How much should you tip your tattoo artist?

Answer 1

OK, everyone. I work at a shop, and all of us make 50% profit off the tattoo, the rest goes to the shop for all of the supplies that it takes to run the shop. So say you have a 200$ tattoo. That means that I would take home 100$ of that, go home, and put 35$ into my sock drawer so that when my 1099 comes in the mail when tax time comes around, I can pay my taxes on the tattoo that I just gave you. (I am a piercer, but the same goes for all of the artists). So on the 200$ tattoo that you just got, I came out with 65$. Artists at my shop average about 4 tattoos a day, 5 days a week. Not really a HUGE amount of money.......

Tipping always feels better. I hold another full time job as well as my piercing job, because just that alone, and me and my son would be homeless and starving.

I usually tip about 10$ per 100$ that the tattoo costs me, and tip 10$ for a piercing session.

Answer 2

Depends on how well you like the work done and the artist. Take into consideration the general cost of the tattoo and time taken to complete the image. I generally tip about 20-30% cost, but I'm very loving and generous. If the tattoo is small enough and costs little, I would even say tip almost 100% if you can afford to. From talking and working with tattoo artists, most people tip around 15%

Answer 3

it's up to you I tipped my tattoo artist $20 but I was getting 2 tattoos done the same day and he gave me a really good price and let my dad and cousin come in and watch I was very pleased with him so I tipped him really good... I would say take into consideration how big it is and how much work it is for the tattoo artist and if he does a good job I'd tip him good

Answer 4

Unless you're totally unsatisfied with the end result, give 'em about 20%. When you take away the cost of booth rent, ink and supplies, gauze and ointments, taxes and the myriad other things they have to continuously pay for just to stay in business, they're really not taking home much money from your tattoo.
You wouldn't stiff your waiter at a restaurant (or at least I hope you wouldn't). Well, tattoo artists provide you a service too, and they count on their tips almost as much.

Answer 5

I really don't understand how somebody could consider not tipping their tattoo artist! That's just rude...

It really depends hon...I know my artist personally and he's done all my ink so I tend to give him ridiculous tips because I adore him. If he cuts you a really good deal or the shop has a grand special going on (I just got a 7 hour tattoo done for $500...I tipped BIG on that one) then it's nice to give your artist a bigger tip since he is not making what he normally would make without the deal/special. I'd say, on average, you wanna tip at least 20% is good. They are artists performing you a personal, not to mention time consuming, service and they deserve recognition for good quality work.

Answer 6

You should tip. Its a courtesy because they did you a service. Same with waitresses and bellhops. 15% is the average rate, but less is acceptable if you can't afford that much, or more is appreciated if you afford it and appreciated their service. I can't speak for other careers, but as a waitress I depend on the tips I receive. Since minimum wage has gone up, I now make 3.43 an hour. Even if tattoo artists make 100% profit, which I doubt, they still have to pay bills at home and at work, electrical, gas, rent, not to mention supplies. The higher quality their machines, the higher quality your tattoo. But also a higher cost. :)

Answer 7

20% of the cost of the tattoo, is a good start!

Answer 8

Tips in general should be at least 15%.

Answer 9

it really depends how good he/she does the tattoo if you are really happy with the tattoo tip em if not dont bother

Answer 10

i wouldnt tip them that much how ever amount you tattoos is the pocket that, your tip is just a added bonus