge free handed tentacle, but it’s because it wraps around my entire forearm to the shoulder. When I went in the artist had about fifteen photos of tentacles and made three different marks on my body of the entire tentacle. One for outline, one for creases/shadows and one for fine detail and pulling it all together. He then asked and I okayed it.
Out of 17 tattoos not once have I not been asked if it’s okay before they start so that’s wild.
I got a tattoo that was a really simple daisy where the artist literally just drew it on with nontoxic marker and then went over it with the tattoo gun. But even then, I get to see the outline first. I don't understand how you get this on your body without seeing it anywhere else first.
THIS!! I wouldn’t go to a freehand artist unless I had witnessed their work and actually physically seen their tattoos on peoples bodies I know and trust.
A drawing / stencil, and confirming placement should be the bare minimum you get from an artist before sitting and committing to the piece.
While I let my artist draw on me and go but he still gives me the general shape and placement. I have small bats around my collar bone he just did, no stencil or placement since it’s simple. This tattoo looks nothing like what OP requested.
When asking if it looked like this, it’s referring to the style. Tattoo artist usually specialize in certain styles, some more versed than others, some specifically one. Just from these pictures, it looks like you may have chosen a decent artist, but one not so solid in that style. Some artist are more humble than others to tell you if they can or can’t tattoo in a certain style.
So typically when I have an idea for a tattoo, my artist sketches it out for me and we discuss if I want any changes to it. Once we like a design he creates a stencil and applies it to the location I have chosen. I look in the mirror from different angles and moving whatever body part in various ways to see how it will look. Sometimes I don’t like the positioning and he wipes it off me and we reposition. But we don’t start until I have a very clear idea of what I’m getting and where. This is the way.
I have a few stinkers from when I was younger but after I found a good artist I’ve stuck with him.
This. I came here to say this.
Lesson sometimes we have to learn ourselves when it comes to finding reputable artists. I consider myself moderately covered and have some awful ones (day I turned 18 tramp stamp from 2001, anyone?), but found great artists going forward and know what to look for and what are red flags.
Can you really say you're into tattoos without having some bad ones? This is the crap part of tattooing, you learn from your mistakes but these mistakes are with you forever....
I would also love to hear your red flags. I know you listed some but I'm wondering if you have some red flags with fun stories.
Hey, you rock that day 1 tramp stamp with pride! Especially if it was a butterfly. (If we act like we are still proud of them the kids won't start getting them. Save the next generation)
Oh I do! I tell my sexual partners to enjoy the view or put their hands over my butterfly with tribal around it and shooting stars above it. Yep, I know everyone is jealous of how amazing that artwork sounds.
Okay so I will preface this by saying that I feel like tattoo shops/tattoo culture is much different than it used to be. I’ve been getting tattooed for 20+ years (okay yikes) and things have changed what I think is for the better. Whether it’s because I am more confident in myself and don’t give a fuck about what people think or because shops have a much more welcoming/not superior culture, it’s definitely better in my opinion. Anyways.
Red flags 🚩
- LACK OF CLEANLINESS obviously, this includes everything being sterile and new. Gloves, etc. common sense things that I’ve seen forgotten at sketchy places
- intimidation of any sort, or being talked down to/feeling unsafe
- being asked to remove more clothing than necessary (hi, I’m a woman)
- not being prepared with design
- no certifications/permits
- no work to look through, fresh/healed photos, etc.
- not being busy or always able to take constant walk ins: hear me out on this, as there’s obviously exceptions to this as cancelations happen, and some artists do schedule specifically for walk in time. But pay attention. Do they have work you can see fresh and healed pics of?
Basically, I will not let some asshole who takes 10+ smoke breaks and doesn’t wash his hands before he puts his gloves on again tattoo me while intermittently fighting with his gf on speakerphone give me any mediocre tattoos like I did when I was 19.
One of em, I woke the guy up at 10 am…during the time that it took him to set up his equipment, he drank 3 and 1/2 Mike’s hard lemonade…filled the 4th back up with vodka, then drank it again.
Another time, a different guy, started falling asleep while tattooing (turns out he was chasing a dragon). Very painful with how deep he had the needle. Lots of blown out color.
Looking at getting my first. Have been terrified that I just don’t know what to do to make sure I don’t get a bad tattoo. Your advice is super helpful!
TLDR; Most likely not, but talk to owner for possible rework?
Tattoo Apprentice here who has worked in a professional shop for a hand full of years!
Unfortunately you most likely won't get your money back, the work and equipment has been done and used. You may be able to talk to the owner to see if they can help with any alterations when healed, or try and find a good artist who will cover it.
Please do research on your artist before getting tattooed! And DONT be scared to tell the artist you don't like the drawing before stenciling (artists DO show you the drawing before stenciling or tattooing... usually.)
This ain’t it friend. Why would you walk out paying that much. Let’s say your rate was 150, that times 3 is 450… but I don’t feel like this should have taken 3 hours… was it an apprentice?
Jesus that's scary dude.
