120 Of The Funniest Examples Of Awful Taste But Great Execution (New Pics)
They say that taste is all a matter of opinion, and we mostly agree with this. But let’s get real here for a moment—there are some specific things that objectively look truly awful, on a multiversal, multi-timeline scale. However, despite how tasteless the thing might look, we can still marvel at the amazing craftsmanship that went into making it.
Enter, the ‘Awful Taste But Great Execution’ subreddit. The ATBGE community is made up of over 1.6 million members and is dedicated to displaying “quality craftsmanship in the least elegant way possible.” From the merely tacky to the overwhelmingly gaudy, it has a little bit of everything, proving once and for all that a sense for aesthetics doesn’t necessarily have to overlap with the person’s creativity or skills. And the moderators are very proud of keeping a high bar for the type of content that gets posted on the subreddit.
Scroll down to check out some of the best recent ATBGE posts and upvote the pics which impressed you with the craftsmanship. Do you think some of these images don’t deserve the hate they get and you think the creators actually have amazing taste? Let us know in the comments.
Bored Panda was interested to learn more about taste and skill and the overlap between the two, so we reached out to talented pie artist Jessica Leigh Clark-Bojin, who recently published her new book, 'Pies Are Awesome: The Definitive Pie Art Book.' Jessica, who is both very skilled and has a great sense for aesthetics, told us how we can motivate ourselves to continue developing a new skill when we can't see the results that we want.
"One of my favorite Bart Simpson lines is, 'I wasn’t good at it right away, so I quit,'" she said referring to his very brief interest in playing guitar. "I always think about this when I struggle with something and I’m trying to motivate myself to continue. It is incredibly rare to be instantly talented when trying your hand at a new skill." Scroll down for our full interview with Jessica.
And if you’re in the mood for some more ATBGE ups and downs that’ll make your inner aesthete wince and your inner crafter smile, you can check out Bored Panda’s previous articles about the awesome subreddit here: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4.
#1 Shrek Car
Image credits: Bubbly_Hat
Pie artist Jessica went into detail about how we can tell whether or not a certain skill is worth learning for us personally. "Sometimes, you find you 'have a bit of a knack' for something new, and even though you still have to work hard, you are able to find enjoyment, or that 'flow' state, a little more easily than others. This is usually an indication to me that the skill is worth investing the time and effort in, even if you don’t see professional-level results right away," she told Bored Panda.
"If it comes 'a little bit easier' to you than others, you'll probably be able to get to where you want to be if you keep at it. If, on the other hand, the work feels like banging your head against a board from day one, and you're just not having any fun at all, you may want to consider picking a different skill to cultivate!"
According to Jessica, how much taste and skill overlap depends a lot on the context, as well as the community that's actually judging whether something's tasteful or tasteless. The larger the community, the less subjective and niche the group's interpretations are likely to be.
#2 Michelin Buddha
Image credits: rastroboy
#3 Perfect For Aerating The Lawn
Image credits: xmastreee
"In a small community with a narrow definition of 'taste,' the bar may be lower for the quality of 'tasteful content.' But if you are looking at the internet at large as your audience, for a group that size to predominantly agree something is 'tasteful' it is generally a pretty good indicator that the creator is at the top of their game," she explained to Bored Panda.
"And it makes sense—if you as a creator are exposed to a broader selection of content that is informing your sense of taste and your work, you are probably also exposed to a broader selection of skills and techniques executed at a high level."
The artist also added her insights about the type of content that gets posted on the 'Awful Taste But Great Execution' subreddit. "In the case of many of these posts, the creators are intentionally making a controversial, subversive statement, and likely don't intend their work to be taken as an expression of their refinement and taste!" she shared her opinion.
#4 Pretzels Dipped In White Chocolate And Laid On Poppy Seeds Make Up This Delightfully Smoky Charcuterie Board
Image credits: sfyjnkljc
#5 Might Be Hard To Get The Vacuum Into All The Nooks And Crannies
Image credits: caitazoid
#6 This Water-Like Epoxy Floor
Image credits: uni-versalis
A while back, Bored Panda spoke to Jonas Nyffenegger and Sébastien Mathys of the Ugly Design project on Instagram about aesthetics. They explained that beauty, in their opinion, is boring. Ugliness, meanwhile, is exciting, fresh, and captivating. And it definitely stands out in your social media feeds.
"As our love for ugliness keeps growing, the line between ugly and beauty is getting a bit blurred. It appears more and more of our followers have completely lost their taste. That’s a good thing. It means they’ll have to find it again. It will most likely be forever changed," they shared with us.
