How Much Will My Tattoo Cost?
How Much Will My Tattoo Cost?
While several factors influence the final estimate for a tattoo—size, placement, design complexity, etc.—here are some helpful insights into what an artist considers when assessing an inquiry. Feel free to ask any additional questions about tattoo pricing. The goal is to work together to ensure that the desired tattoo aligns with the budget in mind.
Design Size
The size and detail of your design significantly impact the time required for an artist to complete your tattoo.
Detail: Complex designs take longer to execute, regardless of their size.
Size: Larger tattoos can sustain intricate details, whereas smaller ones may need to be simplified to maintain visual appeal.
Precision: Smaller tattoos can be challenging for complex designs, demanding more time and effort for precision.
Ink: Larger designs might require multiple passes to achieve the desired shading or linework, prolonging the process.
Location
The chosen body location correlates significantly with the difficulty and cost of the tattoo.
Premium Locations include high-motion areas like fingers, the palm of the hand, the side or bottom of the feet, and ribs, which involve stretchy skin and constant movement.
Other Considerations: Skin type (larger pores, rough/dry skin, thin/thick skin), body contours (flat vs. curved surfaces), cover-ups, and scars.
Design
Artists often specialize in specific styles, and some designs may only be recreated by experts in those particular styles.
Expertise, Specialty, and Niche: Not all artists are proficient in every style, which might result in limited availability due to high demand. A versatile artist may charge higher rates for their flexibility.
Availability and Workflow: Tattooing can be physically demanding. Some artists prefer fewer workdays or only one appointment per day, which affects their availability and cost.
Commitment to Technique: Ensuring a flawless tattoo requires intricate, precise artistry from dedicated artists.
Budget Accommodations
Artists are always willing to consider adjustments to fit within your budget. Here are a few options:
Simplify Design Details: Adjust sizing or modify the location, focusing on critical factors for budget accommodation.
Color to Black & Grey: Switching from color to black and grey or shaded to linework generally lowers the cost.
Quality Commitment: If a compromise affects the artwork's quality and integrity, the artist will not make the change. They aim to provide you with the best tattoo, reflecting their expertise and craftsmanship.
Remember, investing in permanent art is a thoughtful commitment. Artists' pricing reflects their years of expertise, not just the time spent on your design.
Consultation Appointments
Consultations are free and typically last up to 30 minutes. Not everyone requires a consultation; the artist will determine if it's needed.
Booking Time: Consultations can be booked from 1 day to 3 weeks, depending on the workload.
Preparation: Come prepared with your ideas and preferred styles. It is helpful to send these ideas to the artist beforehand via text, messenger, or email.
Tattoo Appointment Notification
Add your tattoo appointment and time to your calendar. The scheduling platform sends appointment details, confirmations, and reminders via email and text.
Be Aware: Depending on your settings, emails might end up in spam or be missed if you’ve unsubscribed.
Message Timeline:
Appointment details – at booking
Confirmations – 84 hours before
Reminder – 24 hours before
Ultimately, it's your responsibility to show up for your appointment.
Retainer Policy
A retainer is required to secure your appointment. This retainer holds your date, allows for planning, and enables work on your artwork to begin.
Non-Refundable: The retainer will be applied toward the tattoo cost.
Booking Information: To book, I’ll need your name, phone number, and email address.
Payment: Retainers can be paid in person or through an invoiced scheduling software. They must be paid within 24 hours of issuance to hold the date and time. Rebooking doesn't guarantee the original date and time's availability.
Cancellation and Reschedule Policy
A minimum of 72 hours notice is required for any cancellations or rescheduling.
Changing Appointments: You can change or cancel by calling, texting, or messaging the artist.
Retainer Carry Over: To carry over your retainer, a new booking must be made at the time of cancellation (with a minimum 72 hour' notice).
Forfeiture: The retainer will be forfeited if you cancel or reschedule with less than 72 hours notice. A new retainer is required for rescheduling.
Transfer Policy: Retainers cannot be transferred to another customer but can be transferred to another appointment as long as they are not forfeited.
We aim to provide you with an exceptional tattoo experience from start to finish!
