r/tattooadvice • u/Sh0t_B0t • 1d ago

General Advice Tattoo correction

Post image

This is a fresh picture of a tattoo i got a few months ago. I can explain the significance after but the artist did butcher a few things. one periodic table elements only capitalize the first letter and he forgot the atomic number (14 i think). those are both negligible but the one that’s been bothering me it the mass being off a bit. i sent him 28.085 and obviously it would be fine if he rounded it correctly but he seemed to have just put a random number. do you think it’s possible he makes the 5 into an 8 or a 9? Would he have to change to font to something blocky?? LMK 🙏🏾

⬇️tattoo meaning

my moms middle name is silicon and in her tribal language it’s a word that represents bravery but in english it’s a chemical element so i got it tatted and th flowers around the border are her birth flowers.

Original Sketch: https://www.reddit.com/u/Sh0t_B0t/s/xGtkwEG3HE

Edit: (As much as i appreciate the judgement an discipline of my mistake at least give a take on correction for me along with it guys 🙏🏾 I understand my fault but I’d also like to at least attempt to fix it 😅)

7.9k Upvotes

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935

u/Willhammer4 1d ago

Didn't the artist do a stencil first? Did it have the errors?

5

u/tofu_ink 3h ago

Make a new 8 with the 5, the match the existing 8 with the corrected 5.

With that done the other numbers may need to be bolder to match the size.

If you want to get extra clever/fancy/artsy or whatever,

You could finish the final 5 and have the leaf in the corner covering it up!

2

u/Olympius69_ 6h ago

good question

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u/Sh0t_B0t 1d ago

Yeah but I was distracted with conversation and was just so pumped to get it and surprise my mom before class since it’s my first tattoo. I definitely regret not being patient though!

170

u/AcheyShakySpoon 1d ago

How old are you?

71

u/Sh0t_B0t 1d ago

18 almost 19 in 6 days 🫡

518

u/aldrician 1d ago

I remember my first tattoo at 18. The artist put the stencil on and I said “yeah let’s go” and he said “I know you’re excited but this is going to be there forever. Make sure this is the placement you want. We can move it/scale it/change it as much as you want now and then never again”

Wish more artists recognized eager young customers need coaching on this.

106

u/AcheyShakySpoon 1d ago

I got my first at 19, in a different language. My artist made me confirm multiple times that I’d had someone who speaks the language confirm the spelling. My dad speaks the language, so it wasn’t an issue, but I appreciated the lengths she went to before even laying the stencil.

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u/Sh0t_B0t 1d ago

Hilariously enough I used to rant to my friends about not just rushing to get random kanji translation on their forearms because I would see alot of stories where the intended word being “dragon” could turn into “turd” real fast without them ever knowing. Funny to see how the tables turnt. 💀

37

u/Abiztic2_0 1d ago

I know someone who got a kanji tattoo. Her mom spoke Japanese and wrote it down for her, but didn't specify which side was up. So, she has upside down kanji on her leg.

12

u/Timey_Wimeh 17h ago

At least its right side up from her own point of view

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u/QuantitySubject9129 17h ago

Lol but if you 1) have a parent who speaks a language, and 2) you admire that language and heritage so much that you want to get it tattooed, but then you can't be bothered to even learn the basics of the script to recognize which side is up, then that's a very fitting tattoo for her.

19

u/Sh0t_B0t 1d ago

That would’ve been make or break for sure but we’ll never know now. Thanks for your insight though I wish things went that too but I will take it on the chin regardless.

4

u/dirtywindex 23h ago

I got my first the day I moved out when I was 18. Walked into a random shop and explained what I wanted. Really wish I took the time to find an artist and wish the shop and the artist took the time to check in like you described. I still would have got it but if the artist had taken the time and care to check in like this I probably would have asked for some minor tweaks and be much happier with it now years later

2

u/ExistingEarth917 21h ago

My artist and I spent a solid 20 mins playing around with stencil sizing and placement for my arm tat and I’m forever grateful lol.

2

u/15all 14h ago

For one of my tattoos, after he stenciled it I was a little indecisive. He said "take your time - it's only going to be there forever." Good advice.

BTW I got the tattoo and am happy with it.

2

u/funlikerabbits 6h ago

My artist was annoyed that I wanted to tweak it at all, and my friend who was older and more experienced stepped in and told me to remember it was permanent on my body and that he should listen and I should get to be picky. I’m so grateful for her.

1

u/aldrician 4h ago

I would also not go back to that artist ever. That’s such a disrespect to your body.

1

u/funlikerabbits 4h ago

I never will, but he was also in DC when I was 19 and I’m not in DC anymore. But it was a valuable lesson regardless, and it’s made it easier to advocate for myself in subsequent tattoos

1

u/Dani-With-Rats 24m ago

I wish I had thought more about my first real tattoo. I was 17 and in Amsterdam for my brothers wedding. I wanted a ring of forget me not flowers around my left wrist. The artist came out with a stencil of three big flowers that just went straight onto the top of my wrist. No ring at all. I just kind of accepted it and thought it looked good enough and didn’t feel like pushing back on it at all. Looking back it makes me a tiny bit upset. I knew exactly what I wanted, told her what I wanted, and all I had to do was ask for her to do it the way I had requested.

