Tattoos are an expensive lifelong investment. But sometimes the initial idea of a tattoo either doesn’t come out as the person wanted, or they grow tired of it after a while. Luckily for all of us, there are several talented tattoo artists that can take these permanent pieces of skin art and morph them into something else. We have compiled a list of before and after photos of tattoos that have been changed and upgraded to the owner’s liking. Grab a snack, sit back, and enjoy this list of creative works of genius by tattoo artists from across the globe!
Treble Bass
This image on the left looks like the tattoo artists’ attempt at making a bass treble like what’s used in sheet music. It’s not bad, but it is small and faded. The elaborate and decorative tattoo on the right that it has been changed into is amazing. The overlapping designs, with curls and triangles, and even flowers on the outside are an upgrade from what it was. It looks much better than before.
We’re not entirely sure what the new tattoo is, but it is well done. The shading and overall design make for something unique and exciting. The owner of it is probably very happy.
Blackbirds
Flowers, especially roses, are very common tattoo ideas for many people. The first image looks like an aged and faded rose that the person got years ago. But the second photo looks magical. The small blackbirds in flight, the feather that is breaking apart and turning into the birds, and even the curls of the individual parts of the feather. This brilliant tattoo artist really helped this person out big time.
You can’t even see where the old tattoo was! It’s been completely covered with the new tattoo. Not only is the artist a genius for the work, but for even coming up with the idea.
Unicorn
We can only assume that this small tattoo of a unicorn on this woman’s shoulder was done when she was younger. Maybe it was a spur-of-the-moment thing that she got done but is now tired of. It looks like she decided to get an upgrade, and what an upgrade it is! The purple, pinks, and green of the flower are impossible to miss. Even the detail of the stem is incredible.
We’re sure she gets a lot of questions asking about her tattoo. The size and color of the flowers are one thing, but their realistic look is what grabs your eye.
Infinity Sign
It looks like this person had an infinity sign on their wrist which was turned into a triangle full of leaves, plants, and flowers. If you look closely, you can see how the artist incorporated the old tattoo into the new one. The infinity sign has been turned into the curvature of some of the leaves, as well as the coloring added to the tattoo. The green leaves and pink background make the tattoo vibrant.
The first photo shows the artists’ ideas, and then we get the finished copy. Even with that, it’s still amazing to see what they eventually ended up with. This is art at its best!
Beginner
We hope this woman paid this artist a lot of money. The initial tattoo looks like a beginner did it, but the new and improved version is the work of someone special. The flowing hair, the light blue color of the skin, and the gold details of the headpiece are insane. There are even small details added to the petals of the flower in the last photo. This artist is the real deal.
The face, leaves, and even the earrings of the last tattoo bring this photo to life. As do the colors. We wouldn’t wear sleeves either if we had this tattoo on our skin.
Kiwi
The first tattoo looks like it was supposed to be a kiwi. And while it does have the seeds and the coloring right, it’s boring. But the chihuahua on the right is incredible. The detail in the big bulging eyes, the large ears, and even the whiskers make it look so real. Almost makes you want to pet it, but that would probably end in you getting slapped in the face. We’re sure this woman is much happier with her new tattoo than the old one.
This would be a cool way to show how much you love your pet. Pets aren’t around forever, but with a tattoo like this, they could be. That would be awesome.
Serious Talent
You can’t even see the old tattoo anywhere in the new tattoo. That’s the mark of someone with some serious talent. The rocket on the right is surrounded by the cosmos, has fire coming out of it, and is blasting off from what looks like an open book. We wish we knew the meaning behind this tattoo, but it’s incredible to look at anyway. It does look like it should be in a comic or children’s book.
The first tattoo wasn’t bad, and the messaging on it probably meant something to the owner, but the second tattoo is insane. We wouldn’t be surprised to see it in a children’s show or movie.
Lightning Bolt
This small and delicate tattoo is well done. It fits perfectly over the old lightning bolt tattoo that was there before. It looks cleaner and like it was drawn with care. You can even see the details on the leaves and petals. The different colors, the seeds, and varying shapes and sizes really make this flower tattoo lifelike. The first tattoo looks like it was rushed and kind of sloppy.