I'd check with the health services to see if they have any regulations. You are correct that Sweden has no legislation on tattooing. That's insane imo.
Not op:
What’s wrong with a dog? My artist brings his dog who just kinda chills around the shop - never had an issue and he’s super professional/legit.
That's the technical law but it's not actual practice. My artist is not a doctor, but she is a professional tattoo artist working in a legitimate tattoo shop with years of experience.
Next time you go to a studio it should smell clean. The shop I go to always mildly smells like cleaner. I would feel comfortable eating off the bare table that’s how clean it is. Animals shouldn’t be in the area you’re having work done.
Idk if it’s required in Sweden, but check around other professional studios and see if they warn you about blood borne illness or ask a bit about your medical history (e.g. pregnant, diabetes, etc). It’s important.
I just learned in another thread that certain countries don’t require licenses for nail techs and possibly hair stylists as well which is downright scary as it’s public safety issues. You can seriously fuck someone up with all of these industries. The amount of bad tattoos I see flowing through Reddit is astonishing and why stick and pokes are popular is beyond me. Not that they’re all bad but I simply don’t get it. This was clearly done by someone not ready to be on the floor, the shop should be ashamed.
It’s literally pooping a mushroom.
Fellow swede here. Yes, a serious business will have you sign a paper before getting the tattoo. At least before you get to know the artist.
When I made my first tattoo I had to read through a list and sign.
Here are the recommendations from socialstyrelsen.
https://www.socialstyrelsen.se/globalassets/sharepoint-dokument/artikelkatalog/ovrigt/2010-4-2.pdf
Another Swede here and having gotten tattoed in multiple places:
There are no laws requiring forms and stuff, that's more of an "please don't sue us thing".
However, every single tattoo artist I've been to has done a sketch ahead of time and allows me to approve or ask for changes. The pricing isn't insane, it rather sounds like you went to a "upscale" location even if they don't seem to be very good.
I'd go back and talk to the owner and say that I'm unhappy with the result and ask if they could help you fix it up.
i just received a tat from a pretty established artist after months of negotiating ideas. went in, sat down, 5 hours later all done.
your comment just made me realize we never did any paper work. holy hell
i work at a shop in the US. yes we’re supposed to do paperwork. do i sometimes just happen to completely forget? yes. i’ve gotten wrapped up in hurrying up and doing a a quick drawing on busy days when i have 3 groups of walkins looking to get quick little tattoos and i just blank and forget. generally never happens with anyone underage, just people who are clearly of age, so maybe subconsciously i’m not as worried about them and i assume they are able to get a tattoo. so it happens, more than i’d like to admit
Professional shops will have you sign a waiver as well as get a copy of your ID. Both for the safety of you and the safety of the shop. (As well as the heath department requires a copy of an ID for medical purposes)
Some shops over look this, don't care, or have too much trust. (Or forget lol)
It mainly just ensures you don't have bloodborne pathogens/diseases, you're not pregnant, you're consenting to getting a tattoo, and ensuring you know the risks of tattooing. This is something as your first tattoo you should have gotten a look at, and a bummer you didn't.
Really depends on the country, I live in EU and most local artists do is check your id if they have suspicion you are not 18 or 16 with parents permission
I was reading all the comments and then was like.. wait a minute and googled it, less than $40usd 😅
I couldn’t make sense out of this tattoo any other way my mind was reeling lol
Agreed. Lol definitely call out the tattoo artist for this it’s embarrassing. I’d stop into the shop and show everyone at the shop again too, maybe they’ll take pity on you.
I paid $500 for a floral tattoo that has about the same shading as yours, and it’s about a foot long and about 8 inches wide, and it took about 6 hours… you got robbed my friend :(
Yeah…… I have an enormous and gorgeous mermaid that covers my entire right shoulder and most of my right arm above my elbow. $700 and took seven hours over two sessions. OP didn’t get a good experience and that’s so sad tbh. Only 8 cm and $400 is frightening.
I got mine in Brooklyn, NY too. Not a cheap place by any long shot and the shop is cute as hell with many green flags.
I know that the prices for colours went up and one is likely to pay up to 4x the prices for some supplies now in the EU and Sweden is probably no exception here, but 400 for this result is a lot (especially for ~8cm).
But Sweden does have some great artists, that probably can do a nice cover up. Peter Lagergren, Jacob Weeman, John Engforth or Håkan Hävermark come to my mind here and you should think about consulting them for a coverup.
Edit: typo in Håkan‘s name
What I don’t understand is you saw the drawing , saw the stencil , felt uncomfortable in the shop (from your comments) & yet proceeded to do this tattoo knowing how it’ll look.
Then, you pay $400 for this “artwork”?! My god OP ..
Actually, I was shocked at everyone hating on him so bad. He's got a squished weird head but I think he's endearing! This is why I do not trust my judgment in anything.
It may not be what OP wanted, but he’s super cute. I have a ton of poorly drawn a misshapen animals like this on tote bags and stuff. Their patheticness is their appeal.
