When executed correctly, tattoos can become a true work of art. They immortalize the memories and moments of our lives that we hope to cherish and carry with us forever.
However, forever is a lot longer than most people realize and some simply don’t stand the test of time. Have a look below at these 15 tattoos that received a much-needed cover-up .
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How it started VS how it’s going.
Have you ever seen those reels where artists show you the first page of their sketchbook compared with their most recent? That’s exactly what this reminds me of. Just look at the detail on the candle for goodness sake!
Leo the Lionheart.
I’m not exactly sure what the image on the left is supposed to be; a Dia de Los Muertos version of Snow White? I’m positively in love with the lion, though. I don’t get the symbolism of it but I don’t have to.
Transformed into a true work of art.
If there’s any artist, living or dead, who’d appreciate a person defaming their body for the sake of their art — it’s Vincent van Gogh . I can’t even begin to imagine how much this must have hurt.
Stella took a trip to outer space.
This is a perfect example of why you should never tattoo the name of a significant other anywhere on your body. Not only are you asking for trouble but there’s plenty of people who think it’s bad luck.
A whale of a tale.
This tattoo just makes me happy. It’s always been a secret bucket list wish of mine to see a real-life whale, and up until now — this is as close as I’ve ever got. Fingers crossed that changes soon!
I am a bird now.
Once again, I’m sure that the bird and pocketwatch have some sort of special significance, I just have no idea as to what it might be. Perhaps the bird is meant to represent spirituality, contrasted with the finite nature of life?
Don’t be afraid to get creative.
I can still remember a little bit of my Greek and Roman mythology from school, so I’m semi-well-versed in ancient beasts of lore. That said, I’ve never once encountered a cat with the wings of a bird and the antlers of a stag.
A subtle nod to Studio Ghibli.
Have you ever seen any Studio Ghibli films like Spirited Away or My Neighbor Totoro ? If so you’ll probably recognize the adorable Susuwatari (or Soot Sprites) created by animation legend Hayao Miyazaki.
Talk about making something out of nothing!
Oh I just can’t wait to be king!
If I was ever to get an homage to Disney tattooed on my forearm, you can bet your sweet butt that it would be a scene from The Lion King . I’m literally singing along as I write this.
A heart-shaped diamond in the rough.
It’s a little bit big for my liking, I have to admit, but the design work and detail are second-to-none. Just look at all the facets and faces on the heart — you can almost see them refracting the light.
Tattoo artists don’t fear the reaper.
Admittedly, I’m not a tattoo kind of guy, so perhaps I’m the wrong person to judge. But I just never understood why anyone would tattoo a grim reaper anywhere on their body; isn’t that just a little macabre?
Foxy lady.
I can’t believe I’m about to say this but I can’t help it: “Aww how cute!” I’ve always had a soft spot for these cute little critters ever since I first saw The Fox and the Hound as a kid.
Remapping the constellations.
So if I’m not mistaken, this is supposed to be a rendering of the zodiac? Or a constellation mapping the Tropic of Cancer? Your guess is as good as mine, all I know is that it looks cool.
Let your spirit animal soar!
The original tattoo had good bones, the artist on the right was simply able to accentuate and highlight what was already there with more precision and skill. It must have taken a staggering amount of patience to incorporate all those different colors.
Enter the dragon.
OK, maybe this is just my inner nerd coming out of me. But is the image of the dragon on the right supposed to look like the Eternal Dragon from Dragon Ball Z ?! Call me crazy but I think it is!