Tattoo Tales: 35+ Ink Masterpieces That Became Comedic Canvas

By Aileen D

This article was originally published on docjournals

Let’s talk about tattoos – the skin-deep souvenirs that tell our life stories! They can be powerful memorabilia, etching precious memories, or inspiring reminders during tough times. They can be likened to badges of honor, souvenirs from life’s adventures. From “Carpe Diem” to “Mom’s Spaghetti,” they are comparable to wearable art galleries!

But not all tattoos are created equal. Some can be, well, questionable life choices! Like that ex’s name you swore would last forever, or the “YOLO” on your forehead that screams “Oops!” Let’s not forget those drunken tattoo parlor adventures that left us with mysterious symbols we can’t even decode!

Remember, if you’re unsure about a design, sleep on it – tattoos are forever, but that pizza slice tramp stamp might not age well!

Googly Eyes for Effect

While a panther’s face may roar with ferocity, having it tattooed on the back of your bald head might lead to a hairy situation – or, rather, a hairless one! Add googly eyes to the panther’s face to achieve that wild, wacky look.

Image courtesy of largeczar / Reddit

Talk about turning heads – but for all the wrong reasons! Let’s leave craft supplies where they belong. Remember, tattoos are permanent, so think twice before turning your head into a furry feline frenzy! Keep the laughter alive, but maybe not on the back of your head!

For the Love of Drinks

Meet the Monster Drink devotee with a questionable choice! He’s got an undying love for those energizing beverages, but the logo tattooed on his chin? That’s profound brand loyalty! He’s got the perfect “sip and smirk” combo going on.

Image courtesy of JustHere4Brady / Reddit

This is a jaw-dropping, head-scratching decision fueling both chuckles and caffeine highs. What was he thinking? Let’s raise a can of Monster in salute to boldness, but skip the chin tattoos and stick to the sips for that electrifying boost!

Better to Call 911

Hold on to your halo, folks; we’ve got a tattoo tale of heavenly hilarity! Here’s a woman with a devilishly daring idea, having the number of the beast tattooed on her thigh. But wait plot twist! From another person’s perspective, it’s “999” – the innocent emergency call!

Image courtesy of yrdeadbeatboyfriend / Reddit

“Hey, why is she calling for help on her thigh?” they’d say, completely unaware of the devilish giggle fest before their eyes. She’s the secret keeper of a cosmic joke, rocking a number with dual identities! This is the product of some drunken story, for sure!

A Kindergartener Can Do Better

Oh, dear, the tattoo tale of woe! Imagine paying top dollar for a majestic masterpiece, only to end up with a noob’s doodle of a mother and baby deer on your arm! This resembles going to a Michelin-star restaurant and getting a PB&J sandwich.

Image courtesy of LBlackStarJM / Reddit

It’s too distinct to be called ‘abstract art’ and too disproportionate to fall under realistic art. This tat is a priceless reminder that sometimes the best adventures come from unexpected detours, like walking past a tattoo shop and never looking back.

Buy An Automatic

Rev up for the ride of a lifetime – on your forearm! Here’s a manual gear shift, etched in all its glory, as a permanent passenger on this person’s inner arm! Talk about shifting gears in style right on your skin!

Image courtesy of DrewF650GS / Reddit

We can’t help but feel bad for this manual driver. If he had the money to buy an automatic, this questionable tattoo design might have never materialized on his skin. We wonder what people are eating and smoking these days.

Protection from Bad Design

Oh, the irony of a guardian angel tattoo gone rogue! You wanted protection in times of trouble, but now you’re praying for protection from terrible tattoo designs! This guy must have let a kindergartener with a crayon have a field day on his skin.

Image courtesy of the10thghost / Reddit

But fret not, my inked friend, you’ve got a unique story to tell – the tale of an angel that’s got your back, even if an artistic toddler drew it. If this guy prayed a little harder, his guardian angel might have spoken words of wisdom in his ear.