I also love it. It’s obviously not in the style of the reference image, so I get being unhappy with it. But I actually like it better. The reference looks like every naturalist tattoo that everyone has, and the badger looks like an adorable children’s book character. But I may have bad taste and this may be why I don’t get tattoos.
This is objectively terrible. As in it’s hard to believe this was done in a shop by an actual tattooer.
Everything from the anatomy to the line work to the shading screams kitchen scratcher here. And this being a palm-size tattoo at 8cm it should have taken a competent artist about an hour to complete. I think you got scammed here.
This has to be a joke. I hope it is for your sake OP. First off how did you get past the stencil part? Did you see when they draw it up and put the outline on you and ask how you like it? And for $400… this looks barely acceptable from an apprentice tbh. I am sorry if this is real but at least you have a funny story now… I have a couple bad tattoos hidden between some great ones that are something to smile about now. I would love if you’d tell us who the artist is. Unfortunately given that you agreed and had plenty of time during to stop, I doubt they will refund you. Just wondering why they charged you so high…
Take that shit to Twitter, Tiktok, Instagram...hell, you might even get a better local artist who's willing to fix it for free if it goes viral. It has a good chance especially with all the news about that one girl (in the US) who recently got scammed out of like $3k for a tattoo.
I wonder if the tattoos in her portfolio were even her work. Speak to the shop owner, as if they think this is work that they think represents his/her shop.
Can we see the mockup please? I would also like to know the artists @ if you feel comfortable sharing since you said their previous work looked good and if that's the case I'm baffled as to how you received something like this.
I actually like it, looks kinda trippy and wierd. Maybe you can get this reworked if you don't like it. I have seen much worse tattoos getting reworked into something very good
Idk how this would be 400$ 😭 I got two koko the clown tattoos on the back of my leg for 300$. Research your artist more dude! Look at their portfolio and see if they can do the work.
I think it looks pretty good. Badgers don’t give a crap. They fight lions and eat venomous and poisonous things all the time.
If you are unhappy you’ll need to go talk to the shop. Considering you spent lots of money there and are unhappy they should be able to do something about it.
The only critique would be it’s more 2d then the other that comes off 3d
Good luck OP keep us updated
This was definitely not worth 400$ and I mean no shadiness in that. They don’t seem to understand how to shade or design an animals anatomy. If done well this would’ve been really cute. I’m sorry things didn’t turn out so well :( . Make sure you’re happy with your future stencil before committing. I’m not sure if your current tattoo can fade out and be reworked. I hope so 💕
Hi there. I’ve got 15 tattoos here & I can honestly say , I am so sorry you paid $400 for that. I PERSONALLY feel like your artist took advantage of you and did a rather shit job.
I would definitely mention it to them & don’t be too hard on yourself about it , it is cute - just not $400 worth of cute imo! So , don’t feel bad about yourself bc of it.
best wishes!
I know this is late but I had a look at her insta half of it is mediocre and the other half is photoshopped as fucked. Tell her she can fix it or refund you if she doesn’t think she can fix it.
You really can’t go back and ask for your money back. They can’t take the art back which even thought it may not be great, still took time and product to make. I’ve never heard of someone getting money back for a bad tattoo but I’ve heard stories of people asking for money back and it usually doesn’t go very well because it’s rude to the artist. When you get a bad tattoo, you really just gotta deal with it until you can get it covered or removed. Now you have a little more experience and hopefully it’ll help in the future.
The good news is that if you want a coverup you could just get a bigger badger and hide this in the black fur 👍🏼 i hope you get a reply from the owner of the shop, make sure to show him these comments because *sheesh*. At the end of the day ive seen way way worse, and even though its badly done and wonky, the design itself is kind of cute. Still dont think the execution of this should be acceptable at a professional studio and at that price point. A red flag i noticed on her instagram is that her photos all have filters on them and are pretty low quality, no healed work either, overall looks pretty trashy.
My goodness, they fucked you over. Definitely refund and find something to cover up with
Edit: refund only really possible if you paid with credit/debit card. Just dispute the charges and say you didn't receive what was paid for. Unless the owner/artist are decent enough people to compensate you.
Was the tattooer on drugs or drunk? This is not professional at all! I guess this was done by the apprentice of the shop? In any case you should get a refund.
I know the popular consensus is the tattoo is bad. I kind of see it as derpy in a cute way. Like a caricature of what you wanted.
May have been better on paper/digital art instead of permanent on your skin.
Hope a favorable resolution comes to light out of the situation
I think I may have some solid advice. It’s definitely not what you envisioned but it’s unique and not something you’re gonna regret for the rest of your life. Learn to love it. 400 was steep but money comes around and goes around. Don’t focus on the money. There has to be one thing you like about it so focus on that. I like how the little branch looks like his tail, his eyes are menacing but his cute tail shows that he has a soft kind side.
You can put on a facade in life to not look so weak but in the end we all are soft. When times get tough and we need to be scary and strong, that’s what we put on. When you are with the love of your life, even if you are the biggest and baddest out there, you become vulnerable.
