- 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.
What should be included:
- 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.
Related Costs: Tattoo Removal,
Mole Removal
Additional costs:- 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.
Discounts:- 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.
Shopping for a tattoo:- 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[1] 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[2] 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.
Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
What People Are Paying - Recent Comments
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Saving money andfugured out had much..
Amount: $350.00 Total
Posted by: a user in Boca Raton, FL.
Posted On: November 28th, 2021 08:11PM
Tattoo Description: 1
Time Total: 100.00
I felt 300.., pafull. 2 middle simple tats. 2 Tatoo 225'00
Arrow tattoo
Amount: $0.00 Total
Posted by: Archery competitor
From: Houston, TX
Posted On: May 27th, 2021 04:05PM
Tattoo Description: Arrow tattoo on outside of forearm
Time Total: ?
I want a custom arrow on the outside of my forearm, but don't how much or how long. About what would the price be?
Recommendations on place? (Conroe-Houston TX area
Uneven dream catcher
Amount: $250.00 Total
Posted by: Hi I’m... Not that satisfied but accepted my fate
From: Manassas, VA
Posted On: August 3rd, 2019 09:08PM
Tattoo Description: Dream catcher size of qtip
Time Total: 1 hours
Freehanded. Non symmetrical. Guy was a douche. I like the feathers on I think atleast.
The problem with cheap-minded people
Amount: $0.00 Total
Posted by: Me.E
From: New York, NY
Posted On: July 4th, 2019 12:07AM
Tattoo Description: your wallet
Time Total: 0
Maybe show some pictures of work done for context on this site.. this is all subjective bullshit.. a guy says he payed $650 for a half-sleeve lol! I’ll bet it’s awesome.. cheap-minded people (and this is directed to a few of you who have posted) garner cheap things, don’t expect it to be anything more and hopefully, nothing less.
First tattoo
Amount: $300.00 Total
Posted by: Sierra Kennedy
From: Atlanta, GA
Posted On: June 24th, 2019 07:06PM
Tattoo Description: M9 combat knife w/ NF logo inside blade
Time Total: 1.5 hours
Full foreArm tattoo. Sketchy tattoo shop. Overpriced. Black ink only.
Second Tattoo
Amount: $350.00 Total
Posted by: Miranda74
From: El Paso, TX
Posted On: March 21st, 2019 10:03PM
Tattoo Description: Multi-colored Pineapple
Time Total: 4 hours?
There is a Tattoo Expo tomorrow (March 22nd thru the 24th). I know tattoos are cheaper at expos and I want to get this 5 colored pineapple skull tattoo. It’s outlined black and has green, yellow, pinkish-red, and blue. I need an estimate on what the actual price will be, but I’m hoping no more than $400
Half sleeve
Amount: $630.00 Total
Posted by: JoshFox7
From: Houston, TX
Posted On: October 9th, 2018 11:10AM
Tattoo Description: Cross with Piano wrapped around
Time Total: 6 hours
In total, it took about 5.5 hours!
first time
Amount: $300.00 Total
Posted by: Hunter123
From: battle creek, MI
Posted On: September 21st, 2018 04:09PM
Tattoo Description: Sea Turtle
Time Total: I would like to get a sea turtle tattoo but I don't know how much it will be, The size of this tattoo I want is 4-5 inch long and 3-4 inch wide.
I would like a good recommendation for an artist. Thank you
the limit i would like to stay at is $300
First Tattoo
Amount: $50.00 Total
Posted by: a user in Marshall, MO.
Posted On: January 26th, 2018 05:01AM
Tattoo Description: Small infinity sign on my wrist
Time Total: 20 minutes
He did an awesome job. The infinity sign is wrapped with the words “live the life you love, love the life you live” and the life is the point where the phrases intersect.
cross
Amount: $120.00 Total
Posted by: dustin marat
From: dublin, GA
Posted On: April 28th, 2017 07:04AM
Tattoo Description: cross
Time Total: 2
want it so bad
Tattoo cover up
Amount: $0.00 Total
Posted by: TiffanyRose
From: Marysville, WA
Posted On: April 18th, 2017 08:04PM
Tattoo Description: Wanting to cover up writing with animal
Time Total: ???
