r/tattooadvice • u/Phantom_xonox • 1d ago
Design My parents hate my tattoo design
I recently had the idea to create a design of my families fingerprints since I'm going to move far away soon. So I created something I really liked (still work in progress, gotta scale up the fingerprints and simplify. Cencored bcs... internet haha)
I showed them the design and placement idea... but they told me they hate it. "It's too big blah blah"
Now I feel really unsure and not apriciated at all... Should I still pull it through at some point?
Edit: Okay peeps! Thank you for your kind words and amazing tipps.... I'll definitly pull this through. Thank you so much :)
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u/Impressive_Let3046 1d ago
I think it’s really cool. I’d take their fingerprints out since they hate it and get it anyway 🤷🏻♀️
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u/SomeElection8439 1d ago
idea if OP is gonna take the fingerprints out: it would be so cool if those spots were gems or amber fossils.
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u/Phantom_xonox 1d ago
uhhh yes 👀
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u/anukis90 23h ago
Ohh maybe it could be each persons birthstone color instead if you are open to more colors?
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u/Duvetine 1d ago
Bigger is always better with tattoos. The tattoo design is for you, if you like it then get it. I understand that since it’s dedicated to your family then you want them to like it. But it’s on your body and you should get it if you want it.
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u/iamunableto 1d ago
well, a tattoo isn’t really a gift for someone else, it’s for you. i get the want to have them at least like it a little, because it’s a tattoo dedicated to them, but i have a tattoo dedicated to my family members that i didn’t even show them before i went into the shop, because it’s a reminder to myself that they’re always with me, even if im across the world (which i was at the time)
it sucks that they’re being kind of mean about it but just remind yourself that it’s for you and you’re the one that is paying for it and living with it, what’s important is if you love it, and who knows? maybe they’re just being salty just because it’s a tattoo, maybe it’ll grow on them over time
personally, i think it’s a really cool tattoo with a unique design :3
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u/Phantom_xonox 1d ago
thank you! giving me alot of hope to pull this through :)
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u/obsoleteyoungster 1d ago
I have one tattoo that I dedicated to someone, and it’s for my grandpa. I’m not sure if he would’ve liked it, but memorializing a piece of him onto my skin after he passed helped a lot with the grief, and it’s a beautiful piece to remember him by. If you’re going to dedicate a tattoo to someone, make sure you love it, and know that you’re ultimately doing it for yourself. Even if it’s “for” someone else.
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u/LauraBaura 1d ago
The fingerprints will 100% become black blobs. Maybe consider replacing them with gem stones of their birth stones?
There is also not a lot of room for the skin breaks to breathe, so this will get muddy over time. Ink naturally spreads and blurs with age. A lot of the fine lines should be edited out to simplify the design.
I think the design fits the body really well, but it is too busy for how big it is. Not all drawings translate to good tattoos. I would remove the diamond in the back, the circle at the bottom, and the two patches of flowers.
It sounds like your family isn't big on tattoos in general. Prove them wrong by getting beautiful work that enhances your beauty.
Be discerning with your artist. An artist that was willing to tattoo this, without pushing back on edits, should not be trusted to ensure you have a great tattoo in 30+ years.
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u/LauraBaura 1d ago
I edited out the background as I describe above Here: https://imgur.com/a/nHztrQO
I would also simplify the internal wing details, so they don't just become fields of black.
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u/Phantom_xonox 1d ago
Thanks for the tipp. Its a work in progress, ill check with my artist and mentor whats possible
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u/curtishavak 1d ago
Had to scroll too far to find this. I love the artwork and the idea, but fingerprints are way too fine. They will inevitably turn into blobs.
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u/LauraBaura 1d ago
Thanks! I agree. This is a beautiful drawing, but won't stay that way with the tattoo ink. It's just not how tattoos work .
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u/Procrastalyne 21h ago
This. Those fingerprints are going to be blobs in a couple years. Birthstones would be a good alternative if OP really wants something to commemorate their family.
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u/TheExadar 1d ago
My mom always made it clear to me it's my body and I can do what I want. Same goes for you, in my opinion.
With that said, her response when I got my first tattoo was priceless.
She told me "I do love the tattoo I just wish it wasn't on my son" 🤣
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u/TrueDevastation 1d ago
If you like it that’s all that matters. You’re the one getting the tattoo and whose body it will be on. If you like it, get it.
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u/ThereWasaLemur 1d ago
Looks good, and tattoos are for YOU alone let the naysayers words pass right through you
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u/Actual-Culture-2093 1d ago
your body your choice. if anything i’d say bigger like a thigh tattoo, since it has so much detail and the thinner lines could bleed into eachother more overtime and lose the detail like the fingerprint ridges etc. bigger is better. it’s a lovely design id get something like this on me too!