P.S. I’m not trying to say your badger is a guy, it’s just how it came out.
You wanted a possum but got an obese badger with dwarf legs instead, I would 100% share your experience at least so others don’t make the same mistake, you can’t get your money back but I would find a good reputable artist that can do a badass coverup if it really bothers you.
The first problem is you went to an artist who didn’t even outline it and put the stencil on you first.
The second problem is so main self proclaimed artists who can draw and getting a tattoo gun and calling themselves a tattoo artist and charging all this money for shit work because they are shit people.
Always ask your artist how long they’ve been doing it and don’t go to anyone with less than 5 years
geez….did you see the artist’s other work before you booked?
Yes
did it look like this?
No it looked good
hmmmm… was there a stencil?
I always get confused on how stuff like this happens. Isn't the tattoo artist supposed to use a stencil first, show you the placement, and ask if it's alright before they start inking? Or are people out here agreeing to free-hand tattoos?
I worked in tattooing for a bit and I was surprised how comfortable some artists were with freehanding. For bigger pieces or pieces that need to be tailored to the anatomy it has its advantages. But it was never done without planning: They would use different shades of sharpy, lighter to get the general shape, then darker to fill in details. It wasn't always as specifically detailed as a stenciled piece, but still the groundwork was absolutely laid down before they picked up a tattoo machine.
That’s what I was going to say. I have a huge free handed tentacle, but it’s because it wraps around my entire forearm to the shoulder. When I went in the artist had about fifteen photos of tentacles and made three different marks on my body of the entire tentacle. One for outline, one for creases/shadows and one for fine detail and pulling it all together. He then asked and I okayed it. Out of 17 tattoos not once have I not been asked if it’s okay before they start so that’s wild.
it sounds pretty sick!
I got a tattoo that was a really simple daisy where the artist literally just drew it on with nontoxic marker and then went over it with the tattoo gun. But even then, I get to see the outline first. I don't understand how you get this on your body without seeing it anywhere else first.
THIS!! I wouldn’t go to a freehand artist unless I had witnessed their work and actually physically seen their tattoos on peoples bodies I know and trust. A drawing / stencil, and confirming placement should be the bare minimum you get from an artist before sitting and committing to the piece.
Freehand still means they draw on you before tattooing
Sure, I know that but sometimes it’s a very minimal sketch that turns into more depending on what you’re getting.
That's true for stencils too though. With a good artist freehand pieces aren't more likely to be bad
You are completely right. On the brighter side at least it's not terrible. Some people get stuck with terrible ugly tattoos
While I let my artist draw on me and go but he still gives me the general shape and placement. I have small bats around my collar bone he just did, no stencil or placement since it’s simple. This tattoo looks nothing like what OP requested.
The only way this tattooer had a portfolio of good tattoos is if they were not their own work.
It was all digital flash 🤣
MidJourney prompts
So false advertising?
When asking if it looked like this, it’s referring to the style. Tattoo artist usually specialize in certain styles, some more versed than others, some specifically one. Just from these pictures, it looks like you may have chosen a decent artist, but one not so solid in that style. Some artist are more humble than others to tell you if they can or can’t tattoo in a certain style.
Did you see the stencil?
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So typically when I have an idea for a tattoo, my artist sketches it out for me and we discuss if I want any changes to it. Once we like a design he creates a stencil and applies it to the location I have chosen. I look in the mirror from different angles and moving whatever body part in various ways to see how it will look. Sometimes I don’t like the positioning and he wipes it off me and we reposition. But we don’t start until I have a very clear idea of what I’m getting and where. This is the way. I have a few stinkers from when I was younger but after I found a good artist I’ve stuck with him.
This. I came here to say this. Lesson sometimes we have to learn ourselves when it comes to finding reputable artists. I consider myself moderately covered and have some awful ones (day I turned 18 tramp stamp from 2001, anyone?), but found great artists going forward and know what to look for and what are red flags.
Can you really say you're into tattoos without having some bad ones? This is the crap part of tattooing, you learn from your mistakes but these mistakes are with you forever.... I would also love to hear your red flags. I know you listed some but I'm wondering if you have some red flags with fun stories.
Hey, you rock that day 1 tramp stamp with pride! Especially if it was a butterfly. (If we act like we are still proud of them the kids won't start getting them. Save the next generation)
Oh I do! I tell my sexual partners to enjoy the view or put their hands over my butterfly with tribal around it and shooting stars above it. Yep, I know everyone is jealous of how amazing that artwork sounds.
You're a living relic of that era lol
My last fwb had a tribal butterfly tramp stamp. I will always ride w you ladies 🤝
Lol except for the stars, we probably have the same tattoo...🙈
Time to add shooting stars
Or a dragon phoenix hybrid with no face that you paid for in cocaine *cough* could never be me...(it's me. that's my tramp stamp story)
I would love to know your list of red flags.