All Year Round

Now this is what we call a bold choice! Who needs a wristwatch when you’ve got a permanent timepiece? But wait, what happens when you change time zones – do you have to update the tattoo too? Or are you stuck at the wrong time?

Image courtesy of marcushelbling / Reddit

Will it ever need a battery change? Let’s applaud his commitment to being fashionably punctual – a man forever on time, according to his watch. His wrist constantly reminds him to seize the day because time is running out.

A Little Soft

You asked for Metallica, the hardcore legends, but got a softcore version instead! We didn’t get the memo that they decided to swap electric guitars for ukuleles, and toned bodies for beer bellies. “Metallica? More like Mellow-lica!” anyone would say with a chuckle.

Image courtesy of HyperLathe / Reddit

It’s a whimsical twist in the ink game, proving that even the fiercest rock icons can be softened with a stroke of the ink pen. Embrace the unexpected, and let “Softcore Metallica” play on your calves – who knows, it might just start a new trend!

Wish It Squirted Ink

Ahoy, tattoo adventurers, prepare for a tale of the seven seas gone awry! You asked for Davy Jones, the legendary pirate captain, but you got Davy Jones’ locker – a questionable squid-monster mess! It seems like someone had given you the wrong treasure map.

Image courtesy of wakeforda / Reddit

You were hoping for an octopus to squirt black ink and save the day, but alas, no such luck. The ocean’s chaos took over the tattoo studio, and all hell broke loose! Let’s not walk the plank of despair – embrace the comical calamity and let Davy Jones’ quirky twin live on your skin.

Emphasis > Understanding

Hey there, ink enthusiasts and future-forward thinkers! You’re about to make your mark in the world, quite literally. Imagine tattooing the words ‘moving forward’ on each digit of your hand – every letter standing tall and proud, spaced apart for greater emphasis.

Image courtesy of CatOverloardsWelcome / Reddit

Now, here comes the magic trick! Put both palms together, and voilà – the letters play a fun game of Twister, jumbling together into ‘movifaorwngrd’! Is this a secret code for those in the know? A cryptic handshake with the universe?

Change Font Style

Here’s a guy who wears his heart on his sleeve—literally! He proudly flexes his arm with a bold tattoo that reads: ‘Dont need no butterflies when you give me the whole damn zoo.’ It’s just that the font is like a roller coaster ride through bad typography.

Image courtesy of Locustdawn / Reddit

He is head over heels for his lady, and his feelings are wilder than the African safari. Next time you see him, acknowledge his presence; the dude has a zoo of emotions dancing in his belly and on his arm.

For the Love of Fonts

Let us introduce you to the ultimate comic fanatic—she’s got a love for fonts that’s out of this world! Meet our quirky heroine, proudly sporting a tattoo on her back that reads “Comic Sans.” Some may raise an eyebrow, but not our fearless font lover.

Image courtesy of hilldanger / Reddit

We’re talking about a love affair with curly cues and quirky curves that are too wacky for most people. But hey, who are we to judge? Love takes strange forms, and this gal’s passion for her favorite font is nothing short of epic.

Limping Away

Meet the guy who thought he was a comedic genius, wanting to make everyone giggle by getting ‘live, laugh, limp bizkit’ inked on his arm. He was sure he’d be the life of the party with this one! But, uh-oh, the joke’s on him now.

Image courtesy of yngsaintjoseph / Reddit

Limp Bizkit? Seriously? It’s like a time warp back to the early 2000s. Poor dude, he thought he’d be a stand-up comic, but he’s just stuck in a musical time capsule. Adding insult to injury is the font style, which makes reading difficult.

Putting An End to It

Bless this woman’s heart. She dreamed of a magical masterpiece, but it turned into a tale as old as “crime”! This poor soul decided to have the beloved enchanted rose from Beauty and the Beast inked on her arm.

Image courtesy of emzqt / Reddit

The artist seemed to have been carried away and not in a good way. Tattooing isn’t always a fairy tale ending, so expect nightmarish experiences such as this. The reality is there are simply a lot of beasts in the real world profiteering off unsuspecting souls.

