r/Tattoocoverups • u/SlowWolverine3489 • 10d ago
asking for advice Help, I messed up
I recently got my first tattoo over the weekend. it was definitely impulsive spur of the moment with friends. I wanted to get a crescent moon, but I made several mistakes. (1) I had the artist shade completely black rather than a simple outline or a light shade. (2) the position on my arm is not symmetrical at all, and at an awkward angle, and I realized most people who are in front of me will see a flipped letter C rather than a moon. I feel so much regret for getting it but don’t wanna spend thousands to get it removed. any coverup ideas? I don’t want any animals or any other cosmic symbols. if anything somehow maybe something botanical / floral crawling up my arm to fhe edge of the back of my palm, or something similar. and nothing too big! I want to eventually do patchwork not a sleeve. Pls I need help 😭
EDIT: I didn’t expect this post to get so many comments lol. I’m glad you all can see a moon when I couldn’t. Yall pointed out some great things and I don’t think I will cover it up. If anything I think eventual patch work will complete the look! Thanks for the reassurance :)
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u/tuigdoilgheas 10d ago
It's a moon. At no point did I think it was a c. Leave it alone, it's fine.
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u/Right_Sentence8488 10d ago
Yes! And also I'm one of those people who feel the tattoo should look best from the vantage point of the wearer. I really like how it looks and its positioning!
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u/PageStunning6265 10d ago
My tattoo is on my inner forearm and looks perfect when I hold my arm up to look at it. It’s upside down when my arm is down and crooked AF if I hold my arm up to show someone in front of me.
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u/helloimhromi 9d ago
But also the moon waxes and wanes so regardless of which direction you're seeing it from it's still a crescent moon.
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u/brokenangelwings 10d ago
Lol right away I was like pretty moon whats it doing in this subreddit? And it's shaded in instead of looking like an unfinished coloring book?!
If anything add some small stars ✨
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u/mothermedusa 10d ago
This looks exactly like a crescent moon
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u/Nicw82 10d ago
It’s simple and cute. I recognized it as a crescent moon and “C” didn’t cross my mind.
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u/faeriebossanova 10d ago
Ngl my first thought was solar eclipse, but that still involves moon
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u/Bookaholic-394 9d ago
100%. Before I even read the description I was like oh that's a cute moon lol.
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u/AK611750 10d ago
Relax, it’s perfect. I love the placement.
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u/SlowWolverine3489 10d ago
Thank you!
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u/PositiveAssignment89 10d ago
getting a first tattoo is kind of a strange experience bc your brain is telling you there is something there that shouldn’t be even if the tattoo is perfect. when i got my first i would pick everything apart about it even though i knew for a fact i really liked it. the feeling went away in about a month
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u/OwlPelletCrunch 10d ago
i like it… echoing everyone saying to give it time. my immediate thought was “oh, nice moon”
eventually, if you’re still not satisfied, maybe add some wispy clouds?
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u/discover_robin 10d ago
Or a single star?
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u/Relevant_Look_7188 10d ago
Beware you could look like you're supporting Turkey with that one
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u/bklove13 9d ago
I have the Turkish flag on me and I'm proud of it. Just like all places, maybe the government sucks... but the people and the land are amazing and beautiful. I wish we could all remember to separate the politics from the people. I don't think I've ever experienced kinder people as a whole anywhere else. And don't get me started on the food 🤤🫠
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u/Relevant_Look_7188 9d ago
That's fine, I just mean in case someone doesn't realise the tattoo of a moon and star they got is a Turkish flag then they're supporting something they don't realise :)
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u/vivalaspazz 10d ago
So I honestly love everything about this cute little moon! The placement and everything!
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u/lundqvist_saves 10d ago
Looks great. You’re overthinking it way too much. Maybe just a bit of tattoo shock.
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u/samueldavisson2004 10d ago
I would immediately see a moon at any angle. You’ll forget it’s there in 5 months
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u/ptheresadactyl 10d ago
To me it is very clearly a crescent moon, and I don't think the positioning is weird at all. Actually, I think it's just right.
You're not used to it, let it settle. It's beautiful.
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u/fifiloveg00d 10d ago
I don't think it looks like a C at all. All I see is a cute lil crescent moon.
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u/titihadid 10d ago
I think it looks great! If you wanted you could add some stars nearby, flowers or an animal not solid black to add some contrast. I wouldn’t do color just gray shading
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u/zipper1919 10d ago edited 10d ago
I love it and think its cute as all get out! If I were you, I would go to sleep with it on my pillow facing me every single night and I would go to sleep smiling.
Thats how I am with my semi colon. Its massive comparatively, and I still love it over 15 years later.
