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82 Creative Cover-Up Tattoo Ideas That Show A Bad Tattoo Is Not The End Of Life
Some people go through life carrying the invisible weight of their mistakes on their shoulders.
Others, however, choose to carry their mistakes on their bodies, physically etched into their skin forever to remind them of their respective momentary lapses in judgment.
Take a look at these tattoos, for example. As you can see, however, their hapless owners were spared a lifetime of shame and ridicule thanks to the skills and imagination of some incredible tattoo artists who proved that when time can't heal something, good old-fashioned creativity can.
Do you have your tattoo fails and cover-ups you’d like to share? Then add them to the list compiled by Bored Panda below.
This post may include affiliate links.
RELATED:
#2
Cross Cover Up Tattoo Into Cherry Blossom Tree!
#4
Tattoo Cover Up That Turns Tribal Tattoo Into An Amazing Half-sleeve Geometric Tattoo
#5
I Have An Ugly Tribal Tattoo. But I Think I Fixed It
#9
#10
Marta Nejfelt 8 years ago
It's in Polish - "Żabka". It means "little frog" and is used as a pet name for beloved girls (daughters, wifes).
#19
Evelien van der Ham 8 years ago
Not my style, but technically it's a piece of art. And I do appreciate art.
#21
Petra Steenput 8 years ago
Honestly who are those people who draw some of these left tatoos? (I thought the ones getting the tatoo are supposed to be drunk, not the one drawing it! ;))
#22
Katrina Green 8 years ago
Wow...Love how vibrant the colors are!! I don't even know what the before was supposed to be :O
#24
Before And After Lower Back Lotus Cover Up Tattoo
Two Replies 8 years ago
Tattoo: "Tramp-stamp!" *no one pays attention* Tattoo: "TRAMP-STAMP!!"
#25
Ronja Rövardotter 8 years ago
I think it is very well repaired. The first one's face is scary. The second one is like pin-up girl. Good job tattooer! :-)
#28
Robert Banning 8 years ago
At first glance, I thought it was a monster flexing his arm muscles!
#30
#31
Bye Bunny
Final score:
60points
Jessica Barnes 8 years ago
I actually quite liked the first, and thing they could have easily had a smaller version of the same cover-up
#32
Ms. Demeanor 8 years ago
Curious as to why someone would get that in the first place... But the owl is amazing!
#35
Final score:
55points
#37
Simba Cub Fix Up Before & After
#42
#43
Celine Bauduin 8 years ago
It's aum, Hindus and Buddhists believe it represents the start of the universe. It's a powerful sign
#46
#50
Catharina Geerts 1 week ago
The first butterfly was nice enough and could easily have been coloured, if you just wanted colour. But the other one is very beautiful too
#54
Reincarnated To A Cat
Final score:
23points
#57
Corporate Logo Turned My Dream Mountain Sunset
Final score:
19points
#58
Two Replies 8 years ago
"Hi. I have a robot coming out of my pants." ... Yep... that's not going to be another regret...
#59
#60
#61
Jessica Barnes 8 years ago
I actually think the cover-up is much worse and doesn't even cover all of it.
#66
Michaela Mužíková 8 years ago
I like the unicorn more actually. The face of death-lady is awful.
#67
Pobin Rice 8 years ago
1 laser session would have taken the old one off in ONE SITTING..... a good tattooist would've told them that.
#68
Old Panther To New
Final score:
9points
#69
Sherrie Johnson 8 years ago
dude could of covered that name up with literally anything else. now he's going to have to explain this thing.
#75
After
Final score:
2points
#77
Meli Tanaka 8 years ago
No Sherrie I'm starting to think two replies doesn't like tatts at all and is just trolling.
#79
Before And After
Final score:
1point
#80
Before
Final score:
1point
#81
Ladybird > Sun Spiral
Final score:
0points
#82
Final score:
-3points
When we take a closer look at tattoos, they often symbolize something deeply personal, sometimes representing mistakes or lessons learned. In these moments, creativity becomes an essential tool, helping revitalize past decisions and transform them into something meaningful.
A great example of this is how some individuals opt for infinity tattoos, which elegantly express endless possibilities and are perfect for showcasing creative transformations. Consider exploring these enlightening examples of timeless symbolism to inspire a new beginning.
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What do you think ?
Csipai Betti 8 years ago
I find it interesting that only a few has been transitioned to a more positive or "softer" theme. I think that's because I'm not a tattoo person (I LOVE the beautiful masterpieces on others) and if I would woke up and see a horrible tattoo on myself I would turn it into a small sized piece of art with a better meaning. THAT's why this post isn't about me and I should shut up right now :)
Claudia Ferreira 8 years ago
it will be great to know the names of the tattoo artists that made the cover up
Krystal Bethany 8 years ago
A lot of these were coverups on a show called Tattoo Nightmares. The three tattoo artists who work there are, Big Gus Demented, Tommy Helm, and Jasmine Rodriguez
Load More Replies...
westwing 8 years ago
Wow, makes you realize how many substandard and frankly terrible tattoo artists are out there. Thank god, there are those with superior talent to fix the hacks
Cherie 8 years ago
Thankfully, a lot of tat artists either get more skillful or get out of the biz.
Load More Replies... Annabelle Johnson 8 years ago
A lot of the "before" tattoos look like they were done in sharpie by a regular person
Csipai Betti 8 years ago
I find it interesting that only a few has been transitioned to a more positive or "softer" theme. I think that's because I'm not a tattoo person (I LOVE the beautiful masterpieces on others) and if I would woke up and see a horrible tattoo on myself I would turn it into a small sized piece of art with a better meaning. THAT's why this post isn't about me and I should shut up right now :)
Claudia Ferreira 8 years ago
it will be great to know the names of the tattoo artists that made the cover up
Krystal Bethany 8 years ago
A lot of these were coverups on a show called Tattoo Nightmares. The three tattoo artists who work there are, Big Gus Demented, Tommy Helm, and Jasmine Rodriguez
Load More Replies... westwing 8 years ago
Wow, makes you realize how many substandard and frankly terrible tattoo artists are out there. Thank god, there are those with superior talent to fix the hacks
Cherie 8 years ago
Thankfully, a lot of tat artists either get more skillful or get out of the biz.
Load More Replies... Annabelle Johnson 8 years ago
A lot of the "before" tattoos look like they were done in sharpie by a regular person
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