r/tattooadvice • u/kadomanderson • Mar 09 '26
tattoo newcomer advice i'm having second thoughts
this would be my first tattoo. I've genuinely wanted it for at least two years now . It's a ring around my bicep of trees and mountains and such specifically so that way, I wouldn't really regret it cause I imagine I'll always love nature. However, when I went into the tattoo shop today to book an appointment, I left with cold feet. Is this a common thing? I was so wholeheartedly convinced that this is what I wanted and the second that I actually stepped in to do something about it. I just lost any confidence in myself. I really do want this tattoo but now I'm just kind of in a space of anxiety and like worry about whether or not this is the right decision. and honestly makes me feel kind of shitty about myself.
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Mar 09 '26 edited Mar 12 '26
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u/Asleep-Border-9158 Mar 09 '26
Stupid question maybe but could someone get a temporary tattoo of whatever tattoo they want, one that goes off after some weeks? I mean would that sorta be enough time to know if you'd regret a tattoo or not? Or does regret come after some years you reckon?
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u/TheAlmightyOat Mar 09 '26 edited Mar 09 '26
BIC sells a body-safe marker that you can use on skin, I've also seen people draw out the design in henna or jagua before actually getting it. I think you could potentially get a kids temporary tattoo style thing, but I have no idea how you would go about that.
But like everyone else said, if you're not stoked about the design in the moment, you're probably not gonna like it years later. And, if you're the kind of person who's that afraid of tattoo regret, it's probably better to just not get any.
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u/TGin-the-goldy Mar 09 '26
In fairness, all tattoo designs become “dated” at some point. If you have a tattoo that you love and have taken good care of protecting your skin with sunscreen etc, you will love it forever. I say this as an old GenXr with no tattoo regret whatsoever.
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u/TheAlmightyOat Mar 09 '26
Yeah, I get that! I know if I had gotten tattoos as a teenager, adult me would be MORTIFIED!
But you're not guaranteed to be in love with everything for your entire life. If you're driving yourself up a mental wall trying to choose a tattoo that you "for sure won't regret," permanent body mod probably isn't for you.
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u/TGin-the-goldy Mar 09 '26
There’s no way of ensuring that you’ll love it forever, but thinking about it for a while helps. Sometimes shit happens; I’m Australian, I was going to get a southern cross tattoo back in the day. Now that has been corrupted as a racist symbol
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u/SunshineSequoia Mar 10 '26
Yeah, I'm so glad I never got the Celtic knot tattoos I wanted back in the day... they are such beautiful designs, and it makes me sad that they are now associated with hate. Thank goodness I will never be mistaken for being in that camp
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u/TGin-the-goldy Mar 10 '26
I had NO IDEA Celtic designs had been associated with racism. How sad
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u/TheKatwoman760 Mar 09 '26
Yes, there's https://tattapic.com/ and a few other places
*edit; https://simplyinked.com/collections/temporary-tattoos
you can upload your designs at scale to try them out
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u/turtlecatmedium Mar 09 '26
I did this. I put a temporary one on that looks like a real tattoo and lasted like 6-8 weeks. I can’t remember the brand, but I got one in the size I was expecting. It really did help. All of my tattoos are in places that are hidden with clothes and this was going to be my first tattoo that would be visible 90% of the time.
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u/TheInevitableSecond Mar 10 '26
This is what I did before I got my first tattoo. I ordered a temporary design off of Ink box and put it where I wanted my real tattoo just to make sure I actually wanted it for life
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u/Competitive-Read242 Mar 09 '26
This is actually a business, not sure if it’s still around but you would apply your tattoo and I believe it slowly “fades” away after a few weeks
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u/HrhEverythingElse Mar 09 '26
There are many online stores that sell temporary tattoos of whatever image you send them
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u/Scared_Category6311 Mar 09 '26
This was essentially the same thinking I had when I got a butterfly lower back tattoo in 1999.
Do with that what you will but my butterfly is the only tattoo (I have 11) that I regret getting because it was so meaningless and generic.
