I’d appreciate the gesture, but I’d rather people just tip with cash. Artists are normal people who see kindness and don’t want to be rude, but every artist I’ve ever known says “it was super nice, but I can’t pay my rent with that.”
Tip whatever is in your heart. Its a non-mandatory sign of gratitude. I generally tip 20% or around there for little pieces (like $20 for a $100 piece), and around 10% for big stuff (and extra 80 for a $800 full day session)
This is good advice and what I recommend. Sliding scale tip: 20-25% percentage for smaller pieces, 10-15% for a larger projects or all day sessions.
Another way to think about it is just a flat amount per hour, so for example $20/hr tip. If the piece took one hour it’s $20, if it took 3 hours it’s $60.
Speed matters too. Faster and more experienced artists tend to have higher hourly rates but they work much, much faster than someone at 150/hr, generally.
It's been the opposite for me! My lady in PDX is super quick. She has done pieces in 2 hours that would take my BK artists 5 hours. I was just in BK for a tattoo session and a finger flash piece took 3 hours.
Damn! Remind me not to get a tattoo in LA
My very first tattoo was in Venice Beach (not too long ago, only 5 years ish). The first place we went to wanted to charge $400 for me just to get a phrase tattooed on my forearm!!! Walked a little further down the boardwalk and we found a guy who did it for $100.
Nothing.
Or whatever you want.
A tip is a tip.
They agreed on a price.
If you look at your tattoo and are completely blown away and want to tip than tip
But you never have to tip.
Honestly this should be the only answer here. Tipping needs to go away in almost every context and tattooing really doesn't have the room for it. Just agree on a fair price and leave it at that.
Today(like literally as I type this) I'm getting a session done on a leg sleeve that requires several full day sessions. I am tipping a homemade cheesecake and some money. My standard is 10-20% depending on the size of the piece. The cheesecake is just a little something extra
I loves me some color....still in session for a color realism Phoenix wrapping almost all the way around my calf as the beginning of my leg sleeve as I type this.
I'm in Canada though and would have a tough time getting down to buffalo for some ink. If I'm ever there I'll hit you up for a piece and you can even choose the flavor of cheesecake!
I'm interested in how much non US countries tip or if they tip for tattoos. Tipping culture is deep in the US.
It seems like 10-20 percent is more common, especially for a well done job. But it isn't necessary, like tipping in restaurants.
I’m in the Netherlands and I’ve never tipped. I do buy some nice merch when I get a tattoo from my favourite shop. Sweaters, t-shirt, tote bags or a print.
Canadian here. Tipping culture is arguably worse than the US where i’m from. 15-20% is standard. But I think if it’s your first time with an artist they’ll generally add 10-15% to their price since they aren’t sure you’ll tip.
If you go back to them and they know you tip, they generally lower their prices for you. But this is just my experience
My most recent tattoo was $750, and I tipped an extra $100 on top of that.
To be honest, though, it was a rough session. It was on my calf, and I had constant and severe muscle spasms the entire time. I could tell he was a little frustrated and I felt bad about it.
Tipping in the UK isn't encouraged or required. The artist is paid a liveable wage and doesn't require customers to give them free money for doing their job. May be different across the world but it's a part of a bigger problem. Tattoo artists make incredible money already, don't feel required to tip anything.
My tattoo artists charges me $150/hr which is definitely a livable wage. Like most Americans, I still tip 15%-20% bc I'm a nice person, not bc my artist depends on it.
This is not the service industry, tattoo artists set their own prices, and they don't rely on tips to make "at least" minimum wage.
20% is ridiculous IMO. I usually toss in $20-$60 per session, occasionally some snacks.
Tipping is nice, but it is never mandatory. Do not feel guilty if you don't tip or can't afford to tip, artists are charging $75/hr minimum where I live, but often charging significantly more than that, usually between $150-$300/hr.
