How Much Does a Tattoo Cost?

The top factors for the cost of a Tattoo include artist skill and exposure, where you are getting the tattoo done, tattoo design, and size and placement of the tattoo.

  • Cost of a tattoo depends on many things including location of the studio, fame of the artist, as well as the size and placement of the piece.
  • Remember that the artist gives part of the percentage of what you pay to studio costs and material costs. You are also paying for the skill involved.
  • In terms of the cost of a tattoo just remember, you get what you pay for. The saying is true, “good tattoos aren’t cheap and cheap tattoos aren’t good.”
  • Don’t forget to tip! Artists work hard to create artwork that you’ll cherish for a lifetime. This is your way to thank them for that.
  1. How do I begin my research for tattoo prices?
  2. Location of parlor
  3. Artist costs
  4. Size of the tattoo
  5. Tattoo placement
  6. Extra costs
  7. What do I need to take into consideration before getting a tattoo?
  8. Overview

One of the most common questions we receive is how much a tattoo will cost? There is no short answer to this topic but the old saying, “you get what you pay for” definitely applies in the tattoo world.

Here are the top factors for the cost of a Tattoo:

  • Artist skill and exposure
  • Where you are getting the tattoo done
  • Tattoo design
  • Size and placement of the tattoo

Hopefully this article will provide insight into the price of a tattoo and give you some clear feedback on where to head next with your tattoo explorations.

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How do I begin my research for tattoo prices?

When it comes to pricing it depends on where you’re getting the tattoo done, the different shades of color being used, and the complexity of the design. It can be more, or it can be less, there may be an hourly rate or the artist may individually price each tattoo that they do. In terms of the cost of a tattoo just remember, you get what you pay for. The saying is true, “good tattoos aren’t cheap and cheap tattoos aren’t good.”

The best way to find out the cost of a tattoo is to look online at studios in which you are looking for a tattoo, have a browse through artist portfolios and pick an artist you like, print off some reference material and give the shop a call asking if you can come in for a consultation about a tattoo. In the following guide we will describe how different factors affect the cost of a tattoo.

It’s highly advised to get tattooed in a registered professional tattoo studio.

Location of parlor

If you go locally, tattoo shops (or parlors) typically have minimum amounts that they charge. It will generally be quoted by how long it will take for the artist to complete the design. So whether that little flower is on the wrist or the finger, it might cost the same. It’s a known fact that tattoo prices vary according to which part of the world the tattoo shop is located in. For example, on the outskirts of Chicago you can’t get quality art for less than US$60. Places in the UK have a minimum that is the US equivalent of just over US$50 to about US$90. Looking at different parts of Europe, tattoo artists and shops in Paris or Amsterdam charge roughly US$200/hour.

The cost of a tattoo greatly depends on the tattoo artists location. For example, it’s much cheaper to get tattooed in Capetown than in Miami. An average cost in Capetown is around €50, whereas in Miami it’s €150 (Global Tattoo Index, 2016).

Artist costs

Tattoo newbie or fully sleeved rock star, the best tattoos are the ones you’ve thought through. Once the design you want is on lockdown start searching for artists. Who does your tattoo is crucial to the final result. You want someone who’s reputable and also has skill as well as interest in the type of work you want done. It’s not necessary but certainly nice to find an artist you ‘click’ with and who also has a good report. People get tattoos at pivotal points in their lives and whoever does the work is going to hear your story behind it.

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“Good tattoos aren’t cheap and cheap tattoos aren’t good.”

Size of the tattoo

When exploring different sized tattoos, there are several factors involving the cost to consider. Obviously, the larger a design, the longer it will take to complete, and the more the tattoo will cost. Large tattoos will be drawn by the artist with customer input, and the more detailed and time-consuming, the more the artist may charge. Most artists charge for one hour for this phase, but this can vary greatly. Some artists include the design in the price of the tattoo for some large detailed pieces, as soon as you commit to getting it done with them.

Artists usually charge by the hour, so the larger the tattoo, the more time and sessions it takes to get it done.

Tattoo placement

Another important factor for the cost of the tattoo is its placement, or the location on the body. The reason for this is that it may take an artist longer to design a tattoo depending on where you want it, as well as needing to take more care in tattooing the area on an awkward piece of skin so that the image shows up as intended.

Medieval backpiece

Extra costs

You should be aware that tattoos have additional costs. Before asking “How Much Does a Tattoo Cost?”, you need to know some of the extra costs involved when the process is over. For instance, if you are satisfied with the service offered, it is recommended that you give the artist a tip. A tip is a thank you note, and it can be about 15 to 20 percent of the total cost.

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In addition to the cost of tattoo implementation, prepare to factor expenses for tattoo aftercare into your savings fund. For more information, check out our complete guide on the Tattoo Aftercare process to help make sure the money that you invest in your tattoo will be worth it.

The skill and experience of the artist highly affect the price of the tattoo.

What do I need to take into consideration before getting a tattoo?

If you’re reading this article because you’re wondering how much a tattoo will cost, it’s likely that you’ve already committed to wearing one for the rest of your life. If that’s the case, first be sure of your design. If it’s your very first tattoo, then keep the artwork you want to get inked on your body at a place where you will constantly see it for the next few months.

This is a good test for people with virgin skin because if you do decide to get that traditional piece on your leg you will see it every single day. So before going permanent keep your idea with you, just to be sure you still love it the same as when you thought of it at 4am after too many cups of coffee.

Overview

Let’s recap the top factors for the cost of a Tattoo:

  • The Tattoo Artist and Parlor
  • Location of the Tattoo Shop
  • Tattoo Design
  • The Size
  • The Placement of the Tattoo (shoulder, back, etc.)
  • After costs of Tattoo Implementation

There you go. When you’re ready to get your first tattoo, you will be able to talk price with the tattoo shop like a pro.