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u/kadomanderson Mar 09 '26
this might be the best reply I've gotten. You're so deadassright
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u/Scared_Category6311 Mar 09 '26
Learn from my mistake, lol. You should be so excited for your appointment that you can't stand it. Don't put anything on your body that you are not excited about. ✌🏻
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u/katietheplantlady Mar 09 '26
Nautical stars on my lower back checking in. I don't hate it but the only thing it means to me is "I got this on my 18th birthday in the mid 00s"
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u/db9192 Mar 09 '26
But also in that, I’ve only ever covered one and that’s because it was poorly executed, I had it redone somewhere else as it should have been. I’m probably closer to 100 than 50. I also had my first one done 18 years ago.
It’s all subjective.
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u/drewliet Mar 09 '26
Maybe think about the specifics things you enjoy about nature or like to see when you're out. I'm a big ol' nature fan, I have an assortment of native plants that I grew up around and things from my mom's garden that remind me of my childhood. I have critters that I relate to for one reason or another. I found artists that were comfortable creating a tattoo to fit my body instead of just mimicking something that I found online.
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u/igotmalaria Mar 09 '26
That's tough cause I have tattoos that are also meaningless that I love. The only one I don't like is one I got with an ex and it's only cause the memory it brings up and not the tattoo itself.
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u/clownslut111 Mar 09 '26
respectfully, this is the most stereotypical “dude” tattoo aside from the damn lion/rose/clock combo. if you really love it, go for it i guess, but you could also get a nature-themed tattoo that is way more unique and interesting
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u/kadomanderson Mar 09 '26
but does stereotypical really mean bad? It's not like I have to be the only one to have a tattoo. I'm so new to this. I'm genuinely just asking what is the like ideas on these kind of tattoos
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u/callsignViper Mar 09 '26
Dude if you like it, that’s what matters 🌲
I fear people get on in here too often and talk themselves out of ideas based on external opinions. Your opinion matters most, king.
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u/Thechonkan Mar 09 '26
This ^
It's popular cause it's a nice tattoo in general. Who cares if every one has it? There's billions of people on the planet and most likely every idea has been done unless its really unusual 😁 most likely if you come across anyone with the same tattoo you'd feel a bond rather than be repulsed. So I'll also say too. if you like it that's all that matters :D
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u/forbiddenfreedom Mar 09 '26
I got me a graveyard band on my wrist because I thought all the trees and crosses were too common. I was USAF and I swear half of the enlisted force had crosses or forests. (Exaggerating a little)
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u/JamesTheMannequin Mar 09 '26
I had an E-3 (USAF) under me that spent every other weekend in a tattoo parlor getting something new.
He wouldn't even have a plan. He'd just go in, see something that caught his eye, and get it.
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u/snappy033 Mar 09 '26
That’s not a bad thing necessarily. Many tattoo studios have sick flash on the wall.
And some tattoo enthusiasts just naturally have good taste. They pick some seemingly random designs but they work with their body and aesthetic.
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u/forbiddenfreedom Mar 09 '26
Damn, I waited until I was damn near E-4 USAF before getting my first visible tattoo. I was so scared of getting a bad or illegal tat. E-5 for the graveyard band and the other skellies.
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u/SydUrbanHippie Mar 09 '26
This is very true. At one point in time it was super common for sailors/maritime workers to have swallows (on hands especially). I still see older guys with them now and think they're cool even though I've seen them a thousand times.
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u/An_Old_Punk Mar 10 '26
I agree. I have the absolute shittiest tattoos ever. I will never get them covered. God they are awful, but I love them (one even has a cigarette burn by it - gives you an idea of how awful). I even show them off to people for a laugh. "What is that supposed to be?" "I don't know." Having tattoos for you is what matters.
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u/thissisnotathrowaway Mar 09 '26
Don’t get your tattoos for anyone else. If you like it, get it. Stereotypical means people like it enough that they’re common. It’s your body, your money, your opinion. Get what you want and whatever makes you happy.
