22 How Much Does It Cost To Get A Tattoo?
Description
This article is from the Tattoo FAQ, by Stan Schwarz with numerous contributions by others.
22 How Much Does It Cost To Get A Tattoo?
This is an age-old debate, so the following is just a very basic
ballpark. You usually pay for work either by the piece, or by the hour.
The smaller pieces in the artist's flash book are "standard stock"
material that usually don't take the artist too long to do. For these,
you might find prices listed right next to the artwork. The artist may
have a "minimum" charge that might vary with each artist.
Larger (or custom) pieces will usually be charged by the hour (unless
you and the artist decide beforehand on the total price). If you get a
"stock" piece (probably about 2" x 2" in size), you will probably not
pay more than $100 and sit no longer than an hour in the chair. Your
mileage may vary.
If you bring your own design, the artist may charge anywhere from $50 to
a few hundred dollars an hour, depending on the artist. However, you may
want to work with someone who charges $100 or so an hour; after all, you
DO get what you pay for. Also, some artists charge for illustration time
prior to beginning tattoo work. If they do, this might increase your
price by an extra hour. If they tell you that your piece will be charged
by the hour, ask them how many hours they think it'll take. If you are
on a limited budget, tell them how much you can afford.
Price negotiation should be up front and straightforward, a part of your
initial discussion before work begins. Some shops take credit cards;
most don't. Out-of-towners may be asked to put down a deposit. Be
particularly wary of people willing to work "for cheap" or "for free."
They are often artists just starting out, who are still developing their
skills. Caveat emptor.
Warning: Once the artist quotes you a price, *DON'T DICKER WITH IT!* The
best way to get on the artist's bad side is to try to bargain with the
price. If you think the price is too high, renegotiate the scope of the
artwork--NOT the price. I usually do it this way: "Hi, I have X amount I
can spend on this design. What can we work out for that price?"
If you are very pleased with their work and service, you are strongly
encouraged to tip the artist, even if they own the shop. Even shop
owners don't pocket 100% of what they make (remember--it's a business!).
Tips can range from 10% to 20% of the piece, so be prepared with cash on
hand.
I personally recommend a tip for any work which you are pleased with, or
any custom work where the artist spent time drawing up your illustration
(since drawing time is usually not included in your price). Nothing
brightens up a day for the artist, or helps to build a friendly
relationship with your artist more than a generous tip. If you're very
happy with the artist and you think you might get more work from them
later, TIP!!
There have been heated discussions on rec.arts.bodyart in the past
regarding the appropriateness of tipping a shop OWNER. If you feel that
an owner does not deserve a tip on top of the price s/he charges you,
then A) do not give a tip at all, or B) bring some sort of offering, be
it food, flowers or whatever.
Many tattoo artists have told me that the BEST TIP is good word of
mouth. If you are happy with your tattoo, show it off to your friends
and tell them where you got it done!
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