How Much Does a Tattoo Cost?
90Thinking about getting a tattoo
One of the more common tattoo questions I hear besides 'is it going to hurt?" and "what should I get?," is "How much is it going to cost?" I'm not really sure why people ask any of those questions, as each is dependent on the individual, but people ask.
As for the price of a tattoo, that depends on a number of elements. So it's not as simple as 'ah it'll cost about $100."
Just remember that the factors will vary and the cost of the tattoo will vary. It is best to ask a tattoo artist for a proper estimate for your tattoo, but check out hte factors that will play a part in the cost of the tattoo.
Factors that determine a tattoo's price
The following factors will determine how much your tattoo will cost. PLEASE READ THIS!
- The placement of the tattoo- where you decide to get the tattoo.
- The design- the more elaborate the design, the more it will cost you.
- The colors- the more colors that the design entails, the more the tattoo will cost.
- The size- the bigger the tattoo, the more it will cost.
- From a flash or original- if you choose a tattoo right off of a flash, it doesn't take the artist much to just copy and tweak, versus come up with an original design, some artists factor in the time spent drawing the tattoo into the final cost.
- The time it takes to complete- some tattoo shops charge an hourly fee, so depending on how long it takes to get your tattoo, the final price may increase.
- Location: the price of the tattoo will vary on your location and the tattoo shop and artist.
Ask Around
If this is your first tattoo, you will want to make sure to find a good tattoo artist, not just the cheapest guy who will do the job.
- Ask friends and family for personal experience.
- Go to the tattoo shops and ask to see portfolios of their more recent work.
Tou want to make sure that you get your money's worth because tattoo's are fairly permanent, unless you want to go through extra money to get it removed. Make sure that you're happy and comfortable with the tattoo artist before making your decision about who will tattoo you.
Because the price of a tattoo will vary between tattoo artists, seeing one's portfolio and style of work may help you decide.
Consider:
- Guy A charges $100 for poor quality.
- Guy B charges $200 for medium quality.
- Guy C charges $150 for good/ decent (better than medium) quality.
- Guy D charges $250 for great quality.
You have to be the one to make the final decision, as to how the benefit of the quality weighs in regards to the price.
Choosing a Tattoo, Aftercare, and Removal
Three stages to the average tattoo include:
- Choosing a Tattoo: Tips to choosing a tattoo, designs to choose from, etc.
- Tattoo Aftercare: Tips for caring for a new tattoo.
- Tattoo Removal: Procedures for tattoo removal
Make the right decisions when choosing and caring for your tattoo. Cheaper isn't always better, and vice versa, the more expensive isn't always better.
What to Expect When Getting Tattooed: Cost of a Tattoo
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Comments
Angela, I agree. It's best to pay a little extra if it means you get a better tattoo, but sometimes you can pay a little less and still get a really good tattoo. It's all in the artist and what shop you go to.
My ex says he'll never get a tatto unless it's in Miami because of the tv show he feels only good artists are in Miami, which is total B/S. There are great artists in every town. My last tattoo was on discount b/c my current boyfriend used to work with the guy, and it's great. That guy is a genius with his work.
Yeah definitely don't skimp on the budget here .. it's going to be with you for life!
Hey I am a student at a high school and for one of the creative projects in a class we need to find the cost of certain tattoos. The tattoo is 3" X 3" and will only have a little color. Does where you place the tattoo make the cost increase? How much would this cost?
If you read through the article before posting your question you will find out that the placement WILL affect the cost of the tattoo. And that I cannot tell you how much the tattoo will be because 1) you did not give me number of colors, overall design, or approximate time to complete (which will vary per artist depending on the details) and 2) because the price of the tattoo will vary per artist, location, and tattoo shop. Again, all of which is mentioned in the article.
This is a rather weird project to be assigned in high school, but my suggestion to you is that you ask your local tattoo artists, but remember to re-read this article to find all the different details as to what will affect the price of a tattoo. Otherwise, you probably won't get an accurate answer.
i am goin 2 get this colorful tatto n i was wondering if u could get me an estimate on it n i want it on my ankle...herr is where u can see it www.myspace.com/samii_311 and look under pics, ther are 2 picstures one of a cupcake and another of a shooting star, i want 2 shooting stars comin off the cupcake same color same everything......thnx you for your time n patience on reading this.
