How Much Does A Tattoo Cost?

Generally speaking, tattoos aren’t cheap, art can have varying degrees of accessibility. Most shops have a minimum of around 50$ or so, that would probably cover a very small tattoo. On average in the U.S., hourly rates currently range from 100-250$. Demand and geographical location may effect the cost of a tattoo. There are some “high-profile” artists who charge an hourly rate of 500-750$ or more. If you have a budget and can only spend so much, it’s important to be upfront with your artist about it so they can give you some options. Some artists will tell you to come back when you've saved up and I think it’s important to respect that. There are some artists who are willing to be flexible. Remember it is not owed and it doesn’t hurt to ask! It may mean splitting up the tattoo into smaller sessions or less detail in the design.

Tipping etiquette? Tipping is a traditional thing in tattoo culture, a lot of artists will appreciate it considering over half the $$ you give your artist will go towards shop fees/taxes! Some artists factor it into their hourly rate and do not rely on tips (they are often very clear abt this, if you don’t know - ask!)
Generally speaking the average tip for a tattoo is about the standard tipping percentage of 15-20%. Some people tip a lot, some people don't tip at all. Everyone is in different financial positions and have different perspectives on a value of a tattoo.

If an artist did a lot of work for you as far as being in good communication and drafting a custom design for you, your artist will definitely appreciate something extra for their effort/time/energy. It's good to practice awareness around how people treat you and how you could be treating others as well.

Here’s a general explanation of a tattoo artist’s expenses and what your money is going towards:

+A large portion of the money you give to your artist will be for shop fees/rent alone. This averages anywhere between 50-30%.
+Most tattoo artists are self employed, which means we pay in our taxes (literally an extra HUGE bill every month/quarter/year to keep track of). That’s about 10-20% of the total.
+Tattoo equipment can cost anywhere from 200$ for a cheap setup and upwards from there depending on the quality
+Education for tattooing can cost anywhere from 5k-15k on average, even without a formal apprenticeship is takes a lot of $$ to build up your equipment and it takes time for education.
+Art materials are quite expensive! Technology like computer/phone/internet that we use to communicate with clients and the printers, papers, machines, sterilizing equipment, and utilities we use for the process.
+It takes time/energy to conjure a new and unique design from the imagination, then place it on paper in a communicable way. Email and communication takes up a LOT of time. Organization takes a LOT of time. Maintaining a business takes A LOT OF TIME! Most of running a business and organizing is unseen and under-appreciated labor, ESPECIALLY in the self-employed world. Never underestimate what kind of time things take if you yourself do not have similar kind of experience.

+Remember that you are working and FAIRLY paying a human being, which is absurdly rare in consumerism of the world. Think about how most of our clothes, technology, food, and tools are created by exploited and poor labor standards in other countries. It’s an inhumane condition that we can only begin to reverse by paying attention to where something is made and by whom. Money very unfairly controls the world and it is important to remember that where we put our dollars is where we are enabling power.

**This is not to say that tattoo artists don’t get paid well** It’s one of the more profitable jobs in the creative field. Some artists get paid better than others, expenses will vary from artist to artist, life situations, and geographical location factor in as well. Some people are encouraged and allowed to be greedy and exploitative without consequence, many people have complicated relationships to currency, and other people use it as a tool for positive change. It is important to be aware of these facts when choosing and working with your artist. Transparency is everything in my opinion, trust your instincts!