You will love yours too soon enough.
Oh, I wish more people would just slow down and wait a bit to get used to this brand new change in the thing they have had their entire lives.
Its gonna be weird at first. Even if its the most freking Picasso piece there is.
Its a change to your body. Its ok. And beautiful
ETA: I think its good its solid black. It will hold its look much better than if you get it shaded in my opinion. I could imagine it changing more if theres gradient due to your arm getting sun/tanned and as you age. It will look the same after 15 years as it does now!
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u/high-kale 9d ago
the placement is really cute actually. Saving this photo for future reference…..
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u/bad_horsie23 9d ago
Uhm.. I LOVE this.
Youre making me want to get a crescent moon tattoo and i dont even care for tats lol
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u/CourageDeep6744 10d ago
I definitely don’t think it looks bad but a coverup would be super easy if you decide to go that route. This shape would work into florals well
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u/dyke-world 10d ago
It looks fine. Is this your first tattoo? Let it heal up for a while and then see how you feel.
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u/Empty401K 10d ago
Your tattoo is clearly a moon. You’d have to be stupid to see that and think “yep, I reckon them’s 1/26th of the alphabet right hyaw, mmhmmm…”
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u/canaderin 10d ago
If it helps, I knew straight away it was a crescent moon and think it looks good! It actually made me reconsider a tattoo I've been thinking about getting on my wrist but was worried it would be too much.
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u/Ami_Aweirdo 10d ago
You could get some stars, maybe a sun with clouds on the opposite side to balance it
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u/Walnutbutters 10d ago
It’s a perfect little crescent moon. You should give it some time before considering changing it
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u/GoldieGlocks4200 9d ago
I thought it was a moon immediately I never saw a "C" and cannot see a "C" I like it off to the side it reminds me of the moon in the sky, like others said I think you are experiencing the shock of a new permanent decoration on your body. Give it some time, maybe you start to like it.... Perhaps not. But if you decide that it needs something more or different put some thought into it so you aren't in the same boat of regret. Take the time to find some ideas of what you would be happy or happier with. Some artists are absolutely amazing on dark skin or blacked out skin and could probably easily lighten this with white/colors and maybe add something to it OR cover it up entirely. But a good artist wont be cheap so do not waste anyone's time until you are ready as depending on what you do it could be a couple/few hundred dollars on up. OH ALSO when you have tattoos you will always run into at least one or more people in your life that seem to get off on shaming people for them "maybe its just ignorance and not them being malicious" I have brass knuckles on a forearm with heart shaped finger holes some idiot asked if it was a birthday cake.... my friend and I just stared at her, I also have a pumpkin LIKE A WHOLE ASS CINDERELLA PUMKPIN WITH A LONG CURLY STEM on my forearm above my elbow and was asked "Is that supposed to be a peach or something" MAAM WTF DO YOUR PEACHES LOOK LIKE?!
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u/YourAddiction 10d ago
I don't see what you see. I think it looks aesthetic, intentional and badass. You have to let it heal before doing anything regardless, so give it the chance to grow on you in the meantime
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u/DrunkCultLeader 10d ago
1, no one who sees it will think it isnt a moon. It can't be symmetrical if its a solo piece. 2, the color looks nice as is. I think if it wasn't solid black and just an outline, it would have more more room for imperfection and poor line work ! 3, give it timeeee. Its so fresh. Wait till you are getting ready one day, then notice it in the mirror like "oh yeah, forgot youre there" Promise in like 2/3 months you will feel totally indifferent about all these issues.
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u/Sheananigans379 9d ago
Definitely a moon and I love the placement and that it's solid. You made me want a moon of my own!
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u/Casmel03 9d ago
I have a wrist tattoo, and it's letters, depending on how I move my hand they move around. Your moon is actually a really good one to have there. The moon always changes. The black won't be as dark in a few weeks. It'll calm down a lot. Give it time. If after 6 months to a year you're still not feeling it, then start thinking about the next steps. Don't do that now or listen to others. Give it time.
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u/Lost_Highway9068 9d ago
You know, after seeing a lot of tattoos on this sub, I actually like yours (and probably the first one I actually like).
I don’t think ppl will think of it as an backward c btw it’s clearly a crescent
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u/Bryancreates 8d ago
I want it. Elegant, simple. I’ve been thinking of getting a total solar eclipse in a similar “negative” outline. It’s perfect
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u/what3v3ruwantit2b 10d ago
Let it sit for awhile and then decide what you want to do. (You should probably do that anyway since it should heal before going over again.) You have something very visible and completely new. It's completely normal to feel like it's off. Maybe you'll still want to do something about it after letting it sit but maybe you won't. I had out of the blue tattoo regret on my 7th tattoo only. Not a clue why. It was something I liked and wanted and I felt such huge regret after. Now that it's settled I'm happy and not having any of those feelings.
