Is it normal to tip a tattoo artist

If you decide to tip, the next step is to calculate exactly how much to add to the final tattoo price. The general consensus in the tattoo community is that 20 percent is the typical amount to tip — just like at a restaurant or a hair salon. However, consider this number a baseline, as some tattoos require more or less work than others.

Weed, however, notes that there is one thing that every tattoo experience needs to have to warrant a tip: It needs to be great. Finding yourself in a bad tattoo experience is never fun, but Weed suggests talking to your artist to give them a chance to correct it; no one wants to leave the studio upset. However, a bad tattoo experience is pretty much the only reason to not tip your artist, so really make sure you and your artist have communicated as much as possible before forgoing the extra finances.

Being on a budget but wanting to give your artist something may be a situation you find yourself in, and Fiore suggests considering gifting something to your artist in that situation.

This is a bit out of the norm, though, so check-in with your artist pre-appointment to see if a gift would be an acceptable tip. On top of any monetary tips, tattoo artists also appreciate the tip of a social media shoutout and a good, five-star review, says Weed. If you enjoyed your experience, let the world know! In turn, this gives them a lot more exposure. If your artist made your tattoo experience good, great, or amazing, a tip is a sincere way to show your gratitude.

Plus, it helps their business out in the long-run. The best rule of thumb you can follow is to tip at least 20 percent of the total cost of your service, and tip even more for custom, intricate designs. It's the human thing to do. Thank you [email] for signing up. Please enter a valid email address. Based on that I guess his hourly rate is now!

Anyway, ignorant as I was, the checkout pad had tip amounts, and being someone who has been around the sun for many cycles, the subject of tipping and who gets tipped crossed my mind. Perhaps what has changed, concerning tipping, is that tipping is no longer simply a way to assist someone who gets paid a paltry amount of money for the work they do, which includes giving you good service, but I guess it is now simply an accepted token of gratitude to any person who performs a service for you?

This is a bit off topic but is it true that when you go in an ask for the price of a tattoo you want,the price can change based on the artist himself.. If you are getting a piece of flash pre-drawn with no changes to size or design than a flat price is common — maybe it would vary if you wanted color as opposed to black and grey but in general, flash is a set price in most shops.

Artists can charge different amounts so if you get one of the more established artists they may charge more than an apprentice etc. Try not to be too focused on the exact price — as long as the final price is in the ballpark of what you were quoted then that is very typical.

If it is a budget issue let your artist know what is the most you can afford before they start tattooing. And that is a solid tip for a tattoo of that cost — good luck! If artists expect a tip why not just include it in the cost?

Would remove all of the uncertainty. Artists who work as independent contractors in a shop pay a significant amount of their hourly to the house. An auto gratuity would be odd for a tattoo — it really is up to the client — it is just a great way of showing appreciation for a job well done. Most artists really do not expect a tip — they are just grateful when one happens.

I absolutely love my new tattoo and will more than likely be going back for more! And you just made that artists day. Hey if you love your work and can afford a huge tip I say go for it. Oh no, did I offend or stiff my artist? Last year, I got my upper back tattoed area about 20x20cm for 3h45 at a convention.

It was my first tattoo, so I did a bit of research about the things to do clean yourself, eat well, etc. Or is it going to be weird? If the same artist is tattooing you at this convention go ahead and tip on the amount of the new tattoo. If you are just saying hello maybe bring some sweets or brews or something of that sort to say thanks for doing such a great job last year. My husband and I were wondering about this very thing and your article cleared it up for us perfectly!

We are good tippers because my husband has been in the hospitality business since age Thank you so much for posting this article. Thank you again! Or is that being a bit cheap? I think that sounds perfectly reasonable. Tip what you can comfortably afford and be a model client on time, well fed, sit like a stone, zero drama etc. This article was very helpful, I was wondering about tips. Hi, so I have a quick question! Or would I be low-balling my artist?

Thank you. Okay I made a BIG mistake. I am an older guy and went to a 1st class artist took several months to get in and got my first tattoo. Should I tip him for the 1st tattoo and the one I getting now at the same time or the 1st one before we start and the other at the end of this session? Or should I make a special trip to the shop 3 hour drive walk in and tip him for the 1st one and tell him that I will see him in a couple months?

I have never once tipped a tattoo artist. Tattoos are expensive as is. Why would a tip be expected? You tip the checker at the store for ringing your groceries? You tip the person at the burger king drive through for handing you your order? Leave it at that. First, great article! Is tip included in that quote? If not, will I have to tip separately? I have not been told how long the session will be or how big the piece is — I just told them the general area left hip.

