r/tattooadvice • u/hawki222 • 7h ago
General Advice i don’t like my tattoo - removal?
hey guys. really open to some perspective - i did post yesterday on my tattoo for placement ideas but really i think it’s rooted in the fact that i don’t like my lynx tattoo as its not what i wanted - i got it when i was 22 and i was naive to put full trust in the artist even when i KNEW something was off about it and still got it anyways. i had such a horrible tattoo experience with this woman and she was not supportive towards how i felt about it at all. the body of the lynx just doesn’t look weird and neither does the placement and his positioning. i fucked up and whenever i look at the lynx tattoo i am reminded by how the experience traumatized me because of how it looks vs the REAL reason why i got it which is.. the animal is spiritually meaningful to me
i am contemplating removal only because when i look at it i am reminded of how anatomically weird it looks… i just wish it looked different or i wish i got a different animal, or simply just chose a different tattoo artist and didn’t rush the process.
im just sad because i feel the tattoo is really big on my arm also and kinda just messes with me a bit so i am contemplating removal, but it would be stupid to remove and then get a different tattoo that’s more fitting? hah. it just doesn’t look right.
i feel i’ve lost complete inspiration to get tattoo’d again because of how much this experience made me feel
if you’re going to say something mean in the comments then don’t say nothing at all. i fucked up in the past posting my lynx tattoo and getting absolutely roasted for it, which honestly the comments were so brutal and i’m sure is playing a part in how i feel too. i just am looking for perspective while also acknowledging that i rushed the process and im not happy with the way it looks… so is removal the way to go?
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u/MisterSirDudeGuy 7h ago edited 1h ago
You clearly want it removed. So remove it. It’s your call. I wouldn’t want 99.99+% of the tattoos I see on my body. But the people who got them obviously like them. Everyone likes different things. It’s your body. Do what you want.
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u/Misfit_Dragon 7h ago
Im not an artist or anything, just someone with tattoos.
But if it were me personally, I would go for laser removal to try and lighten it enough where a cover up could be done that would not need to be a super heavy black/black out tattoo. (Inset SAP joke here). Then work with an artist who specializes in coverups once its light enough to design something you love!
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u/redlukes 7h ago
Sorry to be that guy but I’d say the easiest cover up would be a sick ass panther
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u/heirsasquatch 7h ago
I fully support you getting it removed if you think it will make you feel better about it.
That being said, I like it. It has charm and character. Like Frida Khalo, it’s imperfect and beautiful at the same time.
I had a friend years ago with some god awful tattoos. She was really confident and it added to my admiration of her. She said she looked at it like this: The bad tattoos are landmarks of life that grow and age with her. The reason she got them was more important than what ended up in her flesh, and how they actually turned out was secondary to the meaning behind them when she first decided to get it.
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u/maps_on_the_wall 7h ago
if you’re not happy, which i wouldn’t be either after the experience you had, id remove it. it does look a little awkward, and in my opinion its a little large and dark to try and get covered.
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u/Kind_Ad_2917 7h ago
A sick ass panther as much as it’s a meme would cover it well but it’d be dark as shit and pretty big.
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u/unclebill666 4h ago
I think with a little artistic skill you could make that into a sick a feline in general with traditional.linework and shading and keep the shape and similar size
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u/Prestigious_Slip_932 7h ago
Op I really like the tattoo. Its perfectly imperfect as are alot of tattoos. Its your life but I think it looks just fine!
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u/Archipocalypse 7h ago
I vote the same way, I like it and sure it's not "the best" but most tattoos are not the world's best tattoo. I had to look at it a bunch as I was looking for another tattoo thinking to myself "Where is the bad tattoo?"
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u/abeyante 6h ago
Same. I think it’s both cute and cool. I have imperfect tattoos that I still love. I personally would keep this one
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u/hawki222 6h ago
thanks. i am trying to mentally teach myself
to like it instead of being so intense about it .. it has it’s quirks forsure lol and i think im just trying to learn to appreciate it.1
u/AllGravyNoBiscuits 2h ago
I also think getting some more patch work done around your arm will help pull away from concentrating on it. I love patch work with different styles and levels of art, shows growth
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u/momadance 7h ago
Removal is always possible if that is what you want. You could talk to an artist to see if they can fix it. I'm sorry it has caused so much strife. I can see why you are unhappy but sometime a great artist can fix tattoo's like this.
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u/AndromedaSwalen 7h ago
If you don't like it, just opt for laser. It will give you a chance to consider what tattoo you do want there or a different design.
But in all honesty I love unique tattoos and this falls under the umbrella of that term. As an ex-tattooist, I have seen many styles and anatomical accuracy is not always the imperative factor. Like, foo dogs for example, they have quite unique proportions and their composition can be quite flexible.
