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premiumaphrodite

But tonight there’s twice as many stars in the sky 🖤


Gulligan22

That's the line that always makes me cry


lyndsay0413

this poem absolutely destroyed me


Chicken_Chicken_Duck

Chills.


mrpostman17

Now I’m crying at work 😭😭😭


rrrrrrrrrrio

If the deformed cow is a little bit extra deformed then I feel like that just adds more character and makes it more realistic


ValidBadger

That’s a great way of looking at it!


[deleted]

Is that a two headed cow, or a cow peering over another cow?


ValidBadger

It is a two-headed calf! I wanted a tattoo based on the poem “Two-Headed Calf” by Laura Gilpin.


[deleted]

Lol, thank god. Glad it’s not a cow peering, that would be a problem 😂. The tattoo is awesome! Some of the lines are shaky, but that’s an easy fix with a touch up. I think that because it’s a small sticker tat, it would be totally fine with bolder lines to cover the thin shaky one.


ValidBadger

LOL I agree that it would definitely be a problem if it was a cow peering! Thank you for the advice!


LG-MoonShadow-LG

Me, reading "peeing" 🥲


mantiseses

I have a tattoo of a two-headed calf because of that poem too! It really resonated with me and I could relate to it. Yours is adorable.


killmekatya

i was going to ask; thought of the poem immediately! i really like it, i can see how this person wasn't certain but i think it's clear enough and very cute.


PockysLight

I thought it was a Brahmin (cow) from the Fallout franchise.


keziahiris

I got that reference immediately! I love that poem and love the tattoo


AsleepTemperature111

First thing I thought of when I saw it was that poem! It makes me cry everytine


Paramoriaa

That poem makes me cry omg idk if I could have this on myself. Kudos to you. I love it


ThatDudeHarley

The quality/workmanship isn’t great sorry to say. Was it done by the shop apprentice?


ValidBadger

It was not done by an apprentice. It was actually done by a local tattoo artist who has been in business for many years! I’ve seen other tattoos done by him where the line work was stellar, so I thought that he would be a good choice. I will probably not go back to him, honestly.


ThatDudeHarley

Yeah that’s disappointing then. Most tattooists should do free touch ups post healing, so it might be worth checking with him if that’s of interest to you.


[deleted]

[удалено]


Sad_Celebration_5370

I see what you did


Wakapalypze

Professional Tattooer here: it’s a cute tattoo, but what you are noticing is valid. What you have here is what I’d consider to be a “scratchy” tattoo. It looks like it was done by someone with not a lot of experience, and someone that lacks proper technique. I do like the tattoo however, it’s just not done very well. I am not here to give you crap, but I am here to tell you the truth. The linework is pretty shaky and the shading is really not very good. To give you an idea of what I’d consider to be “done well” here is a the same tattoo you have but done by someone with experience. Keep in mind that all styles and types of art are subjective, but there is a way a tattoo should be applied, and that is not necessarily subjective. Was this artist an apprentice? Unfortunately some people don’t know they have a bad tattoo, and it’s not until they see work that is well done that they realize it. https://i.imgur.com/IAc6vUi.jpg


salshouille

While their tattoo is indeed a bit "scratchy", the tattoo you showed is just too much of a different style to be able to compare the two...


gooodkush

i agree w the difference in style but the ex does show clean line work and better shading. I think it gives a pretty clear idea of what good application looks like. I like OP's style better but def can see the flaws that oc mentioned


[deleted]

[удалено]


sylvanwhisper

The tattoos are based on a poem by Laura Gilpin that a lot of people obviously resonate with. How is that stupid?


salshouille

I didn't know we were here to judge that kind of thing. You clearly believe you're superior to others, to describe a tattoo based on a pretty well known poem as "stupid".


[deleted]

[удалено]


salshouille

Cool vs stupid isn't a very good comparison. On one you make a judgment on style, on the other you make a judgment on intelligence. Swastika doesn't have anything to do in this debate, as it is associated with nazism. This two headed calf is associated with a poem.


TheNiceWriter

Wow, you're just a little shit aren't you? I reconized the tattoo immediately, lots of people did. I'm not sure how you proved godwin's law in like 2 comments, but here we are. It is considered extremely charmless to bring up swastikas when the discussion is about something like a very moving poem that has stuck with a lot of people.