Tipping for a collab is its own thing. I doubt there is a gratuity included in that price as it is never technically expected. Should I tip based off that or what his hourly rate would have been? Should that be enough? Thank you advanced! Loved the helpful article! Do they still charge for a full extra hour? As for timing brace yourself for it taking longer. Better to come prepared for a longer session and hopefully you will be pleasantly surprised. They did say that we should still tip though, so my question is how much do I tip on a tattoo that is free and 5cm by 5cm?

I would tip in this situation the same way I would tip in a restaurant where your meal has been discounted for whatever reason. The shop manager should be able to tell you what your session would cost at full shop prices. And good luck! I have an appointment next month. That is a very generous tip. I would give yourself a range that you are comfortable with — maybe — and tip based on how happy you are with the work and if your artist went above and beyond.

My artist is my cousin tech 3rd cousin, but still a relative. Do I tip him? I would assume yes but is it weird to tip family? Only the really cheap crap from overseas might contain stuff like lead or nickel but it is very cheap ink and if your cousin is a legit artist he is not using those inks because they are garbage. Both times, she gave him ideas of what she wanted and he put together a design.

This one was just outline but did involve creativity. She changed her mind the night before. I was horrified. So I took her spot. Mine was simple lettering. He let her keep the artwork because she may do it later and will go to him, if she does. She also bought some books he wrote and he kindly signed them and drew pics of the characters in the books. She paid him ZERO dollars! Is that crazy??? Advice please! Sorry so long! That artist is lucky you were there to pick up the slack!

Your friend should have paid for those books etc. If you go back for more work tip extra then. Not mandatory — just a cool thing to do.

They are the owner of the shop they work out of and pretty well known. Any thoughts? Welcome to the top tier of tattoo collecting! I have a similar situation and to be honest I think how you handle tipping is a personal decision on this one.

Chances are your well known artist has spent years learning their craft and building their rep and you are about to receive some world class ink!

But not in lou of money. Hope that helps you! Great article!!! Just wandering around for some advice and found this. The tattooer said it could take like 3 sessions I think. So I wonder if it took me like 3 sessions of hrs each, then how much should I tip him?

If it is, then how much should I tip for the tattooing sessions? Do I tip based on percent of the tattooing sessions only? Tipping can get a little confusing on multi-session pieces and can be daunting on pieces that get into the thousands like yours. I would decide if you want to tip per session or when the piece is complete. Whatever you decide to do just communicate. And be a great client. Show up well rested, well fed, and well hydrated.

Show off your work and send more business their way — all that in combo with a tip will make your artist feel appreciated and give you good tattoo karma.

Have a great first tattoo! Usually if there is a charge for artwork it acts like a deposit and that amount gets deducted from your last tattoo session. Okay, so I need some advice. Although I love my tattoo, I was thrilled about the artist. He is amazing, but my sessions have been awkward. And there were some comments made during the session that made me want to get out. My dilemma is that I love the work this artist does — but here comes the issue of tipping. Any suggestions on what to do and how much to tip?

Sorry to hear that you have not been treated in an entirely professional manner. The price you are being charged is good — especially since you like the work.

Unfortunately there are some male tattooers out there who can make you feel uncomfortable with the way they approach you. If there is any inappropriate touching or sexual commentary tell the shop manager. Also bring a nice guy friend or girl friend and have them hang out. Let them know you feel a little uncomfortable being alone getting tattooed. Let your artist know day of session that you want the privacy screen and room for your friend so you can stay calm and sit well for your session — that should hopefully wipe out any bad behavior or nosey looky-lous.

As for tipping? If the artist is completely cool with your requests and treats you with respect and like a professional — leave a nice tip. Anything less than that — get your current project completed and then find a new artist — no tip. You should never be made to feel uncomfortable or sexualized while be tattooed — EVER. A professional artist will want their client to be comfortable in their shop. Good luck!

I need advice! I think the work was totally worth it but I feel bad about low percentage of the tip.. Would it be appropriate of me to send a thank you note to the shop and some extra cash? I have been cash strapped after a tattoo before too! I was thinking of maybe just rounding up depending on the final price and bringing some baked goods, but I am not sure.

You should at least offer the tip. Put the ball in the artists court and give them the option to either accept it or reject it. I have traveled to places where tipping is not customary, but I still always tip. I have never had a single person refuse a handful of cash.