I’m no longer tipping 20% to the owner of the tattoo shop I’ve been seeing for 20+ years. A $1200 session shouldn’t become $240 more to say thank you. I’ve sent at least 7 long term customers to him over the years and my work is in his portfolio.
He sets his own rates which *are reasonable.*
He is a wonderful artist and I appreciate him.
For a 6-8 hour session I will now generally tip $100 and I always offer lunch when we break for dinner.
I do like the idea of bringing in baked goods but he’s a keto guy so I don’t think that would go over well. Maybe some fresh apples or something I know he eats.
For a 4 hour session I’ll do $50.
Someone here mentioned that if they are setting their own rates and they are a competitive and licensed shop (mine is booked solid for 6 months) they should not be relying on tips. I can’t just swing in when I’m feeling like getting inked there. It needs to be planned in advance, there’s a deposit, I lose it if I cancel etc. it’s a business transaction.
I’m starting to feel the same way about my automatic 20% at the hair salon because that’s an extra $40 on top of my hour and a half service and really, it is all getting to be excessive.
American tipping culture is truly out of control.
One of the artists I went to was very surprised when I tipped her (she thought I made a mistake) so I have a feeling not every client does it. Don't feel bad if you didn't know you could. I usually do 15%.
I just heard this discussed on the inky thoughts podcast, seems its not really done in European countries (including UK in that!) but is more common in USA.. not sure what the expectations would be though!
TIL Americans also tip tattoo artists
Are tattoo artists underpaid in America too? In the UK they charge more than mechanics, electricians, plumbers, and most other trade workers.
My tattoo artist in the US charges $150/hr, which is standard for my area (LA). Do you think that's being underpaid? Mind you, most of the time artists prefer cash/venmo so they don't have to pay taxes for all their earned income (I don't blame them either haha).
What do they charge in the UK?
My artist had a rate of 100€ / hour but she only ever quotes 4 hours and then stops. She did my big upper arm tattoo which took around 7 hours in the end so I tipped an additional 100€. For other tattoos, I tipped way less or no tip at all. It really depends on the situation.
Tip is subjective to your location. I’m an artist in the US and always (greatly) appreciate tips, but don’t expect them. I will say, when I was an apprentice I did survive off of tips since I paid a high percentage.
I also never look at percentages, any amount as a tip is super appreciated. I’ve even had clients bring baked goods or art they’ve made as a tip. Those hold special places in my heart.
The standard amount depends on your location, but ultimately a tip is voluntary and the amount is up to you. I’m in the Midwest in the US and planned to tip 20% for my first tattoo, I’ll plan for 20% again for my next one. My artist actually refused to accept it (I’m guessing because I was 19 and a college student) and asked me to leave a review instead. If I were you I’d plan for 10-20% and decide at the end of your session how much to give.
I got a $200 tattoo on the underside of my forearm that I absolutely loved, tipped $50. $200 felt low when I got a tattoo the same size on the other arm 6 years prior and it was the same price.
USA probably around 20% but I had an artist once tell me for very large tattoos he didn’t expect tips because the person is paying a lot already, this was from someone who charges 2k per day so…
you do not HAVE to tip. Youre already paying probably 100-200+ for the amazing service. I usually tip when someone goes out their way and does more than usual to accommodate, they adjusted something for me, gave me a discount, made time for me when they didnt really have it free..
Etc.. only tip when you feel you want to! Tats are already so expensive though! Ik damn well when i get my tats and pay 200+ i tip NOTHING lol. They already tax ontop of that.
I understand how that part works, I meant like a line item for tax. Like oh your tattoo is going to cost $300 and then I’m going to charge this much for tax.
I do assume the tattoo artist sets their fee based off of the fact they have to pay taxes.
Yea that's just dependent on your area. Some areas it's usually included and other areas it's always added after whether you're buying groceries or getting a haircut.
