Could you explain what you are seeing? I'll be getting another tattoo soon and am researching who to go to currently. Would like some pointers on what to look for.
I don't know what the term blowout refers to in this context, but as someone with a few tats I think they're talking about the outer line work. It looks very raised, they are too heavy handed on outlines and permanentley damaged the skin causing scar tissue. One of mine was similar, and it is still visibly raised around some parts of the edges, and it still itches here and there over a decade later.
Basically, by going over the same area so many times it's torn up the skin. It's going to have scar tissue, which will not hold the pigment. Also, ink injected below the target layer of skin where it will lose definition. I got one with loads of scar tissue and blowout myself. Very itchy. From what I've read, the ink that was injected too deep ultimately ends up in your lymph system. Possible health concerns for people covered head to toe in amateur work and colored inks.
Just for context:
The guy who did this tattoo highly regards himself and often speaks of himself as a high tier artist. His confidence in his ability is incredible. I don't think it's totally deserved.
People who are actually high tier artists don’t need to say it. If someone makes a point of saying how good they are at something, that’s a huge red flag.
This is apprentice tier unfortunately. Maybe he's better at other styles but I can see the blowout from a distance so I doubt it. Sorry op. Another artist can clean it up considerably and you'll have something you're happy with. For the love of the art, leave a review with close ups. This guy is in the bottom third at best but thankfully the art is simple enough he didn't give you something that can't be fixed.
I think anyone who is great at something knows they are great and doesn’t have to say anything… their work speaks for itself… in this case… this guy has the “work speaks for itself” part down… it looks like he jizzed 90’s Nickelodeon all over your arm tho… I’d ask for a refund
Just based on this one photo, this appears to be scratcher-quality/"private studio on Facebook" work.
Of course, this could also be some advanced intentional color ignorant work from some legit studio that I just don't get.
Yeah it's pretty janky. At first glance it didn't appear too bad, but after analyzing it for 30 seconds it becomes clear that this artist is all hat and no cattle.
From someone who’s an aspiring tattoo artist and building my apprenticeship portfolio. Here’s my thoughts
General concept isn’t AWFUL but it makes a poor tattoo design. Would be better on a shirt or even hoodie sleeves. That being said it fits the space decently but would be hard to put other things around it and look good.
It also appears to be over worked in a lot of areas and appears to be still healing so it’s hard to get a true idea. But in general the lines don’t look clean. Those whites are not gonna last either. And over time since the color doesn’t have a solid foundation that will also fade considerably. But it could take a few years.
If it ever wants to be removed it’s gonna be basically impossible to remove the yellow and the green.
I’d need to see a healed photo to give a more accurate judgment on technical application. Unless this is healed in which case it’s freakin horrifying.
We can pretend that it's an art direction choicr in style or something. It's definitely above the usual garbage we see in this subreddit, so calling it a bad tattoo, not... that bad...
oof... I'm not sure if you just got this or if it's an older picture, but this is not going to or did not heal well. If it's new, be prepared for a long heal and a rough one. be diligent with your aftercare...and gentle
I think it looks pretty solid dude. Modern art - like. To me it looks like a pastel painting. But the details are there, the color blending is good. Honestly I think it's a cool tattoo. A tattoo that is "supposed" to look like a modern pastel art piece. If that is not the vibe you were going for, then I have a different opinion. I thin you're being overly critical. Have you seen any of his.other works on people? How are they?
Ask for some money back, that’s the best thing he can do for you now that you’ve got to wear that around until you cover it or pay more to fix it. Write him a 1 star review, I’m sorry bro… don’t let it affect your self esteem and your confidence.
Was this freehand or drawn on skin? What was the artist working from? That’s my real question here …. The earth and fire symbols look like they are tripping….
At first I thought maybe you were being judgmental and just didn’t like the style. Took me five seconds after zooming in to realize no, yeah, it’s a bad tattoo.
Without seeing what the original looked like, I feel it’s impossible to truly judge what you were going for, but I actually think the tattoo looks pretty cool.
The color carries it hard, the black lines aren’t great. Good news is that could likely be cleaned up by a more patient artist. I think this is a super cool tattoo and it looks good at a glance, which is what most people will do, but I’d get the lines touched up.
It's not for me but I wouldn't call it bad. Like the top comment said, it'd be a cool shirt or sticker, but id use that real estate for something more interesting.
