Ask an Expert Edition: How does tattoo pricing work?

Ask and Expert Edition: How does tattoo pricing work?

Tattoo pricing can vary significantly based on several factors. Here's a breakdown list of the common considerations that influence tattoo pricing from expert, Selina Medina. Gone are the days of $50 pricing on tattoos, cost of materials has risen but in an effort to maintain the integrity of tattoos Selina reviews tattoo products in accordance with European standards, and the standards that conform to the known EN 17169:2020.

 1. Tattoo Size and Complexity

- Small Tattoos: Often priced at a minimum charge, typically ranging from $50 to $200.

- Medium to Large Tattoos: Priced based on the amount of time required to complete the piece. Larger and more complex designs take more time and skill, increasing the cost.

 2. Hourly Rate

- Many tattoo artists charge by the hour, with rates typically ranging from $100 to $300 or more, depending on the artist's experience and location.

- Custom, detailed, or large pieces can take several hours to multiple sessions, adding to the total cost.

 3. Artist Experience and Reputation

- Highly experienced and renowned artists often charge higher rates due to their expertise and demand.

- Apprentices or less experienced artists may offer lower rates to build their portfolio.

 4. Tattoo Style

- Certain styles, such as realism, portraiture, or intricate geometric designs, require more skill and time, leading to higher prices.

- Simpler styles like traditional or minimalistic tattoos might be less expensive.

 5. Location

- Tattoo pricing varies by geographic location. Major cities or regions with higher living costs generally have higher tattoo prices.

- Shops in trendy or high-traffic areas may also charge more than those in less central locations.

 6. Custom vs. Flash Designs

- Custom tattoos, which are unique and designed specifically for the client, often cost more due to the extra time spent on design and consultation.

- Flash designs, which are pre-drawn and can be chosen from a book or wall, might be less expensive.

 7. Color vs. Black and Grey

- Color tattoos can be more expensive due to the additional time required for shading and blending.

- Black and gray tattoos might be slightly less expensive but still depend on the level of detail.

 8. Body Placement

- Certain areas of the body, like ribs, hands, or feet, are more difficult to tattoo and may cost more due to the extra skill required and potential for increased time to complete.

 9. Shop Policies

- Girly Tattoos have a minimum of $400 per tattoo with a 2 hour minimum. For small tattoos, you can get a lot of small tattoos in bulk rate discounts- please inquire with tattoosbyselina@gmail.com. 

- At Girly Tattoos we may offer packages or discounts for multiple sessions or large projects. Each project is dependent on clients goals in relation to their tattoo.

-Active duty service members, including military and police will receive a 5 to 10% discount per session if communicated at the tattoo consultation.

 10. Additional Costs

- Tips for the artist, which are customary and often expected (typically 15-20% of the total cost). WE NEVER EXPECT TIPS.

- Aftercare products, which might be recommended or provided by the shop for an additional fee.

 Example Pricing Structure

- Small Tattoo: $50 - $200 (minimum charge)

- Medium Tattoo (2-4 hours): $200 - $600

- Large Tattoo (5+ hours or multiple sessions): $500 - $2000+

- Hourly Rate: $100 - $300 per hour

Selina, considering your expertise and experience in tattooing, how do you typically structure your pricing?

I approach pricing in a pay as you go model to support clients. I also define what work gets done per the cost at each session so a client understand what to expect. I genuinely believe in being transparent with cost to support good relationships with my clients. Occasionally, under estimates happen and I try to adjust with clients to support and complete my tattoos in budget allotting with clients.

My minimum is 2 hours for $400. Most tattoos are closer to 4 hours for the cost $750. I also offer larger sessions for clients willing to sit for a longer session when they are traveling, 8 hours are $1500. For the larger sessions I will extend sessions to maximize the value for the client if we hit a really good stride or pace during the tattoo session and time allows. Tattooing is a creative endeavor for me nowadays, and my ethical stance of tattooing leads me to make myself available in the community. As a result I offer tattooing in ranges of pricing to help as many people as I can in the community to love the skin they live in.