Money is money,. The work shown on their site and in person looks awesome. I have other work in mind and want to be remembered as the guy who appreciates the time spent not doing ink…. I like your thinking and agree with all of it! Your are the type of client good artists dream of!

Okay, too many comments to go the whole way through, but what about a guest artist? Great question! Day rates are higher for guest artists as they are generally travelling to do guest spots.

Your tip amount seems solid to me — always tip what you can comfortably afford. Hey, awesome article! I have a couple pieces and have always tipped all of my sessions have been 6 or less hours.

I am first having him fix some tribal work that was done on my arm, then finish the tribal work to connect from my left wrist down to my left hip bone entire left arm, chest, ribs, etc. Next, he will be doing an entire left leg mid thigh to ankle Polynesian tattoo piece majority of the time will be spent here. That is a tough one.

I get it. I think honesty is the best policy. Tell your artist all the nice things you said here. Then let them know that you cannot afford a giant tip on top of the work but you definitely want to do something. Decide what you CAN do comfortably. Then give that with your sincere thanks and also by being a great client.

On time. A good sitter. Someone who sends more work his way. The other option is to tip at the end. Most other articles mention tattoos that cost much much less than what I am dropping money down for. I have some friends who have lots of work done themselves… sleeves, back pieces, etc. That just seemed nuts to me. I may just stick to about that for the remainder of the piece. Thanks again. You really look at an asshole when you stiff someone who worked hard to make sure you had a pleasant experience.

Many people in the service industry, whether it a restaurant, tattoo, nail salon, etc, basically live off their tips and hardly make anything in hourly wages. Consider this please. Charging dollars an hour is not the same as a server making 2 bucks an hour and need the tips to make a living. You guys need to get real. I say no tip period. You think you are the only people who have a lot of time and material in your work,wrong. I got a tattoo a while ago and tipped really heavily because it turned out well and because I knew it would need a touch up because it was watercolor — the tattoo itself was only the size of two quarters.

However whenever I asked for a touch up twice and CAME to the parlor, the artist was still delayed from his previous clients and never informed me, so I drove out for nothing both times.

In this case should I still tip? No tyip for the touch up for 2 reasons; 1. You already tipped, touch up should just be part of it 2. My business partner and and I own a shop. The shop buys his supplies, etc. Your point is a good one. I do tip owners but I base it on what I can afford and the overall cost of tattoo and length of tattoo.

I would say to not think so hard about getting that percent accurate to the penny. If you love it, tip more! She deserved it after putting up with my wiggling. Thank you so much, Tattoo Tourist!! I came across your historical post this morning, the day before heading to get the start of a half-sleeve done. Thanks again! What would a reasonable tip be at this price point? Ok so I will answer the tip part first — I think that you should decide upon the tip after the tattoo experience.

Do you love your piece? Do you feel like your artist was a pro and delivered on their promises? Many artists are so busy drawing, tattooing, and travelling that tackling a packed inbox on a regular basis becomes a problem. And artists in general are not business manager types and will lean towards making art than more mundane tasks.

All that being said a professional artist will leave lines of communication open and respond in a reasonable time frame to reasonable requests. There is a good chance that your artist is busy thus the assistant and has no idea about your communication attempts — that would be the assistants job to forward important communications. Tattoo artists are not excused from good customer service standards and hopefully you will have a great and professional session that lays all your concerns to rest.

I have been right where you are before but after my sessions with my super pro and very well prepared artists I was happy with the whole experience in the end. This was so very helpful to me. I decided to go with a different artist for a custom half sleeve. First sess tomorrow, eek! And that had never occurred to me. Thank you for the awesome article! I think you should base your tip neither of which are cheap!

Good Afternoon! He was referred by a friend, the piece is straight runic script covering my forearm along with a smaller one done on my chest. Also, the technicality of the tattoo is not difficult, just a bit time consuming on the actual drawing the image out, will this change the price of the tip?

Side note — if you are being charged a flat rate for both pieces that is cool but if you are being charged by the hour then your artist usually only charges for actual tattooing with maybe a little bit of the stenciling time thrown in.

Each artist and shop is different so I am not throwing shade here — just want you to be aware. Going to get a tattoo that will take about 1. He does not own the shop. That is steep.

That far exceeds the industry standard except for the upper echelons and I only know of one or two artists that charge that much — perhaps the shop has a huge mark-up?. Having a portrait done but with a twist and giving artist creative liberty, confident in their work.