“When seeing an ugly design rather than perfect aesthetics (as defined in the 21st century)—scrollers takes notice," they told Bored Panda that the key to getting attention is not being predictable. That way, content doesn't go stale.
#7 This Cigarette Dispenser
Image credits: RagingHomo_DaPenis
#8 Sigh... *unzips*
Image credits: OlivesGoOnFingers
#9 Slowly Bleeding Candle Hand
Image credits: dilettantedebrah
Previously, Bored Panda spoke to the ‘Awful Taste But Great Execution’ moderator team to learn more about the online community.
The founder of the entire subreddit explained that r/ATBGE was created as a spin-off of another subreddit. The mods of that particular subreddit kept rejecting ATBGE posts, so the moderator was inspired to create a separate community, a niche entirely for their vision of what the content should be like.
“In the beginning, /r/ATBGE focused heavily on automotive-related posts, but we knew doing this would potentially limit our user base. To make /r/ATBGE more appealing to the masses, we opened up the subreddit to include things beyond autos (tattoos, fashion, décor, etc.),” the moderator told Bored Panda.
#10 Gingerbread Crack House
Image credits: shpritzie
#11 Barber Has Skills But Wouldn't Want My Kid Walking Around With This
Image credits: MegaMindxXx
#12 A Bread Beanie
Image credits: treeshateorcs
“As we grew, moderators were added and subreddit rules were further refined. Now we are here and things are still looking good. We continue to add new subscribers each day, which is a good thing (considering we all do this for free),” the mod said.
The subreddit has amassed a whopping 1.6 million members since August 2016. And it seems like its growth isn’t stopping any time soon.
If you’re planning on being an awesome member of the community, you’ve got to keep r/ATBGE’s rules in mind. They’re nothing too fancy, but everyone needs to be reminded of the rules from time to time, whatever subreddit they might be a fan of.
#13 Was Told I Should Post My Drag Grinch Look Here
Image credits: https://old.reddit.com/r/ATBGE/comments/rjfqdm/was_told_i_should_post_my_drag_grinch_look_here/
#14 One Sec, Let Me Grab My Laptop
Image credits: rightcoastguy
#15 Bauble Head?
Image credits: TaLDoR_RuMBuX
In the case of ‘Awful Taste But Great Execution,’ naturally, the focus of the posts has to be on awful taste and great execution. When one of these crucial factors is missing, the entire point of the image is gone.
“All posts must be of something exhibiting awful taste but great execution. If it does not display great execution it does not belong here. Great execution is defined as a work of quality craftsmanship,” the moderators write, adding that they will always remove any posts that are related to music videos and car wraps.
#16 I've Bean Making Dice
Image credits: Nolencompany
#17 All Her Art It Beautiful But This One Makes Me Laugh
Image credits: boinkish
#18 This Haircut
Image credits: Cr1ms0nSlayer
“Posts that are cute, funny, unique, or otherwise tasteful will be removed. Taste is highly subjective, so use your best judgment. Just because it is a tattoo does not mean it is awful taste. Do not post something you made or own,” the mod team explains, regarding the taste aspect of the pics.
What’s more, the sub actually tries to minimize any hateful or overly critical comments that reach the creators of all of these tasteless projects. That’s why they ask people not to post any direct links to the creators and artists. That way, the subreddit can still have its fun while the creators don’t suffer backlash because some redditors simply couldn’t hold their tongues behind their teeth.
#19 Car Ad That I Found
Image credits: HalfDecentFarmer69
#20 Thanks, Now I Hate Eyes
Image credits: Currynrice9728
#21 I See Your Denim Boots And Raise You Hiking Stilettos
Image credits: birdycrow
And speaking of (literally) tasteless things, sometimes it infects even food. For instance, in an interview with Bored Panda, writer Geraldine DeRuiter, who founded the Everywhereist blog, shared her thoughts about a horrible experience she had at a Michelin-starred restaurant in Italy. Some chefs forget that they're actually making food, so they hyperfocus on the aesthetics of the meals. The dishes might look impressive, but they're difficult to eat.
"It’s honestly hard to pick the worst thing about this meal. It was a symphony of mistakes made by the kitchen. But honestly, the worst part? It was that the food didn’t even taste good and it was so, so expensive compared to other, wonderful meals we’ve had in Lecce," Geraldine shared with Bored Panda.