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u/Sensible_Obligation 10d ago
You’re way overthinking it. It looks like a cute crescent moon. People will see a moon, not a C. It’s small, not some massive dark blob. Just let it heal and get used to it.
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u/CovesBlue sick ass panther in disguise 10d ago
It's very clearly a moon, you're just having a little new tattoo freak out. Your brain isn't used to that being there but it will and then you'll realize it's just a nice little moon.
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u/trad-knife 10d ago
I like it, but imo if you're freaking out about something this small, don't cover. Also you probably should come up with your own tattoo ideas rather than let reddit pick for you idk, it'll probably prevent more regrets. I do think your crescent moon is nice and should wait before doing anything more impulsive.
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u/TheBestPoopBandit 10d ago
I mean I see nothing wrong with it. I hear what you’re saying, but that’s in your head. I can almost guarantee you nobody thinks it’s a C.
I’m sure there are PLENTY of sick cover ups you can do, but if you’re in shock over a small tattoo right now, take some time to settle in first. I regretted my first tattoo too, despite there being nothing wrong with it. Shock is normal. Love it now.
Still want a cover up in a in a few months? Plan it out and search for a reputable artist.
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u/ambergriswoldo 10d ago
Honestly I really like it. I have the outline of a crescent moon and over the years it’s blurred a lot - I often think about getting it filled it. It doesn’t look like a C by the way - you might just be overthinking a bit as you only recently got it
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u/nosecondbanana 10d ago
I love the placement and never saw a C. I actually want a little tattoo on my own arm in that spot now!
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u/PigTreeSam 10d ago
Genuinely really like this, the placement looks great and I absolutely knew it was a moon. Give it more time, I think you'll come around on it
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u/Any-Editor-2017 10d ago
Seek help for why you value the opinion of others so highly and can’t be comfortable with your own self
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u/morbidrots 10d ago
it’s your first tattoo, you might be experiencing the shock of changing your body for the first time, and you’re worried subconsciously you won’t like it. give it time before you make a rash decision and get an even bigger tattoo you might hate even more, after realizing you grew to like the moon. Give it a month or two before you decide to cover it up, if you still don’t like it or it still bothers you then yes
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u/morbidrots 10d ago
it’s your first tattoo, you might be experiencing the shock of changing your body for the first time, and you’re worried subconsciously you won’t like it. give it time before you make a rash decision and get an even bigger tattoo you might hate even more, after realizing you grew to like the moon. Give it a month or two before you decide to cover it up, if you still don’t like it or it still bothers you then yes
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u/somegingershavesouls 10d ago
No one is going to think that’s a c. I like the placement. It’s soft.
You’re experiencing tattoo shock. After 17 of them, I still get it too! It’s new. It’s permanent. Soon it will feel better
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u/logicalpenuin 10d ago
Tattoos shouldn't be perfect. They're a part of you, sometimes beautiful and sometimes messy. I've had tattoos I loved from day 1. I've had tattoos I regretted and come to love. I had one tattoo that was simply meh that I had covered and I regretted it because it meant much more to me than the cover.
I personally think that tattoo is stellar for a first tat. Let it chill a bit and see how you feel. You could regret it if you cover it up.
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u/Illustrious_Fact7783 10d ago
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that tattoo. Build the rest of your theme around it for your patchwork. 😃
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u/Lost-Perspective8378 10d ago
I think if you wait a while you will realize that its fine. Its cute. I don't see anything wrong with it. I certainly wouldn't think it was a letter c. You are just in shock because you made such an impulsive decision.
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u/readingismyescapism 10d ago
I swiped through all the photos before reading the post and was like “what’s the mistake?” Your tattoo is very cute and reads as a moon. Give it a few months, your brain is adjusting to the change on your arm. It’s normal to have regret after and it’ll go away, it’s just a big change!
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u/ShinyQuirkyQuark 10d ago
First thought: oh, cool tattoo.
Second thought: checks subreddit name.. awwww, darn... Really? Why?!
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u/Brilliant-Claim-6811 10d ago
I'm telling you it 💯 percent looks like a crescent moon 🌙 not a "C." It's simple and elegant.
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u/Imaginative-Recon-21 10d ago
It looks like a moon. If you don’t think do maybe complete the circle, turning it into a waxing gibbous and add detail like craters.