Samantha, you'll need to get a quote from a tattoo artist, hence what the article says. This article is just supposed to give you an idea of what can alter the price, but the main point, if you read the article is to say ask a tattoo artist becuase the price will vary on the artist, shop, locale, and other tattoo specific details.
Great hub. I am getting ready to get #4 and you are definately right about doing your research.
My son had a large tattoo done a year ago at the age of 17 and it cost him $500. It was vey intricate and he was pleased with the results so no problem.
Two weeks ago (he's 18 now) he went in to the same shop to have a Canadian maple leaf done on his ribs about 8" high and wide - exactly like the leaf on the flag. This was done in black outline. He asked for an estimate beforehand and the artist said he didn't know (should have been a red flag right then - live and learn). My son figuring the guy would be fair went ahead and had it done. It ended up costing him in the high $200s and that didn't include the shading. His friends have told him he got ripped off big time. So he goes back into the shop the other day to arrange for shading, asks for an estimate and the owner is telling my son not to bother the artist while he's working. My son just wanted someone to tell him how much it will cost for the shading. He ended up putting $20 down to have the shading done next week. I know I can't protect the kid as he's an adult now but it sure pisses me off. Once he's done I'll be notifying the BBB. This place was one that was recommended by many many people too which is surprising. Ripoff and the owner plain rude.
i want to know how much is a stars tattoo just one big one on ur hand
Follow the advice in the article to find out a price quote for your tattoo.
Thank you
I just got a tattoo in Thailand. Covers most of my shoulder - black tribal design. Cost me $40. Very pleased. Get saving on a ticket to Thailand :)
Im looking to get a small star on my foot.
Its going to be about the size of a quarter,
On average how much do you think i could get this?
im thinking about getting a canadian flag on the back of my calf it will be about 2in and 4in long.how much will this cost
Carly and Canada, if you both read the article, I've given you tips as to the averaged price. I've also told you to get an exact price, ASK A TATTOO ARTIST, as each artist will have different prices.
hey whitney quit being such a bitch
these people are simply asking if anyone has got a tattoo similar to the one they plan on getting and the price they paid.
there is no where in your artical that states prices other than the price or a poor medium or good tattoo there is no way to determine the price by your artical because there is no starting price that you can add or subtract to based on color and size
its much simpilar to ask if someone else has gotten a similar tattoo
No name calling or I will delete any more comments.
If you read the article, one cannot give an estimate without talking to a tattoo artist. I provided factors that determine the cost of the tattoo and tips. That is all a person can do. A tattoo artist is the only person who can give an estimate. How do you expect me to give an estimate add $10 for this or take away $50 for this when I can't even give a starting price to begin with.
Please reread the article and you will see that all of that is stated within the text.
I can tell you that I paid $180 for three medium sized stars on my pelvis, but I know people who have paid $75 for a teeny tiny star on their hand. The price will vary way to much to get an estimate online from anyone other than a tattoo artist.
Ok I have a question. I recently have been looking around for places to get my first tattoo. I narrowed it down to 2 places. Both shops have great quality work. At one shop, the artist didn't seem very friendly and I really didn't feel very comfortable. My tattoo at this shop will cost me $225. Now at the other shop they were very friendly and made me feel welcomed. Here it would cost $300. They both have great work, but I think I would rather pay more because i would feel more comfortable.
What is your opinion on this situation?
Whitney stated several times to read the article and that it was just reference material. If they were just asking the opinion of another who had perhaps gotten a similar tattoo they should find their way to a forum where there'd be conversing back and forth on a common topic. Not an article.
Don't be an ass because you don't receive the answer you're wanting. Just go elsewhere.
tinia, personally, I would pay a little more in order to be comfortable with the artist and the people at the shop. If the quality is the same, it's really going to be your choice though.The more comfortable you are, the more relaxed you will be.
dudetta. thank you. Like you said those who I did reinforce to read the article, seemed to want an actual quote versus advice. Ask advice and you shall receive my opinon on the matter. Ask how much, and I'll just ask you to read the article again. When you read it again, and ask for specific advice, I'll answer, but as you've seen no one has done that.
if anyone would know just as a rough estimate how much would one cost about 4x2 on my thigh 3 colors...american flag with a cross behind
Consider calling around to your local tattoo shops, as mentioned in the above article. Since you have all the specs, it'll be easier for them to determine a price. The price in my town may differ greatly from yours, same with shop to shop in your own town. All mentioned above. An estimate could go from $150 and up though. I can say about the same size, for 1 color of an APBT on my back was $180, but that's on the cheap side because I'm a friend of the tattoo artist, and he knows I'll come back.