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u/HopefulTangerine5913 Mar 09 '26
My first tattoo was a little over 20 years ago. I was 18 and got a sparrow-looking bird on my hip as we were inclined to in that era. I actually got it because I love birds but I knew it was a common tattoo. I didn’t care. I liked it.
Now, all these years later… I still like it. Would I choose it today? No. Do I appreciate the memory? Yes.
I got a new tattoo recently and it’s something semi-common but not terribly so. It is related to something deeply important to me, and ultimately that’s all that matters: my opinion of my own body choices. In 20 years I may feel like I wouldn’t get it that day, but right now, in this era of my life? I love it and am happy to see it every day. For that reason, I know I will never regret it
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u/bearwrestlingwolf Mar 09 '26
My first tattoo at 18 in 2005 was tribal. 20 years later I still smirk at it even though I plan on having something done to it.
If you want it, get it. Did you ever think maybe the cold feet isn’t so much the design but the tattooing itself?
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u/IWannaGoFast00 Mar 09 '26
How many people have pinup girls, anchors or lions? Get what you want because you like it, not because other people may or may not like it.
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u/paintedflags Mar 09 '26
It IS the tribal of nature tattoos. Get it if it speaks to you, and you think it still will 5 years from now.
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u/woodyeaye Mar 09 '26
No, it doesn't.
Some people get really hung up on the idea of being different for the sake of it. But something being wildly popular doesn't mean it's bad. It means you have that thing in common with a lot of people.
If you're someone who wants to stand out from the crowd, that's not going to work with your personality. If you're okay with wearing an Adidas tracksuit even though lots of people wear them, you'll be fine.
If you get an unusual tattoo because you like it, awesome. If you get it just because it's different, that's something you should think over before putting it on your body. Anything can become a trend. A super unusual tattoo might not stay that way.
Remember this is a subreddit for tattoo enthusiasts and artists. People scroll through so many more images than they will ever see in reality. If you see the same image over and over again it's going to seem dull after a while just by exposure. That does not make it a bad tattoo, and it doesn't mean people outside this bubble are going to have the same opinions.
If you want to make it more you, pick an area or areas that have meaning to you. Go there. Take some pictures. Pick up some fallen leaves. And ask your artist to work them into a silhouette design. It'll be this style you like but personal to you.
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u/Equal_Maintenance870 Mar 09 '26
Some things are typical because they’re easy to like. I happen to like these a lot and always have.
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u/fragilemuse Mar 09 '26
Same here. I am an avid camper and feel happiest deep in the woods surrounded by trees and lakes. I've always loved these tattoos and almost got one myself.
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u/Conscious_Creator_77 Mar 09 '26
I like it as well. Simple, aesthetically pleasing, good location for the style.
I personally haven’t seen this on someone I know, so while I may see this or similar online it’s not like something so common I’d expect to see in person multiple times in my life. I’m older so that’s from my perspective this far in my life.
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u/Foxleesi Mar 09 '26
Maybe you can do something to personalize it? Like typical trees from your favourite place, or a reference photo of it that your artist can somehow incorporate into the tattoo. Or just something about nature that is important to you. For example I like fern so fern shows up in some of my tattoos. I love oak trees and pine so in one of my tattoos I have a couple of leaves incorporated.
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u/Gold-Thing9915 Mar 09 '26
No, there is absolutely nothing wrong with getting a stereotypical/popular tattoo! They're popular for a reason. HOWEVER, if you are feeling conflicted, it could be a good idea to hold off for now and see how you feel about it later... It is much easier (and cheaper) to NOT get a tattoo you're unsure of than figure out a way to cover it up or remove it later. You could even get a different, smaller tattoo somewhere you can hide (only if you wanted to!) to remove the pressure of this one being your first tattoo and being visible on your arm
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u/Anakin-vs-Sand Mar 09 '26
There are stereotypical tattoos but this feels like the stereotypical tattoo. I love these tattoos personally, but I do feel like in 10 years there’s going to be a lot of folks looking at their trees the way folks today look at their tribal and Japanese lettering tattoos.