I structure the pricing based on the time of my day the tattoo will take. When I review tattoo requests I break down the fundamental wants a client has, and create the tattoo based on the requests the client has. I utilize in person planning sessions to clarify and plan the design with my client in front of me. These sessions are planned to offer uninterrupted creative time with me and my client to explore ideas and concepts they have, their tattoos goals, while affording them the ability to utilize my extensive expertise to maximize the value of their tattoo session and build a tattoo they truly love. I am passionate about deriving all of my creative inspiration from my client in my one on one approach- this allows me to help you explore and make meaning in your tattoo. I do my best to give clear examples of your tattoo at the in person planning sessions on expectations on cost and time to complete your tattoo.

With the approach of building the tattoo together it affords the client the best case scenario to get the best tattoo possible, with their creative input and feedback, utilizing a trained expert's knowledge to ensure the best tattoo possible. In an effort to create comfort and ease in the process of tattooing I work with each client choosing colors together, choosing subject matter, size of subject matter, positioning on the body and composition of the tattoo. I personally do not believe there is ever the answer ‘No’ to a client, I will always explain why something might not be a good idea and ensure my clients have enough information to make a decision best for them and their tattoo. This gives me the ability as a tattoo artist to teach clients what it is that they are investing in to result in striking tattoos that last a lifetime. With more than 15,000 tattoos completed I have been able to see my work consistently heal for years, if not decades to ensure how to apply a solid tattoo and maximize your investment in tattoos. Keep reading below for some examples of pricing in relation to tattoos for some realistic expectations about cost and time invested in tattoos.

This particular tattoo took four 4 hour sessions to complete. This tattoo is nearly complete at this point but has at least one more 4 hour session to complete the cap of this client's shoulder and chest. There is a lot of shading and dynamic light sourcing in this tattoo to create this effect. The structure of this tattoo is specific to the clients active outdoors lifestyle and darker skin tone. The cost at this point in the tattoo is $3000. Generally shoulder cap tattoos are between $2500 and upwards of $7000. The cost reflected is dependent on the detail in the final image of the tattoo. Black and grey tattoos tend to be on the lower end of the cost for larger tattoos as they take a little less time to complete than color. Cover up tattoos and painting style tattoos tend to be on the highest end of cost for a tattoo spanning this space of the body. Please note that physical size of tattoos and the space of the area to be tattooed can also influence the price.

In relation to this tattoo to price was $1500- this tattoo may have been completed at one session in about 8 hours, however we do not expect people to sit for those long sessions unless they are on travel conditions or they are comfortable sitting for extended hours. These sessions are sought after by clients who do not live in the local area. This tattoo was done in two 4 hour tattoo sessions and a final 1 and half hour session to complete along with another tattoo. This tattoo is large and very detailed. The image is able to represent the clients child and have some additional elements that the client loves for the overall aesthetic. This tattoo was planned based on the core concept of the child’s nickname being weasel.

This tattoo was done in 5 hours start to finish, for a total cost of $900 on the older pricing model. We believe in the value for tattooing, and being clear with pricing. At this price structure the hourly price was at $180 per hour, with the modest increase in longer hours we were able to adjust the pricing to 4 hour sessions being prices at $750 and 8 hour sessions for $1500. Allowing our clients to be able to prepare and budget a little easier and get tattooed around what works for them.

In a final example of a large tattoo please see this shoulder cap design that totaled for a price around $5000 including a couple small coverups, personalized artwork and customized skin tone color selection to have the maximum impact of color.

This tattoo was completed over 8 months and was priced per session around $750 per every 4 hours. There were 6.5 sessions to complete the tattoo you see here. Large tattoos spanning multiple planes of the body that creep like this- take time, planning and consistency to complete. We always recommend monthly tattoo sessions to ensure that your tattoo doesn't age unevenly and ensure your tattoo was completed in a timely fashion to maximize the investment and ensure the tattoo ages consistently. Style and design influence this process and is approached on a case by case basis. Please refer to Selina for more information about how this applies to your upcoming project.

I also feel that it is important to mention that planning sessions are essential for the success of tattoos and set the tone of the tattoo sessions. I believe in setting good relationships and defined realistic expectations of tattoos. Clients needing a set budget feel free to reach out to us and help us help you.

Please refer to Selina for final information regarding your tattoo session, cost and length of the term of your project. Please remember the more you add to your tattoo the longer the tattoo will take.