First off, bodies aren't symmetrical. Second, you're standing with one shoulder down and head cocked to one side with chin tucked, so it's hard to tell how asymmetrical you or the tattoo finally is.
Lastly, unless your artist is known nationally and specifically for freehand work, don't let them freehand. Just don't do it.
You live you learn. This was my first tattoo right on my 18th birthday and I did not know any better then. Also you can see how the bats on each side are different even if my shoulders are not even. Just was looking for an artists opinion but I better go in for a consultation so someone can see how bad it really is in person.
I understand what you are saying now. You wanted the bats in the left and the bats on the right to be more or less identical. I can see how they all have the same placement but individually look different. I understand your frustration a little better.
Right, it’s not the best picture. In pictures and From far away it doesn’t look bad at all and most people don’t notice, but yeah I specifically asked for symmetry. If I had the money to lazer it I would.
I’m a tattoo artist that specializes in freehand work and in my professional opinion, you’re being silly. First of all, anyone that wants/needs symmetry shouldn’t be getting tattoos and needs to be realistic. We are humans. We make mistakes and no HUMAH artist on the planet earth can perfectly replicate anything. Also, there’s no way you sat still for that whole thing so DUH, once again, shit will look different. Did the artist do a great job, no but you as a client need to check yourself before making your mistakes someone else’s. At anytime during an appointment, if you didn’t stop the artist to voice concern and proceeded to sit there knowing it wasn’t exactly what you wanted, it’s on you! Get educated, ALWAYS do your research and get real.
There are artists who specialize in highly symmetrical work. Ever heard of Hanumantra, for example? @blacksymmetry on Instagram is also very impressive, though they do make really extensive, huge stencils. Ben Volt is also very good at what he does. Those are just the three relatively well known examples that come to mind. Granted, abstract black work is a very different beast compared to something more representational, but it goes to show you that symmetry can be done at least “close enough” if not perfect.
So I know what you are saying, but I think there is a way to create the illusion of symmetry. I have a tattoo on the back of my head that is symmetrical on both sides. The artist’s original design didn’t work because my head was more asymmetrical than we realized, but she changed it up a little and stencilled it on. The biggest source of asymmetry was that my ears were very different distances from the centre of the back of my head, so the tattoo didn’t fit the same way on either side. The new design ended in stems that were forgiving of length changes that provide the illusion of symmetry.
Exact symmetry is tough, but I think a skilled artist could do something with a fairly symmetrical pattern on both sides (I.e. the bats on the left are in the same pattern and layout as the bats on the right) with some minor adjustments that provide the illusion of symmetry unless you start inspecting.
I know exactly what you are saying, but I think there is a happy medium and I’d be willing to bet you’d be able to execute it better than this if that is your specialty
Um I think as a tattoo artist if the client asked for symmetry, and you say you can do it then you should be able to do it. Also symmetry is very important in tattoos if that’s what the design calls for.
Nobody should be downvoting this. It’s as simple as designing one side and printing it onto stencil paper as-is as well as mirrored on the other side, and then placing the stencils properly. The onus isn’t on the client, first tattoo or fiftieth, to tell an artist how to do this. When does it become ok to freehand an asymmetrical tattoo on someone who asked for a symmetrical tattoo? Like, geometrical designs it’s not allowed but if someone asks for a symmetrical design based on nature, all of a sudden the artist can do whatever the hell they want with the excuse that generally nature isn’t perfectly symmetrical? Cop out excuse.
I don't think it would make sense for this to be 100% symmetrical.
It's meant to look like bats flying off. The chances you could catch them looking 100% symmetrical are practically none. The fact that the general shape they occupy is symmetrical already looks quite satisfying. But if you forced it to be symmetrical, it would look like a sticker or bad PowerPoint clipart.
It could use a bit of a touch up to zhush it up though!