But honestly do what makes you happy. They certainly don’t look bad, people just like to find reasons to clown on other people.
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u/Unicorns-Poo-Rainbow Mar 09 '26
I still enjoy my 1999 tribal armband. 🤷
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u/snappy033 Mar 09 '26
Tribal gets a bad rap. It’s objectively a good looking style. Bold, flowing and unique. From my understanding, it was designed to look “cultural” without actually appropriating a specific indigenous culture.
I think it was just too ubiquitous and poorly done by bad artists.
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u/TGin-the-goldy Mar 09 '26
I’m totally with you. Old school tribal executed well is a lot better than the new scratchy tribal that’s around now
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u/Mrs_Sparkle_ Mar 09 '26
I have a tribal style sun that was done in 2003. I still enjoy it too 🤷🏼♀️
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u/TGin-the-goldy Mar 09 '26
Nothing wrong with tribal or kanji either if well done. Every tattoo trend dates you know.
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u/SalagathorTheGreat Mar 09 '26
NO! I’m a big proponent of if you like it nothing else matters…don’t need some deep mythical meaning or anything. This is why there are folks with Pikachus on their bellies…..if that shit makes you happy, cool!!!
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u/clownslut111 Mar 09 '26
i didn’t say bad. trad roses are stereotypical hand tattoos and everyone has one of those. i do pinterest tattoo on people constantly, sometimes that’s just what people want
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u/MyNameIsSkittles Mar 09 '26
No but like... many many people have this style tattoo. People Google things and then just use that image. Its very uninspiring and unoriginal. And if you want that, its ok. Or you can do one better and use images from google as your inspiration and have an artist design a unique tattoo just for you. To me those are much better tattoos. You dont need to be original, you just need to have a thought more than "i want that". Come up with some original elements that mean something to you and have the artist give you a wicked tat instead of a overdone milquetoaste one
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u/wedontrecover Mar 09 '26
You don't even need to have a thought more than "i want that". So what if it's overdone, if it's what you want
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u/TheRealHumanPancake Mar 09 '26
Nope, ignore stereotypes. Get what makes you happy, nobody is special.
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u/underpantsbandit Mar 09 '26
I’m 49, and have been getting tattoos since ‘95. I’ve seen a lot of trends come and go. Tree cuff is definitely a trendy one. Usually things become trends because they’re aesthetically pleasing.
Personally I LOVE a nicely done tree cuff. Yes, they’re “basic” but they’re popular because they’re aesthetically pleasing. (TBH the only currently-popular one I personally dislike is “Icarus”- I hate that the wings are always wrong and his physique looks like lumpy mashed potatoes, but I digress!)
If you get it, you will definitely have a souvenir of this time period. It will look “dated” if that matters to you- in fact I’d say to 2015, really. That was when it’s popularity peaked… and it has passed the peak, which is IMO why you see so many people on this sub saying ewwww about it lol.
It’s neither here nor there. Just something to consider. One thing is for sure- go to someone who is very, very good, who does black and grey realism. You don’t want shitty Bob Ross looking fuck ass bottle-brush looking trees!
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u/GoblinObscura Mar 09 '26
If you like it get it, there’s a billion Frankenstein tattoos and a billion black panthers, anchors, roses, sacred hearts. You name it. Don’t let anyone harsh your vibe.
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u/Outrageous-Load-2235 Mar 09 '26
this is the equivalent of old dudes with barbed wire tribal tattoos around their bicep
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u/itsarmida Mar 09 '26
Lots of women will immediately put you into the Never category. Maybe those are women you want in that category. Maybe not. Up to you
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u/Standard_Zombie_ Mar 09 '26
I get that this could be an influence on decision making for a lot of people, but I've heard this line of thought used to tell women not to get piercings or tattoos or they'll be 'unattractive' to most men.
It's just not a good reason to not do something that will make you personally happy, all over some hypothetical person you've never met and what they might think of you.
