Tattoo Cost

• Most tattoo artists charge an hourly rate that varies from about $75 to $150 an hour, according to Bill Johnson, executive office director of the Alliance of Professional Tattooists..
• The length of time it takes to do a tattoo can vary from one to many hours, depending on the size and complexity of the design. Tattoo artists in large urban areas tend to charge on the higher end of that range, or even more, while those in small towns often charge the lower rates.

• The tattoo artist will create a stencil of the client's chosen design - usually using a special machine - and will then disinfect the tattoo site and transfer the stencil onto the skin. Then, the tattooist will pour ink into the tattoo machine, which has tiny needles that inject the ink into the skin. Using the machine, the tattoo artist will first trace the outline of the tattoo, then add color and shading. Tattoo.About.com offers an overview of the process.

• Some tattooists charge 10 percent to 25 percent extra for work on a part of the body that is more difficult, such as the lower back. And some artists will charge extra for custom designs, but it is more common to ask for a deposit of about $50.
• If you are unhappy with your tattoo, having it altered or tattooed over might cost hundreds of dollars and removal is even more expensive - up to $10,000 in some cases.
• Your tattoo will fade over time, so you probably will have to get it touched up in the future.

• Because tattoos can be difficult and expensive to remove, it is important to choose an artist based on quality, rather than on price. And for regular customers or someone who is getting a lot of work done, some artists will offer a lower hourly rate.

• Tip: Keep an eye out for people who have tattoos that appeal to you, and ask where they got them done. Because tattooists are artists, your choice will be subjective and partly based on your taste and sense of aesthetics. The Alliance of Professional Tattooists provides an online pamphlet with advice on choosing a tattooist. When you find a tattooist, ask about qualifications and experience, and take a look at a portfolio.
• Tip: To minimize health risks, make sure your tattoo artist has been certified by the Alliance of Professional Tattooists, a nonprofit organization that uses a strict set of standards to make tattooing as safe as possible. Also, learn about the health risks, which are minimal, but still exist, in tattoo parlors that follow strict sanitation guidelines. The National Institutes for Health provides an overview of the possible risks, which include infection, allergic reaction to dyes, and exposure to bloodborne diseases such as HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Also, check with your state and local health departments to see how tattoo parlors are regulated in your area.

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