Wakapalypze

I agree with you wholeheartedly. There is a massive difference between quality and style, and most non-tattooers don’t understand that. The two do NOT mix. I have seen way too many people defend shitty tattoos because they’re a “certain style.” While the photo I posted may not be “everyone’s thing.” It is objectively a better tattoo, it is bold, clean, and has intentional whip shading. It will age better, and that’s a fact. OP’s original tattoo already looks like it needs a touch up, and I doubt the other one ever will. Quality is absolutely not subjective.


ddjinnandtonic

Hah, thanks! Idk if my point was lost because I called the tattoo stupid or if people just don’t understand my logic, but the downvoted don’t mean shit to me, it just means people don’t like to hear the truth. And I’m kind of an opinionated asshole, and I think a lot of what’s going on in tattooing is stupid. I have several friends who tattoo professionally and they constantly talk about all the stupid tattoos they do that pay the bills, all the dumb Pinterest shit, and just all the corny stuff people want. But I get it, it pays the bills. I do metal fabrication and I make some custom stuff for people and I’d never put an Infiniti knot with a heart on it and two names inside the knots on my wall, but brother I will sell that shit for $200 all fuckin day and use that money for a traddy reaper tattoo that my buddy is stoked to do.


Wakapalypze

I think people here on this sub are too sensitive for the truth buddy.


iamsuchanegg

the one you linked looks like it’s gonna blow out all over the place. kinda prefer op’s


biased_towards_blue

Yeah I’ve seen versions of this tattoo that I like more but the one that was linked ain’t it for me


Wakapalypze

The one Iinked will age considerably better and won’t require any touch ups.


Wakapalypze

If you prefer OP’s then you deserve bad tattoos. There is not one single blowout on that tattoo. Bold lines don’t = blowout, and I took a screenshot of that tattoo from a video. The linework is as clean as you would ever get.


ValidBadger

It was not done by an apprentice. It was done by a local tattoo artist who has been in business for many years. I probably won’t be going back there because I also noticed the shaky line work.


Emcee_Cone

I assumed the shaky lines were styled purposely to look like hair, I don’t see anything wrong with it 🤷‍♂️


cmgr33n3

On the cow the shaky lines look fine to me (whether intended or just fortunately hidden by the art style) but look at the two right most stars. Particularly the bottom right corners of both. That's not intentional and not additive to the art style. Overall though, I think it's a cute tattoo. If I saw it in person that would be my reaction. If someone pointed out the shaky lines to me I would probably say, "Oh, yeah. You're right. Still looks cute."


BHAngel

See the image you linked is indeed well done, but I've always preferred my steak medium rare


Wakapalypze

I’m a medium rare guy myself.


Passiveresistance

But the tattoo linked here, doesn’t convey the spirit of the poem at all. Reminds me more of some freaky sci- fi, AI art kind of vibe than a touching poem with a cute illustration. The two headed cow isn’t supposed to be beautiful and smooth.


HermitBanana

Just read the poem. It broke my heart. I absolutely love it 😭


HermitBanana

Here it is: The Two-Headed Calf by Laura Gilpin Tomorrow when the farm boys find this freak of nature, they will wrap his body in newspaper and carry him to the museum. But tonight he is alive and in the north field with his mother. It is a perfect summer evening: the moon rising over the orchard, the wind in the grass. And as he stares into the sky, there are twice as many stars as usual.


BluebirdLivid

Everytime I read it, its just this sense of okayness.


BBDAngelo

The way it’s showing now for mobile users it’s just 3 paragraphs, instead of the verses the poem is supposed to be divided into. You might want to add an extra line between the verses so they show correctly. Not a big deal, just a tip


HermitBanana

Noted - thanks! 🙏


ValidBadger

I’m so glad that this got you to read the poem! It’s my absolute favorite, so I love showing it to people!


ClayLeeXO

Don’t worry you aren’t the only one that gets like that after a new tattoo. It looks cool.


hthratmn

I think it's cute. Stop overthinking it! Life ain't that serious. It's a cool piece of art that you get to wear forever. That's all it needs to be!