There’s no way you would be able to tell that this was ever something else if you saw it up close. It looks fresh and like it has been there first and always. This is a good tattoo.
Tattoo Magic
We’re not sure how this artist took something completely black and managed to make it lighter in some areas. Must be some sort of tattoo magic! But the finished tattoo on the right is insane. The dials and all the other shapes must have taken ages to finish. This looks like something you would see on the arm of a science fiction character in a movie or show.
We hope the man who owns this tattoo appreciates what he has. This is one of a kind and will never be duplicated. We have never seen anything like it before.
Poop Flower
The first photo is horrible. That sounds harsh, but it looks like a bird is taking a poop. But the second photo is gorgeous. The reds and pinks of the flowers pop out, the veins on each leaf are bright and easy to see, and the smaller tinier leaves of each flower even look better than in the first photo. It’s a much better fit for this woman’s shoulder than the first tattoo.
The veins in the green leaves are amazing. That type of detail is easy to skip over, but this artist made them look as much like the real thing as possible. They are super talented.
Peacock
If it weren’t for the second photo, we wouldn’t even be able to tell that the first photo was meant to be a peacock. It looks like the artist did it while blindfolded. But the second photo is something worth seeing. The feathers of the peacock look just like what you’d see on the nature channel, and the big pink flowers it is resting on help bring out the colors in the tattoo.
This woman must be proud of this tattoo. She probably finds any reason she can to talk about and show this tattoo off. We know that that’s what we would do!
Batman
The first batman looks like he would be bad at saving people. The second one is intense and serious. That’s the type of superhero we’d trust. More importantly, the detail of the second tattoo is much better. You can see his pecs, abs, and even the square shape of his jaw. Even the high rise and other buildings in the depiction of Gotham behind him are better. We love this tattoo.
We’re sure that Batman himself would be proud of this tattoo. The artist has captured everything that makes Batman who he is. IT’s dark, brooding, and looks like he’s ready for a fight.
Pinocchio
This is pretty sick! We’ve never thought of Pinocchio as something from a horror film, but that’s what’s happening here. We like how the artist kept the purple and black background of the first tattoo and even finished the cliff above Pinocchio’s head. It gives it a creepier vibe. We’re sure Geppetto would be terrified to see this version of Pinocchio walking around his shop. Who wouldn’t be?
There is so much to see in this tattoo. The old ratty hat, the crack in Pinocchio’s head, and the spikey bowtie. This is the Pinocchio from someone’s messed up Disney nightmare.
Leaves
This is a crazy upgrade. The first tattoo had some detail to it, but it looks boring and rushed. But the second tattoo is beautiful. There is a bee on a leaf, a beetle at the top, and an array of different types of leaves featured. Some of the leaves even have berries. Not only that but look at all the layers of petals on the pink flower. This tattoo artist did really well.
This woman probably never wears a jacket. We can’t say that we blame her. This is a tattoo to be proud of and show off as much as possible. It should never be covered up.
Crisp
Sometimes quick and simple is the way to go when it comes to tattoos. The second tattoo in this photo shows that. The first tattoo was nice and had some interesting symbols, but the second one is crisp and as close to perfect as possible. The landscape of the mountains in the background, and the purple sky make it look like a nighttime scene. It looks like it’s on a different planet.
Not all tattoos have to be huge to be nice. This is proof of that. We love how you can see the different levels of mountains and the clouds rolling in the background.
Glow-Up
This is the definition of a glow-up! The first tattoo looks like a crescent moon with a flower inside of it. That’s alright, but you can see that it’s faded and old. The new tattoo is bright and impossible to miss. The splashes of color on the outside of it make it look like a piece of art you would see in a museum. It’s gorgeous. We love the overlapping petals.
Tattoos like this one just make you appreciate colors! The first tattoo was simply bland in black and white, but this second one is meant to really grab your eyes.
Insane
This photo makes us want to work on our art skills. This is insane. You can see the tribal tattoo in the background in the first photo, but it is barely visible in the second one. It even blends in with the samurai that is meant to cover it up. That takes some serious skill. The samurai looks like something you’d see in a cool video game. It’s pretty intimidating.
We can only imagine how long this tattoo must have taken. There is so much to see on it. We hope this man knows how special of a tattoo he has on his arm.