Three colors being- red, blue, and black? They typically won't tattoo the white. Just a heads up. If you want the white, it'll be 4 colors.
how much will a reasonable size butterfly cost on my upper right hand shoulder?ive been looking around.although, most people isnt considerate about your money.i would highly appreciate someones honest opinion.
Reasonable tattoo size is not a size. To me reasonable may be watermelon size, whereas to you it may be tangerine-size. A size is going to be an inch size or something like that. You have to be specific, especially when trying to get a price.
Also, remember that where you may not think the tattoo artist is considering your money, remember that this is their job, and they HAVE to make money doing it.
And, as the article mentions, price is depending on more than size. Please re-read the article and the comments above. You'll find that price is dependent on a variety of factors.
Hi,
I'm getting a big (as big as a pencil) tattoo somewhere on my body in like 2 or 3 colours, is black a colour?
Anyway, Whitney please tell me the exact cost, kthx.
(kidding haha ;)
As I've mentioned about a hundred times. I cannot give you an exact cost. Read the article for tips on high/low pricing and CALL A TATTOO ARTIST for an exact price.
Great article.. I paid around $120 for my tattoo, which was kinda small compared to some, on the inside of my right arm. Its true that you cannot give any exact figures. It all depends on the tattoo artist and how complicated your design is.
I'm thinking of having a 40 color two foot tall one foot wide dragon placed on my back. How much would....seriously, who the crap is so dumb as to come here and ask for quotes for work without even knowing who you're talking to? I've been ripped off IMO over 200 for a freehand band around my arm, but I should have asked the guy for an estimate before the session, but that's my mistake. Inject yourself with common sense and pry your butt away from the keyboard.
Quick question...I want a tattoo on the right side of my body. I'm thin but my concern is, if I ever get pregnant would my tattoo stretch?
It depends on where the tattoo will be placed.
So I want to get a tattoo on the outside of my foot. About three-four inches long, and have it be three words (in black). It also has six pink hearts, and one red heart, around the words that are very small. I've never gotten a tattoo before. But after losing someone very close to me, I want to remember her forever. So my very close friend is a tattoo artist, and i've looked through and seen a lot of his work, he does amazing stuff. He's one of those traveling tattoo artists going to Europe soon. But I want him to do mine, I just want an opinion on a cost estimation to make sure i'm getting something good. I've just never had a tattoo before. Any ideas for cost?
I've a similar question to Ruth's, I want to get a tat on my right side, under my arm (rib area) from just under the breast/ under arm area to just above my hip/ side pelvic area, it would be in black and just be writing. What happens to tat's when you put on weight or lose weight? Would the tat stretch out when putting on weight and shrink back once the weight is lost? and vice versa... thanks for any opinion you can give me.
Sara, sounds like you have it all worked and planned out. Contact a local tattoo artist for price.
Hazard, weight loss and gain will affect a tattoo to some degree. It can fade and stretch, distorting the image.
heyy, just wanted to ask whether it would be cheaper to get a small tattoo of abt 3 stars on the wrist or ankle, or would it cost abt the same? thx :) x
the price will depend. I'd guess wrist would be cheaper, but you should NEVER go by price of one place or another. You should get it where ever it will make you happiest.
ok :) i think id prefer it on my wrist anywayy! hehe:P
thankyouuu =]] xx
i was thinking about getting a quote down the left hand side of me on my rib around 6 words long not to big just average size writting could some one tell me around how much this will cost mejust an estimate thanks.
Ask a tattoo artist for an estimate. You'll need to know the font and color, as well as size.
Hey, I've never been on this website before in my life... I've been thinking about getting a tattoo and I just stumbled across it... I'd just like to commend Whitney (because I read through every comment) for being so darn PATIENT. Wow. Yeah... that's it.
Thank you and good luck with your new potential tattoo.
i have a pic of the tattoo my hubby and i want is there anywhere i can send it to get a price on it
Best bet is is to take the picture to a tattoo artist.
