Lucy Madden, from Liverpool, had spent three months choosing the single-line image, which was supposed to depict two faces sharing one mind
When preparing to get a tattoo, you do a lot of research to settle on the final image.
But there’s always a risk that it won’t turn out exactly how you’d hoped – although you keep your fingers crossed that doesn’t happen.
As long as you’re happy with it, that’s really the most important thing.
One woman was left mortified after showing off her new tattoo – only to be left facing some unfortunate comments after a stranger pointed out that her design looked very rude.
Retail worker Lucy Madden, from Liverpool, decided to have a single-image tattooed on her arm, which was supposed to depict two faces sharing one mind.
She spent three months choosing the inking before having it done – only to realise that it looks like someone bent over.
The 22-year-old had initially been chuffed with the final product on her right arm, which set her back £50, until a customer at work pointed out the awkward truth.
After asking friends and family, she was left further red-faced when they also agreed that the artwork looked rude.
Mortified Lucy is now saving to have the tattoo covered up with an image of Medusa – which will cost a further £150 – and she refuses to wear short-sleeved tops or show it off until then.
Lucy said: “I was at work about a week after I got the tattoo and a customer asked what the tattoo was supposed to be.
“It’s supposed to be two faces shading one mind but he said it looked really rude, like someone bent over.
“I asked a colleague and they also said it looked like a person bent over. I was mortified. I couldn’t do anything about it.
“Now everyone is saying it because that’s what it looks like. I would have noticed it eventually even if it hadn’t been pointed out to me.
“I’m too embarrassed to get it out, it’s mortifying. I did find it funny but I was so embarrassed. My friends and family find it hilarious.”
Lucy, who got her first tattoo aged 19, chose the tattoo for her 14th piece of body art in the summer after taking months to choose the perfect design.
The inking only took 20 minutes and she says she gave the artist numerous references to work with but the inking came out nothing like she’d expected.
Lucy said: “I was so excited about it. I’d really thought about it. I’m quite indecisive and picky about my tattoos.
“I sent the tattoo artist a few references but it doesn’t really look anything like them. I’m quite art focused so I wanted something arty.
“It’s the one time I went to a different tattoo artist. I was happy with it at first and it’s on the back of my arm so I didn’t see it often. I’d have to twist my arm to look at it.
“A lot of people have started noticing it. People have said it looks like different things, one of my friends said it looks like the contraceptive coil.
“I’ve been trying to find something to keep it covered up.”