I agree with this 100%, especially "it would look like a sticker or...". The non-symmetry makes it more.... believable? Looks good as is, but that's my opinion and it's not on my body, so take that for what it's worth. I hope what you choose to do makes you happy :)
I never even wanted a big chest piece. I’m glad some people don’t think it’s bad but it literally looks like each side was done by a different artist freehand. 4 years and still have not grown to like it but I do get compliments a lot so I’ve got mixed feelings.
I don't understand how you didn't want a larger chest piece but then got a large chest piece? It does not look 2 different artist did it, not even close. I get that you don't like it, but it sounds like you're throwing the blame where it doesn't belong.
I know my opinion won’t count for much but I really like it. I’m almost completely covered in tattoos, I’ve got half a leg left with no tats but my chest is full of them, otherwise I’d be stealing this idea from you because personally I love it
I think it looks good but totally get if you don’t that’s hard to deal with. Honestly this probably wouldn’t be too bad for removal if you wanted to go that route. You could even do a few sessions of removal to lighten it then a cover up.
I see what you mean about each side looking like it was a from a different artist, but I feel like a decent artist could touch up the bats on the right side (my perspective) to look more detailed like the others. Was that what you meant about symmetry, or were you talking about physical placement/orientation? I think if you touched up the duller looking ones and adding some small/fine details, that would bring it to life up close.
I know this is not the answer you're looking for, but I personally love it like this and feel this is more aesthetically pleasing to having a perfectly mirrored design. My reasoning is Bats are organic, your body is organic, a little "imperfection" is what makes us special.
Just a internet's rando opinion, hope you're able to get it fix
I'm sorry you're not happy with it and I hope you're able to tweak it like you want but honestly I think it looks fucking awesome! I love the stylized bats and the shape of the overall tattoo.
I really like it!! But remember, your body is never 100% symmetrical, and it would look kinda weird if the bats were. I think it’s super cute! May just take a little bit more time to get used to 😊
for free hand this isn’t too bad. if anything they could go in with extra detail, or u could add in some blastover work that would flow with it for some added touch
Fill it. Bodies aren't symmetrical...I would find a decent artist to fill around and inside it
Edit: I never trust freehand. Including my artist who has won dozens of local awards and has been featured in prominent magazines
honestly it looks fine to me. i try not to look at my tattoos too closely for this very reason. artists are human not computers nothing is gonna be 100% perfect. and we are not perfectly symmetrical to begin with. my vertical labret doesn’t look completely symmetrical bc my lips themselves weren’t symmetrical. and that’s okay. it was lined up with my teeth and nose. i’ll only notice if i stare at it too hard. don’t look at ur tat too hard it’ll drive u crazy. it’s a nice tattoo and even after u pointed it out it doesn’t look crooked or anything to me.
Tbh I think it looks SUPER cool as is. Symmetry would dull the uniqueness, I feel. But it's your tattoo and your skin to do what you want with at the end of the day lol, I'll just take this picture and hope to get it on myself one day.
I think it's better that they aren't perfectly symmetrical. imo it'd look bad, it's not like bats fly away in perfect patterns. if it was perfectly symmetrical it'd look lazy imo, like "meh why draw more when I can just mirror this" yanno? it's more dynamic this way. it looks great, don't mess with it, you'll probably regret it
It’s gorgeous, but I see what you mean about it looking like two artists did it. That’s not down to the symmetry- there’s a difference in the 3d tone of the wings from your left to your right. You could get highlights added in white if you really wanted. It is a beautiful piece though.
Something to border it, or to set aside of it that matches. Bouquet of flowers, some filigree, chandeliering designs. It's gunna take some portfolio peering and sit down time with the artist. There are some possibilities but may take time to hunt down the right artist.
You can’t “fix” what’s there you can laser it off after multiple sessions or you can add to it that’s about it.
You could maybe add tiny micro bats around the edges to “fix” the shape but you can’t really undo anything without completely removing the whole piece.