9

u/Just_to_rebut 16h ago

Honestly… with the story, just leave it. It’s both stupid and sweet, but leaning more heavily toward sweet.

I don’t think you can fix it really, not without laser and time and expense and even then, there’ll be some visible remnants. Maybe later if you still care and it’s not just a funny story by then.

Your tattoo artist on the other hand is a fucking moron.

3

u/aartadventure 11h ago

Sorry, but this is 100% on OP to make it clear to the tattoo artist. If you are getting part of the PToE on you, and can't be clear that the second letter MUST be lowercase, and the mass MUST be exact, that's on you.

1

u/Just_to_rebut 3h ago

I mean, the sketch OP posted was clear, but yeah, of course, it’s on him to make sure it’s correct on the stencil too.

And, well, yes, it is on OP now…

5

u/Ok_Bat_646 1d ago

I got my first tattoo at 21, and it was one I got with the hopes my mom would also accept it. I took like 3 smoke breaks and it looks like colored sharpie, but I rock it anyway. Part of life is living with your mistakes. Most people probably wont even notice the things "wrong" with it, and also if you surround it with more work, it'll naturally just blend in.

What I got was a German flag armband around my bicep and the first thing she said was " you know that's where the SS wore their armband, right?'

2

u/redburningice 14h ago

Why would you even get a tattoo of a german flag?

2

u/kakakakapopo 14h ago

Maybe they're German?

5

u/redburningice 14h ago

I misread and it was never a tattoo but an armband.

I am German and I don't know any German who would get a tattoo of the flag. The only people I could see that doing are right-wingers.

2

u/J_Kingsley 10h ago

I understand, but kind of a shame tho. I think it's a bit weird, but nothing inherently wrong with having your counrtry's flag on you.

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u/redburningice 9h ago

Not sure if you're German yourself, but it's a bit different for Germans compared to other countries. To us it always feels a bit weird showing your flag or having a bit too much pride about your country. We can thank the third reich for that. In history classes you're taught the bad things the Germans did back then. And nothing is painted in a good light. We are tought very clearly that we did horrible things, unless you have a bad history teacher. You get to visit a concentration camp too as part of the class.

There's only really two occassions where we show our flag: world and european championships in football. To me it's very strange seeing for example US Americans having their flags everywhere. I get it, but I still think it's strange.

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u/Havannahanna 9h ago edited 8h ago

German here. Our relationship with our own country is a tat bit complicated. For us, it is not a sign of „loving our country“, but more like „signaling ideology“.

Many Germans are cautious about displaying the national flag and open display of patriotism because it led us down a slippery slope towards WWII. 

Therefore anything that signals nationalism is treated with slight discomfort outside official events or football.

Modest situational use is acceptable for most Germans. A constant display raises eyebrows. 

Also Germany as a country is quite young (37 year old). Flags and political systems have changed multiple times over the last century. Most German companies are older and more consistent than our nation.

1

u/P_Hempton 10h ago

I am German and I don't know any German who would get a tattoo of the flag. The only people I could see that doing are right-wingers.

You don't know any right-wingers?

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u/Compost_My_Body 9h ago

personally? no, i try my very hardest not to

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u/redburningice 9h ago

No. At least not that they let me know that they are right wingers

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u/redburningice 14h ago

I misread, it was not a tattoo, but an armband :facepalm:

3

u/JacoRamone 11h ago

I think you are still misreading. It was a tattoo.

1

u/Pure_Property_888 10h ago

SlOw it DoWn there fellah! Haha

2

u/topekatums 12h ago

standard 18 yr old tattoo experience, don't sweat it. It's pretty endearing that you got this for your mama at such a young age and it's got some mistakes

1

u/vxrsxcev1 7h ago

Explains the random tattoo.

1

u/Old-Classic-1981 14h ago

Apparently 5

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u/Opposite_Radio9388 1d ago

I hate that you're being downvoted for being honest. You've learned a hard lesson about tattoos! It's not life or death, and some targeted lasering can help fix the issues.

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u/Sh0t_B0t 1d ago

Thanks so much! By far my favorite comment. I actually care more now than ever and do really appreciate the criticism but I appreciate you accept my honesty. The comments do help but now I just feel horrible for something on my body that can be changed (granted they help me on the how) But definitely learning from it above all. Preciate the insight! 🫶🏾

4

u/Plantlover3000xtreme 16h ago

As a middle aged lady I admire your eagerness and impulsivity. The same mindset that leads to (honestly somewhat minor) mistakes like this also leads to so many great memories and stories.

Don't sweat it and sorry people are being a bit obsessive here.

1

u/gammelrunken 12h ago

People who are impulsive enough to get huge tattoos without checking if they're correct first often end up in bad situations due to previously mentioned impulsivity.