Not Always

This dude wanted an inspirational quote to show his resilience, so he goes all in and gets ‘with pain comes strength’ tattooed on his back. Oh boy, the irony hits hard with that pesky misspelling of ‘strentgh’! We would have fainted.

Image courtesy of AfruitNamedDave / Reddit

This cruel twist of fate is testing his ability to handle adversity. But life’s all about rolling with the punches, right? So, here’s to the guy finding “strentgh” in his tattoo mishap and embracing the pain and lesson that came with it.

Kindergarteners’ Work

This colossal tattoo tale takes an adorable twist! Imagine Godzilla, the king of monsters, inked on your back, ready to unleash chaos. But instead of a menacing monster, you get something that looks like a kindergartener’s sketch, all disproportionate and abstract. This must be Godzilla’s baby cousin.

Image courtesy of redperversion / Reddit

What was supposed to be a ferocious doodle became amusing! Who needs photo-realistic perfection when you can wear a child’s artistic flair? Everyone has got to start somewhere, and the same holds for this tattoo artist. We hope he improves drastically; otherwise, he’s going to lose his business.

‘Experienced’

Brace yourself for the zombie apocalypse! Here we have a tattoo design of what’s supposed to be two terrifying zombies, but it looks more like a rough sketch by an “experienced” tattoo artist. Yes, it’s a zombie wannabe party gone awry.

Image courtesy of inthedarktheresnolit / Reddit

They might be the walking dead, but the tattoo needs a little life breathed into it. If the artist took a couple more art classes, he might just come up with something terrifyingly good, not something terrifyingly disappointing. Is this what experience is these days?

Odd Placement

This person wanted a meaningful quote inked on her forearm, but the odd placement made it a puzzling masterpiece. Every time she raises her arm, people play a game of “Guess the Quote.” It’s taking more brainpower than necessary for this simple quote to inspire us.

Image courtesy of groovaymack / Reddit

People tilt their heads at various angles, trying to decipher the message hidden in the tattoo jungle, until they give up and return their attention to the task. Better to have this ‘truth’ covered with a concealer because it’s a truth that’s just too hard to bear.

Pride

For this man, growing his hair is a brilliant move. That unsightly tattoo on his scalp, looking like a child’s rendition of a clown wearing the independence hat, is a definite head-turner, and not in a good way! Just look at it!

Image courtesy of LordMinivan / Reddit

Captain Spaulding from Rob Zombie’s House of 1000 Corpses doesn’t look terrifying. Instead, he looks funny and disfigured, as if he’s the victim of a terrible mauling. He should do the world a favor and stop people from witnessing this skewed masterpiece by covering it with some hair.

Spread Your Wings

This regretful woman asked for a delicate butterfly tattoo on her wrist, but the artist had other plans. Instead, she ends up with what looks like a larva in a cocoon. Yikes! It’s a metamorphosis gone wrong, and she can’t do anything to speed up the process.

Image courtesy of twodarkness4983 / Reddit

We understand her frustration and distress because no one would be happy with such an atrocity on their wrist. The tattoo artist should get arrested and spend some time in jail for this abomination. Hopefully, someone else can fix this stat.

Failed Attempt

Oh boy, the infinity icon with a pawprint twist has gone terribly wrong! This tattoo artist attempted to recreate the subtle elegance of the infinity sign with a pawprint on one end, but it only amounted to a spooky skull. Talk about a ghoulish nightmare!

Image courtesy of CptGibbles / Reddit

Now the client’s got a fusion of cute and eerie that’s hard to explain. Try as hard as she might to show her love for her pooch; she can’t hide the feeling of anger and disdain at this artist’s failed design.

Thanks for the Time

This guy gets eyes tattooed on his eyelids, creating the illusion that he’s wide awake and attentive while catching some much-needed shut-eye. Talk about a genius move! Now, even during power naps, he’s seemingly all ears, listening to your every word.

