Tattoo price?

Question

I know people say its art and yell about how could ask how much is costs, but I don't have unlimited supplies of money I just want to be prepared and have enough cash.
I am thinking on my leg shin and calf, fairly large but not entire leg.
so average price for color?
and average price for black and gray?
any real help is very appreciated.

OK that is funny as hell, i Have never heard a women with a lower back tattoo call it a tramp stamp.

I have asked a few places but they get pissy and angry and go on about how it doesn't matter how much it costs, when I only wanted to know how much I should expect.

San Jose, CA

Answer 1

where do you live if you don't mind me asking?

I have a dragon on my right leg that goes from the area up by my knee down to my ankle, it's very detailed and is mostly black and gray. It's an almost $500.00 tattoo but since I've had numerous tattoo's and piercings done by the same artist that I usually use he gave me a break, and only charged me $200.00


I'd give you a rough estimate of between $100.00-$500.00 all depending on what your getting. A tattoo artist that gives you an attitude over asking prices will only do a sh*tty job when you go get your tattoo (this I've learned from friends who did this) shop around and don't be afraid to ask questions.


~~good luck and have fun~~

Answer 2

Firstly: You get what you pay for! Do not cheap out on something like that. I'm not suggesting that you spend an obscene amount of money on a tattoo, but do some research before you make your decision on who you let tattoo you. Some of the cheaper places let their sanitation lapse so that they can offer lower prices...

Secondly: Go into shops personally, phone calls won't cut it. You'll want to see how clean the studio is before letting them punch holes in your body. Meet the artists, and look at their portfolios. Talk with them, and tell them what you want, where you want it, etc. A good artist will take the time to tell you which colors will work best on your skin tone, and which will be best for the design you are choosing.

Thirdly: The price isn't always based on color or size, but more so on the time that it will take to complete the piece. Something with a lot of detail and multiple colors will take longer and cost more, whereas something simple shouldn't cost as much.

Fourthly: I'm not sure fourthly is a word, but anyway, attitude is everything in life. If they have a crappy attitude this is a reflection of the work they do. If an artist gives you an attitude, move on and find someone with patience.

I'm including a link where you can start your research. You can find information on artists, and tons of images and advice. Good luck!

Answer 3

Hello, each shop will have different pricing but its a pretty safe bet to think you'll be spending about $100 an hour. Color and black and gray don't really cost different it just usually takes a little longer to do black and gray pieces but they are worth it. It's my fav work I love gray wash. Take the piece you want or go into a shop and talk to a artist see what they quote you. Face to face they will give you a quote they don't want to ink you if you can't pay! Depending how big the piece is I'd GUESS your looking around 2-250 unless your super detailed then your more around the $300 range it took me just over an hour to do a fairly large piece on the calf the other day it stopped on the side... I am thinking your description sounds a little larger than the one I just completed. Good luck man:)

Answer 4

You should not pay less than $150.00 per hour for any tattoo. If an artist is charging less than $150 - then they do not have confidence in their abilities & artwork - and neither should you. That said, the size and placement of the piece, as well as the artist will all affect the price. The bigger the piece, the longer it will take to do and of course, the more it will cost. The placement of the tattoo can sometimes affect the cost - bikini areas, feet, hands, head, etc can cost more than your upper arm. The tattoo artist has alot to do with the cost because of the length of time it takes to do the work - if they are light handed and need to work the piece longer, its gonna cost ya. I love my tattoo artist, she's the best, she charges per hour - but puts a cap on it. Like she'll say "It should take 3 hours, so thats $600. But if it takes longer than three hours, its still only $600." Good luck.

Answer 5

there's no way for us to give you a price because it all depends on who your tattoo artist is and how they charge. my artists doesn't charge different prices for color vs. black and gray tattoos he charges for his time and his talent and doesn't charge more when color is used. (most custom artists don't) my artists charges by the hour and every artist charges different so FIRST you need to find the artist that you want to use. look thru some portfolios and make sure they are talented and their work impresses you. then you'll have a better idea of what your tattoo will cost. if you don't have enough money now to get exactly what you want don't settle and get something that isn't as good. just save up some money or get your tattoo done in sessions.

Answer 6

My suggestion to you is to take a sketch/picture of what you are wanting to a tattoo artist and have them look at it. They will give you a price with both color and black. That is the best thing to do that way you will know for sure how much to save. We can only guess here, because all tattoo artists charge different amounts.

Answer 7

Any place that I've ever been to charges by the hour. A good artist can charge anywhere from $100-$200 an hour if they wanted to. And every artist takes different times. I had one back in Oregon that was slow as dirt, but did a good job. And one in Connecticut that did a good job, but was very fast. Your best bet is to find a shop and ask.

Answer 8

well, all the places i went to get my tatts all said that the price will depend on the size and where. i went to 4 different places before i all of mine done...its the same place that i gto my tongue pierced at. i guess if ur a repeating customer, they'll give u a good discount...my 1st one was $75, 2nd was $120 and 3rd was $50. usually $50 is the lowest any place will go...no matter how small it is...but mine are pretty big...

Answer 9

well depends on where you live but that sounds about like a 300-500 tatt or maybe even more. color would be much more.

and the tramp stamp thing is really funny.

Answer 10

Well I don't really know about black and gray sometimes it's the same since it requires alot of shading and shadowing. My largest tattoo is the famous "tramp stamp" it covers most of my lower back which would be around the size you are talking about....was listed at $450. But I was able to talk it down.