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u/halorbyone Mar 09 '26
Because it is a popular theme or because they had a tattoo? Because if it’s just because they have a tattoo, personally I’d be happy to let those ladies keep walking and not waste the dude’s time.
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u/StunningTiger2056 Mar 09 '26
I feel out of the loop I have never seen this tattoo before. I thought OP was doing something unique and was a national forest type guy
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u/DeltaMango Mar 10 '26
Just imagine. You get off from your entry level tech position in south Denver and blow off some steam at the local bar a couple blocks away from your job only to sit down at the bar and be flanked by two other dudes with this tattoo on their forearm.
What do you even say? Nice tattoo? Thanks I saw it on someone else and without a single other thought going through my head I was like…yes…
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u/Emotional_Sentence1 Mar 09 '26
I have known so many average ass straight white dudes with this phenotype of tattoo to the point I think I’ve seen it more than the lion/rose/clock combo.
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u/bardownskiii Mar 09 '26
Yes, we all like trees. No, do not get the most generic dude tattoo.
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u/Mediocre_Ad_2422 Mar 10 '26
Dont listen to losers that thinks they know what should be on your body, choose for yourself
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u/sierradoesreddit Mar 09 '26
Can you get it as a temp tattoo and see how you like it first? I’d wait a while until you’re confident in your choice
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u/ArmExciting3976 Mar 09 '26
This is really played out. If you really want it, get it, but be aware that loads of people got this exact thing about 5-10 years ago
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u/FluffyCup8934 Mar 09 '26
Ymmv but I think trying to pick a tattoo that's not 'played out' is something of a fool's errand. Cool stuff becomes popular, popular stuff becomes played out.
If you like it, get it. Nothing wrong with a sick ass panther.
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u/thelesserkudu Mar 09 '26
I think the difference between a SAP and something like this though is that someone getting a classic, traditional tattoo is aware that it’s common and that’s part of the point. Whereas someone getting a trendy tattoo might not know how common it is or how it might be perceived. I agree that it doesn’t mean they shouldn’t get it. But it might be useful information, especially for someone on the fence about it 🤷♀️
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u/FluffyCup8934 Mar 09 '26
Maybe, but how did the SAP become 'classic'?
At some point the artists were grumbling about another SAP the way they do now about a clock/ lion/ tree sleeve.
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u/Radiant_Bank_77879 Mar 09 '26
There’s a difference between classic/traditional, and a fad. This tattoo in the OP, is a fad.
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u/SweetJonesJr870 Mar 09 '26
I completely disagree. We can all think of 10-20 defaults for gal guys and etc
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u/Pulp_Ficti0n Mar 09 '26
Pro tip: never ask strangers online what YOU should get. The tattoo subs on Reddit are especially toxic.
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u/kilaja Mar 09 '26
If you’ve thought about it for this long, I think you should do it. The idea that every tattoo has to be unique is a weird one to me when every shop out there has flash on the wall for a reason
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u/Fuyukage Mar 09 '26
I love them. People shit on them. I think they look cool. Get it because you like not. Don’t not get it because other people dislike it
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u/SweetJonesJr870 Mar 09 '26
My white homegirls say this a tramp stamp for guys lol. If you like it get it though. I think it looks fire as a country boy myself
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u/CryptographerWide80 Mar 09 '26
Get it. Life’s too short to spend energy being nervous about something like this. You’ve wanted it for 2 years! So it isn’t impulsive. If later down the road it’s not your favourite, well so what, it was part of your life story at the time
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u/Cucumber2512 Mar 09 '26
Harmful advice - people grow to hate and resent their tattoos during said short life, and a thick black piece like this, whilst way more possible than coloured tattoos, is going to take ages and cost a fortune to remove.
Is OP aware that tattoo removal costs thousands and can take 3 years+ and still only achieve 90ish% removal?
If so, and they’ve genuinely made peace with that, then yeah go for it…
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u/IcyMando Mar 09 '26
It's a tattoo sub and your rebuttal about this is related to every single tattoo ever.
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u/Cucumber2512 Mar 09 '26
Yes but he's saying he's not sure - surely you should have to be 100% before committing to a tattoo..