Image courtesy of _notsuoh_ / Reddit

This guy unintentionally got in trouble on the bus when a woman thought he was ogling at her. Little did she know, it was just his wide-awake tattooed eyes and a case of mistaken glances. Hopefully, he clarified the situation and didn’t miss his stop in the process!

A Tribute

Cheers to the legendary Freddie Mercury! A tribute to this musical maestro is a must – the voice that rocked the world and the charisma that captured hearts. From Queen’s anthems to his iconic stage presence, he’s forever the champion of rock. Long live Freddie and his eternal melodies!

Image courtesy of Juicyjccccc / Reddit

This tattoo is a rock anthem with a few off-key notes. It’s passable, capturing his essence, but more details would’ve hit the high notes! Imagine a masterpiece that truly brings out his iconic charm and showmanship. Still, it’s a heartfelt tribute to a musical legend we’ll forever cherish.

Nothing Like Her

Oh, the horror of a bad Wednesday Addams tattoo! This design is frightening, not because of her inherently “charming” character, but because it’s an ugly imitation of her. It’s a creepy caricature gone wrong! And even she would be displeased with it.

Image courtesy of sladeshied / Reddit

Poor Wednesday would be rolling her eyes at this terrible representation. Instead of capturing her dark allure, it’s more of a Halloween prank that missed the mark. Let’s hope the artist practices their craft and gives the character the eerie elegance she deserves.

Disproportionately Long

This pet owner wanted to immortalize his black dog on the back of his head, but it turned out disproportionately long. It’s more of a canine caricature with an elongated body! Now he has a dog that can reach the sky without even trying.

Image courtesy of minvo / Reddit

While the love for his furry friend is undeniable, the tattoo might need a leash on that stretchy imagination. Reckon it would have turned better if he had given the artist a better picture of his canine dog? We don’t think so.

Not the King Anymore

Oh, you must love lions – the true king of the jungle! Its majestic mane and powerful roar command respect and rule the wilderness. The wilderness bows to the mighty lion’s authority, and we can’t help but be in awe of its regal presence.

Image courtesy of limgajones / Reddit

But goodness gracious, this mighty lion’s reign took a hit with a lousy tattoo imitation! Its head is a speck compared to its glorious mane as if it’s suffering a hair crisis. It’s enough to overthrow the lion off the top of the web chain and into the pits.

Too Wide Apart

Ahoy, matey! Brace yourself for this peculiar Jack Sparrow tale! A fan’s devotion went awry when they tried to pay tribute to the legendary pirate. Alas, it looked like his eyes were exploring new horizons far apart! Poor Jack might wonder if he’s seeing double.

Image courtesy of unknown / Reddit

Or maybe he has had one too many rounds of rum. This is a caricature of the eccentric captain, but quirky imperfections sometimes become a treasure in the sea of tattoos. We’re a little unsure about this one, though, because it seems Jack needs to see an optometrist.

Not Proud

This person thought they’d proudly display their love for furries with a pawprint, but it looks more like a bruise than a mark of admiration. To add to the confusion, the message beneath claims they’re “proud to be a furry.”

Image courtesy of bigbody718 / Reddit

Maybe the man meant to say ‘proud to be a fur parent all along. That would have looked better. It is essential to double-check tattoo messages before committing to the ink. Asking for advice would have avoided this puzzling mishap.

Finding Common Sense

Let’s discuss the cringe-worthy tattoo choice – a word search puzzle inked on your arm! It’s a game permanently etched into your skin. You find yourself desperately trying to locate hidden words in your spare time – a work of art with built-in frustration?

Image courtesy of unknown / Reddit

Fingers crossed that amidst the word search puzzle on their arm, they find the elusive word “common sense”! May this quirky tattoo lead them to the wisdom of making more sensible decisions in the future. Always think before committing to any design.

Eyes on the Back of his Head

Oh, the bald bravado! This guy decides to amp up his intimidating image by tattooing a scary on the back of his head. He’s going for a tough-guy vibe, but let’s be honest, it’s more embarrassing than suave.

