An Australian tourist's desire for a quote permanently etched onto his chest resulted in an embarrassing misspelling after a tattoo session in Bali. The man intended to have the seven-word phrase "In times of peace, prepare for war" tattooed on his upper chest. However, after an eight-hour session, he discovered the artist had misspelled "peace" as "piece."
The error, documented and shared on Instagram, drew numerous online comments, with some users humorously remarking on the "piece of work." A representative from the Bali-based tattoo company confirmed to Yahoo that the tattoo has since been corrected.
This incident has led to renewed advice for Australians seeking tattoos abroad, particularly in destinations like Bali where tattoos are often more affordable than in Australia. Prices for tattoos in Australia can range from $120 for small designs to upwards of $5,000 for full sleeves, whereas in Bali, similar tattoos might cost as little as $60 for a small design or less than $2,500 for a sleeve.
Perth-based tattoo artist Khail Aitkel emphasized the importance of clients verifying their stencils, especially when the tattoo artist may not be a native English speaker. "The client should have double-checked his stencil, being in a country that doesn't typically speak English," Aitkel stated. He also acknowledged the artist's responsibility, adding, "With that being said, it's the artist's job to produce the right design for his client. This is what being cheap or careless will cost you."
Aitkel advised prioritizing reputable studios with experienced artists, strong reviews, and clear hygiene practices over solely considering cost. He noted that standards, regulations, and aftercare can differ significantly between countries. Another Queensland tattoo artist reported frequently needing to correct errors made on tattoos done in Bali, expressing frustration with the recurring issue and advising clients to "spend your money wisely, or don't be this guy."
