30 Overly Requested Tattoo Designs That Tattoo Artists Are Sick And Tired Of

Tattoo artist Lauren Harper, for example, has always loved traditional work. "I like to do a lot of that so I can appeal to a wider audience in my city," she told Bored Panda. "I like to do a lot of floral designs too, which is actually what the majority of my portfolio consists of."

Harper thinks that instead of asking 'what tattoos are unoriginal?' we should be questioning whether we can still think of an original tattoo in the first place. "We all get ideas or inspiration from something else. If you can think of it, it's probably already been done," she said. "And that's ok!"

However, if a client comes to a tattoo artist with a design that is particularly overdone, Harper thinks the professional wouldn't be out of line to point that out. "I might inform my client that something they're wanting is 'trendy' and suggest changes to make it more unique and their own, but at the end of the day it's their tattoo and their body so it's ultimately up to them."

Yana, the owner and artist of Foxy Ink Tattoo Studio, agrees that there are motifs that historically have been around for a while, or are 'trendy' right now. "What makes a design unoriginal is copying it exactly and without much thought," she told Bored Panda. "It usually comes from a lack of research and I advise other artists to look for more inspiration and variations of the theme, or ask the client if we can add a personal touch to their idea."

Even though the content might not be original, the story, intent, and execution, according to Yana, can be. "Any rose, pocket watch, anchor, or heart can be executed in an original manner. Except for infinity signs. Infinity signs and flocks of tiny birds are doomed."

Yana thinks that it's up for the tattoo artists to guide people to more original designs. "As an artist, I am responsible that what I put out into the world is up to my standards," she explained. "I've never refused the design idea for that particular reason and I'm sure that opulent and over the top designs suit certain personalities. If I feel some elements don't fit into the design in terms of content or composition, I will say so, and there will be a clear reason why. Ultimately, the ability to include multiple design elements while keeping them readable depends on the skill of the artist and the limitations of the medium."

When it comes to developing a design that stands out, Yana advises to really research your idea. "Look around, most of the popular ideas are only the surface of what's out there. Dig a little deeper."

Harper pointed out that it's important for people to remember their tattoo won't (and shouldn't) look like the reference they bring in from Pinterest. "You ideally pick your artist because you like their work and you should trust them to make you something you like. Trust is a big part of getting a tattoo," she said, adding that in the end, you're the one getting inked. So if you really want a Disney quote, just go for it. It's your skin.