#22 Grub Meatloaf & Grub Carrot Cake
Image credits: jonnytechno
#23 Pimple Nails
Image credits: ewzoe
#24 What Is He Chasing After? Eggs?
Image credits: LawyerMotor210
“I guess they’ve forgotten what it means to actually be a chef. They’ve let ego overtake everything else,” Geraldine shared her opinion on why some chefs sacrifice everything for the sake of aesthetics.
“I think that food can be so overworked and so far removed from its original source as to become pretentious, but when that happens fault obviously lies with the chef."
#25 Admirable Craftsmanship
Image credits: xStormwitchx
#26 Custom Limousines By Jay Ohrberg
Image credits: Mlliii
#27 This Is Exactly The Lifesize Starving Beggar Lamp I Was Looking For.
Image credits: Smug_amoeba
#28 Found This Gem On Facebook
Image credits: techturner22
#29 "I Don't Wanna Toot In My Own Horn..."
Image credits: R-o-C-k-E-t_69
#30 This Person’s Tattoo
Image credits: Floodbucket
#31 These $180 Denim Boots
Image credits: johnseri451
#32 My Friend Has This Ring With An Actual Used Glass Eye In It...
Image credits: Brojuha
#33 This Stained Glass Car Sunroof
Image credits: Currynrice9728
#34 This Ornament
Image credits: danistrangeton
#35 This "Pump-Kin" At My Ob/Gyn's Office.
Image credits: jenniferandjustlyso
#36 "What Would You Like Grandma To Make You For Christmas? " Not This!
Image credits: YourBrainOnFacts
#37 This Plushie My Friend Brought To School Today
Image credits: shrombus3
#38 I Have A Skull. I Have A Pineapple. Huh Pineapple-Skull
Image credits: Supergerauddedinant
#39 Zucchini Shoes
Image credits: cry724
#40 Realistic Bread Clothing Line
Image credits: Kdial2002
#41 When You Can't Bring Your Actual Dog With You To The Store
Image credits: dilettantedebrah
#42 Don’t Have A Cow, Man! Or Have One… Permanently Across Your Whole Torso
Image credits: AloofAltruist
#43 Boombin? Hope This Frickin' Thing Hasn't Been Posted Already
Image credits: Caesar_Passing
#44 Creepy Hybrid Hand/Face Sculpture From Wellington, New Zealand
Image credits: Uncle_Axel21
#45 This Armchair With A "Touch" Of Ussr
Image credits: FloX04
#46 Last Supper Manicure
Image credits: dilettantedebrah
#47 CVS Receipt Scarf
Image credits: M3D1ATED
#48 Beer Can That Turns Into A Christmas Tree Onrnament
Image credits: pouwerkerk
#49 Getting A Fresh Cut To Start The Year
Image credits: dwrussell96
#50 Moshi And Yario
Image credits: comments-yourestupid
#51 When There's Nothing Left In The Budget For The Kitchen
Image credits: Browndog888
#52 Ew, David
Image credits: Order_a_pizza
#53 Metal Pirate Ship Lamp My Mom “Had” To Get At A Flea Market Because “It Was So Horrible”
Image credits: AsymptoticAbyss
#54 Nice
Image credits: Travellingjake
#55 This Amazing Airport Carpet
Image credits: TyrranicalOverlord
#56 Why Use Your Driver On The Fairway When You Can Drive The Fairway?
Image credits: Illiubinati
#57 Wouldn't Drink...wouldn't Wear But Damn Good Execution
Image credits: Needle2daGroove
#58 Little Princess Sasquatch
Image credits: Dr_Zol_Epstein_III
#59 The Brass Knuckles Of Ronald
Image credits: exarobibliologist
#60 Rice On Your Clothes Is The Most Uncomfy Thing
Image credits: Dautletty
#61 Car's Mater
Image credits: Successful-Milk-1720
#62 Next, Applying For A Heliport Code
Image credits: JohnnyTeardrop
#63 These Roasted Mackerels As A Groom And Wife
Image credits: dan_sundberg
#64 This Is A Bathroom...
Image credits: n4pth4
#65 Chicken Soup Popsicles
Image credits: WYLD_STALLYNS
#66 A Microscopic Toilet Created For A Micrograph Competiton And Yeah Won It
Image credits: just_minutes_ago
#67 TV Cover
Image credits: Thryloz
#68 Was Told To Post This Here! My Mom Bought A Massive Fur Blanket Made Exclusively From Roadkill
Image credits: LeopardDot
#69 Meat Manicure
Image credits: dilettantedebrah
#70 It’s Ugly Fight Me
Image credits: kartoshsalat
#71 Found On Fb: Bdsm Tea Cup?
