conventions?

Question

There's this tattoo convention coming up that I'd like to go to, but I've heard that at conventions, the artists double their prices. I only want something small, the size of a quarter, but if it's going to cost me $80-100, then I'd be better off going to a local shop. So is this true?

Answer 1

it's not that artists double their prices but generally the artists are more talented and there are more custom tattoo artists at conventions so their prices are just higher. my artist charges $100 an hour whether he is at his home shop or at a convention. but there are some artists who charge upwards of $250 an hour and it may seem like their prices are higher because of the convention but they're not. artists charge by talent and how valuable their time is to them. it's just like fine art. you can't expect to pay $100 for a picasso just because you can get some other painting for that cheap.

if you are wanting a simple design that just any artist can do then you'd be fine going to a local shop. many people who go to conventions go so they can get tattooed by a particular artist that they don't have access to. like this weekend we are going to a convention and my dad is getting tattooed by a guy from new york. since we live in louisiana a 3 hour drive is much more feasable than a plane trip to new york for a tattoo.
good luck in whatever you decide!!

Answer 2

Sometimes artists charge more at conventions, because they have to pay to rent the space, and need to recover that money. Call or e-mail the artist you want to do your work well in advance, ask about pricing and make an appointment. Big names get booked quickly.

For the people who asked why you would want work at a convention:
Conventions are a great way to get work done by artists that don't happen to live near by. I've got my appointment with the Borneo Head Hunters in June. (going to their studio would be a little out of my price range) It's fun to be a part of the action, and you can enter the contests for best work of the day and maybe win a cool prize

Answer 3

Not true Alissa, The artist who did my dragon, and my daughters back piece doesn't go up on price because of a convention. Please don't get your tattoo by calling around and finding the cheapest place. YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR..... This applies to tatttoos more that anything else.

As for getting a tattoo at a convention. Every tattoo artist within a hundred fifty miles of me SUCKS. (My daughter has an 8 hour drive to get to her artist)
I have a chance to get something covered by a world famous award winning tattoo artist ......I am not going to let crowded conditions, noise and distractions stop me. In fact since I'm going to be 8 to 10 hours under the needles.....I may need all the distractions I can get. Also, the convention we are attending is in ARKANSAS. I have a feeling that it won't be nearly as crowded and hectic as one in lets say .....New York, Chicago, Detroit or San Fransico. Oh yeah....Little Rock, Arkansas will pull in HUNDREDS of tattoo fans. As opposed to the THOUSANDS that attend conventions in other cities..... In fact....I'm kinda looking forward to it.

Answer 4

Just go to a local shop anyway - it's so much more private than a noisy convention. Go to the convention to just enjoy the artwork.

Answer 5

tattoo's arn't really cheap most shops have a min. amout that the'll do a tat for most of them are around 50-75 dollers conventions can be a great place to get a tat by a very good artist so you should still check it out even if you dont get any work

Answer 6

agree with plucky
Go to look at artwork...but unless YOUR artist i working there...I wouldnt go to a convention to get a tatt. But I need to do alot more research into my artist...wont just let anyone stick a needle in me. Otherwise, go to the local shop to get the work.

Answer 7

most of the tattoos being done at a convention are pre-set up from what i understand....they're not a walk up and get tattooed thing as much.