I was looking to cover up a tattoo that I had done, it's a memorial tattoo and I accidentally gave the tattoo artist the wrong date so I'm planning on getting it covered with a buffalo but not sure what I would be charged per hour if an artist can do this
Black crown
Amount: $130.00 Total
Posted by: Sofiamonique
From: South Side Pittsburgh, PA
Posted On: April 9th, 2017 03:04PM
Tattoo Description: 1.5 inch blk princess crown
Time Total: 1 hr 20 min
American traditional sun
Amount: $150.00 Total
Posted by: Davidw4141
From: Greensboro, NC
Posted On: March 23rd, 2017 09:03AM
Tattoo Description: Hand size tattoo on upper thigh
Time Total: Little over an hour.
Single needle line and color
Amount: $160.00 Total
Posted by: Broomstick88
From: Seabrook, NH
Posted On: March 15th, 2017 04:03PM
Tattoo Description: Rose with three leaves
Time Total: 3.25 hours
My rose tattoo is approximately 4.5" x 4.5". It took about three hours the roses color of the leaves are black and white. It is a mix between classic Americana and coloring book style. It took about three hours and a tattoo artist uses A lining middle for all black and color portions. My tattoo was a walk in appointment at a shop that requires you to bring your own line art and does not do custom designs.
Tattoo
Amount: $275.00 Total
Posted by: Abigail
From: Warrenton, MO
Posted On: February 14th, 2017 02:02PM
Tattoo Description: Moon phase
Time Total: 15 Minutes
It's the worst tattoo ever. And as well my first. I regret ever going there even he did have a great portfolio he didn't fu*king care. It's very blotchy, out of shape. And very dark.
First tattoo
Amount: $20.00 Total
Posted by: Bethanie
From: Petersburg, VA
Posted On: January 14th, 2017 04:01PM
Tattoo Description: Infinity sign with two paw prints and a
Time Total: 10 minutes
Absolutely perfect. He took his time really well and it was my first tattoo and it was on my shoulder blade and it only burned.
First Tattoo
Amount: $100.00 Total
Posted by: a user in Statesboro, GA.
Posted On: December 10th, 2016 08:12AM
Tattoo Description: 2 lines from a poem
Time Total: 1 hour
I got the last two lines of the poem "Invictus" on my upper left thigh. It says "I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul". It was $100, and I gave a $20 tip
6 symbols, about 1.5 inch diameter
Amount: $180.00 Total
Posted by: Rebeccafp
From: West Palm Beach, FL
Posted On: November 10th, 2016 12:11AM
Tattoo Description: 6 Symbols
Time Total: 1.5 hours
I had the concept that I wanted 6 symbols to reflect the blind men and the elephant parable. The artist did the design and color, aesthetic... nailed it.
He charged 120 per hour, I'm not sure how he calculated when it began, like design, when he stenciled, when he put ink to skin...
Actual inking was probably only and hour, maybe a little more. It is a little nerve racking to hear how much it costs after it's done... i think maybe it's common to round the time up or I just offer so little resistance. Was a great experience and tattoo, I'm just as unsure about everything as the people who are surely on this page.
Chicago Flag (minus the stars) tattoo (two blue stripes)
Amount: $80.00 Total
Posted by: Rebeccafp
From: Chicago, FL
Posted On: November 10th, 2016 12:11AM
Tattoo Description: two blue stripes
Time Total: 30 minutes
I went to two different places that were known for being less expensive (but well reviewed) and was quoted 80$.
I read after I got it that tattoos are something that are meant to be tipped so I went back and tipped 15.
My first tattoo, I made a section not heal so good by putting a bra on too soon. The rest of it is kind of spotty and I'm not sure how it's my fault but I know it is. Hope to get a touch up when I'm back in town (hopefully for free?)
First tattoo
Amount: $0.00 Total
Posted by: MRH
From: San Marcos, TX
Posted On: September 10th, 2016 11:09AM
Tattoo Description: Quote on my ribs.
Time Total: ??
I want my first tattoo on my ribs and its a quote. Pretty small and simple. I don't know how much it'll cost though.
First Tattoo
Amount: $200.00 Total
Posted by: Chrissy3
From: Normal, IL
Posted On: September 2nd, 2016 09:09AM
Tattoo Description: Multicolored turtle
Time Total: 1 hour
Best decision ever. It's absolutely gorgeous and I love it.
Janesville,wi
Amount: $100.00 Total
Posted by: Aislan
From: Janesville, WI
Posted On: August 19th, 2016 11:08PM
Tattoo Description: Water color hummingbird.
Time Total: 45 minuets
It's a side veiw of a humming bird. It didn't hurt at all,because it was on my dominant arm and almost on my sholder. It's about 4 inches wide and 4 inches long. Obscura in janesville is the place to go. I'm going to my artist in a few months for a forearm tattoo.
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