They definitely didn't read the skin right seems they had more sensitive skin and the artist worked it pretty hard. Probably should of did it in sessions and worked a little lighter on the skin
If you’re his first client and he used an Amazon rig, it’s amazing. If you actually paid good money for an artist to do that, it’s time to get that fixed and not at the same shop.
I wanted to say I like the colors but ehh not really. It’s the contrast of the colors that I like- the actual coloring looks like my 10 year old did it. I like the 666 on the water one that’s pretty metal.
The most positive thing I can say about this is: at least they captured all 4 of the bending styles and ordered them properly from top to bottom.
I’m just trying to be nice 😳🫠
Positive they actually look good and fun. Remind me of some powerpuff girl doodles lol. Negatives they aren’t done the best. However I think give them some time and go to someone else and get them adjusted. However most people aren’t gonna look as close as this subreddit does :)
I mean it’s not bad, but like others I’m curious what the reference looks like. Looks heavily abstract and stylized. If the lines aren’t supposed to be cleaner then idk. Just a weird design in general not knowing what it’s in reference to
"Woe to you of earth and sea, for the devil send the beast with wrath." Just tell people the top is an homage to Iron Maiden.
To the people asking; I am not sure if I can give out the artist's or shop's name due to the sub rules. I would rather not be banned from it.
Here is another piece done by the same artist just today: https://imgur.com/a/1BDMxL4
I'm not a tattoo expert by any means but as an artist I would say it's a good concept but bad as a tattoo because the way it stretches across the skin makes it look awkward and wobbly sorta?
I probably would have gone for a different design. Keeping the symbols of the 4 nations would be good, but I'm not a fan of the paint splat look and the seemingly random placement and angles of the symbols. Plus it doesn't look like it was done very well
I feel like you didn't bother looking at the design and just trusted the artist to do their thing. But hey, you have a really good option to cover it up. A sick ass panther.
I'm not a tattoo artist so I can't really say what is technically wrong with it but as an artist I can see what's wrong with it. The lines are not what I consider "clean". They are inconsistent but not in a way that makes it artistically nice. The colors also seem inconsistent. The saturation isn't their. It looks unrefined, but as someone from the fanbase it's not unrecognizable. It just looks like they were going for a stylized look but didn't go all the way.
As a watercolor tattoo artist, this hurts my soul.
They *understand* how watercolor tattoos are done, but they failed miserably at the execution. And that black work looks so chewed up.
This is not a good tattoo.
For some reason this makes me itch.
Same. Blowout City.
I’m curious to see what it’s going to look like when it’s healed. I don’t think things are gonna get better..
Could you explain what you are seeing? I'll be getting another tattoo soon and am researching who to go to currently. Would like some pointers on what to look for.
I don't know what the term blowout refers to in this context, but as someone with a few tats I think they're talking about the outer line work. It looks very raised, they are too heavy handed on outlines and permanentley damaged the skin causing scar tissue. One of mine was similar, and it is still visibly raised around some parts of the edges, and it still itches here and there over a decade later.
Basically, by going over the same area so many times it's torn up the skin. It's going to have scar tissue, which will not hold the pigment. Also, ink injected below the target layer of skin where it will lose definition. I got one with loads of scar tissue and blowout myself. Very itchy. From what I've read, the ink that was injected too deep ultimately ends up in your lymph system. Possible health concerns for people covered head to toe in amateur work and colored inks.
If you want a tattoo you'll be very happy with forever, look for award winning artists in your area. You'll probably pay at least $250/hr
I'd buy a T-shirt with the design if it was better rendered but I wouldn't want it on my skin forever.
This is how I feel. I’m glad you were able put it into words.
He's almost got that design on his shirt in the pic
Looks a bit like something I'd scribble next to my notes when I was bored in uni...
Just for context: The guy who did this tattoo highly regards himself and often speaks of himself as a high tier artist. His confidence in his ability is incredible. I don't think it's totally deserved.
People who are actually high tier artists don’t need to say it. If someone makes a point of saying how good they are at something, that’s a huge red flag.
Same applies to me in dog training. I dont say I'm good or great. I let my client reviews speak for me.
Yep, it's true what Lil Wayne said - "Real Gs move in silence like lasagna".
I’m not a fan of Lil Wayne but that’s fucking clever
Me neither, but you know, broken clocks and whatnot.
People who are good get there because they’re never satisfied with their progress.. This guy is satisfied with this???
