It's usually best to email your tattoo enquiries in as you can explain in detail what tattoo you want, send reference photos and describe how you want the tattoo to look.
In general, the artist will accommodate. As for you, I would simply start with, ``Hello, I've made a decision to have this tatted on my forearm; do you foresee any problems in terms of placement or any part of this design that may need to be altered?. Be open and receptive to your artist's opinion.
For every $100 spent on the tattoo most would say $20-$25 but I think most artists agree there is a reasonable limit to that. Probably anything over a $250 tip for one's days worth of tattooing might be unnecessary however greatly appreciated.
As we state generally “tips are not required, but appreciated “ because most tattoo artists in a shop minus the owner are making 50-60% of the total cost… on a $1000 tattoo (most likely multiple sessions) I would tip at least $100-$150 for every session done.. so roughly I'd say average a good tip on a tattoo that's ...
It's usually best to email your tattoo enquiries in as you can explain in detail what tattoo you want, send reference photos and describe how you want the tattoo to look.
This one is at the top of the absolute worst tattoo shop etiquette. Don't negotiate the price. Tattoo artists will always quote you beforehand based on their time and the size of the tattoo.
Dear [Recipient Name], My name is [Your Name], [Your Title] at [Your Company Name]. We are currently in the process of [Project/Task] and require [Product/Service]. We came across [Recipient's Company] and were impressed by your offerings in [Specific product/service line].
Artist Availability: Some tattoo shops designate specific artists for walk-ins, while others may be fully booked. Understand that immediate availability is not guaranteed, and there might be a waitlist. Rest assured, shops strive to accommodate walk-ins promptly.
Here's some of the things you may want to avoid saying or asking: “Can you go any faster?” – If you want a crappy tattoo, maybe. “If I don't like it, can I get a refund?” – No, sorry. You pre-approved the art before they started.
Include: the color/style of the tattoo you want (black and white, stick poke, color, red line etc). Make sure what you're describing is something they actually do. Grab some examples from their work and tell them that's the kind of look you're going for.
You can do this by calling, emailing, or just stopping by the shop. The consultation is a scheduled time for you to come in and talk to the tattoo artist about what you want to get tattooed. Bring any references you might have with you to the consultation.
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.
Many tattoo artists charge an hourly rate, ranging from $50 to $300 per hour or more, depending on their skill level and reputation. Hourly rates may be more common for custom designs or larger, more detailed pieces.
In most studios, payment must be made before services are rendered. It is up to each studio to decide which methods of payment they accept. Whatever method you pay with, make sure they give you a receipt. It is also customary to tip the artist for their work– 20% is the norm, but you can use your discretion.
As with tipping waitstaff, 20-25% percent is a good standard. An easy way to include tipping in your budget is to add it in when getting the estimated costs for having your work done. So, if your tattoo is expected to cost $200, with a 20-percent tip, that's $240.
While it's fine to get ideas from pictures of other tattoos, talk to your artist about what their ideas are for creating it. Tell them what you would like to change so the piece is uniquely yours. Remember, you selected your artist because they have strong portfolio and you are attracted to their style.
Consultations generally take 15-40 minutes, depending on how involved the tattoo is. The consultation itself is free, but if you do decide to book a tattoo appointment once we've talked, I have you put down a deposit to secure your spot.
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. This rate was almost constant until 2021.
Small tattoos: Under 2 inches in size, and cost between $50-$100. Medium tattoos: 4-6 inches in size, and cost between $150-$450. Large single-piece tattoos: 4-6 inches in size, and cost between $500-$5,000. Full-sleeve tattoos: Cost between $1,500-