How Much Does a Tattoo Cost?
86Thinking 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.
Angela Harris says:
16 months 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.