Wow, i feel terrible for you Whitney. You just like reapeated the same thing about 20 times in this article haha. You write this to help prevent people from getting ripped off and they just rip on you! Well i want a tattoo on the outer part of my left foot, i have wanted it for about 9 months now, i kept putting it off so i could wear flipflops instead of shoes after i get it done (i live in canada). I was just browsing tattoo sites and stumbled across this one and wanted to say thanks for the advice and stuff about tattoos, i appreciate it, i think it will def. help me out lol.
any advice on pain management while getting the tattoo? or any remedies once you have it done? my sister has a few and i know they told her polysporin and saran wrap it. just wanted to see if you know anything different?
Thanks for yor support, and yet people jsut don't understand that no matter what details they give for a quote, I still can't give an estimate because it will depend on the tattoo artist.
As for aftercare, you DO NOT want to use polysporin and saran wrap. By using both of those products, you are blocking air exchange which can and will cause problems with the haling of the tattoo. It just won't turn out right.
Proper aftercare can be found here: http://hubpages.com/_bodymod/hub/Tattoo-Aftercare-
You mention that shoulders are easier to do than the lower back. Do you know if the neck is one of the more or less expensive areas to get tattooed?
I guess it would depend where on the neck you are talking about. The side and front of the neck may be more expensive than the back which is flat and without curves.
you have to remember that just because some artist works at a shop it doesnt mean that their good! i have a friend that does tats for a god amount of price and he is really good! he has all the ink and needles. he work fulltime at his job and when hes off he does tats all day thru the night. he adds good outlining and he gives suggestion! he just did my whole right arm with a cobra wrap around bamboo trees for 200 really cheap and he gets customer all the time so plz rem the shop charge by hour and extra for shades he only charge how difficult and how big the tat is! he did a full scale tat on one fo his customer and his whole back was covered with a dragon all that just for a thousand
i want to get a tatoo... a grim reaper on my shoulder till elbow
i went to a guy and he said $800 :(
its simple jus black cloack with white skeleton face inside and holding a weapon
i thought it would be max fer like $150..
is the guy asking too much?
For that size of a tattoo and the details that would go into the tattoo, it sounds normal. Tattoos can be expensive. The best thing I'd suggest is getting a second opinion, but remember that just because someone may estimate even $200, that doesn't necessarily mean that that guy will do the best work, but hte same goes with the guys who estimates the most doesn't mean that he'll do the best.
I realize you CAN'T give a $$ amount since i can actually READ =p However my question is this I am looking at having a tattoo done on my right upper arm of 4 chinese symbols meaning "Love is pain" I want the symbols to be about the size of a Quarter each symbol (Black only no other colors). Given the Color/Location/Size Do you think this will be what is considered an expensive job? Or a relatively easy and cheaper one? I do realize exact figures are impossible just curious which end of the Spectrum i am looking at.
Cheers.
probably average. not expensive. shouldn't be more than $200 or so on the high side. but it will just depend on what the artist says.
I want a Celtic knot on my upper back, basically my right shoulder blade. It's not a serious design, a few weaves and such and it's about 4'' by 4". Is this a painful spot and is it one of the more expensive spots? It's my first tattoo. Thanks.
Shoulder shouldn't be too bad in price.Pain is dependent on your pain tolerance.
I'm thinking of getting something on the side of my right calf. Just wondering if this is normally an expensive spot?
It will depend on what size and colors, etc. It's a relatively flat area, so it'll be fair priced.
im turning 15 soon and i just want a little tattoo of 3 hearts on my foot, how much do u think that would cost??
At 15 you should really wait until you know what you really want. Plus there are many states that will not allow you to get a tattoo or piercing with or without parent unless 18.
As for price, the price will depend on color and size. I'm assuming small, so it shouldn't be too bad. Just get the estimate from a tattoo artist.
Im looking to get a tattoo for the first time and wanted to know if lettering was exspensive or not. It will read 'När min dag' and will be on my rib cage on the right side of my body with letters being about a half in tall and fully coloured in. (Plain Black) any advice or comments would help thanks
Lettering price will depend on the style of lettering and size. Generally, there will be one good tattoo artist in the shop who does the best lettering, and that'll be the guy you need to speak to. Sometimes they will all do lettering, but there's usually one guy who does it best.
Thank you, Whitney, for your article and comments. I read through all the comments, as one can usually get some additional info on the topic, and I've come to the conclusion that people must be messing with you when they ask about pricing. You must have felt like you were banging your head against a wall having to repeat yourself so many times; but it provided some comic relief to this reader - that different people ask the same question time and again (so obviously having read neither the article or comments (even those 1 or 2 b4 they posted)).