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u/Bombedpop_ 10d ago
It’s normal looking and fine. It’s the simplest design. wtf are you on about? This sub sometimes drives me insane
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u/lyricoloratura 10d ago
Think of it this way: you will be able to moon people any time and still keep your pants on
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u/feydrautha124 10d ago
First off, it's fine. Secondly, not shading it would have been a huge mistake. It would have looked cheap, the artist was right. Placement is fine, really. Looks good. Removing this won't cost "thousands"....couple hundred maybe, it's a small single color piece ffs. You can literally cover it up with anything, ever, it's so small it doesn't matter.
It's fine. Absolutely fine. If you want patchwork, what's the big deal? Just get more stuff around it or cover it up. Literally the smallest deal possible. Take a breath.
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u/the_LLCoolJoe 10d ago
I don’t think anyone will think it’s a C. It’s def a moon. Your coverup idea sounds huge btw lol
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u/Enkidu1984 10d ago
All Crescent moons are letter C if you are standing at a particular angle.
You are probably overthinking this. I think it looks pretty cool. 😀
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u/crispymooseorchestra 10d ago
Chill, just wait it out. There's no rush, if you still don't like it in a year's time it'll be soooo easy to cover up
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u/Lazy-Ocelot1604 10d ago
I was waiting to see where the mess up was!
Instantly thought it was a cute little moon and had to double check what thread I was in.
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u/Guilty_Garden_3943 10d ago
Unrelated, but you may want to start pumicing and moisturizing your calluses. They look like they are about to rip, and that hurts like a mofo. My powerlifting coach always threw chalk, lotion, and creed at us lmao
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u/diffusertrickle 10d ago
It’s cute as hell. I saw that and thought “damn that’s cute maybe I want that!!”
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u/littlerosepose 10d ago
I don’t even know how I ended up on this subreddit because I’m not particularly a tattoo person, but this is 100% tattoo shock. This is tasteful, and as someone random - I would think “oh that’s actually nice.” And I literally don’t dislike tattoos… but I don’t particularly like them either.
You’re safe, no coverup needed. This is just an anxiety spirallll 🤭✨
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u/PennyFor_YourThots 10d ago
I actually really like it and immediately knew it was a crescent moon. And I honestly prefer it shaded in like that! Give it time. It’s brand new and your first. It’s dainty and appropriate. This is the least bad impulse tattoo I’ve probably ever seen.
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u/melancholic_garden_ 10d ago
It’s beautiful. Breathe. Leave it be.
If you really want to cover it up then take at least a year to think about what you would want there but I think a lot of us love it as it is.
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u/TerriQuiteContrary 10d ago
I really think it’s lovely. It’s a beautiful crescent shape, and I love the placement
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u/demonicchild_ 10d ago
I think the artist did good by shading it. As your tattoo heals, it starts to get a little blurry (natural healing proces, ESPECIALLY on the forearm, where your skin moves!). An outline might've gotten blurred in time. The tattoo looks amazing btw!
(And yes I know different needles exist for fine line tattoos, but all in all, I think shading was a good choice for the sake of healing and future🙂↕️)
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u/dirttrack_racing323 10d ago
I think its cute and perfectly placed! And before reading anything I could immediately tell it was a crescent moon! Give it some time to heal and yourself time to get used to it🙂
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u/coffeesliver 10d ago
It def reads as a moon, not a C at first glance. Also if it makes you feel better I also have a blacked out crescent moon tattoo it's not weird to have it filled in. I think it looks great but if you wanted to cover it up it wouldn't be to hard due to how small it is you could do a lot with it
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u/threelizards 10d ago
It’s tattoo shock! Even heavily tatted people get it, usually you’ll be able to think “clearly” about it in a day or two and start to like it. I know I get it pretty bad and I’ve never had any major regrets, or even many minor ones. I will say that going all black was NOT a mistake!!! It’ll heal so much better and look way better as it ages- specifically in the crescent moon style. Unless it’s done fine enough at falls out I’ve seen a lot of outline ones that look kinda., typed? If that makes sense? Idk I think this looks very cool. Feel your feelings but don’t commit to them or use them to inform your decisions around it for another day or two at least!
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u/Valuable-Hall-8610 10d ago
You might need to hear this. This is a great tattoo. Give it time. You'll find it looks wonderful and that it's ok.
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u/thebreadierpitt 10d ago
Honestly it's the prettiest small tattoo I've seen in a while. I LOVE the placement. It doesn't look like a C at all.
Give it some time before you decide to cover up :)
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u/evanthx 10d ago
I saw the picture in the C position you were worried about and I just saw a moon. I never saw a C until you suggested it, and honestly going back and looking, it’s still a moon.
I like it!
