How much should a person tip a tattoo artist?

Question

How much should a person tip a pro. tattoo artist for a medium (?) tattoo on the shoulder?

EDIT TO ASK: also, how much do medium size colour tatts usually cost?

Answer 1

It depends on the kind of work he did. I usually begin calculating at 30%, and go up from there. (Yes, I HAVE tipped 100%--he did an AWESOME job on my red dragon!)

Answer 2

I have 5 tattoos and I always tip.. 3 of mine cost between $180 and $220 and I have $50 for those 3. My 2 smaller ones I tipped $20. I don't think a lot of people tip their tattoo artists though because even though I go to the same guy every time he seems shocked and always asks if I'm sure about my tip. Just use your judgment if you want to tip. It's completely up to you.

Answer 3

Depends on if the artist owns the shop etc.
Cost depends on size, detail etc... You can call a shop and get a general idea. They may also charge like 40 to draw up something but then that comes out of the total cost. For a 130 dollar tatt I tip 20 bucks.. it just depends.

Answer 4

Most tattoo artists work a 60%/40% deal. The shop owner get 60 and they get 40. Most tattoo artists rely on customers to pay their mortgage and feed their family. You don't need to go crazy, but these people are artists. It's not easy tattooing....not to mention, some of the well seasoned artists have carpel tunnel. After slinging ink for 3-4 hours, they are in pain. An extra $20-40 might make it worth it. They will remember you and give you a "Bro Deal" next time.

Love your local tattoo artist...

Answer 5

Depends on the artist. Some get to work and get it done. In that case I tip well. Some take their sweet old time, in that case I tip less. Since Tattoo Artist normally charge a hourly fee, I'm not going to tip a slow poke or some one who takes alot of breaks, talking on the phone, smoking cigarettes and talking as much as the person who sets down and gets it done.

Answer 6

I'm a pro tattoo artist. and i think at least a $20 tip is approiate. That's enough for them to maybe remember it a few weeks later if you come in. I'd also suggest tipping when you pay up front sometimes to get an extra ounce of work out of the artist. :)

Answer 7

Depends on how long and most importantly how good the artist is. I tipped 100 for a 9 hour session. Turned out wayyyyyyy awesome. He's gotta be the best artist there is. But you can tip like 40-50 bucks for yours if you want.

Answer 8

A medium size tattoo usually cost about 225.00 depending on complexity and length of time it took. You should tip your artist roughly 15% of the job.

Answer 9

Tip 20% of the cost of the tattoo.

Answer 10

20% of the tattoo, but only if your happy with the tattoo and the service. by tipping a percentage you are assuring that your paying based on the work. Not just a general amount.

Answer 11

I usually tip $20 after a three hour session. I've had to go multiple times and have spent well over a thousand dollars (which mostly goes to the artist.)