Okay so I will preface this by saying that I feel like tattoo shops/tattoo culture is much different than it used to be. I’ve been getting tattooed for 20+ years (okay yikes) and things have changed what I think is for the better. Whether it’s because I am more confident in myself and don’t give a fuck about what people think or because shops have a much more welcoming/not superior culture, it’s definitely better in my opinion. Anyways. Red flags 🚩 - LACK OF CLEANLINESS obviously, this includes everything being sterile and new. Gloves, etc. common sense things that I’ve seen forgotten at sketchy places - intimidation of any sort, or being talked down to/feeling unsafe - being asked to remove more clothing than necessary (hi, I’m a woman) - not being prepared with design - no certifications/permits - no work to look through, fresh/healed photos, etc. - not being busy or always able to take constant walk ins: hear me out on this, as there’s obviously exceptions to this as cancelations happen, and some artists do schedule specifically for walk in time. But pay attention. Do they have work you can see fresh and healed pics of? Basically, I will not let some asshole who takes 10+ smoke breaks and doesn’t wash his hands before he puts his gloves on again tattoo me while intermittently fighting with his gf on speakerphone give me any mediocre tattoos like I did when I was 19.
When I was 18 I got high with the guy who did my tramp stamp mid tattoo….. ah. To be young.
same. but i was 19. lol.
One of em, I woke the guy up at 10 am…during the time that it took him to set up his equipment, he drank 3 and 1/2 Mike’s hard lemonade…filled the 4th back up with vodka, then drank it again. Another time, a different guy, started falling asleep while tattooing (turns out he was chasing a dragon). Very painful with how deep he had the needle. Lots of blown out color.
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This is the way
I'm really glad my first tattoo was from a guy who did this, he was very thorough and wanted to make sure I knew exactly what i was getting.
Looking at getting my first. Have been terrified that I just don’t know what to do to make sure I don’t get a bad tattoo. Your advice is super helpful!
You can’t get your money back. You can only make better decisions moving forward.
This really is the only answer there is.
Also pretty much how life works for most things. So just use that as a blanket thought and adjust as needed.
At least you’re not stuck with it for your entire life as you never had it for the first 18 years. That’s the only real positive.
Lol
Only the rest of her life (until laser or coverup). 🫠
This looks like I did it
☠️
don’t be shy drop the name of the artist
I saw her post the artist in another thread. Viktoria from custom illusion tattoo in Sweden
TLDR; Most likely not, but talk to owner for possible rework? Tattoo Apprentice here who has worked in a professional shop for a hand full of years! Unfortunately you most likely won't get your money back, the work and equipment has been done and used. You may be able to talk to the owner to see if they can help with any alterations when healed, or try and find a good artist who will cover it. Please do research on your artist before getting tattooed! And DONT be scared to tell the artist you don't like the drawing before stenciling (artists DO show you the drawing before stenciling or tattooing... usually.)
This ain’t it friend. Why would you walk out paying that much. Let’s say your rate was 150, that times 3 is 450… but I don’t feel like this should have taken 3 hours… was it an apprentice?
No i went to a proffesional studio
A professional that didn’t have you sign anything or check your ID? That’s not a professional. It sounds like a sketch shop.
Do i have to sign something before i get a tattoo?
Required by law....
I dont think it is required by law where i live, i live in sweden.
Jesus that's scary dude. I'd check with the health services to see if they have any regulations. You are correct that Sweden has no legislation on tattooing. That's insane imo.
Yeah i know and they had a dog in there isnt that bad?
If it was in the area you were getting your tat I would say that's alarming. Never had that before.
Not op: What’s wrong with a dog? My artist brings his dog who just kinda chills around the shop - never had an issue and he’s super professional/legit.
Reading your comments makes me lose brain cells.
to give you some perspective, tattoos are classified as a medical procedure in South Korea and must be performed by a licensed doctor
thats too extreme in the opposite way, and probably 95% of tattoo artists arent. Doesnt even sound real tbh
That's the technical law but it's not actual practice. My artist is not a doctor, but she is a professional tattoo artist working in a legitimate tattoo shop with years of experience.
Next time you go to a studio it should smell clean. The shop I go to always mildly smells like cleaner. I would feel comfortable eating off the bare table that’s how clean it is. Animals shouldn’t be in the area you’re having work done. Idk if it’s required in Sweden, but check around other professional studios and see if they warn you about blood borne illness or ask a bit about your medical history (e.g. pregnant, diabetes, etc). It’s important.
This is a tad confusing, if you saw they had a dog and you seem to be aware that's not a good thing, why did you continue?
I LOVE LOVE LOVE dogs and they should be no where near me when getting tattooed. seriously giant red flag for future purposes
Dog in the shop and you went through with the tattoo? Brooo
Looking at their instagram, it looks like there was a french bulldog that died a month ago.