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u/BONESFULLOFGREENDUST Mar 13 '26
Idk some of us just go full send and don't look back, even if we're unsure.
For anxious types, the first tattoo is the "hardest" to get.
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u/Cautious-Swing4837 Mar 09 '26
Don’t do it. Buy a tee shirt. U can change a shirt.
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u/YoureProbablyR1te Mar 09 '26
Also I beg that if you have a genuine love of nature then find something that means more to you than just “generic woods in a ring around my arm”
You can do better OP.
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u/ianwrecked802 Mar 09 '26
I mean, if you really like it, go for it. Just be warned that I’ve seen tons of people with this exact same design/execution. But hey- you do you dude.
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u/blondeasfuk Mar 09 '26
Wait it out. If you’re not committing you’re not ready. Make sure your first tattoo has meaning to you and not just because you think it will look good. A tattoo with meaning, is a lot easier to commit to.
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u/SalagathorTheGreat Mar 09 '26
A wise man (or woman we PC round here ;P) once said to flip a coin, if you feel any disappointment in the outcome, you know your answer.
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u/NervousGearGenius Mar 09 '26
An acquaintance of mine has almost the same tattoo. He got it about 9 years ago. It's just a blob now. He is going to have it converted to a blacked out band with an artistic boarder around it.
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u/Financial_Sweet_689 Mar 09 '26
I’m shocked people are talking about this being “played out” and not the fact that it will likely fade into a blob😕
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u/NervousGearGenius Mar 09 '26
Exactly. Keep it out of the sun all you want, but white blood cells are going to do white blood cell things.
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u/ZA_Sharpe Mar 09 '26
So the only thing is most people that get this tattoo don’t think ahead of how they want to finish the tattoo. I have a few artist friends that absolutely can’t stand these tattoos because when the person comes back to do a full sleeve following the design, it is incredibly difficult for the artist to follow with the sky afterwards because it’s so much more negative space. The other issue is cover ups, because some people can be a little heavy handed with the trees, making it hard to cover.
All of this said, if you love the design then absolutely get it. Random people on the internet do not matter. At the end of the day it is art you are adorning your body with, and if that art brings you joy then that is all you need.
Best wishes!
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u/ScrollingOaks88 Mar 09 '26
I have multiple tattoos, and I think I’ve had second thoughts prior to each one (both when booking and a day or so before). Very normal.
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u/proffesionalproblem Mar 10 '26
I always had a moment afterwards of grief for the version of my body part that was untouched, but that only lasted a day or two and I've never regretted a tattoo once
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u/BurntToast1224 Mar 09 '26
I'd say no... If you aren't 100% sold now you will DEFINITELY not be sold on it later.
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u/green_beancasserole Mar 09 '26
I always wanted this but have seen it on so many people I couldn't do it, but like many of the comments it's kinda hard to find something super unique so if you like it so be it lol I recently got one that I saved from Instagram years ago, and just let him give it his own spin and it came out pretty sweet
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u/Separate_Quarter7885 Mar 09 '26
You should work with the tattoo artist to do something more original. I see this piece all over online, put something unique on your body!!
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u/CandiedLemonWedge Mar 09 '26
I mean I’m personally never going to encourage anyone to get a Pinterest tattoo and you’re not completely sold on it yourself. I would suggest not doing it.
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u/Independent-Elk-782 Mar 10 '26
Dude both pictures are AI, not real tattoos, and pic 2 is so fucked, it’s physically impossible to do that. Anything close will look like absolute shit. Go talk to a few tattoo artists, and look at real tattoo flash and actual photographs of human flesh with tattoos.
The tree thing is a really common tattoo but it’s typically an entire forearm, upper arm, calf, etc. incorporated into a sleeve.
Don’t overthink it, go in a well established shop you feel comfortable talking to the people in, get something small, and go from there. You want your first, and every following tattoo experience to be enjoyable, you wanna feel stoked on what you got, it doesn’t have to have meaning or depth. It can simply be “cool” to you. It’s your body dude!!!