Image courtesy of Ser_Icehole / Reddit

We’re confident he has his reasons, but he may soon realize that true strength lies in kindness, not tattoos. He might just win hearts instead of scaring them away with a little less scary face, and a bit more smile.

Disdain for Hygiene

Meet the dude who has an inexplicable disdain for good hygiene, and wears it (literally) on his feet. He decides he never wants to wear a sock in his life, and he gets a design of a foot sock tattooed on each foot!

Image courtesy of GuerillaGodzilla / Reddit

He has an invisible layer of protection against cleanliness. Who needs actual socks when you have them permanently inked, right? Whether it’s a fashion statement or a revolt against freshness, we can’t help but scratch our heads in disbelief.

Blame Chemistry

Three die-hard Powerpuff Girls fans decide to cement their sisterhood with epic tattoos on their arms. Buttercup and Bubbles look cute as ever, but here comes the surprise – Blossom doesn’t look like the usual girl next door. There might have been something wrong with the chemistry.

Image courtesy of blursedtattoo / Reddit

Nope! She’s a bodybuilder, flexing those bulging biceps and showing off her super strength. The Professor must have mixed Chemical X with a dash of protein powder! This redefines girl power. The city’s villains won’t know what hit them when they face this muscle-bound Blossom!

” Letters Above Apply

This daring individual decides to spell letters on each digit of their hand, making it a typographic spectacle. Sounds cool? Well, not when their tattoo artist goes all “typo” on them! He could have put a quotation mark there to imply the letters above apply here as well.

Image courtesy of unknown / Reddit

While sweet gestures make hearts flutter, good grammar seals the deal. Proper grammar shows that your lover that they care about clear communication. It is also indicative of sound judgment. So, let grammar be the cupid’s arrow before giving your resounding ‘yes’!

Mario Brothers

From the pixelated wonders of the old-school NES to the thrilling adventures on modern consoles, Mario has stolen our hearts like a warp pipe teleporting us to a magical world. Whether we’re stomping Goombas or rescuing Princess Peach, the adrenaline rush and nostalgic feels are unbeatable.

Image courtesy of @designerinktattooes / Instagram

This guy’s passion is off the charts, as he’s turned his forearm into a gaming masterpiece. It’s all inked with love, from Mario’s signature cap to his iconic mustache. When he clenches his fist, Mario also joins the power-up party!

Internet: 100% True

Don’t fall into the “click-and-believe” trap. The virtual world can be a minefield of misinformation. Just because it’s on a screen doesn’t make it gospel truth. Fact-checking is your superpower, so question, verify, and stay sharp. Remember, only some translations online are accurate!

Image courtesy of Ramina / Twitter

This is the perfect example of a tattoo translation gone haywire! It’s a linguistic plot twist of epic proportions. Reckon she’ll still appreciate life given this painful and costly mistake? Lesson learned: always consult an expert before branding yourself with foreign words.

Wayward Thinking

Oh, say hello to the trendsetter with freckles that are here to stay! While the world’s obsessing over clear skin, she’s rocking the freckled charm like a boss. Embracing her unique beauty, she gets those adorable spots tattooed on her face.

Image courtesy of butt-sniffler / Reddit

She is adding stars to her constellation. Who needs “perfection” when you can flaunt individuality? She’s rewriting the beauty standards, one freckle at a time; if only she understood that those ‘freckles’ won’t age well twenty years from now.

Pus-Colored Please

This person was super stoked about getting a vibrant, colored sun tattooed on their wrist – as she deems it a symbol of warmth and positivity. But oh no, the tattoo artist takes a wrong turn, and the shading looks like, ugh, pus!

Image courtesy of TurkayLurkay / Reddit

It is a sun that’s seen better days, that’s for sure. Yikes! This will lead to a severe “sunburn” of regret. Her wrist looks as if it has a sore. But it’s nothing that concealer and a lifetime of regret can’t hide.