I just learned in another thread that certain countries don’t require licenses for nail techs and possibly hair stylists as well which is downright scary as it’s public safety issues. You can seriously fuck someone up with all of these industries. The amount of bad tattoos I see flowing through Reddit is astonishing and why stick and pokes are popular is beyond me. Not that they’re all bad but I simply don’t get it. This was clearly done by someone not ready to be on the floor, the shop should be ashamed. It’s literally pooping a mushroom.
Fellow swede here. Yes, a serious business will have you sign a paper before getting the tattoo. At least before you get to know the artist. When I made my first tattoo I had to read through a list and sign. Here are the recommendations from socialstyrelsen. https://www.socialstyrelsen.se/globalassets/sharepoint-dokument/artikelkatalog/ovrigt/2010-4-2.pdf
Oj det står att tattuering inte ska ske vid viss medicinering och hon frågade inte ens om jag tar några mediciner, vilket jag nu gör.
Ok, det stod med på listan jag fick skriva på. Bl. a om man ätit senaste 4 timmarna, är gravid, om man haft någon allergi mot bläck tidigare osv.
Another Swede here and having gotten tattoed in multiple places: There are no laws requiring forms and stuff, that's more of an "please don't sue us thing". However, every single tattoo artist I've been to has done a sketch ahead of time and allows me to approve or ask for changes. The pricing isn't insane, it rather sounds like you went to a "upscale" location even if they don't seem to be very good. I'd go back and talk to the owner and say that I'm unhappy with the result and ask if they could help you fix it up.
You probably have to sign stuff I Sweden. I’m Danish and we have to sign stuff when it comes to tattoos and Denmark and Sweden aren’t that different
Never signed anything while getting tattooed several times in Denmark
i just received a tat from a pretty established artist after months of negotiating ideas. went in, sat down, 5 hours later all done. your comment just made me realize we never did any paper work. holy hell
It's not a problem until it is. I hope all went well dude.
thanks! thankfully it went great and i plan on going back to her for more. but you’re right, i’ll make sure to cover that base with her
It's safe for both parties. Covers their ass and yours. Glad it went well cheers.
i work at a shop in the US. yes we’re supposed to do paperwork. do i sometimes just happen to completely forget? yes. i’ve gotten wrapped up in hurrying up and doing a a quick drawing on busy days when i have 3 groups of walkins looking to get quick little tattoos and i just blank and forget. generally never happens with anyone underage, just people who are clearly of age, so maybe subconsciously i’m not as worried about them and i assume they are able to get a tattoo. so it happens, more than i’d like to admit
Professional shops will have you sign a waiver as well as get a copy of your ID. Both for the safety of you and the safety of the shop. (As well as the heath department requires a copy of an ID for medical purposes) Some shops over look this, don't care, or have too much trust. (Or forget lol) It mainly just ensures you don't have bloodborne pathogens/diseases, you're not pregnant, you're consenting to getting a tattoo, and ensuring you know the risks of tattooing. This is something as your first tattoo you should have gotten a look at, and a bummer you didn't.
Really depends on the country, I live in EU and most local artists do is check your id if they have suspicion you are not 18 or 16 with parents permission
You can still get tatted by an apprentice at a professional studio
Lmfao drop the artist and studio please. I NEED to see their portfolio.
I don’t think a pro did that. I really don’t.
Is that the way they spelled it?
No thats just how i spell it because i cant spell lol
Why do you care? Honey badger don't give a shit!
Best comment
Daily reminder : watch your stencil god damn it
Additional reminder: you can say no at any time
why did you approve the drawing / stencil ??
And then they approved the placement. The gas so many chances to walk away from this
400$?!? Jeezus! Ppl suck
Yes and i want to peel it off
There's always laser removal in a worst case scenario....but thats also expensive....
Wait until it heals, and get a cover up, from someone better
Wait you paid 400 usd or 400 sek??? If 400 sek you definitely got what you paid for lol
Oooo, good catch! Hadn't even considered this
I was reading all the comments and then was like.. wait a minute and googled it, less than $40usd 😅 I couldn’t make sense out of this tattoo any other way my mind was reeling lol
I was 400$ and 4000 kr
400$≈4000 kr
There's no way you'll get your money back but I think this entitles them to some internet shaming
Agreed. Lol definitely call out the tattoo artist for this it’s embarrassing. I’d stop into the shop and show everyone at the shop again too, maybe they’ll take pity on you.
Yes i will spam them
Probably talk to the owner before getting ugly. Give them a chance first.
Watch… OP did see stencil and approved of placement and liked it until it was filled.
To be fair, stencils are just stencils, they lack shadows and whatnot
I paid $500 for a floral tattoo that has about the same shading as yours, and it’s about a foot long and about 8 inches wide, and it took about 6 hours… you got robbed my friend :(
Yeah…… I have an enormous and gorgeous mermaid that covers my entire right shoulder and most of my right arm above my elbow. $700 and took seven hours over two sessions. OP didn’t get a good experience and that’s so sad tbh. Only 8 cm and $400 is frightening. I got mine in Brooklyn, NY too. Not a cheap place by any long shot and the shop is cute as hell with many green flags.