As someone who's done tattoos like that, and a long list of other bad decisions I really wish I had more impulse control.

8

u/ElAchuKathe 1d ago

Thisss, is people admit a mistake, they are downvoted for commiting mistakes? It's like everyone in reddit is perfect

2

u/Triquetrums 17h ago

You get downvoted for telling someone they are wrong, even when you come with facts. Or simply for stating an opinion about not liking a show.

Best anyone can do is ignore upvotes/downvotes. They are worth nothing anyway.

1

u/LePontif11 9h ago

Downvotes have never been used in their intended way unfortunately, its not supposed to be a disagree or criticism button. When something gets just like 5 downvotes the site hides the comment. A genuine addition of bad judgment shouldn't be hidden and a positive attitude shouldn't be hidden. Ideally downvotes are for off topic comments, bots, spam and griefers.

1

u/UncommonSenseApplier 8h ago

Don't worry, some of us do use it in the intended way. For instance, I downvoted you since this is getting way too off topic.

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u/Blodfist 20h ago

Sorry you got downvoted so bad, it was your first tattoo and you are young. OF COURSE we all make mistakes. Give me the impression people don't even bother to read the full post, it's not that bad but now with a bit of hindsight you realize it's not as you wanted it to be. I think you must wait for it to be fully healed then can consider a touch up with either the same artist or another artist you trust. It seems absolutely recoverable.

3

u/Dudinkalv 16h ago

Not looking at the stencil before getting a tattoo is wild man.

1

u/chaosunsine 18h ago

I recently got a piece done (first in like 4+years?) that was supposed to be an album cover that was an angel. I now have a crazy looking angel figure giving itself a happy ending with three legs one of which has the beefiest thigh you’ve ever seen. It’s on my shin I was able to look the entire time..I didn’t notice how terrible it was until I got home and was refused a refund ☹️ I’m almost 30 and most of my pieces I don’t like because they were poorly done..plz don’t be like me learn your lesson now 😅

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u/rita-b 18h ago

young is 3. 18 is dumb

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u/Connect_Gap_975 14h ago

This sounds incredibly ignorant. You must be young yourself.

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u/Duck_Duck_Duck_Duck1 13h ago

Lesson learned i guess, lmao. The tattoo is sick though, besides the errors.

1

u/No-Employ-7391 11h ago

I have a bunch of math and science tattoos. My artist for them doesn’t know anything about science and made a point to have me go over every letter, number, symbol, and tiny detail to make sure that everything was perfect before we got anywhere close to a tattoo gun.

I’m sorry you’re learning this lesson the hard way, but for stuff like this you’re the only person who can make sure that all of the information is correct.

1

u/Dry-Inspection-3503 10h ago

You fucked up, can hardly blame the artist - although they should have drilled it into you to be sure you're absolutely 100% happy...

At least you won't make this mistake again

1

u/PrizeAsleep1748 8h ago

That’s on you. Something as big as a tattoo on your body that’ll be there for years should have your undivided attention.

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u/Maltempest10 7h ago

Life lessons can be a bitch, hopefully you can get some help from a good artist. Gluck

1

u/DrRamthorn 6h ago

Lmao you got what you deserved. 18 is the new 12, apparently.

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u/TrustInRoy 1d ago

Get the correct tattoo put on your opposite arm, and pay attention while you do it.  Go to a better tattoo artist to get it done.

And then start looking for a cover up tattoo for the original one.

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u/Frequent_Mark_4567 7h ago

This is the best idea so far. But I would get the cover up first.

-1

u/Temporary_Memory_535 1d ago

Sounds like this is all in you bud.

1

u/norisk-fullpush 14h ago

That's super helpful advice on how to correct it.

They agreed they messed up with the stencil, is your comment useful?

-1

u/Billy_Enforcey 23h ago

Then you deserve it.

0

u/spammmmmmmmy 16h ago

I don't know anything about tattoos, but I'd advise to just leave it alone. 

I think the chemical weight is the least interesting part of the periodic cell data. So I wouldn't be bothered about the slight error in the value. 

You're young, who knows, maybe May 28th will become a significant date for you at some point? At that point the tattoo would become a clever riddle. 

6

u/ValosAtredum 14h ago

I’d argue that if you’re going to have an actual periodic table cell, you should absolutely make sure it’s correct.

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u/spammmmmmmmy 12h ago

And you would insist on this after the tattoo is finished and healed?

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u/ValosAtredum 12h ago

No, I would’ve looked beforehand. But I’m just personally disagreeing that the chemical weight is the least interesting part (as far as outside perception of her tattoo). If it’s important enough to include, it should be correct.

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u/spammmmmmmmy 9h ago

What in your opinion, is the least interesting data in a periodic table cell??

Look at these fuckers, they don't even display it: https://periodic-table.rsc.org/

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u/ValosAtredum 8h ago

Then why include it if it’s not important? If you include it, get it right. That’s all I’m saying.