how much should you tip a tattoo artist ??

Question

i am going to get my shoulders and my entire back tattoo what would an ideal tip be ??It is probably going to be 5 to 6 sessions long and should i tip him or her per session or at the end??

Answer 1

Tattoos artists don't require you to tip them, but it shows that you were pleased with the quality their artwork enough that you were willing to throw in a little something extra. I usually base the amount I tip my tattoo artist on a couple of things:

- Their attitude when I first walk in. Are they courteous and accommodating, or do they act like they have other things to do? I had one artist (Chris) that was eager to help me, but very patient while I explained to him what I wanted done. The last time I went into my usual place, my usual guy, Chris, wasn't working and it took half an hour before anyone would even talk to me. There was one piercing artist and one tattoo artist that were free that day, but they were too involved in their Xbox competition to see to me. I walked out and went down the street.

- Their willingness to work with my idea(s). When I went in for my second tattoo, I had left my drawing ideas at home, but I had a good visual image of what I wanted done. Chris was very patient and very obliging. He drew out several different ideas for me and kept drawing them out until I was satisfied with his creation. It came out much better than even I had expected or visualized. My last tattoo however, while I was pleased with the results, I wasn't very pleased when the guy was drawing it out. He asked me what I wanted done and the size I wanted, and that was it. He drew it out and didn't ask for my input. I had to tell him what changes I wanted made to his drawing and he acted annoyed that I was making suggestions.

- How communicative they are before, during and after the session. With my first two tattoos, both artists were very informative. They showed me which tools they would be using, allowed me to select the right color inks I wanted, told me when they were going to start or stop, asked me if I needed a break or a drink of water, let me know when a certain area they were working on might begin to hurt, when they were working on the outline or shading the tattoo in, when they had to switch from a single needle to multiple needles, when they were finally done, how I felt about the finished tattoo and of course how to properly care for the tattoo when the tattoo was finished. Chris even wanted me to come back in after a few weeks had passed, so he could both admire his own handiwork and make sure that it was healing properly. My last tattoo, my tattoo artist didn't even talk to me but a few times. Most of the time he was talking to their piercing artist. When I was done he just walked away and I had to ask him if he was done. He nodded his head, told me he didn't have to tell me how to take care of it since I already had two, and then said that I could pay the woman at the front.

- The length of time it takes. You don't want a tattoo artist that speds through the session as though they're in a hurry and have better things to do, because it will show. But at the same time, you don't want your artist to make the session longer than it should be, if he has to keep taking breaks or is distracted by other things and/or other people. My very first tattoo, my tattoo artist though friendly and informative, had to stop for a cigarette break once and then people kept coming in that he knew and he had to stop and talk to them. It was very uncomfortable for me having to sit there in my bra with all these people looking at me.

- How pleased I am with the quality of work done; the end results.

Thankfully all of my tattoos turned out nicely and I tipped all my tattoo artists. Even the last guy. The first guy I tipped $15, just because he kept being distracted. Chris, the second guy, I tipped $20 for my second tattoo, then an additional $10 tip because he touched up my first tattoo. And the last guy I tipped $10. I wasn't happy with his attitude, but I knew he had to eat too.

Even if your tattoo has to be done over several sessions, it's not a bad idea to tip your artist after each session. It doesn't have to be a large amount, like the amount you would tip if it was done in one session, but even just a small tip will tell your artist that you valued the quality of the work they've done and you would like to ensure that you receive top quality with the rest of your sessions. Your tattoo artist will remember you and will want to leave a good impression with you so that you will definitely come back and bring them more business.

Answer 2

It's not required to tip a tattoo artist. If you're spending $800 on a tattoo what is there to tip? Unless you're rich. I'm not saying DONT tip them but if you have $20 and you need it, don't feel bad for not tipping them because like tattoo artists, customers have necessities also and sometimes can't tip so they just come for the tattoo. But if you don't need the $20, give it to them don't be cheap because yes I understand the hard work, the drawing, the hours they spend on doing it.

Answer 3

Depends on how much the Tattoo is, if it is a $100 tat then tip them about $15-$20 if it is about a $300 then I would say about $30

Answer 4

I have fifteen tattoos, and I always tip at the end of the last session. It's not required and usually not expected but it's a nice gesture to show your appreciation for their hard work. I also tip if I have something original drawn up for me. As far as how much to tip it's really up to you. I try to give at least 25% but sometimes that isn't possible, after all tattoos are expensive!

Answer 5

I've only got 1 tattoo and she was very friendly did awesome work & made me feel very comfortable during the whole process. I had picture of tattoo I wanted & she made some changes that made it even nicer than what I was originally wanting. I tipped 25 percent because I was very happy with it & if I decide to get more I figured maybe she will remember I tipped her good & she will be happy to do more. Maybe she can get me in quick. Because she is booked up for month. Luckily when I went in last night someone had just canceled so got in 1st thing next morning which was better than waiting for over a month to get it done.

Answer 6

No tip is necessary but some times a tip will result in a "hook up" next time you get a tattoo by the same artist if you're satisfied with the tattoo they did the first time and want them to do your next one. My artist has a shop that he owns with his friend so it's just them two so an appointment is required but they are absolutely amazing and make you feel comfortable.

Answer 7

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I just talked to my roomate who has 8 tattoos and he said that it's a good idea to tip them before hand so that they do a better job. He says that it is pretty much standard to tip your tattoo artist well so that they do the best job -- after all it's permanately on you (prob around 15% - 20%)

Answer 8

Back in the day( 30 yrs.) tipping wasn't expected, now it's like going to your hair stylist because tattooing has become a trendy thing. For a 3-5 hour session I usually flip them 20 bucks and never had any complaints. I've seen people give them anywhere from 5$ to 50$ depending on the length of time and quality, I think it's sorta up to you and how you feel about the work.

Answer 9

I always tip!!! Becuase if you want another tattoo later the artist is more likely to give you a better deal, I would figure the total cost of the tattoo and go from there. I got my upper back done and it cost me 300 dollars. I tipped 100 dollars, but every time i go back I get a great deal. I depends if you like the work also.

Answer 10

On a $150 tat, I tip $20

Answer 11

Depending. I'll usually tip 20 to 30 bucks