How much you’re shelling out for a tattoo? It varies so much it’s hard to pin down. You could walk into one shop and pay 50 bucks for a little doodle, then hit another and drop 500 for something not even that big. Depends on a ton of stuff.
Where you are, who’s doing it, how big it is, all that jazz. I got a small skull on my forearm a while back for like 80 bucks, thought that was a steal.
Then my bff got a similar-sized one somewhere else and it was double that. Wild, right?
Size Is a Big Deal
First thing you gotta think about is size. Tiny tattoos, like a little star or something, they’re usually pretty cheap.
50 to 100 bucks, maybe, if it’s quick. My skull was small, took like 20 minutes, so it didn’t break the bank.
But you start going bigger, like a sleeve or a back piece? Oh man, that’s where the cash starts piling up. I’ve seen people pay thousands – like 2 grand or more – for those full-arm jobs that take hours and hours.
More ink, more time, more money. Makes sense when you think about it.
Where You Get It Done
Location’s huge too. Not just on your body, but like, where you live.
Big cities? New York, LA, places like that? You’re paying more. Shop rent’s high, artists charge what they can get. I’ve heard 150 an hour easy in those spots.
Small towns though, you might catch a break. My cousin got a decent piece in some nowhere place for like 60 bucks an hour.
Doesn’t mean it’s bad either, just cheaper living. Check around, prices shift depending on the zip code.
The Artist’s Skill Matters
Who’s holding the needle makes a difference too. Some random newbie might charge less, like 50 or 60 an hour, to get clients in the door.
But you go to a big-name artist, someone with a rep and a portfolio that’s fire? They’re not cheap.
I’ve seen rates like 200, 300 an hour for the pros. My first guy was solid, not famous or anything, and he was 80 flat for the job.
Worth it though, came out clean. You pay for skill, not just the ink.
Shop Minimums Are a Thing
Oh and most places got a minimum charge. Doesn’t matter if your tattoo’s the size of a dime, they’re not firing up the gear for peanuts.
Usually it’s 50 or 100 bucks, even for something tiny.
Heard a shop once tell my friend 75 just to do a little dot. Crazy, but it’s their time and setup, you know?
So don’t expect to walk in and pay 20 bucks for a quickie. Ain’t happening.
Custom Work Costs More
If you’re bringing your own idea, like some custom drawing, that’s gonna bump the price.
Artists gotta sketch it out, tweak it, make it work. My rib tattoo was custom, this weird tree thing I doodled, and it cost me 150 instead of the 80 for my skull.
Took longer too, like an hour. Pre-made flash designs off the wall? Cheaper usually, since it’s just pick and go.
Custom’s cool though, worth it if you want something unique.
Time Equals Money
Most shops charge by the hour after that minimum. 80 to 150’s pretty standard where I’ve been, but it climbs with fancy artists.
Big pieces get quoted sometimes, like “This sleeve’s gonna be 1200 total” or whatever.
My buddy got a half-sleeve, took 6 hours over two sessions, and he dropped 600 total. Not bad for what he got, but still a chunk of change.
They’ll usually guess how long it’ll take upfront, so you’re not blindsided.
Color or Black and Gray?
Color jacks up the price too. Black and gray’s simpler, less ink, less time mixing.
My skull was just black, kept it cheap. But you add reds, blues, all that? More work, more cost.
Sister got a little flower with some pink in it, paid 120 when it might’ve been 90 without color.
Looks dope though, so she didn’t care. Depends what you’re after.
Tipping’s Expected
Don’t forget the tip either. It’s like a restaurant, you’re supposed to toss something extra.
10 or 20 percent’s normal, I’d say. My 80 buck tattoo, I gave the guy 15 more, felt right.
They’re artists, not robots, and it’s a tough gig. Some folks don’t tip, but I think it’s kinda cheap not to, you know?
Aftercare Stuff Adds Up
After you’re done, you’re not totally off the hook cash-wise.
You need ointment, special soap, maybe some lotion later. It’s not crazy, like 10 or 20 bucks total, but it’s there.
I spent maybe 15 on stuff for my forearm one, just to keep it healing nice. Bump it wrong and it’s your fault, not theirs.
Deals and Discounts
Sometimes you catch a break. Shops run specials, like Friday the 13th deals where tiny tattoos are 13 bucks plus tip.
My cousin scored one of those, little lightning bolt for 20 total.
Conventions too, artists might cut rates to fill slots. Worth checking if you’re not picky.
Just don’t expect a masterpiece for dirt cheap, you get what you pay for.
Pricey Spots vs Cheap Spots
Certain tattoos cost more based on where they go. Fingers, hands, face – trickier, so pricier.
More skill to not mess it up. My rib one hurt like hell and cost more than the arm one, partly cause it’s a tough spot.
Upper arm, thigh, those are easier and usually cheaper per inch. Pick smart if you’re broke.
What’s It Gonna Cost You?
So what’s your tattoo gonna run you? No straight answer, sorry.
Tiny black one in a small town with a newbie? Maybe 50 to 100. Huge colorful custom piece in a city with a pro? Could be thousands.
Average I’d say is 100 to 200 for something decent-sized, an hour or two.
Check shops near you, ask for quotes. Most’ll tell you upfront what’s up.
Worth It or Not?
Is it worth the cash? Of course! I love mine, even if my wallet cried a little.
You’re paying for art that’s yours forever, not some shirt you’ll toss in a year.
Start small if you’re unsure, see how it feels. Worst case, you’re out a hundred bucks and you’ve got a story.
Best case, you’re stoked and planning the next one. Either way, it’s your call. Costs what it costs, you know?