Image credits: NickaMLRN
#72 Everything About This Bathroom Says; "I'm Rich & Morbidly Disturbed."
Image credits: Dr_Zol_Epstein_III
#73 I Like KFC Too, But Not This Much
Image credits: dilettantedebrah
#74 Lovekraft Macaroni 'N' Cthulhu
Image credits: BolsonaroIsACunt
#75 Give It A Name!
Image credits: BobMcCully
#76 Cube Croissant
Image credits: Gilli_Glock
#77 Worst Cross Over Ever!
Image credits: Romulus_Hex
#78 These Cow Stools, Complete With Udders
Image credits: Oceana22
#79 Tiny Hand Nail Design
Image credits: ewzoe
#80 Stepmoms Casket. Never Seen Anything Like This
Image credits: emmjaymax
#81 Lobster Flip Flops. 10/10 Would Wear
Image credits: LydiaAgain
#82 This Seashell Kitten My Mom Loves Is Peak Atbge... Absolutely Horrifying
Image credits: yt_phivver
#83 Hairdryer That Looks Like A Magnum Revolver
Image credits: BarryThecon
#84 I Don't Know How To Feel About This
Image credits: DrathNur
#85 Teeth For Holding Your Toothbrush
Image credits: dilettantedebrah
#86 Two Eyes Aren't Enough
Image credits: RagingHomo_DaPenis
#87 Fashion Crash And Burn (Now Without Image Text)
Image credits: pallepishus
#88 I Don't Even Know What To Say
Image credits: ElectronicRooster976
#89 God Emperor Leto Atreides Enters The Chat...
Image credits: Dr_Zol_Epstein_III
#90 Picture On Tumblr With No Credit, Sadly
Image credits: sxeoompaloompa
#91 Balloon Bride
Image credits: CrochetCrafterCat
#92 Florida Man
Image credits: _johnald_
#93 Ugh
Image credits: AmirJeffrey
#94 Red Solo Wine Glass
Image credits: GatchaNoise
#95 Air Fryer
Image credits: cappsy04
#96 I’m A Pipe Smoker And My Dentist Neighbor Decided To Make Me A Pipe...
Image credits: Azmichael21
#97 Female Toilet Entrance
Image credits: unk0wn8
#98 Boots Made From Psych Ward Grippy Socks
Image credits: EpicDivorceTime
#99 Having Gold Chains In Place Of Having Hair
Image credits: RayZenz91
#100 Hands Up, Sucker
Image credits: tom_the_pilot
#101 There's A 50/50 Chance I'm Going Back To Buy It
Image credits: fishbethany
#102 Keyboard Flip Flops
Image credits: TooHigh2Die420
#103 A Better Than Average Antivaxx Tattoo
Image credits: CyXone
#104 Guy In Our Town Won A Few Million In Lottery. He Decided To Plate His Hummer In 14k Gold
Image credits: MStudley311
#105 Snakeskin And Head Boots
Image credits: AltruisticMorph
#106 Buick Chadcrosse Spotted In Ohio!
Image credits: SuperS3xehBunnyGirl
#107 This “Cute DIY Mask”
Image credits: The-Lying-Tree
#108 This Mug
Image credits: daltonadkins15
#109 This Brass And Deer Leather Ringmail Shows A Little Too Much Skin For My Taste...
Image credits: Dominarion
#110 Hideous Crocodile Shoes Giving Side Eye
Image credits: SnapCrackleMom
#111 Definitely These. I Hate And Love How Realistic They Are
Image credits: mayonnaiseprincess
#112 When Trauma Is On The Wishlist.
Image credits: 801-One-N-Done
#113 Whatever This Is
Image credits: Silojm
#114 And They Used Just One Arm To Lay Him In A Manger, Because They Were Totally Jacked. And Yea, The Babe Was Also Completely Yolked -Luke 2:7 Probably
Image credits: Zeugirdork
#115 These Pokemon Remasters Are Perhaps Going A Bit Far
Image credits: robaato72
#116 Commando Crocs
Image credits: DemoCahx
#117 9/11 Tribute Float
Image credits: arithmetic
#118 These High Heel Chucks
Image credits: kentaki_cat
#119 Stance Shopping
Image credits: CantaloupeCamper
#120 Drake The Kinda Guy To Cry When He Sees This
Image credits: xzxi_sir