For a small tattoo like a short phrase or an animal inked onto a wrist, the price range is $50-$200, with an average cost of $132. Most tattoo artists charge an hourly rate that varies from $75 to $150 an hour.
A more elaborate tattoo like an elephant on the forearm or upper back that takes 2.5-6 hours typically costs $200-$600 with an average cost of $316.
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.
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.
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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.
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
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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 $20 tip
I had the concept that I wanted 6 symbols to reflect the blind men and the elephant parable. The artist did the design and color, aesthetic... nailed it. He charged 120 per hour, I'm not sure how he calculated when it began, like design, when he stenciled, when he put ink to skin... Actual inking was probably only and hour, maybe a little more. It is a little nerve racking to hear how much it costs after it's done... i think maybe it's common to round the time up or I just offer so little resistance. Was a great experience and tattoo, I'm just as unsure about everything as the people who are surely on this page.
I went to two different places that were known for being less expensive (but well reviewed) and was quoted 80$. 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?)
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.
Have 90% of my work done by one artist. First tattoo was $125 an hour and have since gotten full body tattooed feet included expect arms from end of shirt sleeve down. At the end I was paying $60 an hour with the occasional on the house price for sending so many referrals
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