At Bored Panda, we’ve seen our fair share of bad tattoos. But every once in a while, it’s important to remember that there are incredible ones too. That’s where ‘The Best Tattoo Page’ comes in—an Instagram gallery showcasing some of the finest ink work from talented artists worldwide.

From detailed black-and-gray portraits to vibrant full sleeves, this page celebrates the artistry behind tattoos, proving that body art is more than just skin deep.

Tattoos Are More Common Than Ever

Tattoos have become increasingly mainstream. In the U.S., 32% of adults (38% of women and 27% of men) now have at least one tattoo—up from 30% in 2019 and just 21% in 2012. Surprisingly, factors like political affiliation or whether someone lives in a city or rural area don’t significantly impact the decision to get inked.

What does influence it? Personal meaning.

• 69% of tattooed adults say they got inked to honor or remember someone/something.

• 47% wanted to make a statement about their beliefs.

• 32% got at least one tattoo for aesthetic reasons.

However, for some people, tattoos still carry a stigma.

A Dad With 240+ Tattoos Labeled a ‘Monster’ and ‘Bad Father’

One heavily tattooed dad faced harsh criticism due to his appearance. Strangers judged him, calling him a “monster” and even questioning his parenting skills.

But wait until you see his before-and-after transformation—his past photos will leave you speechless. Scroll down to the comments for the shocking images. 👇

Among Americans who don’t have tattoos, opinions are divided:

• 29% say tattoos give them a negative impression of a person.

• 5% say they leave a positive impression.

• The majority (66%) remain neutral.

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Society Is Becoming More Accepting of Tattoos

Despite lingering stereotypes, tattoos are more widely accepted than ever.

• 80% of U.S. adults believe society has become more accepting of tattoos over the past two decades.

• Only 7% say acceptance has declined.

• 12% think nothing has changed.

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What Makes a Good Tattoo?

Renowned tattoo artist Matt Hunt, who has over 20 years of experience, believes a great tattoo should have:
✅ Balanced composition – Larger shapes complemented by finer details.
✅ Proper contrast – A range of light and dark tones.
✅ Smooth lines – Even thickness and clean execution.
✅ Solid coloring – Rich, even saturation without rough patches.

Japanese-style tattoos are a great example of this balance. “The koi fish and water can be seen from across the room, but up close, you’ll notice intricate details on the scales,” Hunt explains.

He also warns against overly filtered tattoo photos online. “Some artists manipulate their images, bumping up contrast or using filters to make them look more flawless than they really are.”

At the End of the Day, It’s Personal

Tattoos are a form of self-expression. A design might be technically flawless, but if it doesn’t resonate with the person wearing it, does it really matter?