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Biggest Tattoo Regrets: Don’t Make These Mistakes

Biggest Tattoo Regrets: Don’t Make These Mistakes Andie Summers took her daughter to get an ear piercing at a tattoo parlor. They almost got matching tattoos too! (But they didn’t)….

Biggest tattoo regrets

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 26: Team USA hosts Olympic and Paralympic athletes and guests to celebrate the one-year milestone to Paris 2024 and cheer on the USWNT in the World Cup. Inspired by the tradition of Olympians and Paralympians getting tattoos commemorating the Games, Team USA invited fans to show their support and join the tradition by giving away free Team USA-inspired tattoos. Just as the Olympic and Paralympic flame fades at the Closing Ceremony, these custom tattoos are designed to begin to fade as Paris 2024 draws to a close, just in time for the athletes of Team USA to don permanent ink to commemorate their journey. The event took place at Ephemeral Tattoo on July 26, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for USOPC)

(Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for USOPC)

Biggest Tattoo Regrets: Don't Make These Mistakes

Andie Summers took her daughter to get an ear piercing at a tattoo parlor. They almost got matching tattoos too! (But they didn't). Jeff Kurkjian and Donnie have also almost got inked, but now they are thankful they didn't go through with it because the tattoos seem silly now. The Andie Summers Show asked XTU Nation what was their biggest tattoo mistake. Listen to calls about misspelling a memorial tattoo, a messed up tattoo that now means something completely different (and dirty), and more horror tattoo stories.

Meet The Andie Summers Show

Andie Summers 

Andie Summers has been waking up country music fans in Philadelphia and the surrounding counties on 92.5 XTU since 1999. While Andie loves her job, she is most proud of her role as wife to Leonard, mother to Tori and Leonard, and dog-mom to their poodle Bob Ross.

Jeff Kurkjian 

Jeff Kurkjian grew up in Montgomery County, Maryland and now is proud to call Philadelphia, home. He and his wife, Emily, just welcomed their baby girl, McKinley to the world. In his spare time, he loves to binge watch the latest shows and work on his own podcast called “Do What You Love.”

Donnie Black 

Donnie Black is the Producer of The Andie Summers Show. His love for radio started way back when he was 8 years old when he would record his own radio shows on his cassette player in his bedroom. When he is not at work, he is listening to 90s boy bands, watching the same movies over and over.

Shannon Boyle

Shannon is the Assistant Producer of The Andie Summers Show. She started her radio career with 92.5 XTU as an intern for The Andie Summers Show. Shannon is Philly born & raised, when she isn't rooting for the city, you can find her crafting and watching her favorite TV shows. 

Ink Regrets: Avoiding The 6 Most Common Tattoo Mistakes

Some people get tattoos to show their personality and rock a unique style. Others see tattoos as a way to wear art on their bodies. Sometimes, it's all about the fun and excitement of getting inked on a whim. Tattoos can also be a way to bond with friends or tell stories about our lives and experiences. Plus, they're great conversation starters that help us connect with like-minded people.

When it comes to tattoos, finding the perfect artist and studio is crucial. This is because mistakes are quite common with tattoos. Whether it's a misspelled word, a design that didn't turn out as expected, or a tattoo artist's error, these blunders can be disappointing and frustrating. Poorly executed tattoos or ones that don't align with the client's vision can leave a lasting mark of regret.

There was even a show that dived into the world of bad tattoos, A&E's Bad Ink. The series featured tattoo artist and musician Dirk Vermin, who owns Pussykat Tattoo off the Las Vegas Strip, and his buddy and bandmate Rob Ruckus. Together, they embarked on a mission to track down people with regrettable tattoos and offered their expertise in transforming these less-than-stellar inkings through skillful cover-up work.

We all make mistakes. A mistake with a tattoo is a pretty big one, that keeps reminding you of your mistake. But here's the silver lining. Those mistakes can teach us some valuable lessons. Before you get tatted up, do your homework and research reputable artists whose work matches your style. And when you find the right one, make sure to communicate openly and trust their expertise. Working together, you can create a masterpiece that you'll proudly show off for years to come. Learn from others' mishaps and make informed choices that will make your skin art something you'll always cherish.