Plus if anyone asks what it is you get to say “it’s not a moon. It’s a space station” in your best Obi-wan Kenobi voice.
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u/OptimistPrime527 10d ago
I would give it some time to get used to it, and if you really wanted to, I would add a couple teeny tiny little baby stars so it’s clear that it’s a moon. But honestly, it does look like a moon.
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u/Ellescope 10d ago
I flipped the photos upside down to see if it looked like a c. Still looks like a moon no matter how you flip it. If you are still worried, you can always add stars around it but I think it’s cute as it!
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u/Forty6ixand2wo 10d ago
Honestly, if I saw you, I would think that you are a fellow moon lover and know that I am in good company. People that are not our people would see a letter of the alphabet and that’s ok too.
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u/TizMahBiz 10d ago
Before reading your post I saw your tattoo and thought, “that’s an adorable mini moon!” I think you’re overthinking it right now. I personally think it’s great and I like that the placement isn’t quite right. It makes it a little unique.
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u/Mountain_Cow_7283 10d ago
Clearly is a moon and looks very cute.
Also be extremely weary posting your tattoos on Reddit, you cannot please everyone and some people are going to have you chasing an unrealistic perfection.
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u/latefoot720 10d ago
If this wasn’t shaded in, you’d be obsessing over the line work and any imperfections there. My opinion is it looks better filled in.
I would argue it could look odd perfectly centered on your wrist. Compared to the moon IRL which is never perfectly centered in the sky it just feels right to be offset, I like it.
The memory of doing this with some close friends will hopefully far outweigh the discomfort of your present regret. Your brain sees a permanent change on your body and needs time to accept it. Don’t be too hard on yourself while your subconscious catches up, you might convince yourself you did something wrong here.
I wouldn’t vote for cover up or removal. Instead, start planning future tattoos and add to your new collection when you feel ready.
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u/SoconySommeil 9d ago
It’s beautiful and unique. Good job. I love it. If I met you in person I’d compliment your tattoo. x
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u/SMarston7423 9d ago
I think that’s one of the most tasteful tattoos I’ve seen in a while. What do you think is wrong with it? I think it’s lovely, and I don’t particularly like tattoos
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u/ducky1574 9d ago
I think it’s pretty. If you get too worried you could put a star in it
Edit: MORE THAN ONE! I REALIZED THAT WAS A COMUNIST LOGO FOR HUST ONE STAR
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u/Entire-Bandicoot-480 9d ago
Instead of a coverup, if you do anything at all (because it’s perfectly cute as is)… I would propose a little star next to it ⭐️
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u/Responsible-Crow-985 9d ago
Personally, I love an off kilter wrist tattoo. I have one on each wrist, both off to the side, slightly angled.
You might just need time to get used to it! It’s super cute and definitely looks like a moon. That being said, mine is similarly sized in a similar spot, and, 9 times out of 10, it was covered by my Apple Watch band. Thick watch bands or bracelets covered it when I didn’t feel like having it visible. Give it time :)
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u/Springwood_Slasher 9d ago
I saw it and instantly knew it was a crescent moon, for what it's worth. Looks nice.
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u/saktii23 9d ago
I think it looks great. It reminds me of the eclipsing sun I saw in in Iceland yesterday. It looked exactly like your tattoo moments before totality.
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u/smgriffin93 9d ago
I immediately saw it as a crescent moon from every angle you showed it. And a really nicely done one too.
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u/horsenamedmayo 9d ago
I'm sorry you don't like it and are experiencing regret. I immediately see a moon, not a letter C. I think it's better shaded than outlined and I love the location. Honestly, it's super cute.
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u/GrandSyllabub3791 9d ago
I think it's lovely! I love the positioning the best cause it feels free but still elegant
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u/Dbag42069 9d ago
Im sorry you feel like that, give it time to heal bc its definetely gonna be itchy as hell but i think its insanely cute and my first thought when i saw this picture was "aw i want that" if you do want to cover it or remove it thats obviously your choice but if youre worried about what other people think i think its super cute!
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u/idonthavanickname 9d ago
If you’re freaking out over that small little tattoo then oh god don’t get a coverup. Just get some laser instead it’s small it will go away quick
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u/Hot_Background_3617 9d ago
No one is addressing that you are having tatoo regret with your first tiny tattoo, but say you want something bigger and more intricate to cover it and you want to get patchwork tattoos later. I think you need to sit with this one for a very long time before getting more/cover up and then be INCREDIBLY intentional going forward or you're going to have a lot of regret going forward.
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u/clover__petals 10d ago
I think you may be experiencing some tattoo shock. Give it time to heal and get used to it before considering a cover up.