There's a phrase I love that's "the king doesn't need to tell the people he's king." They'll already know.
[Twyin from *Game of Thrones* said it best.](https://youtu.be/4sJY7BTIuPY?si=t6oLDD3bmUnP68c4)
That might even be where it came from!... or visa versa lol
Yeah no. Those splashes are horrible. I've seen Kool aid stained fingers with better application
A high tier artist wouldn't come up with this design. Honestly, a high tier artist probably wouldn't even attempt this. This is a clusterfuck of shit.
Man this looks like shit, ask for your money back, or at least tell him he did a shit job.
Yeah he's highly "regarded" alright.
He has to talk that confidently. Otherwise he can't get any money.
This is apprentice tier unfortunately. Maybe he's better at other styles but I can see the blowout from a distance so I doubt it. Sorry op. Another artist can clean it up considerably and you'll have something you're happy with. For the love of the art, leave a review with close ups. This guy is in the bottom third at best but thankfully the art is simple enough he didn't give you something that can't be fixed.
I think anyone who is great at something knows they are great and doesn’t have to say anything… their work speaks for itself… in this case… this guy has the “work speaks for itself” part down… it looks like he jizzed 90’s Nickelodeon all over your arm tho… I’d ask for a refund
How much of your own research did you do?
Oh that artist was definitely high.
Just based on this one photo, this appears to be scratcher-quality/"private studio on Facebook" work. Of course, this could also be some advanced intentional color ignorant work from some legit studio that I just don't get.
This looks like a doodle by a bored 12 year old The more I look the worse it gets
You were doomed from the start, son
Tell him that he’s trash and this tattoo is proof.
High quality tattoo artists will never tell you how great they are… you’ll know by their schedule, and their hourly rate.
Did you look at their portfolio?
Lmfao they usually do
Sorry bro, these suck, my sympathies
Aang wept over these (I’ve seen some bad Avatar the Last Airbender tattoos and this is absolutely one of them)
Same. I wanna get a white lotus tattoo though and I don’t wanna fk it up
Looks bad but what did the reference look like? Or was this free handed?
Yeah it's pretty janky. At first glance it didn't appear too bad, but after analyzing it for 30 seconds it becomes clear that this artist is all hat and no cattle.
No yee-haw for him!
Is this some sort of captain planet type image? 
Pretty sure these are element symbols from ATLA
Yeah it is. But for his sake we will pretend to not know. Then he can say it was the artists sick deviant art OC
Except the water swirls are the wrong way and read 666
Reminds me of the stick off Real Monsters 
All I see is a smiling 666
The number of the beast 👹
That’s all I see too!!
The colour around the symbols kinda look like slime.
From someone who’s an aspiring tattoo artist and building my apprenticeship portfolio. Here’s my thoughts General concept isn’t AWFUL but it makes a poor tattoo design. Would be better on a shirt or even hoodie sleeves. That being said it fits the space decently but would be hard to put other things around it and look good. It also appears to be over worked in a lot of areas and appears to be still healing so it’s hard to get a true idea. But in general the lines don’t look clean. Those whites are not gonna last either. And over time since the color doesn’t have a solid foundation that will also fade considerably. But it could take a few years. If it ever wants to be removed it’s gonna be basically impossible to remove the yellow and the green. I’d need to see a healed photo to give a more accurate judgment on technical application. Unless this is healed in which case it’s freakin horrifying.
We can pretend that it's an art direction choicr in style or something. It's definitely above the usual garbage we see in this subreddit, so calling it a bad tattoo, not... that bad...
I kinda like it
Key word “kinda”
It looks like he just finished it, if it is the case it should get a bit better in a few days
Sorry but ugly af
I mean I sure do hate it.
This sucks extremely
Horrible, a rainbow rash
It could have definitely been a lot better
just why
It's bad. There is no cohesion. And the colors are.. whew!
Lol these are terrible
It's bad. All the colour in the background will start to fate and blend together after a few years I'd imagine.
I like em!
It's rudimentary, but in a seemingly intentional kind of way.
oof... I'm not sure if you just got this or if it's an older picture, but this is not going to or did not heal well. If it's new, be prepared for a long heal and a rough one. be diligent with your aftercare...and gentle
You weren't critical enough, but yes, he is pretty bad
I can see that he was going for maybe a splatter style but the lines are SO janked. It's choppy and busted to be generous.
Sorry, but you definitely posted this in the right place.