Anyway, thanks again for your article, I thought it was great and helpful.
How do you have the patience. I think I would have stopped answering questions after the tenth, "how much would it cost to...?"
does anyone know how much does cris garver from miami ink charge for a session or an hour ???
thanks tami and tattoo fan.
John, ask him.
I'm sorry if this has already been discussed, I didn't take the time to read every single comment, but my question is, I am thinking about a small flower/vine type tattoo on the side/top of my wrist below my thumb (about where you can feel the bone in your thumb meet your wrist) about the size of a quarter. Does anybody know if it hurts any more or less there? I have never had a tattoo so I have no idea what it feels like.
thanks!
:)
Wrist and hand tattoos are not recommended as first tattoos as they can be painful. My first was a wrist tattoo, but I have a fairly high pain tolerance. You should be careful of wrist and hand tattoos as they are visible, and most jobs will not let you have visible tattoos. You may have to put a bandaid over it at work, which is not ideal during the healing process.
Wow, I am scheduled my second tattoo on Thursday of next week. For s***s and giggles I decided to "google" average tattoo pricing and I strolled upon this little gem. God Bless You Whitney, I would have went postal about 2 "how much"es in. To give people an idea, not that they'll read this, but to get an estimate for an 8 inch Cross Outline with no shading on my outer left arm between my shoulder and elbow. I have been to 6 shops now, and of the ones I KNOW are good they ranged from 90-150, of the ones I DON'T know about, they ranged from 75-200, this in 3 different cities also. I guess what I am getting at is ASK AROUND, they aren't a mechanic or a carpenter, they don't have "quote charges", the worst they can do is tell you a price you don't like. I am going with one of the $90 places, mostly because I know multiple people happy with their work and the cleanliness. Hopefully this helped.
Thank you very much for having posted such a helpful article. I have been considering getting my very first tattoo and this has helped me start off in the right direction. Some things I already knew, but I didn't realize the location of the tattoo affected the price.
Also, I'm so glad that I read all the comments. I was thinking about getting a tattoo on my hand and considered the pain and future of it being visible. I'll be thinking more about whether getting one on my hand or having it on a more hidden or less painful part of my body.
Thanks again! You have so much patience for dealing with people who couldn't take the time to read.
I hope it helped. The pain will vary on your pain tolerance and where you get the tattoo.
hi, I am considering getting a tattoo for the first time and i know wat i want but im not great at drawing... do you think if i drew it best i could to show the artist wat im wanting he will make it look beter, if you get what i mean?
thnks
If you can draw what you want, sometimes yes the artist will be able to add to it and make it better.
I got a big buddha on my back like 9" x 9"... Ii looks nice tho, I paid almost $400 for that. Do you think it's reasonable?
Depends on placement, color, hours to completion, etc. If you like it then, that's your call to make. Personally, I doubt I would've paid that much for the tattoo.
I recently spend $300 for a 3*10 marquesan ankle band, black and white, do you think the price is resonable
I'm not sure what 3*10 is. I wouldn't spend $300 on a band, but if it's high quality and you like it, then it was money well spent.
i also read the article.. i know you cannot give exact pricing.. but i'm looking to get the claddagh symbol about 1x1 on my shoulder with a simple crossed line band going around it.. do you think this will be average or cheap? also what do you think about a 4x3 scorpion in the center of the back between the shoulder blades? thank you
The symbol shouldn't be too much. The scorpion will vary on the colros and details that you want in it.
Average isn't an estimated price, as average can be anything from $50 to $250.
I haven't read all the comments (I got about half way through and gave up) so I apologize if I'm asking a redundant question. (Don't worry, I'm not asking for a quote.)
I was just wondering if you have another article on choosing a good tattoo shop/artist. I like very feminine/tribal tattoo designs and while I admire the work of a lot of local artists, a lot of times it's not really my cup of tea. While the artist(s) may draw a kick ass pin-up girl or creature from the black lagoon ripping through someone's flesh, I'd really like to know if they draw great original tribal designs/floral work and other girly nonsense.