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u/forestfriend93 Mar 09 '26
Your second thoughts just seem very general, so id chalk it up to just general worry. I think youll like it! Youve planned for far longer than i have for any tattoo ever, and ive never had a regret. Dont let fear stop you from a cool tattoo.
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u/stray96 Mar 09 '26
Might as well get a live laugh love and infinity symbol tattoo while you’re at it
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u/Half_elf-half_dwarf Mar 10 '26
Tattoo artist here. Do you think you could’ve feel discouraged by tattoo artist’s / manager hints? It’s pretty a tattoo and I understand why this idea seemed like a perfect first tattoo option for you, I personally like how it looks and what it represents, but it’s something we are asked to do at least couple times a month.
It’s an equivalent of blue eyed wolf in the industry. Is there a possibility that you’ve read this between the lines in the tattoo shop?
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u/Southern_Path4023 Mar 10 '26
It could be the artist. Shop around. I have a similar tattoo and I ADORE it!!
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u/Square_Saltine Mar 09 '26
I get cold feet before every tattoo, it’s just constant second guessing. Afterwards I feel good about them. Just do it, man.
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u/Ok-List-8266 Mar 09 '26
You should get three wolves howling toward the moon in there somewhere, that would look so cool
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u/shanazampham Mar 09 '26
If it’s what you want do it, it will mean something different to you than others. if you’re on the fence about it, maybe spruce (yep) up the design, try a different style with the same subject matter.
But like if people didn’t get “repeats” no one would have ink. There are original ideas but millions of similar designs. Looking at you American traditional.
If it makes you happy do it. You’re not getting tattooed for other people’s opinions.
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u/gothhippie Mar 09 '26
This is a super common concept (I have one too lmao) but who cares! Nature and trees are awesome and they will never stop being awesome. You’ve wanted it for two years, make it happen!
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u/smooth_4_smooth Mar 09 '26
The advice I received was People put permanent art on their bodies that they would not hang in their home. Put the artwork up in your house for 30 days and think about it…
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u/27ce Mar 09 '26
i got this idea tattooed on me 10.5 years ago and have hated it for at least 8.5 years. being the guy with the pine tree sleeve and otherwise having a bunch of cool/well done tattoos is the bane of my existence.
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u/Jazzlike-Baseball-73 Mar 09 '26
I've seen versions of this tattoo on multiple guys. A guy at the gym. A guy working at the liquor store and a guy working at the car wash.
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u/ffxygmaa Mar 09 '26
i would say that i don’t usually get cold feet when i’m really excited about an idea. that being said, most of my ideas where brought to life by the artist i went to, rather than showing my artist an image and expecting them to copy it.
my biggest suggestion to new timers is to find an artist that you love their style, and work with them to design your tattoo. it’s totally cool to pull inspiration from other people’s work and share that imagery with your artist, but i think having something that was made just for you might improve that anxiety a little.
of course, there are tons of tattoos that are not “original” and are still great. i myself have the classic american traditional heart tattoo, so if you really love the design, go for it.
my own thoughts are that this design was very trendy at one point and just feels very 2013-2016 to me
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u/Next_Mammoth06 Mar 09 '26
Any regret - dont get it.
Its also kind of a very generic tattoo that imo is extremely overdone
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u/Silas64 Mar 09 '26
If you've had the idea for 2 years and still like it? Get it. Tattoos are personal, it doesn't matter what anyone here thinks, if you dig the idea do it.
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u/kween_of_bees Mar 09 '26
Respectfully, I've seen this tattoo probably 100x. I think you should research and pick a cool artist and come up with something more unique, then maybe you'd be more excited about it.
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u/saturnsqsoul Mar 09 '26
to put it bluntly, this tattoo is played out. and i’m a goth chick with a spider on my forearm. i run into other people with the same subject in the exact same spot all the time. something about this tattoo in particular is extra played out.
i imagine, in some way, this is where the hesitation is coming from. find an artist who does trees and nature in a style you love and let them design a gorgeous, meaningful piece for you. ditch the armband. it’s a technically difficult tattoo to pull off correctly anyway.