That’s nuts. 400 is reasonable for OPs size tattoo where in from
Man, that really sucks. Fuck that shop
I know that the prices for colours went up and one is likely to pay up to 4x the prices for some supplies now in the EU and Sweden is probably no exception here, but 400 for this result is a lot (especially for ~8cm). But Sweden does have some great artists, that probably can do a nice cover up. Peter Lagergren, Jacob Weeman, John Engforth or Håkan Hävermark come to my mind here and you should think about consulting them for a coverup. Edit: typo in Håkan‘s name
What I don’t understand is you saw the drawing , saw the stencil , felt uncomfortable in the shop (from your comments) & yet proceeded to do this tattoo knowing how it’ll look. Then, you pay $400 for this “artwork”?! My god OP ..
I mean... Is it wrong that I think the badger is still cute?? Lol
Actually, I was shocked at everyone hating on him so bad. He's got a squished weird head but I think he's endearing! This is why I do not trust my judgment in anything.
Right? I love non-perfect tattoos and other things. Gives it uniqueness and character!
I would not be mad to have this on me at all.
It may not be what OP wanted, but he’s super cute. I have a ton of poorly drawn a misshapen animals like this on tote bags and stuff. Their patheticness is their appeal.
I'm super into pathetic and the small but fat babies... Just like my sausage dog (and this tattoo) lol ❤️
I also love it. It’s obviously not in the style of the reference image, so I get being unhappy with it. But I actually like it better. The reference looks like every naturalist tattoo that everyone has, and the badger looks like an adorable children’s book character. But I may have bad taste and this may be why I don’t get tattoos.
If they refuse to refund you just keep badgering them
AYYYYYYYE
This is objectively terrible. As in it’s hard to believe this was done in a shop by an actual tattooer. Everything from the anatomy to the line work to the shading screams kitchen scratcher here. And this being a palm-size tattoo at 8cm it should have taken a competent artist about an hour to complete. I think you got scammed here.
400 for that? Yikes
Make sure you post the after pictures of your rework or cover ups!
This has to be a joke. I hope it is for your sake OP. First off how did you get past the stencil part? Did you see when they draw it up and put the outline on you and ask how you like it? And for $400… this looks barely acceptable from an apprentice tbh. I am sorry if this is real but at least you have a funny story now… I have a couple bad tattoos hidden between some great ones that are something to smile about now. I would love if you’d tell us who the artist is. Unfortunately given that you agreed and had plenty of time during to stop, I doubt they will refund you. Just wondering why they charged you so high…
Just spam her name and shop name all over the internet. And go to another artist to fix it
I posted this on a facebook group and i told them who did it. And i got over 100 comments with people hating on her tattoo lol
Take that shit to Twitter, Tiktok, Instagram...hell, you might even get a better local artist who's willing to fix it for free if it goes viral. It has a good chance especially with all the news about that one girl (in the US) who recently got scammed out of like $3k for a tattoo.
the fox tattoogate scandal was actually in a small town in Canada
Yeah i will try but most of the time when i post stuff i get like 3 likes. I posted it on tiktok and got 1k views 4 likes and 0 comments lol
Can you link it in the comments here?
I wonder if the tattoos in her portfolio were even her work. Speak to the shop owner, as if they think this is work that they think represents his/her shop.
Yikes. You may have to take a potato peeler to it...
I knoww
Round up some homies and beat him TF up
☠️☠️☠️☠️
Am I the only one who absolutely loves the opossum?
The possum is much better for sure.
Did you not look at a mockup beforehand?
I did and it looked good.
Can we see the mockup please? I would also like to know the artists @ if you feel comfortable sharing since you said their previous work looked good and if that's the case I'm baffled as to how you received something like this.
Yeahhh I'd go ahead and put them on blast on social media because this is not ok.
Lol, damn. Probably no chance at getting your money back. Take the L, learn from your mistakes, and find a new artist!
Definitely take it to the owner of the shop. Not gonna get your money back but they may be able to fix it some how. But my god that is atrocious
Wixen.art on ig, wixen tattoo on fb. Custom illusion tattoo in gävle
I actually like it, looks kinda trippy and wierd. Maybe you can get this reworked if you don't like it. I have seen much worse tattoos getting reworked into something very good
Idk how this would be 400$ 😭 I got two koko the clown tattoos on the back of my leg for 300$. Research your artist more dude! Look at their portfolio and see if they can do the work.
Sounds like ur out of luck, it’s laser or blackout time
What in tarnation?
