The subreddits r/tattoo and r/tattoos are great places to start if you’re seeking ideas for your next tattoo or just want to view some of the most imaginative and well-done works out there.
A plethora of enthusiasts share both their own designs and those of other artists from around the world in these online groups. No matter what their taste, everyone is sure to find something they enjoy, whether it’s a geometric animal image, a gorgeous arrangement of flowers that seems like watercolor, or a traditional bold skull.
So keep scrolling to see our selection of stuff from these subreddits, and don’t miss our interview with tattoo artist and proprietor of Highwater Gallery in Swansea, United Kingdom, Josh Young.
1. December 15, 2016, was my dad’s death date. I Received A Tattoo Today
2. Hongdae, Seoul, Korea; Meonji, my cat, by Yeonno. My first tattoo ever took eleven hours to complete
Knowing what you’re getting yourself into is crucial when considering skin inking. “I would say one of the most common misconceptions about tattooing perhaps would be the time it takes to design and perform a tattoo,” Young stated to Bored Panda.
“I think to the inexperienced customer, they can, a lot of the time, assume we are able to just ‘knock up’ a quick design, and unfortunately, the line ‘the tattoo should only take half an hour’ is thrown in quite a lot.”
3. A Calvin and Hobbes embroidered patch made in Sao Paolo, Brazil by Duda Lozano
4. Jing’s Wildflowers Tattoo in Flushing, New York, from Jing’s Tattoo Studio
5. In the end, my sister, brother, and I (triplets) decided to get our first tattoos
Young speculates that it might have originated during the era of flash sheets, “where one could quickly complete tasks by simply removing them from the wall.” Or maybe it stems from seeing “reality” tattoo shows that are edited to highlight the 30-minute design, setup, and execution process.”
In any case, the artist believes that instead of being frustrated by these presumptions and fallacies, individuals should take some time to educate themselves.
6. Mayday, My Shop, Me, Pony Lawson, Made This Golden Balloon Dog! Ink Company in Chicago
7. Eli Wood, at Lombard Street Tattoo in Portland, drawing of my grandparents!
8. Completed at Bloodlines Ink in Perth, Western Australia by Chris Rigoni
9. Zzizziboy’s “My Little Trash Cat” in Seoul, South Korea
“Another common misconception would be the pain aspect,” Young stated. “The body is remarkably tough, and everyone is amazed by their own pain tolerance. Yes, the surgery can be difficult.
“We as humans are capable of sitting through huge amounts of trauma and so when anyone mentions they wouldn’t be able to sit for a tattoo, I would encourage them to just give it a bash and they will be pleasantly surprised at their own tolerance.”
10. Trevor Varem created Fish Bones at the Mission Tattoo Parlour in Calgary, Alberta
11. “Cover Up” Scar The other day, I did. Done Be Me – Adam Makharita (@adamdeanart) At Dot. Creative Group In NYC. Now She Has Her Best Friend Staring Back At Her
12. “My Arm,” completed in one 8-hour sitting by Hannah Flowers, London, UK, with no regrets. How Would You Feel?
13. Long Story Tattoo by Alba, Prague | Mahdieh Farhadkiaei, Iran, artwork
The tattoo artist believes that comfort is the most crucial factor that beginners should focus on. “If the customer is not comfortable and relaxed, then usually it sets the precedent for how well they sit during the tattoo procedure,” Young said.
“I’ve witnessed first-timers far too frequently feeling anxious, uneasy, and afraid rather than excited, which makes it difficult for them to sit comfortably or enjoy the entire experience. It is the duty of a tattoo artist to make sure that the customer has the best possible tattoo in addition to the most pleasurable experience possible.”
14. A Tatoo 25,00 years old
15. Now My Birth Mark Is An Actual Wine Stain
16. Entropy In NYC, by Cavan@gritnglory
17. Honey Bees Done By Keith C. (Me) At Spinning Needle Tattoos In Fort Worth For A Married Couple Beekeepers
It doesn’t matter what is bringing you to a tattoo parlour It is, after all, your body!
“Most first-timers tend to get a tattoo for personal reasons,” Young stated. “I think because the tattoos tend to have far deeper meanings behind them, it encourages them to get over the fear and get it done.”
“Once people start getting a lot of coverage, that’s usually when the silly non-meaning tattoos tend to break out,” he joked.
18. My tattoo artist interpreted a crazy creature that Kiddo drew using construction paper!
19. I’ve Finally Got To Use My Ugly Shoulder Scar Creatively Regards From Arcade Tattoo, CA To Chris Earnhart
20. My tattoo of pigeons in Eastern European folk art. Done in NYC at White Rabbit by Koral
If you need comfort, keep in mind that people in the business genuinely want you to have a good experience. “My advice would be to any first-timers if you are not made to feel comfortable when in the tattoo shop, look somewhere else.”
“We at Highwater Gallery and many good tattoo shops I know of, strive to make you as relaxed and comfortable as possible, whilst also understanding that it can be very daunting and you can be a bag of nerves coming in,” the tattoo artist said.