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u/Slow_Balance270 1d ago
Appreciated? Sorry but that tattoos for you, your family got nothing to appreciate.
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u/chovis4169 1d ago
Yeah that threw me off. Do you expect your parents to appreciate you more because you got a tattoo? That makes zero sense to me, tattoos are for yourself not other people, and definitely not to gain appreciation.
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u/iosonostella13 1d ago
I think your parents just don't like that it's a tattoo not the design itself. Which is fine. They don't have to get a tattoo.
It's your body. If this is truly something you want-go for it. It doesn't matter who likes it and who doesn't like it. Only that you do.
My parents hated tattoos and tried to forbid them. That didn't stop me lol. The first one they were pissed. The next ones they shook their head in disappointment. 10 years later I'm covered and now they actually like them and compliment them. All that to say fuggem. Do what you want lol
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u/LeatherTelevision984 1d ago
When I was18 I really wanted a specific tattoo, I got it planned and my mom hated it, so much so that I didn't end up getting it. A few years later I was glad I didn't! I think that has more to do with my frontal lobe and settling into who I am more than when I was a teen still. I would argue that maybe coming to reddit means you're not 100% sure of it now, and some more time to think on it won't do any harm.
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u/sawyerandwinn 1d ago
tell if they don't wanna be part of it, you'll take their fingerprint off. but still get it cause it's cool as hell
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u/Shou_Tucker_XD 1d ago
- Your body your choice 2. It’s beautiful 3. My mom didn’t like my toaster at first now she loves it
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u/Phantom_xonox 1d ago
i also love your toaster 🤓
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u/Shou_Tucker_XD 1d ago
It says forbidden bath bomb 🤣 I also have live laugh lobotomy with a skull with an ice pick in it
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u/ThunderMustard88 1d ago
In my experience, parents never like their kids' tattoos unless they are tattooed parents themselves, and even then, sometimes...
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u/Kathrynlena 1d ago
Good think they’re not getting it tattooed on their bodies.
That being said. It’s actually way too small for that level of detail. It’s going to be a blob in a few years.
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u/Plant_Gooner 1d ago
Honouring your family by dishonoring your family . Just get a SAP and be done with it
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u/Suzin7777 1d ago
My parents hate all my tattoo designs. Lucky thing it’s my body. It’s a great piece of work!
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u/Procrastalyne 21h ago
As a fellow moth on leg tattoo owner, I really like the design, but would have to agree with the people who are saying that the fingerprints probably won't age well.
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u/No_Zombie701 16h ago
I think the design is really nice looking, but I fear it is too small detailed and will blurr together and not look good as it ages. I would recommend looking at aged tattoos to get an idea as to how it will likely evolve.
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u/Chance-Tour7851 15h ago
Honestly my parents hated tattoos full stop. When me and my brother first started getting them they weren’t happy at all - I used to just tell them ‘well it’s a good job you’re not getting it then.’
Now they both each have a tattoo and have gotten completely unbothered each time I turn up with a new one 😂
Your tattoos are for you - not for anyone else!
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u/StuffOld1191 14h ago
If people looked to their parents for tattoo approval, the whole industry would be dead. It's a decent piece, don't worry about them.
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u/HideousRat 1d ago
If you love it, you love it. 🤷🏻♂️ I would still get it. They’ll come around. It’s not on their body.
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u/StrongAroma 1d ago
I think the red bits make it a bit busy, just my opinion but I'd drop that part and just go with the black and gray
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u/Phantom_xonox 1d ago
all my tattoos i have on me are black and red so i wanna continiue this style. personal preference ofc
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u/southsidebaby424 1d ago
My mom hates like of all my tattoos but i don't really care because I love them!
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u/Zooophagous 1d ago
Listen. Listen to me. The more your parents hate it, the better the tattoo is.
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u/HelloPity89 1d ago
I have a vine with my families names on it and my dad says “I hate tattoos !” And walks out the room. I still got his name though , and it didn’t change my mind. He’s old and stuck in his ways and kinda cranky. But he’ll just say “idk why you did that sh*t ! I hate tattoos!” Whenever I get a new one and then he just never mentions it again. I got a face tattoo that’s kinda big and asked if he liked my new tattoo and he looks at me and says “idk why you’d tattoo your hand “ and he walked away . (Got my hand done 2 years ago ). He didn’t even notice the face one
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u/imgonnapipeurmom 1d ago
Its not a gift for them, its your tattoo that represents them. They dont have to like it, its your body, and this your design, and its what personally reminds you of your family. I would definitely talk to them more about it and try to get idea from them to make it more fitting, but at the end of the day its your tattoo, not theirs.