This piece will take approximately ish sessions and each session would be about 4 hours long. He owns his own shop only tattoos by himself. What do you recommend I tip per session?

Focus on being a good client on time, prepped, good sitter, no bullshit and your fair and modest tip on top of that should be just fine — enjoy your first tattoo — welcome to the club! I just got a tattoo done in Scotland. I feel that is a great way to look at tipping.

Tip the starving artists, but be okay with however much YOU feel comfortable with, not an ambiguous percentage. I was tattooed for 2. Up to you — you already tipped out on the project so an additional tip should not be expected. Of course they are small pre-done designs but what do I tip? I feel bad only tipping 3. Wow — they are giving those tattoos away!

If you are happy with your tattoo I would tip the artist bucks — they will be stoked. Thank goodness I always wondered. I got my very first tattoo priced. He said it would be broken into three sessions. Outline, greyscale shading, and then colour. Those two items took him about 3 and a half hours… maybe 4…. That is a very generous tip! And you fell asleep!!!???

It helped that he is an excellent pressure. And whew…. I thought I was low balling his tip. Outline first hours and then shading a couple weeks later.

Sorry about the delay in responding…. Have a great session! Is it ok, or should I drop by and give him some more? That sounds like a decent tip to me and you sound like good clients by sending more work his way — I think you are all good.

He did a great job, and I want to go back to him at some point for a larger piece. When and Who should i tip? I would pay at the desk and either; 1.

Pay the receptionist and then walk your tip back to your artist and give it to then directly — in reputable shop either way is fine. First of all let me say how much I enjoyed reading your article. So I might have a really unique opinion on this subject. Also keep in mind that I am definitely not a cheap tipper, I have been working since I was 15yo and definitely know that value of work and money.

Here are my thoughts…getting a tattoo is NOT like going to a restaurant, a barber shop, nail salon or picking up you vehicle at a parking garage, just a fact. Tipping a tattoo artist is not mandatory and you should only tip what you can afford. And you are right — getting a tattoo and tipping for it is not the same as eating in a restaurant, getting your nails done etc.

If you have a great experience with an artist who works for a shop owner and is not making a whole lot a nice tip is very appreciated. I feel bad now. I loved the artist and the work BUT when I booked I booked for 2 artists, one for me and one for my daughter so we could be done at the same time and so my daughter could be out of there for another commitment.

Got there about 10 minutes early for appointment and got started right away. I want to be fair, and artist was great but I also wasted a day of my time and my daughter had to leave me there so she could meet her commitment at 7pm. Should I go back and top up? I feel what you are saying about things taking alllll day. I always assume it will be an extra hours of set up time in addition to tattoo time. It does sound like your experience was extra random though. Are you going back to this shop for more work?

Did you tell them you had a time crunch on your hands and they still dicked around a bit? If yes to 1 but not 2 then a little more tip would be cool — another 20 bucks or so. Do I need to tip or is it included in the cost of the original work? I say no although you can if you want to — touch up should be included and your original tip should cover it.

Does anyone ever consider tipping the person at the desk? They undoubtedly make much less money than the artists and generally are your first point of contact and if they are good at their job they are responsible for a large part of your overall experience yet they are invariably always overlooked.

That is a great point! And it is amazing how much happiness you can spread with an extra 10 or 20 bucks in that kind of situation. I got a tattoo on my foot. Should I tip him again? How do I go about giving the tip? How do I tip? Tipping a tattoo artist is recommended after the tattoo is complete. This can be as soon as your artist wraps up your tattoo and before you pay, or after you pay at the shop counter. Most tattoo shops will not accept credit-card tips for tattoos, so make sure to be prepared for your tattoo appointment and have a cash tip on hand.

If you want to leave a tip on a credit card, call the studio or shop in advance of your appointment to see if leaving a credit-card tip is possible. For larger tattoos—such as sleeves or backpieces—that require multiple sessions, you may be wondering whether you should tip a tattoo artist after each session or after the tattoo is fully complete.

The general consensus is that tipping after each tattoo session is appreciated, since large-scale tattoos can take months or even years to complete. Cash is definitely the preferred method of tipping a tattoo artist, but some clients choose to bring their tattoo artists small gifts in place of or in addition to a tattoo tip. Clifton agrees that getting gifts from clients is a welcome surprise.

This is not expected at all, but it is super cool when it happens. Please note: Not all tattoo artists agree on tipping etiquette. International artists or tattoo studios in other countries may have differing customs or expectations around tipping.

Deidre Grieves is a writer, digital marketer, and tattoo collector.