6 Factors That Determine the Cost of a Tattoo
The final cost of a tattoo will depend on several factors. In this article, we will go over the top 6 which you should keep in mind to give you an idea of what you’re going to spend. Key factors, such as the experience of the tattoo artist, type of work, or even the location of the tattoo shop will play a very big role in determining the price of your tattoo.
Additionally, the tattoo size and color, the number of sessions needed to complete it, even the area where you want your tattoo, could end up effecting the final price. As mentioned earlier, the location does play a role in a final budget: taxes and expenses vary enormously depending on where you go.
Other factors that are unrelated to the tattoo itself, for example, how the artist chooses to charge you will be something that you will need to consider. Some artists will charge hourly, while others will charge per session or per piece. Depending on the complexity of your tattoo, this should all be broken in the initial consultation.
Additionally, the tattoo size and color, the number of sessions needed to complete it, even the area where you want your tattoo, could end up effecting the final price. As mentioned earlier, the location does play a role in a final budget: taxes and expenses vary enormously depending on where you go.
Other factors that are unrelated to the tattoo itself, for example, how the artist chooses to charge you will be something that you will need to consider. Some artists will charge hourly, while others will charge per session or per piece. Depending on the complexity of your tattoo, this should all be broken in the initial consultation.
What's the average cost?
Typically, tattoos have a cost range from $100 for small pieces to more than $300 per hour for larger ones. Also if you are looking for a customized, original tattoo made especially for you, the price will increase. Here are some other factors to consider when evaluating costs of a tattoo art piece are:
1) Experience of the tattoo artist
Tattoos have a base price for the materials only, which must be used exclusively for each client. When you choose a tattoo artist, first check their previous work to confirm not only their price range but their reviews.
Additionally, checking the portfolio and social accounts of your tattoo artist is always an excellent idea to review not only their work quality but their specialties. If you meet an artist with several years of experience growing as a traditional Japanese tattoo master, the quality obtained by tattooing a Daruma with him will be unbeatable. Also keep in mind the prices of his work will go hand in hand with the tattoo quality he/she offers.
On the other hand, if you find a tattoo artist that is new to the industry, but talented and with a varied portfolio of simpler pieces, you can also save some money. If you choose a “newbie” to do your tattoo (given that is a less complicated design) it will allow the artist to continue to gain experience and grow their portfolio. Most often, the charge will be far less than going with someone who has already gained their reputation in the industry. Make no mistake, just because they are cheaper doesn’t mean you won’t receive the same quality. Just make sure to do your research.
Additionally, checking the portfolio and social accounts of your tattoo artist is always an excellent idea to review not only their work quality but their specialties. If you meet an artist with several years of experience growing as a traditional Japanese tattoo master, the quality obtained by tattooing a Daruma with him will be unbeatable. Also keep in mind the prices of his work will go hand in hand with the tattoo quality he/she offers.
On the other hand, if you find a tattoo artist that is new to the industry, but talented and with a varied portfolio of simpler pieces, you can also save some money. If you choose a “newbie” to do your tattoo (given that is a less complicated design) it will allow the artist to continue to gain experience and grow their portfolio. Most often, the charge will be far less than going with someone who has already gained their reputation in the industry. Make no mistake, just because they are cheaper doesn’t mean you won’t receive the same quality. Just make sure to do your research.
2) Size, color and design
The use of high-quality ink will not only make your tattoo have a defined and lasting color, but it will guarantee a safe healing process. If your tattoo design is nontraditional and full of bright neon colors, the use of special ink will be added to the cost when estimating the price of your tattoo.
An intricate, highly detailed design will also increase the number of hours and expertise required by the tattoo artist. There are certain styles like shadow work, 3D and realism that can be achieved by using only a few pigments, but they require tremendous artistic ability. Therefore, some tattoo artists charge a flat rate for their work regardless of the colors needed on your design and focus on the size and level of detail required by the idea you have in mind.
An intricate, highly detailed design will also increase the number of hours and expertise required by the tattoo artist. There are certain styles like shadow work, 3D and realism that can be achieved by using only a few pigments, but they require tremendous artistic ability. Therefore, some tattoo artists charge a flat rate for their work regardless of the colors needed on your design and focus on the size and level of detail required by the idea you have in mind.
3) The location of the tattoo
Currently, it is possible to get a tattoo on almost any part of the body (eyelids included). However, some areas are much more painful or difficult to work on. This may turn a simple tattoo into a challenge, even for experienced tattoo artists. The sensitivity of some areas of the body can increase the complexity and the number of hours invested it takes to finish your tattoo.
During the one-on-one consultation with your tattoo artist, ask them for the part of the body in which he would recommend you to get your tattoo (this will also depend on if you already have tattoos or not). The most sensitive parts of the body to get a tattoo are: the neck, inner thighs, genitals, sternum, lips, and eyelids. The less sensitive parts are the arms, outer thighs, shoulders, and buttocks. Use that as a guideline for pricing. The less sensitive body parts will generally cost less as the hours they take are significantly less.
During the one-on-one consultation with your tattoo artist, ask them for the part of the body in which he would recommend you to get your tattoo (this will also depend on if you already have tattoos or not). The most sensitive parts of the body to get a tattoo are: the neck, inner thighs, genitals, sternum, lips, and eyelids. The less sensitive parts are the arms, outer thighs, shoulders, and buttocks. Use that as a guideline for pricing. The less sensitive body parts will generally cost less as the hours they take are significantly less.
4) Custom or pre-designed?
Simply put, a custom tattoo will always cost more than pre-designed work. When choosing a custom tattoo, you the other factors which we discussed (size, color, ink used, etc) are all specific to what you want which will change the price of the tattoo. Generally, they are always going to be more than pre-designed work that the artist will have had experience doing repeatedly.
5) Location of the Tattoo Parlor
Where the tattoo parlor is located will also effect the final price of your tattoo. Larger cities like Chicago and New York will most likely be more expensive as more of the "renowned" artist will be in these areas. You also have to factor in expenses, taxes, and the shop owner to price out art so that they can cover rent of their shop.
For example, in Arkansas you might be able to get a tattoo for $150. While the same tattoo in Chicago can surpass $300.
For example, in Arkansas you might be able to get a tattoo for $150. While the same tattoo in Chicago can surpass $300.
6) Size of Tattoo
Yes, size matters.... when it comes to tattoos. The larger the size, the more hours are required to complete the artwork, the more ink is required, and also you most likely will have to work with an experienced artist (which will also increase the price). In short, a small arrow on the side of your index finger will never be compared to Japanese style fullback. However, a small tattoo of great detail can be as expensive as a bigger one less detailed with basic shading.
At the end of the day, I always recommend to going with what you love and don't skimp out just to save a few bucks. If you don't have a budget in mind, then choose a tattoo shop that has good reviews. If you are on a budget, save up and wait to get what you want rather than being in a hurry and settling.