Here are the 6 most common tattoo mistakes.

Misspelled Words/ Incorrect Translations

Close-up stick and poke method of tattooing a young girl's hand with the inscription in French printemps -- spring

fpphotobank/ Getty Images

One of the most prevalent mistakes is when a word or phrase is misspelled or improperly translated. It's essential to double-check the spelling and accuracy of any text before it becomes a permanent part of your body. Taking these precautions beforehand can help you avoid a misspelling or "lost in translation" mishap. Double-check the spelling of the words or phrases you want to include, verify translations if using a different language, seek the help of a professional tattoo artist experienced with text, review the stencil or design before starting the tattooing process, communicate clearly with the artist about your intended text, and take your time to ensure accuracy.

Poorly Executed Designs

Photo of woman working in a tattoo studio. Tattoing.

wsfurlan/ Getty Images

Sometimes, tattoos may not turn out as expected due to an artist's lack of skill or understanding of the design. This can result in blurry lines, uneven shading, or distorted proportions. To avoid tattoo design disasters, it's important to do your research. Take the time to find a reputable artist whose style aligns with your vision. Clearly communicate your ideas and expectations to ensure they understand your desired design. Request a consultation and ask for a mock-up to see a visual representation before committing. Trust the artist's expertise and advice while also considering their compatibility with your preferred style.

Wrong Placement

applying t tattoo on chest of client

DragonImages/ Getty Images

Choosing the wrong location for a tattoo can be a mistake. Factors like body shape, future plans, and professional considerations should be taken into account when deciding on the placement of your tattoo. Consider your lifestyle and future plans. Consult with your tattoo artist for their professional advice on placement that complements your chosen design and body shape. Use temporary tattoos or henna to test out different locations before committing.

Regrettable Subject Matter

Freestyle. Young tattoed woman standing isolated on orange hand forward protective covering mouth scared close-up

Viktoriia Hnatiuk/ Getty Images

People's tastes and interests evolve over time, and a tattoo that once seemed cool or meaningful may become a source of regret. There are a few common examples such as trendy or pop culture references which can lose their appeal over time. A romantic partner's name or portrait can become a painful reminder of past relationships. Tattoos featuring offensive symbols or controversial imagery might be something you regret later. It’s essential to carefully consider the long-term significance of a design before getting it permanently inked.

Impulsive Or Spur-Of-The-Moment Decisions

Tattoo artist creating a tattoo on a girl's arm. Focus on tattoo machine

microgen/ Getty Images

Getting inked on a whim, without taking the time to reflect on the design's meaning and long-term impact, increases the chances of future dissatisfaction. Tattoos are permanent, and what may seem like a great idea in the heat of the moment may lose its appeal or significance over time. By taking the time to make a meaningful and well-thought-out decision, you can minimize the chances of future regret and create a tattoo that you'll cherish for a lifetime.

Terrible Aftercare

Woman applying cream on her arm with tattoos against black background, closeup

Liudmila Chernetska/ Getty Images

Neglecting proper aftercare can lead to complications and affect the final outcome of a tattoo. Following the artist's instructions and taking care of the tattoo during the healing process is important to maintain its appearance and ensure proper healing. Keep your tattoo clean using mild soap and water, moisturize with tattoo-specific ointments or fragrance-free lotions, resist the urge to pick or scratch the tattoo, protect it from the sun with sunscreen, avoid prolonged water exposure, wear loose clothing to prevent irritation, and steer clear of irritants like scented lotions.

Shannon, the Assistant Producer for The Andie Summers Show and the Promotions Coordinator at 92.5 XTU, is a graduate of Kutztown University of Pennsylvania. Her journey with the station began as an intern for The Andie Summers Show and has worked her way through the ranks for the past 4 years. Shannon is known for her articles covering and recapping 92.5 XTU station events, delivering the latest in celebrity gossip and country news, and contributing to The Andie Summers Show's daily podcasts.