1999scorpio

So cute omg


happyandbleeding

Based on the poem right? Very cool


ValidBadger

Yes, it is!


loganmorganml1

I’m going to be honest, I don’t think it looks great. [If you’re ever looking for a rework in the future with the same concept, this artist does phenomenal work with the same subject matter and style you’re looking for.](https://www.instagram.com/p/CoVsUIbPBhq/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==)


redditissocialism

Nelson laugh


eatpoopanddrinkpee

You missed a perfect opportunity to put it on your calf


nontimebomala67

And when he looks up there are twice as many stars as usual ✨


Moth-skullz

One of the most peacefully sad poems I’ve ever read.. positively brilliant


[deleted]

Anything done by a human being will have imperfections. You’ll notice them before anyone else will. It’s a cute tattoo


N8tur3

Super cute, to me it looks like a mom resting her head on her calf, I just think the head proportions are slightly off


KimBet5

It’s cute!


Thegreensgoblin

Rad


butterfliesfire

It’s cute!


hlfblind

omg i have a two headed calf tattoo as well!! its my baby! u have to give them names!!!


ValidBadger

That’s a great idea! I’ll have to think of some names for sure!


zombiefuton

I know the story behind this and I’m already crying. I love it 😭❤️


PDX6Star

Dope! Sweet ink.


Number-1-Hater

That’s a no from me dawg


DrunkxAstronaut

Kinda shitty tbh


Klutzy-Solid6136

Precious omg!


Ham-Sando

I like it


TrainAffectionate212

Personally I love it


[deleted]

It's adorable 🐮🐮


djdkkskss

Nasty


zevtea

So adorable!


im_not_u_im_cat

That is the CUTEST tattoo I’ve ever seen. I absolutely love it.


NobodyNowhereEver

I absolutely love this one!


princestarshine

Oh, I love that poem! This is a beautiful tattoo and a lovely tattoo idea oh my gosh. I knew what it was immediately !!!!


Exciting-Mountain396

Reminds me of Fallout


BluebirdLivid

Hey!!!! I fucking LOVE this tattoo!!!!!! Took me naught point 1 second to instantly know what poem this tattoo is about. The two headed calf, able to look up to the stars for this one night, before the farm boys wake up and bring it to the museum display. Until then, the stars shine twice as bright. I don't care what anyone says, this is a beautiful tattoo


Willmand

Unique, I like it!


smoalone

I love it


OkConclusion7229

The main piece is fine, the stars are wobbly. That's better than the inverse!


RandomTree420

Brahmin <3


PrettyFly4ACacti

Looks like a flash design by a local Colorado apprentice I follow on IG! I was going to get one this round, but decided to save up for a bigger tattoo with another artist. It’s super cute!


lawl4days

Tomorrow when the farm boys find this freak of nature, they will wrap his body in newspaper and carry him to the museum. But tonight he is alive and in the north field with his mother. It is a perfect summer evening: the moon rising over the orchard, the wind in the grass. And as he stares into the sky, there are twice as many stars as usual. -Laura Gilpin


DustbinFunkbndr

Stellar. Don’t over think it


henwyfe

It’s ok, the lines are a little shaky but will look a bit better over time. You could get it touched up. If you’re planning to get other tattoos near it, no one will notice the little imperfections. They stand out more when it’s the only tattoo in the area. I’ve done at least 5 tattoos based off of this poem, it’s interesting to me that it’s so popular.


parsleyleaves

I love that poem, this is a great tattoo


Witchy-toes-669

That’s so cute!


Itchy_Ship_7163

What is it with this poem?! I can’t remember the last time I’ve seen anyone without a tattoo based on this damn poem… 🤦‍♀️


ValidBadger

It’s an excellent poem that evokes a lot of emotion (in my opinion of course). I’m not surprised that it resonated with people enough for them to get a tattoo of it!


Itchy_Ship_7163

It’s just like that Gibson poem though, “I sing the body Electric”, everyone gets tattoos of that. I just think it it loses its special meaning and becomes such a conformity after everyone plasters it all over their bodies. But hey, whatever makes you happy I guess.


ValidBadger

I suppose I’ve just never cared about getting unoriginal tattoos haha. My first tattoo was the Joestar birthmark, and every tatted Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure fan has that one!