I know I could go sit down for a consultation, throw them some of my ideas and ask for a composite sketch or something but that still takes time and I think it's perfectly acceptable that they ask for compensation. Is there a range I can expect to pay for this? I don't want put down a deposit or anything because I'm basically just shopping for an artist. I also don't have it narrowed down very much at all. I live in Columbus Ohio which is home to many talented artists (also many not so much) and am very willing to travel to a neighboring state for the perfect tattoo. Even at $20/consult which would (I imagine) be very cheap add up to more than I want to spend in the shop selection process.
Any advice?
Also for people looking for similar tattoo costs - I have one tattoo (1 color, basic design, back of my neck and I drew up what I wanted myself) and paid $100.00.
I don't have one, but there are many people seem to need help in choosing a reputable artist, so I will try to put one up soon.
As for the consultation. It's hard to give a dollar amount because some tattoo artists don't charge for a consult, whereas others may. I've seen consults $50-$75, depending on the length of the consult. Sometimes they'll charge by hour, as though they were tattooing. It really all depends. Sometimes, the artist may have to charge depending on the rules of the shop.
What happens to a tattoo when you gain more muscle?(or gein more weight) Like if I got my whole arm done. How big would it stretch?
And after I gain more muscle, would it be possible to get the tattoo redone?
And thank you for the article. I'm planning in getting my first tattoo and this information really is helpfull.
I'm was just wondering what happens to the tattoo over the years.
The tattoo will fade the older it gets. It will stretch a little with muscle and changes to the body. The exact changes to the tattoo will vary on how well it was tattooed from the beginning, how well you take care of it while healing and after healed, and how your body takes to tattoos.
I'm 18.
What age do yo think is the best time to get a tattoo?
like when the body is done developing and growing.
Thanx for the article by the way.
When you're mentally ready for it. Even when your bones are finished growing, your body will still get bigger or smaller depending on your weight and muscles. Your body won't stay the same once the bones are finished growing.
I'm planning to get "Brett" tattooed down my ribcage. Can any1 give me a close estimate to how much it would cost?
A tattoo artist can give you an estimate.
my first tattoo was very hurtful on some places but my dad friend did mine a he didnt make me pay anything, was that a bad chose cuz it was done at my house on the back porch???
Yes. it was unsanitary and not responsible.
I have a couple of questions, I'd like to get a small cross tattoo on the inside of my wrist--just simple black and about the size of a dime. I'm pretty skinny and looking at my scrawny wrist, all veins and tendons---is this going to be a problem or more painful because there is no fat there? Should I be expecting this to cost more like the $50 end of the range or does the location and scrawniness cost more?
I'd say the size and one color- black- is going to be cheaper. It may hurt more as you're saying you're more boney there, but that will vary. Some say wrist tattoos are not the best for a first tattoo, but I didn't have problems/pain with mine (but I have a high pain tolerance for certain types of pain).
Ok. I just want someone to give it to me straight.
I need a range of pain. I know the intensity of the pain varies from spot to spot, but I just need something to compare it to. I know its a needle being dragged across your skin, but seeing as I've never had a needle do anything but suck my vein juice out, I can't get an accurate grasp on the pain.
My tolerance for pain is very, very, shamefully low. But I love the look of artwork on my skin and I'm ready to upgrade from gel pens, so I'll take the bullet. I just want to know what I'm in for.
also, i know some spots are illegal to get tattooed in certain states. anybody know anything about whether they're allowed to tattoo the palms of your hands?
Pain will vary on your pain tolerance. No one can tell you how it's going to feel. I can say it tickled me but my father could tell you to him it felt like someone slapping a sunburn over and over again. The needle isn't exactly drug over your skin but punctured in and out.
If you have a super low pain tolerance, the palm is not a place you need a tattoo.
Tell you the truth, the only place I know it's illegal to tattoo is the eyeball, and that's nationwide, not state. Check your state if you think there's a place that's illegal to tattoo, but I don't think there are state-by-state locations where you can or can't get a tattoo.
God dam who would want a tattoo on there eye ball, sorry that was such a shock to read that last one lol,
great artical thanks for writting it i read all the responses people can be such fU(K heads some times...
Do you think you could give me an estimate of the time and price of an outline for this tattoo?
Since you have a picture of someone else's tattoo that you want copied onto your body, I'd suggest taking it to a tattoo artist for your estimate in time and cost.
As mentioned numerous times, a tattoo artist can give you the best estimate, especially if you're curious about time.