Compass
The upgrade to this one was simple, but it makes the tattoo look like it’s brand new. The wreath of flowers and leaves around the compass makes it much cooler. You can see that the artist went over the tattoo and darkened it a bit more to make it stand out. We can’t tell where this is on the person’s body, but it will be sure to draw attention whenever it is visible.
Everything about the upgraded version is better. The first photo makes the tattoo seem kind of bland. But the second one is much more detailed and refined. It’s great.
Cool Upgrade
It is amazing what a little upgrading can do to a tattoo. The animal in the first one looks kind of silly. Almost like it is not scary. But the second is intimidating. The teeth, whiskers, and even the hairs on its head look better. Then there is the woman. Her eyes are different, and the red paint on her face makes it seem like she is glaring at you.
We like the shading around her mouth. It makes her cheekbones pop out and adds definition to her face. This is an incredible tattoo. It’s hard to believe that it was ever the first one.
Cartoons
You can’t go wrong with a cartoon tattoo. This upgraded tattoo with Stitch is so cool. It’s bright, clean, and makes him look as mischievous as he was in the movie Lilo and Stitch. We’re not sure what the first tattoo was meant to be, but the artist was able to incorporate it into the new tattoo without a problem. Look like it had always been there. This is a funny tattoo.
There is so much to admire about this tattoo. The detail of the teeth, the little cut in Stitch's ear, his chubby stomach, and the tufts of hair on his head. It’s all so good.
Mermaid
We have seen a lot of tattoos, but none have been as bad as the tattoo in the first photo. That is a horrible depiction of a mermaid. But the colorful upgrade on the right is amazing. We can’t even imagine how many hours it took to get all the greens, blues, and yellows. This woman probably doesn’t mind. Having her new tattoo will make her happy. It’s like looking into a kaleidoscope.
This design is nuts. The detail of the blue lines on the inside, and then the orange fading into red lines on the outside is gorgeous. This tattoo artist is worth every penny they charge.
Superman
Lots of people love superheroes, but it seems like tattoo artists have a hard time getting them right in tattoos. That ‘S’, which is supposed to be for Superman, is depressing. It’s sad, drawn poorly, and looks like a normal ‘s’. But the Owl that it’s been turned into is sick. The snow-capped mountains in the front and back, the pine trees, and those piercing gold eyes of the owl. This is something to show off.
Animal tattoos can be a risky choice, but not with this one. This is one of the best tattoos on the list so far. We love how the mountains in front blend into the owl.
Alien
This has to be the cutest tattoo so far. The little cat surrounded by red flowers is adorable. And it’s a big step up from the alien that it was before. The tattoo artist did a great job of upgrading. But to be honest, that little weird alien is kind of cool on its own. Had it been made darker, and a bit more detailed, it could have been a good tattoo.
People love strange tattoos, so the alien really could have stayed. But that cat on this woman’s ankle is going to get her a lot of attention. People go crazy for cats.
Eye
The tattoos where you can see how the old tattoo was incorporated into the new one are the best. You can see the tail of the snake is now part of the cosmos in the new tattoo. Look at the glassiness of the eye, the different colors of the cosmos to make it more like space, and then the long, thin, black eyelashes. It all looks so real and so good.
This tattoo is making us want to call up a tattoo shop and make an appointment. We aren’t sure that it would look as good, but it would be worth a shot.
Marge
Well, this is one way to cover up one tattoo. We think the first one may have been the name of an ex-girlfriend, but he turned it into the famous Marge Simpson. That’s a pretty good save by the artist, but Marge’s pose is a bit weird. They got her features right. The big hair, the pointy nose, and those big bug eyes. This guy must be a big fan of The Simpsons.
Lots of people get their favorite shows or movies tattooed on them, so we’re sure this isn’t the first Marge Simpson. But it may be the first Marge in a suggestive pose like this one.
Say What One More Time
This one technically counts as an upgrade, but it is more so one artist going over another artist’s work and doing a better job. There are much more details. You can see it in the hair, the eyes, and the mustache. Even the clothes look better and brighter. Pulp Fiction is an iconic movie, and if you are going to get a tattoo to commemorate it, it needs to be iconic as well.