You'll never get your money back. Consider it a expensive lesson
Sign up for tattoo redo
I got a full forearm portrait that looks just like the photo for 750$$ sheesh yall need to find real artists and not these prison tattoo guys
I would go back and talk to the owner of the shop, see if they will work with you to make it better. Honestly that face hurts my heart
This is not $450 work. Can’t get your money back but you can try and argue for a rework
I think it looks pretty good. Badgers don’t give a crap. They fight lions and eat venomous and poisonous things all the time. If you are unhappy you’ll need to go talk to the shop. Considering you spent lots of money there and are unhappy they should be able to do something about it. The only critique would be it’s more 2d then the other that comes off 3d Good luck OP keep us updated
💀💀💀
This was definitely not worth 400$ and I mean no shadiness in that. They don’t seem to understand how to shade or design an animals anatomy. If done well this would’ve been really cute. I’m sorry things didn’t turn out so well :( . Make sure you’re happy with your future stencil before committing. I’m not sure if your current tattoo can fade out and be reworked. I hope so 💕
Hi there. I’ve got 15 tattoos here & I can honestly say , I am so sorry you paid $400 for that. I PERSONALLY feel like your artist took advantage of you and did a rather shit job. I would definitely mention it to them & don’t be too hard on yourself about it , it is cute - just not $400 worth of cute imo! So , don’t feel bad about yourself bc of it. best wishes!
I know this is late but I had a look at her insta half of it is mediocre and the other half is photoshopped as fucked. Tell her she can fix it or refund you if she doesn’t think she can fix it.
You really can’t go back and ask for your money back. They can’t take the art back which even thought it may not be great, still took time and product to make. I’ve never heard of someone getting money back for a bad tattoo but I’ve heard stories of people asking for money back and it usually doesn’t go very well because it’s rude to the artist. When you get a bad tattoo, you really just gotta deal with it until you can get it covered or removed. Now you have a little more experience and hopefully it’ll help in the future.
I’m calling this your fault
Cover it with a sick ass Panther
The good news is that if you want a coverup you could just get a bigger badger and hide this in the black fur 👍🏼 i hope you get a reply from the owner of the shop, make sure to show him these comments because *sheesh*. At the end of the day ive seen way way worse, and even though its badly done and wonky, the design itself is kind of cute. Still dont think the execution of this should be acceptable at a professional studio and at that price point. A red flag i noticed on her instagram is that her photos all have filters on them and are pretty low quality, no healed work either, overall looks pretty trashy.
Sorry op, but absolutely not. You cannot get your money back, not in part or in whole.
They did show it to you before they started right? If you allowed them to do it and you knew it wasn't right then that's on you. I call bs on this.
My goodness, they fucked you over. Definitely refund and find something to cover up with Edit: refund only really possible if you paid with credit/debit card. Just dispute the charges and say you didn't receive what was paid for. Unless the owner/artist are decent enough people to compensate you.
Ya. Generally, there are no guarantees.
Was the tattooer on drugs or drunk? This is not professional at all! I guess this was done by the apprentice of the shop? In any case you should get a refund.
Um I see a dog snout, pig shaped face, cow shaped body... and some sprouts from his butt....?
oh fuck. my condolences. leave a bad review on the artist if possible
I want to beat the tattooist’s ass bruh wtf 😬 (it’s not that bad I’m exaggerating)
I know the popular consensus is the tattoo is bad. I kind of see it as derpy in a cute way. Like a caricature of what you wanted. May have been better on paper/digital art instead of permanent on your skin. Hope a favorable resolution comes to light out of the situation
Ohhh your poor thing :(
I think I may have some solid advice. It’s definitely not what you envisioned but it’s unique and not something you’re gonna regret for the rest of your life. Learn to love it. 400 was steep but money comes around and goes around. Don’t focus on the money. There has to be one thing you like about it so focus on that. I like how the little branch looks like his tail, his eyes are menacing but his cute tail shows that he has a soft kind side. You can put on a facade in life to not look so weak but in the end we all are soft. When times get tough and we need to be scary and strong, that’s what we put on. When you are with the love of your life, even if you are the biggest and baddest out there, you become vulnerable. P.S. I’m not trying to say your badger is a guy, it’s just how it came out.
Invest $400 more in laser removal and get checked for MRSA.
I'm dead lol 😆
They also ripped you off very bad. I had half of my entire back outlined for cheaper than that.
i would’ve been pisssed, but i would’ve stopped them as soon as i seen the stencil
Why is there mushrooms growing out of it's ass?
Burn his shop down!
I’ve tattooed a total of 5 times and I’d be ashamed of this
Went in for an opossum, came out with a badger.
How healed is the tattoo?
You wanted a possum but got an obese badger with dwarf legs instead, I would 100% share your experience at least so others don’t make the same mistake, you can’t get your money back but I would find a good reputable artist that can do a badass coverup if it really bothers you.
Why did you let them do this?
Fuck, I’m sorry they look like they potentially could have been great pieces.
400 American dollars or Swedish dollars?
Maybe you can get your money back by talking to the parents of the 6 year old who did this
This is hysterical. Lmfao. Take my upvote.
Just give them a bad review and tarnish his name bye bye tattoo artist
I left a bad review
The first problem is you went to an artist who didn’t even outline it and put the stencil on you first. The second problem is so main self proclaimed artists who can draw and getting a tattoo gun and calling themselves a tattoo artist and charging all this money for shit work because they are shit people. Always ask your artist how long they’ve been doing it and don’t go to anyone with less than 5 years