Getting a new tattoo can be an exciting and meaningful experience. You’re entrusting your tattoo artist to permanently mark your body with a piece of art that likely holds personal significance. Because it’s such an intimate service, many people wonder – how much should I tip my tattoo artist?
While tipping etiquette varies, most sources recommend tipping your tattoo artist 15-25% of the total cost of the tattoo. However, the appropriate tattoo tip amount ultimately comes down to factors like the complexity of the design, the total hours worked, your rapport with the artist, and your overall satisfaction with the finished tattoo.
Why You Should Tip Your Tattoo Artist?
Tattoo artists are skilled craftspeople who typically don’t receive benefits like healthcare, retirement savings plans, or paid time off from their shops. Unlike hair or nail technicians, tattoo artists don’t generate a steady stream of repeat clients coming in for touch ups every 4-6 weeks.
Most tattoo artists rent their station at a tattoo shop and earn commission based on the tattoos they do. The shop takes a cut of every tattoo price to cover basics like equipment, supplies, rent, etc. So tattoo tipping is an important way to show your appreciation for your artist’s time, effort, and talents.
Think of your tattoo tip as a way to directly support the artist’s livelihood and enable them to keep perfecting their craft. The better compensated your artist is, the more likely they’ll be able to focus full-time on tattooing rather than taking non-art jobs to pay the bills.
What Impacts How Much You Should Tip Your Tattoo Artist?
As a general guideline, plan on tipping your tattoo artist 15-25% of the total cost of the tattoo. But the following factors also impact how much you may want to consider tipping:
– Tattoo Size & Complexity – Large, complex multi-session back pieces require far more time, effort, and skill than simple tattoos. Consider tipping on the higher end for big projects.
– Lines & Detail – Stylized designs with intricate line work and detail also demand more of the artist’s time and technical capabilities. Again, tipping above 20% shows you value their efforts.
– Color Work – Vibrant color tattoos require more time-intensive work selecting, mixing, and applying specialized pigments. This deserves appreciation in your tip amount.
– Body Placement – Hard to reach or very sensitive body areas like the ribs, feet, or inner arm, often require more of the artist’s concentration and care. Consider adding a few extra dollars as a thank you for working around challenges.
– Number of Sessions – For large scale tattoos requiring multiple sessions under the needle, show your artist loyalty by tipping consistently.
– Your Budget – Consider your budget when tipping. If money is tight, 15% is still considered an acceptable minimum. Tip what you can, when you can.
– Artist Reputation & Experience – Renowned artists with long waitlists and impressive portfolios have earned their reputation through years of dedication to the craft. Show them you value their expertise and mastery of techniques.
– Customer Service – If your artist made the effort to calm your nerves, accommodate design changes, or go above and beyond to deliver an amazing experience, let the tip amount reflect their dedication.
Standard Tattoo Artist Tip Amounts
Based on the points above, here are some standard tattoo artist tipping guidelines:
– Small, Simple Tattoo – 15-20% tip
For basic script tattoos, infinity symbols, flower designs, or other straightforward small tattoos under ~2×2 inches, plan on a 15-20% tip. So if your mini tattoo cost $50, tip $8-10.
– Medium, Custom Tattoo – 18-25%
For about palm-sized one of a kind custom designs requiring 2-3 hours to complete, tip around 18-25% of the cost. For a $200 tattoo, tip $35-50.
– Large, Multi-Session Back Piece – 20-30%+
A large back piece with 10-30 hours of work over several sessions deserves one of the heaviest tips – 20-30%+. For a big project costing $2000, consider tipping $400-600 divided over the sessions.
– Touch Ups & Color Refreshers – Optional Tip
You aren’t obligated to tip for free touch ups related to the initial tattoo or paid color refreshers down the road. But if the artist does an excellent job, consider tipping up to 20% of the refresh service cost.
Should You Tip Tattoo Artists In Cash?
It’s best etiquette to tip your tattoo artist in cash rather than adding the tip on a credit card payment. Handing over cash directly enables the artist to pocket the full tip amount without losing a percentage to credit card processing fees or taxes.
Some other advantages of cash tips for tattoo artists:
– Cash enables artists to reinvest tips immediately back into tattoo supplies.
– Cash tips don’t have to be formally declared as taxable income.
– Direct cash tips show your gratitude more tangibly than credit card tips.
If you don’t have enough cash on hand the day of the tattoo, come back another time to give your tip in person if possible. Adding the tip onto your credit card receipt should be a last resort.
In Conclusion
As the tattoo industry continues to grow and evolve, tipping etiquette remains an important way we value artists for their creative talents. While every client’s budget differs, aiming to tip within the 15-25% range shows your tattoo artist you appreciate their efforts and need to earn a living. Beyond dollar amounts, taking a moment to thank your artist and tell friends about their stellar work is priceless.
