February 23, 2023
How Much Will Your Tattoo Cost?
In 2023, it’s safe to say that tattoos are incredibly mainstream. It seems they are quite literally at every turn, in every different style – especially with the help of social media. Seeing so many diverse pieces art makes it very easy to get inspired for your own tattoo ideas. If you’re like most people these days, you probably have a Pinterest board or two that are overflowing with ideas. Narrowing down the ideas can be tough. It’s not uncommon for cost to play a factor in that decision. But how much do tattoos cost?
Factors of Cost Based on Design
While every shop and artist are different, several things account for the total cost of a tattoo idea. Size can play a factor when multiplied by the amount of detail because it will alter the amount of time needed. For instance, a minimalist line work design will probably cost less than a micro realism tattoo of the same size. Technicality of the design will make a difference for the same reason. In most common studios, designs without shading or color may take less time and therefore cost less. Shading takes longer to build, but color can take even longer to fully ‘pack’ and saturate the skin properly. All of these factors contribute to the total cost of your tattoo.
Do Clients Affect Cost?
The short answer is yes. Clients can affect the total cost of a tattoo because every person is different, every skin is different. Some skin is easier to tattoo, or more difficult to tattoo. Placement can also alter the cost – tattoos in more painful areas may cause the tattoo to take a bit longer as the client may have a harder time staying still, or the skin may differ in that part of the body. Many artists also charge a fee for design time. If you are very particular or your artist spends a good deal of time designing, you will likely pay more in the end.
How Do Artists Affect the Price?
Every tattoo artist is different. Therefore, each artist works in unique ways based on their experience. Some artists have been tattooing for decades. An artist could have experience in many styles or just one. Tattoo artists who have spent years or decades perfecting their craft and honing their skills will most likely be more costly than an artist who has just started. Hourly rates are based on all these factors. You are paying for an artist’s experience and skill level as well as their time. Some artists work faster than others – what one artist can do in four hours may take another artist two.
In addition to skill level, equipment also plays a factor in cost. The equipment used is unique to the artists and not cheap. In other words, if you’re going to an established artist with good quality equipment, that may affect the cost of the tattoo as artist have to purchase their supplies out of pocket.
All Things Considered, How Much Will the Tattoo be?
Unfortunately, this question does not have a one-size-fits-all answer. Taking all the above factors into consideration, it is impossible to get a good estimate without consulting directly with an artist. In order to get a proper estimate, you’ll need to do a little bit of research and communication. Check out several artists’ portfolios until you find several whose style and work fits your ideas. Send out inquiries to those artists explaining your idea with plenty of details. Details including where it will placed, how large, color or not, and reference images. As a result, the artist will be able to provide a rough ballpark estimate based on the information you provide. Thereafter, they may for additional information to accurately quote you.
Check out our Artists’ Portfolios:
Cesar Perez:
Tattoos By Artist Cesar Perez – Creative Ink Tattoo Studio
Jason Rodriguez:
Tattoo Portfolio By Jason Rodriguez – Creative Ink Tattoo Studio
Devynne Dlubac:
Tattoo Portfolio by Devynne Dlubac – Creative Ink Tattoo Studio
