Why even grown adults still fear mom’s judgment when getting a tattoo?

In the spirit of Mother’s Day, Brazilian tattoo artist Leonardo Freitas, better known as Tatuinque, shares a collection of heartfelt and humorous stories from clients who—despite being fully grown, and in many cases parents themselves—still find themselves whispering the same phrase: “My mom is going to kill me.”

Whether you're 18, 30, or 50, some things never change. For many, getting a tattoo is a deeply personal act of self-expression. But for others, it comes with a lingering shadow—what will my mother think?

Leonardo sees it all the time at his Rio de Janeiro studio. Known for his BlackWork Sketch style and emotionally charged illustrations, he has a front-row seat to the inner conflicts of first-timers and ink veterans alike.

I have 40-year-old clients who say, ‘My mom is going to kill me when she sees this tattoo’. And honestly, I get it. I took a while to get my first one too.

Leo grew up with a religious mom who never forbade tattoos outright, but her quiet disapproval was always felt.

Tattoos only became socially accepted more recently. For many moms—and especially grandmothers—it’s still something rebellious, even taboo.

But while the fear of maternal judgment is real, so are the moments of acceptance—and even joy.

From disapproval to pride: Gabriel’s story

Gabriel was born in Brazil and now lives in Canada. His mom used to make handmade crafts to help pay for his education. Inspired by her sacrifice and strength, Gabriel asked Leo to create a tattoo in her honor.

When she first saw it, her reaction wasn’t what he feared—it was deeply emotional. The tattoo became a bridge—a way for mother and son to connect across continents, generations, and ink.

YO: A pilot grounded by love

YO, a commercial pilot born in India and now flying for Emirates in Dubai, had never gotten a tattoo before. Why? Because he was afraid of how his mom would react. But everything changed with the birth of his daughter.

It was his first tattoo—and he said he finally felt brave enough because now he was the dad.

It’s a pattern Leo has noticed often: people finally getting tattooed only after becoming parents themselves. 

It’s like once they have their own kids, they feel it’s okay to break the rules a little.

Pedro: A quiet tribute to fatherhood

Pedro’s tattoo was also born out of fatherhood. It took the birth of his daughter for him to feel ready—not just to get the piece, but to face his mother’s reaction. The design reflects his role as a protector, a reminder of the strength and vulnerability that comes with becoming a parent. And his mom? She didn’t kill him.

Seph: A mother’s inked devotion

Not all stories revolve around sons—some of Leonardo’s most touching tattoos come from moms themselves.

Seph, a mother from Belgium, came to Leo with a request that was both playful and deeply personal: a tattoo representing her children’s favorite stuffed animals.

It was a beautiful way for her to carry a piece of her kids with her forever.

More than ink

While every story is different, a common thread runs through them: love, fear, tradition—and transformation.

When moms understand the meaning behind a tattoo, they often change their perspective. I’ve had clients whose moms ended up getting tattoos with them afterward.

For Leonardo, tattoos are more than art—they’re stories, connections, and sometimes, healing.

Leonardo Freitas (Tatuinque) is a Brazilian designer and artist from Bahia but lives in Rio. He tattoos his unique illustrations in the BlackWork Sketch style, teaches workshops, and has served as a judge at major events. His online presence is more than a portfolio—it’s a way to connect with over 140,000 followers through educational, thoughtful, and humorous videos. Learn more on Instagram @tatuinque.