Your Artist Recommends It They'll also be able to tell you when the best time to come in is, whether it's a week or two after the final work or a couple of months later. Plus, many artists offer free touch-ups after the tattoo is completed. (Just make sure to tip your artist, even for a complementary touch-up session!)
Touch ups are generally free but the most respectful thing to do is ask for it when you're getting your next tattoo. That way the artist isn't setting everything up and making no money on the materials they used. If you're already getting another tattoo, just have them do the touch up in the same session.
In the USA, tattoos often cost $150 to $500 per hour. The survey on tipping the tattoo artist asserts that 20-25% of the total bill should be the tipping amount for the tattoo artist.
Cover ups are definitely going to be more expensive than a typical tattoo. Most of mine have been palm sized or smaller and range from $150-250, but typically take around 45 minutes.
Here's a general breakdown: Hourly Rate: Many tattoo artists charge by the hour, typically ranging from $100 to $300 per hour. More experienced or renowned artists may charge even higher rates. Flat Rate: For smaller tattoos, some artists may offer a flat rate. This can range from $50 to $200 for simple designs.
Tip what you are comfortable with based on time in the shop. You are already paying the artist for their space, ability, and materials. Anything else is simply a “I am grateful for you” type of thing. I think $50 is sold, $100 at best.
Tattoo touch-ups are important for keeping your tattoo looking great over time. Getting a touch-up every few years can help keep your tattoo looking fresh and sharp. Touch-ups fix faded colours, blurry lines, and other issues, making sure your tattoo art always looks its best.
Medium-sized tattoos, including half-sleeves or designs covering a significant portion of a body part, can cost between $200 and $800, sometimes more. The price will depend on the design's complexity, the artist's expertise, and the time required to complete the tattoo.
Not all tattoo artists specialize in cover-ups, so when looking for an artist, make sure you ask about their experience in this area. You can always ask to see a portfolio of past work showcasing their ability to transform old tattoos.
Things like materials, size, location, and type of tattoo affect general tattoo prices. On average you can expect to charge $50-100 for a small tattoo, up to $200 for a medium tattoo and over $250 for a large tattoo. The sky is the limit though when it comes to very large pieces.
“Tattooing is a service, and just like any other service industry, clients should consider tipping their tattoo artists,” says Tyson Weed, owner and tattoo artist at Sentient Tattoo Collective. “Many people don't know how much time and effort goes into creating a tattoo."
“Some tip less, and some are very generous." For instance, you might wonder how much to tip for a $500 tattoo. In this case, tipping anywhere from $75 to $125 would be appropriate. If you're getting smaller art done or maybe a touch-up for $100, tipping anywhere from $15 to $25 fits the bill.
Touch-ups are fairly common, and needing or wanting a touch-up isn't a bad thing at all. Even experienced artists do touch-ups on their work. Once a tattoo is fully healed, everyone can see what it looks like much better, and it's easier to tell if it needs a little extra oomph.
When it comes to tattoo touch-up appointments, the general rule of thumb is yes, you should tip for the extra work required. Showing appreciation for the additional effort illustrates your understanding of the artist's commitment to ensuring your tattoo looks its best.
There's more than one way to pay for your tattoo. Aside from simply paying the full amount upfront, you can simply take out a loan from your bank or credit card company. This is what many people usually go for when paying an amount that they cannot afford at the moment.
That being said, $500 can get you a decent-sized tattoo, depending on the above factors. For example, a small-to-medium-sized tattoo (palm-hand size) on your arm or leg could cost around $300 to $600, while a larger design that covers your back or chest could cost upwards of $1000.
Tattoo tipping rates
But as a rule of thumb, a 15-20% tip is usually a good place to start. So, if you spent a total of $200 on a tattoo, tipping anywhere from $30 to $40 shows your artist that you appreciate their handiwork.
For the past 12 years, most tattoo artists charged about $100/hr, with a $50 shop minimum. In some shops, if the owner is a tattoo artist, they might have charged a bit higher.
If you go to a new artist for a touch-up, expect to pay the typical hourly rate or a set fee for the work if it's a small job," adds Forte.
Experts suggest you just need to wait for your tattoo to heal fully before letting a razor pass over it. Remember to always use a clean and fresh razor shaving near body art as irritation or infection could stall your healing process.
A common guideline: 15 to 20% of the total cost of the tattoo. This range reflects the quality of work and the overall experience provided. For instance, if your tattoo costs $200, tipping 15 to 20% would mean a $30 to $40 tip.
A palm-sized tattoo usually runs between $200-500, and medium to large tattoos (about 8”) usually range from $300-600. Half sleeves typically start around $1,000 and full sleeves often range from $2,000-$4,000.
Generally, 15-25% should be the amount you tip.