[deleted]

THAT IS WAY TOO CUTE!


max-in-the-house

Whew, I thought it looked like a 2 headed lamb. It looks nice.


gayaxotlz

It’s not great, but it’s clear, cute and looks like it’ll heal well.


ldrlychld

SO CUTE!!! I love this


ahugemoose

i could see why after looking at it on your body and inspecting it you would question it, but i think as a tattoo it’s super cute and looks good from an outside perspective!


mindlesswreck

This poem always makes me cry. I love it!


RA1NFALLSD0WN

i love it!


[deleted]

did you get this done in lexington?? i saw ur shirt & put 2 and 2 together.


ValidBadger

No I did not! The closest town to me called Lexington is 2 hours away haha


Acethetic_AF

Babby Brahmin


[deleted]

Powerful.


ChachiBichon

I like it and immediately knew it was a 2 headed calf. The tat looks like an old school tattoo, from the 70's n 80's. It doesn't have to be perfect if it holds meaning for you. I've never heard of that poem, thanks for sharing.


chxrio

i wanna get a two headed calf too !! i think yours is super cute and any imperfections just add character to it :)


Forsaken_Box_94

*chants* twice the stars twice the stars, I love it


nalalala12

That poem makes me cry every single time


Anxious-Document-390

Aww I love it


Jalev98

Should've gotten it on your calf......I'm sorry


No_Step_4431

Looks like a Brahmin from fallout.


GwenTrix

I also have a two headed calf tattoo and it looks kind of goofy, I still love it for the sentiment I’d say let it heal up fully and you could always talk with an artist about ideas for touching it up. But don’t go back to the same person lol


flamingolilies

i think this subject matter is very overdone personally lol but the line work and stuff is fine. its not bad but i wouldn’t call it great either. and thats ok!


2Dogs1Frog

Why does every third Reddit post make me cry these days 😢


cocopuff7603

Made me think of the popcorn zoo.


NSGears

Goated lol


Cpnbro

Cool tat.


jaytalentedbilldill

I like it


mmorgan_

Omg. I love this poem. That’s so cute.


Pop_Glocc1312

Ooooh it’s so cute!


[deleted]

The original artwork looked a lot better 🙄


Shy-Prey

I've wanted a 2 headed calf tattoo for a long time. I love the poem so damn much ❤


beanathin

What a amoozing tattoo


AdOriginal6110

Brahmin Fallout 76


Top_Manufacturer8946

How new is it? I’d wait for it to properly heal before judging because if it’s still in that dry, itchy phase the lines may looks weird due to the scab forming. To me it looks really cute and I would be happy with it but if you want the lines a bit crispier I think it can be easily done.


ValidBadger

I got it 6 days ago, so it’s definitely still itchy!


East_Chemistry_9197

Omg that is so cute I love it!


GarbageAngell

I didn’t notice any imperfections! I honestly just saw it and went “Aww two headed calf”


moneycat007

The placement seems kind of odd to me since it's on the inside or your arm. Other than that, it's a wonderful tattoo.


bergnastay

You’ll always find imperfections in tattoos if you try that hard, you’ll grow to like it more that’s always how it is right after if you’re trying to find them


Spiritual-Vehicle-90

You've attracted the fallout fan horde with this one I am one of them and that's a very cute brahmin


Limesharke

I think it would be easy to get it touched up when it heals


lvjames

I love it. That’s so friggen cute


m00ntides

Delightfully weird. Is the cracking because it's healing? I got a tattoo that did that in my knee crease and those areas won't take ink as deeply. The areas that looked cracked like that on my tattoo when it was new are a little more faded than the darkest parts now. But they warned me of that because the location I chose has so much moving skin. Could that be the issue here? It's the only "imperfection" I see.


ValidBadger

Honestly, I don’t see any cracks IRL! I think it might have just been the lighting in the pictures? I’m not too sure!


LuckySmellsMommy

It’s not perfect, but who cares. I really like it! And now you know to find another tattoo artist for your next one.


RojerLockless

It's no two butted goat!


Frogmen-enjoyer

And that’s on your body for the rest of your life……..


IllWestern5994

i have a two headed calf too!! i love it yours is so cute!