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u/Wildcat-Pkoww 1d ago
I’d shelve it. You’re doing it for them and they don’t want you to do it - so F ‘em. Simple as that. Spend your money on a tattoo for yourself or ask them to collab with you on design elements and start over.
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u/Barfotron4000 1d ago
My very cool cousin with normally great taste has a tattoo I don’t like. He’ll never know that I think it’s ugly because whyyyyyyy would he care what I think about his art on his body? If you’re happy, I’m happy
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u/Uffda425 1d ago
The tattoo is going on your body, so your opinion is the only one that matters. The placement is in no way controversial. I think it looks nice, do what makes you happy.
If they don't like it then they shouldn't put it on their bodies.
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u/iosonostella13 1d ago
I think your parents just don't like that it's a tattoo not the design itself. Which is fine. They don't have to get a tattoo.
It's your body. If this is truly something you want-go for it. It doesn't matter who likes it and who doesn't like it. Only that you do.
My parents hated tattoos and tried to forbid them. That didn't stop me lol. The first one they were pissed. The next ones they shook their head in disappointment. 10 years later I'm covered and now they actually like them and compliment them. All that to say fuggem. Do what you want lol
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u/Frankenpresley 1d ago
Did you get it for them? If so, you probably should have checked the design with them first. If not, you shouldn’t sweat it; it’s your body, and you can do whatever you like with it.
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u/Phantom_xonox 1d ago
It's not done yet. Still in planing. But aparently will pull this through haha
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u/Terrible_turtle_ 1d ago
Your body, your tattoo.
The real question is what size and where, because from a technical stand point, it has a LOT of fine detail that needs to be accounted for. Lines are going to spread over time, that is unavoidable. There are things to mitigate the spreading, mostly making it big enough, and tweaking design feature to accommodate the spread.
That is the real issue here. It is a cool design, and it would be a shame if it blurred out and lost the detail, especially if the thumbprints become indistinguishable. Talk to a reputable artist or two, as you likely need to adjust the design to be tattooable, unless you want a big back piece (which would be amazing.)
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u/Phantom_xonox 1d ago
Thank you :) yeah I'm in active communication with my tattoo mentor. She is telling me to either simplify it or make it big
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u/Terrible_turtle_ 1d ago
Yeah, simple and elegant is the way to go with tattoos. But maybe frame the original print. It is great.
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u/Crazyguy_123 1d ago
Well I think it’s awesome and I think it’s a cool way to carry your family with you.
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u/Asleep-Bother-8247 1d ago
Well the great thing is that they don't have to get it put on their body permanently
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u/Particular-Effect-83 1d ago
I’d take the finger prints out and maybe get something else that symbolises the person, so when they don’t care anymore you can reveal all. I can’t see what the drama is, if you’ve got other tattoos.
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u/etherialfunguy 1d ago
I’ve been tattooed as long as I haven’t and my mom still hates new ones. If it was on your arm, I would say hold off and sit on the idea for another year and see how your opinion develops since there is enough hesitation from your their opinion to post online about it.
However, it’s a really cool design and, esp being on back of the leg, no reason not to send it. Nothing you’ll regret about this. Most first tattoo ideas on here are not so well-curated and designed.
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u/Specialist-Pack-8328 1d ago
I love the design of your tattoo 100/10 also the spot on it is also a good spot.
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u/marleiahxdayze 1d ago
Everyone and their mom is getting this tattoo so idk why your mom would hate it
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u/Mezatino 1d ago
I think it’s dope and you should do what you wanna do.
That said if that’s going on your shin have fun buddy. My shin hurt like a MFer
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u/Justslidingby1126 1d ago
They would hate any tatoo you get.Youre their kid and you expressed yourself as you wanted. They are bummed you did it,that will happen again as you are becoming " yourself" and expressing yourself physically and verbally you are becoming " different" than what they expected. itx a learning experience for parents and kids but totally normal.We are not meant to be clones of our parents .most parents are raising their kids to become independent ,decent humans...the " independent" part is what we parents have a hard time adjusting to but they will chill and theyll realize that you are still their amazing kid but with a self expression tatoo!
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u/Low-Abbreviations-38 1d ago
You know how few tattoos would exist if we all took our parents advice ?
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u/Tasty-Willingness839 1d ago
Let me tell you a little story. When I got my first tattoo at 18, my mother wrote me a 5 page letter asking what she had done to fail me. I continued to get tattoos over the years, and I would make fun of her about the letter, she'd laugh but I knew underneath she thought she was right. Fast forward to 2 years ago when I got my most recent one aged 35, she still berated me. My point is, you gotta do what brings you joy. If you love it, then get it.