Just remember that it's best to come up with your own tattoo versus copy someone else's. It makes things more personal.
Since you said a tattoo wears or fades away, can u get it like...touched up every once in a while so that you dont get the fade look
colored ink cost the same as black ink so colored ones wont cost more.
JJ, yes you can get it touched up.
Tony m, generally the more colors you get in the tattoo, the more it will cost in comparison to a black only tattoo
i want to get a tattoo of my son as he just recently passed away. i want to know which would be better my left side of the torso two foot prints with In memory of or should i get a angel of him on my left shoulder with under neath in memory
Ok, so A) kudos Whitney, for both the article and the patience with comments. B)So, anybody who has gotten a full chest/stomach piece, on a scale from 1-20, how badly did it hurt?
Emily- get whichever one would make you happier. You can always find a design online or in a shop, similar to what you want- post them both on a wall, and think about it for a week or two. You could also get them drawn on in sharpie or similar to get a feel for what it would look like, both in design and location.
Whitney- you are more patient than I could ever be with these people. Thanks for the great article, it helped me make sure I wasn't being charged too much for my first tattoo! :)
Whitney, I know you are probably tired of giving/denying price quotes, but I would love it if you could just "guess" at this price for me.
I want a tatoo that is only black, no other colors, on my back. I know what I want and it is original and will be kind of hard to convey and I will probably have to show them a video, and I may not like the very first piece of artwork. I want it to be very deep, very dark, and very wide/bold. It will not be very hard or detailed once they draw it right except in one very small portion of it. I want it to be about the size of your average face, or a large dudes hand fingers and all.
I forgot to add, it is going to be done by a shop that is supposed to be the best in the area and has won many awards. (Knoxville, tn) and on thier website it says they have good prices, but to the local people I have talked too, they say their prices are a little more than other places, but worth it.
Since you know where you're getting it done, why not just ask them. It's not like you have no clue where you're getting the tattoo done. You know exactly where you're getting it done. A simple appointment to get the quote is what you need to do. You don't want it deep, unless you're talking about a deep color; deep tattoos can easily cause scarring. There's no reason to request a deep tattoo. Being that you want them to draw you something, that'll more than likely cause the price to go up because the artist will have to draw it, and if you don't like their first impression, draw another design, which they may charge for as well.
ok well thanks. I was just kinda intimidated to go in and ask when I don't know if I have the money yet or not, I kinda just wanted to make it a one stop deal and if the price was ridiculous, call it off and get it done elsewhere.
It wouldn't be a one stop shop, if you know that they're not going to get the drawing done right the first time. Plus, most tattoo artists will ask you to come back to get the tattoo while they draw it. If it's simple, they may draw the design and tattoo you the same day, but in most cases, they'll want to draw up the tattoo and have it ready when you come in to get tattooed. That alone means two days, more if you have them change the drawing.
You'd only get the estimate, which may change after the drawing. If you don't have the money, you don't have to get it done right then. Just go in, have them estimate the cost of drawing the design and the tattoo. Ask them flat out, 'can you give me an estimate?' That way the artist knows that's all you're there for at that moment. If you like the estimate, go ahead and have him get an idea for the drawing, so he can get started.
ok thanks, that cleared things up a bit. I imagined it as a one stop shop. I work alot so if I do it that way, I'd probably have to come in a week later or something, but I'm sure we can work things out. I'm holding out for now because I'm going to the beach in a few weeks and I don't think it would be best for the tatoo.
Sometimes even the tattoo isn't a one stop. Depending on the design, the artist may feel the tattoo is better done in sections with the outline first and then some shading another trip, and either finish the second trip or have another session. It also depends on how much you can pay at that moment.
Yea, you should wait. It'll probably be harder to heal a tattoo while at the beach.
sorry if someone else already asked this, but if you make the design yourself, will tattoo shops usually charge less? and, if the only color you use is black, will that help keep the cost down? i don't want anything big or flashy, just a small hibiscus flower between my shoulder and shoulder blade.
Not really, but possibly. In a way it'll be just like using a flash. They'll still have to transfer it over to regular paper. I'd just ask a tattoo artist to make sure. It may just depend on what artist you use.
Angela Harris says:
2 years ago
Important info for a person thinking about getting their first tattoo, Whitney. I've seen some really bad tattoos, so it really is worth it to pay extra for a talented tattoo artist. They are called artists for a reason.