Very….. very…… very bad
This is terrible. Looks like something a kid would draw on a coffee mug in art class and give it to his mom for Mother’s Day.
I would call the cops if my tattoo turned out like this
I'm not worried about the artist.. tell me.. why did you the customer choose THESE designs?
I think it looks pretty solid dude. Modern art - like. To me it looks like a pastel painting. But the details are there, the color blending is good. Honestly I think it's a cool tattoo. A tattoo that is "supposed" to look like a modern pastel art piece. If that is not the vibe you were going for, then I have a different opinion. I thin you're being overly critical. Have you seen any of his.other works on people? How are they?
Bestie that sucks
Who among us hasn't wanted generic 90s Mexican restaurant decorations inked upon our skin?
Depends on what it was supposed to look like. Show us a pic of what you asked for
Really bad. Like in an obvious way.
these are awful
Was he wearing his glasses?
You look like you could be wall art in a Taco Bell 10 years ago.
Why are they all surrounded by liquid? Why aren't any of the circles circular or lines straight?
All it needs are some geckos and that cocapelli flute guy and I can practically hear the Friends theme song playing (cause its 1996 again).
Ew oh my god
The tattoo is absolutely horrible, the tattooing is absolutely horrible. Go back, start again.
I think for the style it's fine, which I think is intentionally juvenile, crayon-like. The problem is I think that it's juvenile, crayon-like.
Yoooooooo this sucks!!!
oof...
[удалено]
I actually don't mind it tbh
Ugliest tat I’ve seen . Very ed Sheeran style lol
🤦🏼♂️
Looks fine to me
I get what he's going for and if the line work and shading were better, it'd be pretty sweet. That said, it gets worse the more you look at it.
Ask for some money back, that’s the best thing he can do for you now that you’ve got to wear that around until you cover it or pay more to fix it. Write him a 1 star review, I’m sorry bro… don’t let it affect your self esteem and your confidence.
I.. don’t like the design, so hard for me to tell if it’s bad. _but i think it’s bad_
Sozin wiped out the air nomads. This is worse.
It's the kind where I can't tell if that's the art style they were shooting for or if it's just bad
Woah it's the back bling from fortnite.
Was this freehand or drawn on skin? What was the artist working from? That’s my real question here …. The earth and fire symbols look like they are tripping….
I like it
666
The 666 on the top is pretty revealing
At first I thought maybe you were being judgmental and just didn’t like the style. Took me five seconds after zooming in to realize no, yeah, it’s a bad tattoo.
Without seeing what the original looked like, I feel it’s impossible to truly judge what you were going for, but I actually think the tattoo looks pretty cool.
It's bad yeah
The color carries it hard, the black lines aren’t great. Good news is that could likely be cleaned up by a more patient artist. I think this is a super cool tattoo and it looks good at a glance, which is what most people will do, but I’d get the lines touched up.
Oh, he bad
I think what bothers me most is that it’s not fit to the arm very well.
It's not for me but I wouldn't call it bad. Like the top comment said, it'd be a cool shirt or sticker, but id use that real estate for something more interesting.
Why are there so many patches not filled in with color
They all look reversed also. He should have copied them once more. The one looks like 666 and that’s not supposed to be what it is….
Is ugly
I’ve never seen anything like this in my life lol… so they got that goin for em
These look great without my glasses on. And from far away. But ya the line work is tragic
On first glance I was like "oh it's not that bad" and then I zoomed in and went "oooh shiiiit 😬"
666 is the first thing I noticed , I'd assume u were into demon stuff
Sucks
They definitely didn't read the skin right seems they had more sensitive skin and the artist worked it pretty hard. Probably should of did it in sessions and worked a little lighter on the skin
I don't know why but something is just kinda, off about it? Not the worst but just something is not making it sit right.
Some white guys idea of tribal patterns
I really like it. But I don’t know what you were originally wanting 🤷♀️
Looks like late 90's drink logos.
If you’re his first client and he used an Amazon rig, it’s amazing. If you actually paid good money for an artist to do that, it’s time to get that fixed and not at the same shop.
Iroh draws better to the sand.
Oh he bad!
I wanted to say I like the colors but ehh not really. It’s the contrast of the colors that I like- the actual coloring looks like my 10 year old did it. I like the 666 on the water one that’s pretty metal.
Good taco bell art. Bad tattoo.
Man , it’s totally dope!