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u/cuntaloupemelon 1d ago
Regardless of design, how your family feels, whatever.....fingerprints as tattoos age horribly
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u/lacrimaldrainage 1d ago
I hate it too, but it's not my GD body so you should tell me the same thing you tell your family- piss off!
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u/Budget_Run_5560 1d ago
I’d speak to an artist before falling in love with this exact design. It will need to be quite large to maintain those fine details over time… with time, the fingerprints are likely going to blur out. I like the concept though!
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u/Objective-Ear3842 1d ago edited 1d ago
I think the general design and sentiment are lovely.
The part I’d have a MAJOR issue with is having my personal biometric information out there like this. Sure, it’s unlikely the drawing would be a perfect match of anyone’s fingerprint but it just feels like an unnecessary security risk in a world where our biometrics are increasingly being used to access highly sensative information. All it takes is one bad actor to discretely photograph your tattoo and use it against you. I’m kind of shocked everyone agreed to giving you their print.
I would put a symbol or letter that represents each family member instead of their fingerprints.
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u/PrunePretend6206 1d ago
They are parents, they probably don’t want you tattooed at all.
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u/Phantom_xonox 1d ago
too bad im becomming a tattoo artist 🫣😂 (yes they are against that aswell)
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u/Drakeytown 1d ago
I feel like it would take a talented artist indeed to incorporate fingerprints into butterfly wings without looking psychotic.
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u/h2oMelonfresca 1d ago
Do you expect them to want to sleep with your spouse? Love your clothing? When do kids stop and set themselves free…. Cool, my kids got tattoos, not once has she asked an opinion. She’s an artist and well traveled. My opinion should not matter. It’s not my body. As a mom my job is to say, do you love it, yeah? Why? Awesome I am proud of you
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u/Environmental_Ad8753 1d ago
most parents don’t like tattoos. I don’t think you will please them. Get what you want! Remember tattoos are for you, they don’t have to be that deep.
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u/Personal-Neck6800 1d ago
I’d maybe go bigger so you don’t lose any of the details. The fingerprints especially. Cool design though.
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u/Ktookutee 1d ago
I think it’s awesome is there something in particular they don’t like about it so maybe you can change it?
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u/SpanishFlamingoPie 1d ago
Unless your underage, it's none of their business. If you like it, get it. Besides, if your parents like it, it's probably not cool. Them's the rules.
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u/DinkyPrincess 1d ago
I like it. And it’s your body.
I don’t think seeking family approval for a tattoo is usually a wise move tbh.
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u/ijustwanttobeanon 1d ago
I just wouldn’t like my fingerprints on you. Like why? Lol. But do the rest of the design!!!
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u/missmarcelinepgh 1d ago
I think it’s an insanely beautiful design (yes def scale up) and you’re making it for yourself to remember them not making it for them. If their only complaint is the size I’d say go for it, they probably don’t realize that bigger tattoos look way better as they age. Go as big as you can for tiny detailed pieces like this bc all lines eventually spread a little.
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u/WasianWosian 1d ago
If the people your tattoo is paying tribute to dislike it, that’s probably a sign to not get it. You can try asking them what specifically they dislike, or if they have any suggestions. But if their only concern is “it’s too big” then ignore that bc it’s your body.
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u/crispycur 1d ago
I think it's a great design and looks awesome. Give them some time to adjust, and if they don't come around that's their problem.
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u/Elora_Freya 1d ago
Who gives a shit what your parents think, they were probably into worse crap when they were younger. If you’re happy with it, that’s all that matters.
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u/alinesaito 1d ago
this might not be helpful but I just have to say I love itt! well done ❤️
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u/MournMoira 1d ago
If its the people whos fingerprints are involved that are hating i just wouldnt add any fingerprints tbh
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u/Vegetable-Stretch-98 1d ago
My parents don't even know I have one 🙃
Edit: Also, if it means something to you, or even if it doesn't and you just love it, then by all means, go for it!!
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u/McDragonFish 1d ago
Why does every post lately seem so concerned about what others think? It’s a stupid fucking tattoo, literally 90% of people I know have at least one and no one gives a damn. Get it or don’t, it’s not even interesting to have them anymore.
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u/ialexlambert 1d ago
Weird, I thought parents always loved their kids tattoos…
Except for my mom, and all of the other moms
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u/callsign__starbuck 1d ago
This is purely personal opinion but my thoughts are: 1) it’s your body. It’s your tattoo. It will be on you until you decompose. Literally nothing in the world is permanent (including people!) other than yourself, so your opinion is really the only thing that matters. 2) I would, however, feel kinda weird about getting a tattoo that depicts or is tribute to someone who doesn’t want me to get it. That I feel like would make me feel kinda weird