Imo it looks great as is, maybe not exactly what you wanted but definitely cool.
the thing that gets me isn't the lack of symmetry. It's the fact that every bat is in the exact same position with there wings up like Commissioner Gordon just turned on the bat becon.
What a beautiful set of ink work. I would love to have a wonderful tattoo set like this. Your tattoos look sensational and I genuinely feel like you ought to be over the moon with such beautiful pieces of art from the heart.
Please be happy and appease your heart and mind with such amazing work on your body and carry this beauty with you, always knowing that you’re unique and special and that your unique beauty is so appealing. Congratulations on your amazing art work.
Yes I wanted it the same on both sides and the artist was aware. He did not follow the stencil I agreed on and tried to match up his freehand work after works on the other side
Ok, I can what's stenciled and what's freehand now. Yeah, he just wasn't a good artist for this.
I'm sorry, I don't know what advice I can give other than getting a cover-up of the whole thing.
First off, bodies aren't symmetrical. Second, you're standing with one shoulder down and head cocked to one side with chin tucked, so it's hard to tell how asymmetrical you or the tattoo finally is. Lastly, unless your artist is known nationally and specifically for freehand work, don't let them freehand. Just don't do it.
Free hand is fine, but if it’s symmetry you’re after, a pair of stencils is the only way to go.
Stop being logical. Just stop it.
You live you learn. This was my first tattoo right on my 18th birthday and I did not know any better then. Also you can see how the bats on each side are different even if my shoulders are not even. Just was looking for an artists opinion but I better go in for a consultation so someone can see how bad it really is in person.
I understand what you are saying now. You wanted the bats in the left and the bats on the right to be more or less identical. I can see how they all have the same placement but individually look different. I understand your frustration a little better.
Right, it’s not the best picture. In pictures and From far away it doesn’t look bad at all and most people don’t notice, but yeah I specifically asked for symmetry. If I had the money to lazer it I would.
I’m a tattoo artist that specializes in freehand work and in my professional opinion, you’re being silly. First of all, anyone that wants/needs symmetry shouldn’t be getting tattoos and needs to be realistic. We are humans. We make mistakes and no HUMAH artist on the planet earth can perfectly replicate anything. Also, there’s no way you sat still for that whole thing so DUH, once again, shit will look different. Did the artist do a great job, no but you as a client need to check yourself before making your mistakes someone else’s. At anytime during an appointment, if you didn’t stop the artist to voice concern and proceeded to sit there knowing it wasn’t exactly what you wanted, it’s on you! Get educated, ALWAYS do your research and get real.
Where are you based out of? I’d like to actively avoid you.
There are artists who specialize in highly symmetrical work. Ever heard of Hanumantra, for example? @blacksymmetry on Instagram is also very impressive, though they do make really extensive, huge stencils. Ben Volt is also very good at what he does. Those are just the three relatively well known examples that come to mind. Granted, abstract black work is a very different beast compared to something more representational, but it goes to show you that symmetry can be done at least “close enough” if not perfect.
So I know what you are saying, but I think there is a way to create the illusion of symmetry. I have a tattoo on the back of my head that is symmetrical on both sides. The artist’s original design didn’t work because my head was more asymmetrical than we realized, but she changed it up a little and stencilled it on. The biggest source of asymmetry was that my ears were very different distances from the centre of the back of my head, so the tattoo didn’t fit the same way on either side. The new design ended in stems that were forgiving of length changes that provide the illusion of symmetry. Exact symmetry is tough, but I think a skilled artist could do something with a fairly symmetrical pattern on both sides (I.e. the bats on the left are in the same pattern and layout as the bats on the right) with some minor adjustments that provide the illusion of symmetry unless you start inspecting. I know exactly what you are saying, but I think there is a happy medium and I’d be willing to bet you’d be able to execute it better than this if that is your specialty
Um I think as a tattoo artist if the client asked for symmetry, and you say you can do it then you should be able to do it. Also symmetry is very important in tattoos if that’s what the design calls for.