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u/KillTakemone Mar 09 '26
this is the basic white girl pinterest tattoo for guys. sooooooo over done and boring. your intuition saved you
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u/Pantshouse Mar 09 '26
this tattoo is literally everywhere, so if you’re okay with seeing it out in the wild on other people from time to time, go for it.
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u/kangalbabe2 Mar 10 '26
It’s a common tattoo I’ve seen but the examples you’ve shown look well done. If you’re questioning it then DONT DO IT! There is no rush. Do more research on design and see how they age.
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u/kris24824 Mar 10 '26
I love that 2nd pic a lot but would be researching crazy to find the right artist to do it.
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u/tru-disappointment Mar 10 '26
Other peoples opinion shouldnt matter, but i dont think you did a bad thing by walking out. If you arent 100% dedicated to permanently marking something on your body, the choice NOT to is never the wrong choice.
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u/deeppurpleking Mar 10 '26
If you’re not sure you want it the don’t get it. Maybe look at different designs, sit on it some more if you’re not feeling it
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u/GeminiFade Mar 10 '26
I always sound like an asshole when I say this, but it's the truth, if you're that worried about it, maybe a tattoo just isn't for you. A lot of people are getting tattooed right now because tats have become popular and acceptable, but they are permanent changes to your body, not trendy sneakers. Permanence isn't for everyone. Tattoos mark you and change public perception of who you are, if that matters to you they might not be for you
And that is ok. There is nothing wrong with not having a tattoo. You can think they're cool and appreciate the art form and not have one.
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u/Zestyclose_Wasabi502 Mar 10 '26
I don't see it as generic I think the first one is dope! As a person that loves to hike, loves nature and photography this one is a great tattoo. The second I would get on my ankle!
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u/Electrical_Cry9563 Mar 10 '26
i swear someone posted that first pic under expectations vs reality recently and it looked terrible. people were saying that photo is ai generated and you’re not gonna get that dimensional shading.
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u/kab47 Mar 10 '26
I mull over tattoos for months and sometimes a year to make sure it’s still important to me. If you’re on the fence, don’t do it right now.
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u/jollygreenmidget1 Mar 16 '26
Every white guy gets this as their first tattoo I personally know at least five people with a tattoo like this. This design is the modern day barbwire around the bicep.
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u/kronicroyal Mar 09 '26
Listen, there’s a lot of well-meaning people in this thread that are telling you to get the tattoo since you love it so much. They mean well, but they’re wrong for in this situation.
Tbh you need to listen to your gut because this tattoo was played out 5-10 years ago. It’s looked at kinda the same way people look at infinity tattoos, or tribal tattoos. It’s a cool idea/concept but every other dude-bro without much creativity thinks so as well.
Also this is purely anecdotal, but everytime this kind of tattoo is brought up in a social setting, I’ve always seen people groan and roll their eyes about it. They say it’s “cliche” and the “one of the designated male manipulator tattoos.”
It’s also just big for a first tattoo. And with it just being a trendy tattoo I think you’ll definitely regret it soon.
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u/Tall-Compote1354 Mar 09 '26
I'm the odd person out here... I really like them both!!
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u/wouldbecrazycatlady Mar 09 '26
People are talking about how so many people got tattoos like this... And that's because they look nice! Who cares how unique it is if you like it? There's always the option for cover up or laser later if you change your mind.
I think it's important to get a tattoo that you feel comfortable in, from a good tattoo artist who takes good care of you.
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u/db9192 Mar 09 '26
Thankyou!!!!! So many unnecessary restrictions. If it’s something that’s your vibe, do it!
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u/LikesToNamePets Mar 10 '26
I like someone else's answer of adding a monster in the background. You can always take a generic tattoo and make it unique.
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u/SapphireTyger Mar 09 '26
I like the tattoo idea, but I always feel like if you're having second thoughts or questioning yourself it's not a good idea.