When it comes to getting a tattoo, most people already have something in mind before stepping through the shop doors - but many artists wish their customers would come without a set idea of what they want to get.
It has prompted tattoo artists to share the "overrated tattoos" that they wish customers would stop asking for, claiming they've been done "time and time again".
One tattoo artist explained how he is constantly asked to ink "Arabic scripts" on to his clients' body knowing they can't read it and most likely used Google to translate it. He said on Reddit: "I am seriously getting tired of doing Arabic scripts. None of the clients can read it."
Another artist came up with a huge list of "overrated" tattoos, saying they're fed up of being asked to do "infinity signs, anchors, feathers bursting into birds, nautical stars, owls, sugar skulls, massive blocks of text, and tiny abstract lines of Helvetica font poetry".
In agreement, one more added: "Feathers turning into little silhouettes of birds and dandelions turning into silhouettes of birds.
"I did two last week and have one to do tomorrow - not to mention the four I've already done in the past six months.
"The problem is people see them all over Pinterest and the internet and fall in love with them thinking they are artsy and hip."
However, not every artist has an issue with common tattoos, saying they're happy to complete the clients' wishes and appreciate their custom.
One tattoo artist said: "Although the silly Pinterest tattoos, like the bird silhouettes and infinity symbols are certainly overdone, I am happy to do them.
"I've been tattooing for 18 years and am happy that the customers have chosen me, or the shop I work at.
"Not every tattoo has to be some wonderful work of art. Many just help to pay the bills, without stroking the ego."
In response, another artist added: "I'm also a tattooer, and yes everything you've said.
"I don't care how many feather-breaking-away-into-birds I've done, if one comes in today, I'll try (as always) to make it the best damn feather-breaking-away-into-birds I can do.
"I don't judge people on what they get. It's my job to respect my clients and give them the best of my abilities and experience no matter what the tattoo is.
"You said, 'Not every tattoo has to be some wonderful work of art'. So true, and the 'wonderful art' tattoos are often classic imagery that thousands of people have anyways.
"I would never think that a an American traditional rose tattoo is overdone, nor do I think an infinity symbol is. If someone likes it, I'm happy to tattoo it on them.
"I love tattooing. I can't imagine getting all jaded and hateful about it."
Do you have a story to share? Email paige.freshwater@reachplc.com.