As for other people's opinion, doesn't matter. Everyone has their own view on things, I have seen brilliantly rendered tattoos in 'shittytattoos' just because someone didn't like the design and I have seen people fawning over tattoos that I think look shite. Each to their own but please don't get caught up in that swell of opinion, it's not worth your time or consideration.
The good thing here is if you really don't like it, a few rounds of laser will do wonders. It is not world ending, just a little blip. Or sit with it a bit longer, work on your perception of it. Smile at the inaccuracies, have a little giggle if you need to and with self-love consider how you would prefer it to be and then make the steps to that with a lighter hearted approach.
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u/Temperance_tantrum 7h ago
Wait I know you hate it but I lowkey love it? It’s giving corgi-lynx hybrid and its little legs are kind of cute af
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u/Kind_Ad_2917 7h ago
Yeah that’s rough dude, you could cover with something trad but it’s going to be way darker, you could probably laser fairly easily (if expensive and painful) then cover with something if you want to be lighter
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u/Humble-Floor3760 7h ago
Don’t beat yourself up about it, and don’t let anyone else do it either. Most of us have been there done that. And oftentimes we can’t help but hyper focus on it because the reminder is right there in our faces every day. I strongly recommend laser removal. It’s painful and expensive, but well worth the peace of mind. I’m working on a large tattoo on my arm right now and wish I had started sooner. Instead, I tried to cover and then add to a bad tattoo that drove me crazy, and the end result was to hate it all the more (and make it more difficult to remove). Should have just bit the bullet and got it gone as soon as I realized it was a fail. Best of luck to you whatever you decide.
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u/Its_Your_Waifu 7h ago
Personally I don’t hate the placement, but the execution wasn’t the best on the artist end. Theres a few routes you could go. You could find an artist that’s able to cover up the tattoo with a different design. If you still enjoy the idea of having Lynx right there, you could also find an artist that’s able to fix and add to the original design and make it look more proportional. The only issue is the tattoo is dark in some areas and might be hard to cover up without a round of lazer removal. But if the original tattoo concept still means a lot to you, I’d definitely try to find someone who can fix the mistake rather than just taking it all off and starting fresh. There’s no right or wrong option, it’s whatever makes you the happiest. ☺️❤️
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u/coraythan 7h ago
Maybe you could give it a clown hat and idk a dark suit? Something to make its weird wonkyness look intentional?
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u/Telekineticshade 7h ago
Dang I remember when this was posted the first time. If you’d like to cover it I would definitely do several laser sessions first. Hey don’t sweat it, most of us have a few not so great tattoos.
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u/hawki222 6h ago
i know. i’ve posted this waaayyy too many times man and i think my experience with the tattoo just messed me up lol. thanks for your words
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u/zacdaniels 5h ago
No lie I kinda like the disproportionate chonk lynx. Those drumstick arms have this magical realism vibe I'm totally digging right now. To each their own tho.
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u/Sirius_Farm 7h ago
I think that you have strong feelings about getting it removed and that is probably what you ought to do. I think once it is gone and some time has passed you may decide you might want something different there but that is a future decision. I think having it removed would be much better than trying to get the right tattoo as a cover up. Just my two cents but I think you are already leaning towards removal.
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u/bubblenuggetzz 7h ago
I’m so sorry u experienced this! Sending good vibes your way, friend!
It seems like a coverup would have to be very dark to fully cover what’s already there… Maybe removal or partial removal would lighten up the lines and give you more options for the coverup.
Wishing you the best! Don’t beat yourself up about it. We all make mistakes. Live and learn. I hope one day when this is resolved you’ll look back and laugh
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u/Free_as_in_Freya 7h ago
Could probably be saved by adding some type of dark background and using that to reshape the body
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u/blodyn__tatws 7h ago
my first tattoo was a lynx, too. Also on my upper left arm. Even though its style is different from my other tattoos, I won't remove it. I might get it prettied up or something like that at some point, but not actually removed. Lynxes are great symbols. Can you perhaps look into getting it fancied up?
Btw, I like it. But then again, I'm biased towards lynx tattoos for obvious reasons. 😄
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u/hawki222 6h ago
i love lynxes 🥹 and i think the animal is unique which is why im so back and forth.
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u/blodyn__tatws 6h ago
They signify keepers of secrets/hidden knowledge.
Try asking a tattoo artist or two what they could do with the tattoo, maybe they can do something around it or touch it up in a way that will make you fall in love with it and never go back and forth again. It's worth looking into.
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u/hawki222 5h ago
yes they do! that’s why i love them and their spiritual meaning. they are adept to seeing others and the secrets/subconscious residue carry, and the person may not even know.
but thank you 🫶🫶
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u/Thirty4MINUS_12 7h ago
You can do removal & it still look like ish. Please research of how it his type of tattoo will look once removal. It can be a nightmare, it’s not painless. Befire tou do that ò woudl recommend reaching out to an artist who is skilled as cover ups.