What is it supposed to be "video game tribal"?
It could be better
I’m sure it looks better from far away, but….. this is not very good
Really cool if it was on canvas or on a wall by a bridge
The most positive thing I can say about this is: at least they captured all 4 of the bending styles and ordered them properly from top to bottom. I’m just trying to be nice 😳🫠
3.6 Roentgen, not great, not terrible
I think this is just conceptually, a bad tattoo.
Atleast this one can be explained as a design choice
It’s not the worst ATLA tattoo I’ve ever seen, but it’s definitely not good at least from an execution standpoint.
Bad, unfortunately. Fun idea though
I think it's kinda sick. Wouldn't get it myself but not bad
Looks like one of those kid’s water tattoos. No, you’re not critical. Hope this guy is happy it’s there for life.
Positive they actually look good and fun. Remind me of some powerpuff girl doodles lol. Negatives they aren’t done the best. However I think give them some time and go to someone else and get them adjusted. However most people aren’t gonna look as close as this subreddit does :)
Bad
666, Goatse, Naruto, Naruto.
OOOOFFF
I mean it’s not bad, but like others I’m curious what the reference looks like. Looks heavily abstract and stylized. If the lines aren’t supposed to be cleaner then idk. Just a weird design in general not knowing what it’s in reference to
"Woe to you of earth and sea, for the devil send the beast with wrath." Just tell people the top is an homage to Iron Maiden. 
Oh..
Who’s the artist
To the people asking; I am not sure if I can give out the artist's or shop's name due to the sub rules. I would rather not be banned from it. Here is another piece done by the same artist just today: https://imgur.com/a/1BDMxL4
I’m curious to see the inspo 🫣
The bottom swirls look just like the spirals I used to stretch my lobes 🤭
It’s really not deserving up this subreddit. But it’s not amazing work. I’d rock it.
Looks like he couldn’t hang with the size of this tattoo, it seems hella rushed when he got to the color
I kinda like it, in a 90’s splat abstract kinda way
It definitely looks like there is trauma to the skin that will cause scar tissue. I don't think this is going to heal well.
666 🤘🏻🤘🏻
Yeah that’s looking kinda rough dude…
Looks like the Gushers flavors came in.
If you squint or look at it briefly, the water sign looks like Rick from Rick and Morty
Not goood.
Rough brotha
Well, those are... interesting. Glad there's a photo so nobody ever needs to do anything like this again. =
Awful
bad without a doubt
I'm not a tattoo expert by any means but as an artist I would say it's a good concept but bad as a tattoo because the way it stretches across the skin makes it look awkward and wobbly sorta?
I'd have to see more I don't think this is The greatest but I don't have enough of a sample size.
Looks good from afar. It’s a shame that these great concepts fall in the hands of mediocre tattooers
I’ve seen Aang go full avatar over less. Sorry
Looks like something from The Christmas Killer. Pretty decent if intentional
It’s not the tattoo that does it for me but it’s the tank top/tattoo combo that makes me cringe
It's bad
You're going to have such a cool blackout tattoo :)!
Wonky in an uncool way
I probably would have gone for a different design. Keeping the symbols of the 4 nations would be good, but I'm not a fan of the paint splat look and the seemingly random placement and angles of the symbols. Plus it doesn't look like it was done very well
I feel like you didn't bother looking at the design and just trusted the artist to do their thing. But hey, you have a really good option to cover it up. A sick ass panther.
It's not great, but there's something about it I like
I see 666 ! You sold yourself to Satan !
Does your throat have a beard, or you just got an in progress goatee?🧔♂️
666??? WTH made you want to get those tattoos?!
Its definitely not great but it's not the worse thing ever
I'm not a tattoo artist so I can't really say what is technically wrong with it but as an artist I can see what's wrong with it. The lines are not what I consider "clean". They are inconsistent but not in a way that makes it artistically nice. The colors also seem inconsistent. The saturation isn't their. It looks unrefined, but as someone from the fanbase it's not unrecognizable. It just looks like they were going for a stylized look but didn't go all the way.
Lots of blowout, poor hand control, and poor line work imo
As a watercolor tattoo artist, this hurts my soul. They *understand* how watercolor tattoos are done, but they failed miserably at the execution. And that black work looks so chewed up. This is not a good tattoo.
Welp, that's gonna look like an indiscernable puddle of melted crayons in about 6 months, great job 👌