One of the most famous movies in history, with so many great lines, and now this guy has a sick tattoo of it. That’s pretty badass if you ask us.
No More Cross
That cross looks like someone did it on a dare. Nothing about it looks like a real tattoo artist did it. But the cover-up is the work of someone with talent. The size of the tattoo and the bright pink leaves make it look gorgeous. As does the definition and detail of the bark on the tree. We love the addition of the second photo that shows how the cross was hidden.
This cross may have been very meaningful to the person who got this tattoo, but now they have a tree that is just as nice. They will be happy to show this one off.
Some Paw Print
It’s hard to tell what the first photo is, but looking closely, it seems like some sort of paw print. So, it makes it all the more incredible that the artist was able to turn it into an extremely detailed picture of a woman who is overlooking a cemetery. The folds in the woman’s head wrap make it look like it’s real. This is a spooky and artful tattooed all in one.
We’re not sure how you get a skill like this, but we wish we knew. The cemetery beneath the woman looks like a place you wouldn’t want to visit!
Alice in Wonderland
This person is a fan of Alice in Wonderland. This tattoo has it all. Bright purple and pink flowers, the fluffy pink background, and then the rabbit. The rabbit’s eyes even have a glare in them to make them look even more realistic. The first one didn’t look all that bad, but it seems
There are probably thousands of people around the world with Alice in Wonderland tattoos, but we doubt any of them look as good as this one does! We are jealous.
Panther
This is what it means to get an upgrade! It’s the same tattoo, and the same theme, it just looks so much better. The panther looks fiercer. Look at the whiskers and those teeth! Not only that, but the grass and the skull even have more details added to them. The first one looks weird and wonky, but the second tattoo looks like it’s getting ready to jump out and attack you.
This is a tattoo that you show off. You find a way to bring it up in conversations just so you can show it to people who haven’t had a chance to see it yet.
Piece of Art
We’d love to know if this is the same artist as the first photo. Maybe they came back around with a new idea and inspiration. You can see the scales on the mermaid, the jewels in the hair, and even the hair itself is darker and fuller. The eyes especially stand out with the inclusion of the eyelashes and changing the eyebrows. The colors make it seem like an aquatic piece of art.
Mermaids may not be real, but this tattoo looks like it could pop off the skin and start talking. That’s how good of a job this artist did with this tattoo.
Delicate
This is a very delicate-looking tattoo. Making it bigger has allowed for even more details to be visible. You can see the veins in the leaves, the curls, and folds of the flower’s petals, and even the stems connecting all of it. It’s also in an interesting place on this woman’s body. So many people are going to be able to see it. She’ll probably get tons of questions about how much it costs.
Sometimes you see a tattoo that catches your eye. This is one of those tattoos. Whoever stands behind her at the store is going to be in for a big shock.
Terrifying Toy
This is a special tattoo that probably means so much to the person who has it, so it’s only right they upgraded it. They want it to look as good as possible for as long as possible. The first tattoo looks like a terrifying toy, but the second one looks like a girl. The eyes, the chubby cheeks, and the small hairpin. You can really see how adorable she is.
When this little girl is older, she will love looking at her dad’s arm and seeing a younger version of herself looking back. It’s a very special tattoo to have.
Shark
The first thing that sticks out with this tattoo is the blue background. The tattoo artist was able to perfectly capture the color of the ocean. Not only that, but you can see the light pink coral and of course the massive shark. The first tattoo looks like it was done by a child, while the second looks like it should be hanging in a museum. We hope this man knows how lucky he is.
The main shark is amazing in this tattoo, but so are the smaller sharks in the background. The artist didn’t simply create a tattoo, he made an entire scene on this man’s arm.
Pika Pika
This is creativity at its finest. Not only did the artist create a better and more accurate Pikachu, but he was also able to incorporate the old tattoo as well. Not only is the new Pikachu drawn better, but he’s part of an entire scene. He’s drawing himself, having a beer, and by the looks of it, it seems like he’s having a good time. We would like to join him for a drink!
We hope that this man took his new tattoo and showed it to the artist who did the first one. That would be pretty funny. Hopefully, they wouldn’t get too upset when they saw it.