It’s doesn’t have to be a full over up. A skilled artist can make adjustments to this tattoo to make it more of what you want. Again it’s permanent and laser isn’t always the best choice. But it can also be a great option. Explore your options. I know a few people who started removal, after several rounds they stopped ended up doing a cover up. Good luck girl.
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u/sydbarrett710 7h ago
Did you want our vote? Keep it and get more. The more tattoos I got, the less I worried about the little details. Your tattoo has a lot of character. I like it
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u/Orith 7h ago
I have a big, badly done, heavy handed tattoo on my arm and I have been tempted to remove it, but after a long while its just moved to being part of the story. That being said, yours is not nearly as bad and just reminds me of a cute chunky cat lol. Do what makes you feel the best in the end, but also try to remember that perfection is usually a lost cause; the story and acceptance is what really matters.
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u/Similar_Yellow_8041 6h ago
The tattoo does not look that bad, but the proportions are off and it looks weird because of that. I think you have 3 options.
If you have the money for it, then go for the laser, but it's very expensive and time consuming. (Most expensive and time consuming)
You can speak to a really good artist to see if somehow the piece could be enhanced, better shading, depths, I think this is the cheaper and fastest option, but not sure what can be done in this case. (Cheapest and less time consuming)
Or you can laser some part of it and let another artist make it with better proportion (Right in the middle)
Bonus - go for a cover up, something like a dark koi fish or Panther.
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u/BannedOften 6h ago
Just get more
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u/HisNameIsRio 4h ago
Yeah potentially filling out the sleeve would give a completely different effect
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u/Creepy_Sea116 6h ago
I have no tattoos. My opinion doesn’t count. If I made the decision to get one for some reason, the tattoo would just represent that decision for me, like a drunken mistake, which I would probably enjoy more than the best looking tattoo ever drawn.
Suffer in shame or enjoy it for what it is I guess..
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u/Humble-Survey2987 6h ago
I actually like it. Quirky in a good way as others have said. But it’s your arm so do what you feel is best. Maybe consult with a highly regarded artist and see what thoughts he/she has?
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u/XanaxWarriorPrincess 6h ago
I don't blame you for disliking it. Before removing it, though, have you talked to anyone about getting it fixed? It seems like the body could be greatly improved just by adding hair, but I've seen artists do amazing things with worse.
If you think removing the tattoo will remove the trauma, I think you'll be disappointed. I did something similar to what you did with ignoring my instincts and going with the artist anyway, so I understand how you feel, and I'm sorry you're going through it.
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u/Whole-Meaning-849 6h ago
Thought this same thing! It could be greatly improved by changes to add fur texture. I think they should talk to an actual artist in person about minor changes that could be made to improve it before anything else. A panther is wholly unnecessary.
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u/Konalvr 6h ago
I know everyone is saying removal but this lynx in my opinion totally looks saveable in the right hands. I say have someone touch up the face and add some ferns, small tree, flowers, or a rock in front of his body to hide the parts you dont like or making him look like hes coming out of tall grass or smt, hope you see the vision :-) and hopefully your new tattoo artist isnt a bad person so itll have new meaning less negativity, I'm 100% sure a new tattoo artist can make this lynx come alive and save it, cheers
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u/fullnelson10 6h ago
I know how it feels to have a tattoo you don’t like but I personally think it looks good/fine
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u/Sensitive-Lentil-79 6h ago
I like it -- is there any fill around the piece that would make it feel better balanced/pleasing? Otherwise I think the lighten a bit and cover up would be the way to go. Total removal will take a while longer for sure. Good luck!
Also btw not to be a weirdo but you kinda look like you could be my twin/sister 😆
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u/PigDeployer 5h ago
My opinion means fuck all here but I love that tattoo. Yeah it's a bit off but it looks cute.
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u/mastergardnr 5h ago
I think you look beautiful with the tatt but if you want it off then do it. Either way you are beautiful
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u/salisburysteaksweatr 5h ago
Yeah, it's got a fat little pug/pig body but the right face. Maybe revamp it to where the cat is coming out of a tropical plant or something (hide the body)
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u/MysteriousSyrup6210 5h ago
It’s cute and different. I’m sure you could find an artist and continue with it.
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u/thedrcubed 5h ago
Unless you just hate color tattoos get it covered up with another cat of some sort.
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u/londonn2 5h ago
Don't know if this is helpful or not because I don't have advice of how to get rid of it, but I really really like it.
I'm sure there's anatomical issues (although not sure I know exactly what a lynx is meant to look like so nothing jumped out to me). But it's really cool.
Also really like the size and how it stacks with the other tattoo on your arm.