Tainted Heart

Oh, what a tattoo tragedy! This poor woman wanted a simple heart on her forearm, a symbol of love and affection. But, alas, the tattoo artist had other plans. Instead of a delicate heart, she ends up with what looks like an oversized peach.

Image courtesy of SarahYo / Reddit

It’s a sad reminder that not all artists are created equal. Now she’s stuck with a fruity reminder of what could have been. Let’s hope she finds a way to turn this peach into a sweet tale of resilience or, in our case, a cautionary tale.

Better Out Back

So, this brave guy decides to wear his love for hawks loud and proud, and what better way than getting the majestic animal’s face tattooed right on his forehead? But hold on, let’s consider the alternative – maybe the back of his head would’ve been a wiser choice.

Image courtesy of unknown / Imgur

He would have a hawk watching his every move without raising eyebrows in public! It’s like a stealthy guardian soaring high without all the awkward stares. Sometimes, a little strategic tattoo placement can save you from unintended double takes.

Enough to Look Away

This daring woman decides to embrace the fierce energy of Medusa on her back, but the artist’s design ends up more like a startled snake than a mythical goddess. People are cringing and averting their eyes because they can’t take this grotesque sight.

Image courtesy of kingqueenrat / Reddit

They are doing it not to protect themselves from Medusa’s gaze from turning them into stone but to save this lady from a storm of unkind comments. It’s like an awkward moment frozen in time because the artist lacked skills.

Taken Literally

We feel for this woman who wanted to ditch the daily makeup routine. She opted for a tattooed eyebrow instead. But, uh-oh, the artist got a bit too enthusiastic and inked “over her eyebrows.” Just imagine this lady’s restraint from causing a scene at that shop.

Image courtesy of sakurakirei / Reddit

Now she’s got a double dose of brows, and she’s permanently stuck in limbo. This is a curt reminder that sometimes, going bare and au natural is better than having someone distort your God-given beauty. Some ‘enhancements’ will only taint your features.

A Beaver

This bold soul pays tribute to military might with a tank tattooed on his skin. But wait for it; the tank has a beaver for its body! It’s a bizarre fusion of military modernity and nature’s engineers. Why’d he do it? We can’t say for sure.

Image courtesy of dingelbob / Reddit

The beaver tank dream crashed and burned! We would be okay with the quirky combo, but the poor drawing made it look like a kindergarten project gone wrong. Did an artsy beaver with shaky paws design it? Let’s hope they find a better artist for their next wild idea!

Not So Happy

Talk about a test of zen-like restraint! This person’s meditation skills are on full display as they gaze at the tattoo on their arm, meant to portray the serene Baby Buddha and the peace sign. But the result is more like a shabby imitation.

Image courtesy of Idontknowhowtotell / Reddit

In a Zen twist, this person embraced the imperfect tattoo and let go of the need for a redo. They found strength in acceptance, subduing their anger like a pro. It’s a tattooed lesson in patience and self-compassion. After all, pain comes from attachment.

Saved You From It

Here comes the tattoo hero to the rescue! This artist spots the trainwreck design of a gay man posing like a unicorn with a horn on his head and decides it’s time for an intervention. With skillful persuasion, he convinces the client to opt for a whimsical pixelated kindergarten drawing instead.

Image courtesy of handlebars34 / Reddit

Phew, crisis averted! It’s like turning a wild dream into an innocent doodle, or at least that’s what this artist thought. For the rest of us, this client was caught between the devil and the deep blue sea. Yup, that’s a difficult predicament.

Worse than a Smiley

Oh, the ankle antics are real with this one! The client’s quirky choice: a bald man’s smiling face tattooed on their ankle. Bold move, right? Let’s face it; a smiley would’ve been much cuter and, well, less abstract. We’re wondering what led him to this decision.

Image courtesy of gayfagsam / Reddit

This client wouldn’t have to rely on other people to ‘connect the dots’ for them to perceive the smiling face on his ankle. All he wants to do is to spread optimism and good vibes, but this is giving us cringe and aversion.