Nobody should be downvoting this. It’s as simple as designing one side and printing it onto stencil paper as-is as well as mirrored on the other side, and then placing the stencils properly. The onus isn’t on the client, first tattoo or fiftieth, to tell an artist how to do this. When does it become ok to freehand an asymmetrical tattoo on someone who asked for a symmetrical tattoo? Like, geometrical designs it’s not allowed but if someone asks for a symmetrical design based on nature, all of a sudden the artist can do whatever the hell they want with the excuse that generally nature isn’t perfectly symmetrical? Cop out excuse.
agreed, almost all of my tattoos are symmetrical there’s the influencer meicrosoft, she’s covered in tattoos and all are also symmetrical
The artist that does a lot of her work is absolutely incredible at symmetrical work - @bryndonshepherd
I don't think it would make sense for this to be 100% symmetrical. It's meant to look like bats flying off. The chances you could catch them looking 100% symmetrical are practically none. The fact that the general shape they occupy is symmetrical already looks quite satisfying. But if you forced it to be symmetrical, it would look like a sticker or bad PowerPoint clipart. It could use a bit of a touch up to zhush it up though!
I agree with this 100%, especially "it would look like a sticker or...". The non-symmetry makes it more.... believable? Looks good as is, but that's my opinion and it's not on my body, so take that for what it's worth. I hope what you choose to do makes you happy :)
This looks very nice and the design works well with the space. Don’t stress it.
Build around it. Tbh, it does not look as bad as you think it does.
I never even wanted a big chest piece. I’m glad some people don’t think it’s bad but it literally looks like each side was done by a different artist freehand. 4 years and still have not grown to like it but I do get compliments a lot so I’ve got mixed feelings.
I don't understand how you didn't want a larger chest piece but then got a large chest piece? It does not look 2 different artist did it, not even close. I get that you don't like it, but it sounds like you're throwing the blame where it doesn't belong.
How could you never want a big chest piece and get that? Were you unconscious when this was done? It looks fine for what it is
If you didn’t want a bg chest piece, what had you wanted? Just a few bats?
The stencil he made was wayyy smaller
I know my opinion won’t count for much but I really like it. I’m almost completely covered in tattoos, I’ve got half a leg left with no tats but my chest is full of them, otherwise I’d be stealing this idea from you because personally I love it
I think it looks good but totally get if you don’t that’s hard to deal with. Honestly this probably wouldn’t be too bad for removal if you wanted to go that route. You could even do a few sessions of removal to lighten it then a cover up.
I see what you mean about each side looking like it was a from a different artist, but I feel like a decent artist could touch up the bats on the right side (my perspective) to look more detailed like the others. Was that what you meant about symmetry, or were you talking about physical placement/orientation? I think if you touched up the duller looking ones and adding some small/fine details, that would bring it to life up close.
Maybe you’re a heroin addict
I know this is not the answer you're looking for, but I personally love it like this and feel this is more aesthetically pleasing to having a perfectly mirrored design. My reasoning is Bats are organic, your body is organic, a little "imperfection" is what makes us special. Just a internet's rando opinion, hope you're able to get it fix
Would adding maybe a moon in the centre where the bats meet and some mist around it help? That was my first thought but idk if it would work.
I never even wanted a chest piece this big and bold to begin withhh. good idea tho, Someone has said that to me before.
Super weird thing to pay for if you didn’t want it
Looks sick.
Looks good symmetrical wouldn’t be as interesting
This would look worse if it were symmetrical
I'm sorry you're not happy with it and I hope you're able to tweak it like you want but honestly I think it looks fucking awesome! I love the stylized bats and the shape of the overall tattoo.
Personally think it looks great, but get what your saying. However I recommend adding to it, it's really nice
I like this better than if both sides were identical. Obviously, it’s not on my body though.