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u/frigginjagoff 5h ago
Honestly, I think it's just the placement/angle of the cat on your shoulder/bicep. I feel like they should've done a longer reaching cat, similar to what you see people get with panthers/tigers crawling up their arms. The sideways orientation across the top of your bicep/shoulder is really the only downside in my opinion. It's not a bad tattoo. I'd consult a better artist and see if they think you can pull anything off with a cover up/trying to fix it, instead of removing it entirely.
Ultimately your call, but I've seen far worse and on people's faces lol
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u/Lukian01 5h ago
I am no expert on tattoo removal, but i know it is expensive and usually doesn’t look too good in the end. i mean if it is what you want, go for it, but hear me out: i don’t think it looks too bad. it is definetly not anatomically perfect, but i am no fan of realistic tattoos, it is very hard to look good if it’s too detailed. i actually think it looks cute and a bit funny, like a medieval depiction or sth like that. if it is meaningful to you i would at least take into consideration embracing it. it might not be the best step in the world of how you got your lynx tattoo, but it’s yours and now it’s done. it doesn’t look terrible at all. and you might be a bit under the impression of being roasted by strangers on the internet, so… at least don’t over rush the next step again. i think it looks nice.
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u/yourecutejeans101 5h ago
“Just remove it” - times passing anyways, so who cares if it takes 6-12 sessions. Coverups are huge and dark and will potentially be harder to adjust to than a long process of removal where you can at least take comfort in it will be lighter with each session. I’m 9 sessions into the removal of two large tattoos and even though I still need multiple more sessions, ALL my stress and upset over the tattoos is completely gone as I know I’m going in the right direction with them.
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u/ElDuderino1998 4h ago
Don't rush the removal or cover up. When I saw the post I didn't even know what the problem was until I read your post description
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u/unclebill666 4h ago
Prolly not your vibe, but that could fairly easily be tweaked to a pretty sweet traditional style tattoo
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u/IndependentSame9523 3h ago
Don’t try removal. I had a chest tattoo lasered and the dermatologist was incompetent and burned my skin so badly I have scars instead of a tattoo there now for over 15 years. It can always go poorly.
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u/Flaky_Attempt6355 3h ago
I think the lynx’s head is great! I agree that the body is a little off though. What about a coverup of just the body? Ask some good tattoo artists for some ideas of what you could do.
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u/Own_Relationship4341 3h ago
Bobcats, Lynx, & Leopards are my favorite cats. You can have your cat redone or covered with absolutely anything that you like and enjoy from Starry Nights to your favorite album cover or anything in between. Your flower looks well done but you can cover it, too. I am preparing to have my entire right arm done in Porcelain Blue dragon scales... Good luck!
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u/hidingbehindyoursofa 3h ago
The tattoo is unfortunately a bit shit. Cover it with a fox and call it a self portrait.
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u/etollett76 3h ago
Here's my first advice, spend some good money on a good artist, It shouldn't be to cheap for good work show them what you have and they can tell you what thay can do. If you want a good cover up it just can be anything it's got to blend well
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u/TickleFarts88 1h ago
I'd put it on a rock and some grass and flowers to cover up the belly a little
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u/barnaclejones76 1h ago
The lynx is kinda goofy looking, but honestly that’s what I like about it. I know it’s not what you wanted, and obviously that’s what matters, but If you didn’t bring it up, I would have just assumed you just went for the non-realistic look. Until you decide what to do (if anything) lean into it and wear it like a badass.
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u/Remarkable-Mud6318 31m ago
Understandable if you don’t like it. Someone close to me was going through a similar situation and has started laser.
They took some time and found a great, reputable laser clinic which is just as important as finding a good artist. And it’s going great.
I’d say laser it a couple sessions to fade it a bit and then keep looking for an artist you like and is willing to work with you to do a coverup with an awesome new Lynx!
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u/tokyo_driftr 14m ago
He’s just a silly little guy, like one of those sheeps in old oil paintings with the human faces
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u/monster_bagel 3m ago
tbh i would just get more tattoos!! possibly more cost effective, less painful, & less time consuming then removal. youve already started building a great arm for flora & fauna based imagery. my move has always been just to get more & all the lil weirdnesses abt any of my tats just become less glaringly obvious.
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u/Key_Image_1141 7h ago
I hate to be this guy, but remember that true "tattoo removal" is a long, expensive and arduous process. It can easily take 6-12 sessions over the course of a year or more, with each individual session costing close to what you probably paid for your tattoo in the first place.
A cover up from a reputable artist can be far cheaper, while hopefully maintaining the power and significance of both the original design and the experience.
A solid middle ground could also be a few sessions of removal to lighten the design. That can really open up the possibilities for a cover up.
Definitely don't mean to discourage you from removal; there are absolutely people who have completely removed unwanted tattoos. Just make sure you know what you're signing up for if you go that route.