How much do tattoos cost?

“How much do tattoos cost?” It’s a question that we get almost every week. Tattoo prices vary depending on such factors as size, colors, part of the body, geography (New York City tattoo artist vs. a Thailand tattoo artist), the expertise of the tattoo artist, the difficulty of the tattoo, etc.

Overwhelmed? Don’t be!

We have broken everything down into 6 Factors for Tattoo Prices. We will show you, step by step, how to understand how much your tattoo will cost. This will allow you to make more information decisions when planning, or evening negotiating price, for a tattoo.

This article has been written for tattoo beginners. However, we recommend that even the most seasoned tattooer re-read these 6 Factors every year. Keep yourself sharp! Tattoo Prices can get complex, but if you keep these six factors in mind, you will always know EXACTLY what you are talking about.

Tattooing has become a symbol of identification for many of our entertainers, whereby each tattoo an entertainer has inscribed on his or her body has a meaning in their lives. One of the most important criteria in choosing a tattoo is the cost of getting the tattoo.

Factors that determine tattoo prices:

The Artist

The cost of a tattoo will depend on the skill of the artisan. Many professional artisans usually charge per hour per work. With this, one is guaranteed a good quality professional work. The cost starts at $100 to $300 per hour and depending on the size, it may augment to thousands of dollars. If one wants a custom tattoo, the price per hour can start from $50 to $300.

The Color

A tattoo that has a one color is less expensive compared to a more colored one. This is because a colored tattoo requires more detail and the more detailed it is the more time it will take, and since charges go by hourly for people who are looking to not spending more on tattoos may go for a single colored one or one that does not have much details. How much do things cost (through the 20th century).

The Placement of the tattoo

Where one chooses to have his or her tattoo will depend on which part of the body the tattoo will be. As the human body contains nerves which have sensitivity receptors, there are parts of the body that are very sensitive than other parts. The more sensitive parts will cost more than the less sensitive parts. Sensitive parts include; feet, hand, genitals, neck and sternum while the less sensitive include; outer thighs, buttocks, shoulder blades.

The Design

With design, the tattoo can either be simple hence cheap costing around $50 to $100 or it can be complex meaning more expensive because the more complex a tattoo is the more time an artisan will take to perfect the tattoo. Also designing one’s own original creation will take time as the artist will be more precise and detail compared to just tweaking a design from a flash design they already have. The design plays a big factor in tattoo prices.

The Location of the parlor

The geographical location of the parlor also determines how much a tattoo would cost. Tattoo parlors in big flourishing cities will cost more than those in small cities. The price will be much higher if the parlor is located in a vocational spot. An example is, getting a tattoo in California may cost up to $300 compared to getting one in Arkansas which may be $150.

The Size

The larger the tattoo the higher the cost of getting it and the smaller the tattoo the cheaper it is. A larger tattoo is more detailed hence requires a lot of work thus being expensive. The size plays a HUGE factor in tattoo prices.

The cost is not the only factor, also consider the quality

Getting a good and quality tattoo will depend on where one goes to get his or her tattoo especially if you’re wondering how to get your first tattoo. One may opt to go to an unknown parlor just because he or she heard its more cheaper. Before doing that one should consider whether the health risks associated are more expensive than going to an established tattoo parlor.

That’s It!

CONGRATS.

You should be proud of yourself: you just consumed a lot of information about tattoo prices. But, as you have now learned, at the end of the day it isn’t too difficult. Keep the six factors in mind. Do you remember what they are? Without peaking, say out loud the top 6 factors that decide tattoo prices.  Ready? GO!

How many did you get? Let’s recap: 1) The Tattoo Artist 2) The Tattoo Color 3) The Placement of the Tattoo (shoulder, back, etc) 4) Tattoo Design 5) Location of the Tattoo Shop 6) The Size.

There you go. When are you are ready to get your first tattoo, you’ll be able to talk price with the tattoo shop like a pro.