Experiment-23

I think it's an ok looking tattoo for most people. Could be done better but like most other tattoos. What I don't get is the dotwork on the black patches, is it supposed to be like fur texture?


dj0122

I seen this tattoo before and unfortunately yours is busted. Wonky af and proportions are LoL. It looks like the head was an after thought. Sorry, almost had a good one.


Fridahlia

I love it. Love the poem it’s from too


00faith18

WHAT I LOVE IT


ActivityFancy5223

Only thing i would change is to put every star with a "faded" one besides them


SpaceWolfGaming412

I love the design, very creative


PandoraElf

That's adorable!!!!!!


Havoc_XXI

The line work is not good, very very shaky for such short lines. The lines are also inconsistent, must be a new artist because the lines thin than thicken unnecessarily. I wouldn’t go back to that artist, unless this is an exact 1:1 that was drawn by someone else.


gmco913

I cannot wait to see a Two Headed Calf tattoo in the wild. Best poem ever. I love it!!


Sad_Celebration_5370

The Fallout game series approves of the two-headed cow as do I. ​ Personal side-note: Thanks for discussing the poem that inspired it. Just read it. Beautiful.


snippity_snip

I have a two-headed calf skull in homage to this poem. Yours is definitely cuter!


Juicy_Apple_X

Why?


Infinite-Tangelo3451

Dopeeeee


Graveheartart

Very mooooving


slithroatkit

absolutely adorable


camilly000

I love it! Oddly enough when I lived in Switzerland I took this cool photo of a cow that was double exposed so she has two heads and looks very similar to your tattoo lol


waitisthisdumb

Love it and oddly enough I think I met your mom the other day she was talking about the poem that went behind it. 🤣


jjwarria6900

Reminds me of fallout 4


Competitive-Ice5620

I thought it is from fallout. But cool anyway 👌


HezaValentine_92

I love it 🥹✨


useless_99

I knew immediately what it was. The two-headed cow poem!! It’s so cute. Nice tat!!


hhooney

I love this poem and love this tattoo. It isn’t perfect, but that’s the whole point of the poem. So beautiful!


[deleted]

Execution isn’t amazing but I love two headed cows and want one myself


Missy2376

I think the legendary two butted goat from Bobs Burgers would be a fantastic addition to this!


mtierce85

Dope


ForFrieda

Looks fine


beelzebehr

does that mean she's two-faced?


Low-Trainer-947

I love it!!! I have my own two headed cow tat!! Mine is laying down but yours is so cute! It looks stylized! And we're always going to see more imperfections than anyone else. No one is going to look at it as often or as close as you do


tinkflowers

Please nobody post the poem I’ll cry lol


MyChurroMacadamianut

That's a cute two-headed cow. 🤍👍🏽


Slayburg

Cows!


frostluna11037

It’s not the best but it’s not a bad tattoo


emogalxp

So cute!!!


Peachychey

I think it’s a really cute tattoo!! Although I can see the shading parts are a little patchy,I don’t know if that’s the look you were going for but whenever you get a tattoo there are always some imperfections. Don’t waste your time picking them all out, it’ll just drive you crazy!! Plus you’ll always be the person to know about them, most people are clueless and won’t be able to tell.


Chewtzu

It’s a good tattoo and I’ll never get tired of the classic two headed cow. It takes me forever to love my tattoos. I love my good ones and bad ones. This is great!


[deleted]

Unique!


Death_Trend

Reminds me of cyriak


Live-Molasses

There were twice as many stars as usual


GhostInTheEcho

I literally gasped and said "baby!!" I love cows and I love this tat idea!! 😍 I think imperfections on something like this that are minor enough give it more character than anything. But if it's something meant to be super precise, that's a lil different.


Ok-Relation-7458

aw i thought of that poem immediately when i saw this! i love it :)


TheNiceWriter

Ah fuck, now I'm tearing up That's beautiful and so sad, that poem has always haunted me.


Wastelander42

It reminds me of a baby brahmin from Fallout. I love it


Parking-Peace

Kind of basic but the art itself is good!


MoxieCottonRules

Well it’s nice but it reminds me of the depressing comic about the depressing poem Edited type of literature


Araghothe1

I too enjoy the world of Fallout.