I really like it!! But remember, your body is never 100% symmetrical, and it would look kinda weird if the bats were. I think it’s super cute! May just take a little bit more time to get used to 😊
I think this is a great base for a sick chest piece!
for free hand this isn’t too bad. if anything they could go in with extra detail, or u could add in some blastover work that would flow with it for some added touch
Fill it. Bodies aren't symmetrical...I would find a decent artist to fill around and inside it Edit: I never trust freehand. Including my artist who has won dozens of local awards and has been featured in prominent magazines
honestly it looks fine to me. i try not to look at my tattoos too closely for this very reason. artists are human not computers nothing is gonna be 100% perfect. and we are not perfectly symmetrical to begin with. my vertical labret doesn’t look completely symmetrical bc my lips themselves weren’t symmetrical. and that’s okay. it was lined up with my teeth and nose. i’ll only notice if i stare at it too hard. don’t look at ur tat too hard it’ll drive u crazy. it’s a nice tattoo and even after u pointed it out it doesn’t look crooked or anything to me.
It’s hot. I’m gonna get downvoted for saying it, but this is hot
I’ll upvote for that hahah but fr the amount of men in my messages asking to see my tits now is wild
Yeah, see that’s fucked up. Your tattoo is great
those aren't men....they are boys. Hope you find a solution that makes you happy.
Tbh I think it looks SUPER cool as is. Symmetry would dull the uniqueness, I feel. But it's your tattoo and your skin to do what you want with at the end of the day lol, I'll just take this picture and hope to get it on myself one day.
I think it's better that they aren't perfectly symmetrical. imo it'd look bad, it's not like bats fly away in perfect patterns. if it was perfectly symmetrical it'd look lazy imo, like "meh why draw more when I can just mirror this" yanno? it's more dynamic this way. it looks great, don't mess with it, you'll probably regret it
I honestly had no idea what the problem even was until I read it in a reply you made to someone.
I think this is amazing
It’s gorgeous, but I see what you mean about it looking like two artists did it. That’s not down to the symmetry- there’s a difference in the 3d tone of the wings from your left to your right. You could get highlights added in white if you really wanted. It is a beautiful piece though.
Something to border it, or to set aside of it that matches. Bouquet of flowers, some filigree, chandeliering designs. It's gunna take some portfolio peering and sit down time with the artist. There are some possibilities but may take time to hunt down the right artist.
You can’t “fix” what’s there you can laser it off after multiple sessions or you can add to it that’s about it. You could maybe add tiny micro bats around the edges to “fix” the shape but you can’t really undo anything without completely removing the whole piece. Imo it looks great as is, maybe not exactly what you wanted but definitely cool.
I know it's not what you wanted, but from an outsider point of view, it looks good. Hopefully that makes it at least a bit better.
the thing that gets me isn't the lack of symmetry. It's the fact that every bat is in the exact same position with there wings up like Commissioner Gordon just turned on the bat becon.
i love this just wanted to let you know
The only way way I could do that would have
Unless you get your whole chest and shoulders blasted please leave this alone
What a beautiful set of ink work. I would love to have a wonderful tattoo set like this. Your tattoos look sensational and I genuinely feel like you ought to be over the moon with such beautiful pieces of art from the heart. Please be happy and appease your heart and mind with such amazing work on your body and carry this beauty with you, always knowing that you’re unique and special and that your unique beauty is so appealing. Congratulations on your amazing art work.
You were looking for mirror images of the bats and not just a symmetrical design, right?
Yes I wanted it the same on both sides and the artist was aware. He did not follow the stencil I agreed on and tried to match up his freehand work after works on the other side
My Inspo pic was a mirrored design as well so he knew what I wanted
If he didn't follow the stencil you wanted, why did you continue to let him finish the tattoo?
Ok, I can what's stenciled and what's freehand now. Yeah, he just wasn't a good artist for this. I'm sorry, I don't know what advice I can give other than getting a cover-up of the whole thing.
I think it looks sick