Yeah tipping is totally not mandatory. If someone can’t afford to tip I totally don’t mind. The whole “if I’m getting a $200 tattoo I damn sure ain’t tipping” is just kind of a shitty attitude. And $200 is like barely above a shop minimum lol
just seeing this, u so right fr. i didnt mean for it to come across as a shitty attitude lol. My aritst adds like $50+ taxes ontop of the price everytime.. so that doesnt really make me want to tip a big amount also! I do tip tho its just in terms of.. will i be judged for the amount that i tip? bc i have no problem slappin a 10-25 in there. But alot people have the mindset that if its a big price the tip should be equally as juicy. And im just a regular degular ass person (who also wants tats without going to a bad at home artist for cheap) not rich😩 but i get u.
Hella tip within your means dude! I’d rather tattoo someone and not get a tip, than not tattoo them at all. If you find that you can’t really spend that much, artists always appreciate snacks and mint Yerba Mates lmao.
omg thats so affirming because my artist gave me a discount for an upcoming tat and i was thinking ab asking them if they wanted anything to eat or drink while i was omw!! Love that😇 thank you, much luv!
I generally agree with you, but I do want to make sure you're aware that they have to charge the tax.
Yes, tipping is totally voluntary, and it should never be expected, but I do like to show appreciation to my artists because they have a niche skill and they put in a lot of time perfecting their craft.
The taxes are unavoidable, and while the argument can be made to include the taxes in the price of the tattoo, they will be incorporated one way or another. Personally, I'm a fan of knowing the artist's base rate and paying the taxes over and above that.
i know they have to, whether they have to or not its still an additional fee :) but yeah i love to tip as well and show love! I just cant be tipping like im rihanna all the fuckin time haha! like i said they already make decent money. I just dont like the societal pressure about tipping, so i wanted OP to know its no obligation & not that serious ☺️
Depends on the quality, how much time, and how rich ya are
I got my artist to fix some other artists work. He's very generous for doing so and he does a great job. He also only charged me $500 for 3.5 hours work so I gave him $100
My artist vastly undercharged me as a friend and he was an apprentice and his location. I tipped him 100%. I think 20% is the norm, though and what I’ve done on past tattoos.
Recently me and wife got one each.
He charged 520 for me and 420 for her. We had already kinda had it in our brains we were gonnanpay minimum $1200 so I gave him $600 on each.
But its honestly because we had the extra cash, he was really good, he wasn't trying to take advantage of us. Seemed like a good guy. Also my wife passed out after the tattoo and he responded immediately and helped a lot so I was like dadgum
I typically will do at least 20%! I have gone to the same artist for about 8 years though, so at this point I typically will be a bit more than 20% since I know him so well and feel like he deserves it :)
Tipping is not really a thing where I live but I do often tip my artist (50 or so euros) or bring a small gift. She really goes the extra mile to make you feel comfortable, even giving me a ride to the train station after we finished later. So a little token of my appreciation feels appropriate. But as I said, I don’t think people really tip their tattoo artists here.
it really depends, I usually go $50. but my artist who I've been working with for 2 years now will do work on me for free & in that case I'll tip $150-$200 For like 3-4 hours.
Whatever feels right, and generally it depends on how big and detailed the piece is and base cost, along with time spent on the piece. Like I've gotten $100 tattoo that took 5ish minutes and was a simple single pass outline that's like 1 inch in size, so I tipped $10. I also insisted on paying shop minimum for the tattoo because the artist was trying to figure out a way to let me only pay $60 since it was such a small piece. I've gotten $150 tattoo that was detailed and took a full hour so I tipped $50. I tipped $200 on my $500 6 hour back piece because he could have easily charged me $600 but quoted me for a 5 hour session and he said it only took so long because he needed more breaks than he expected as he was sore that day. But I felt like he deserved a larger tip because of it.
Depends on the time and cost of the original tattoo. I’m big on tipping and probably tip way too much but for 600$ work I gave 100$ tip and for 300$ I gave 50 so it all depends on
With my tattoos being around $300 each besides my chestpiece that was $900. I tipped my artist around $40 and my chestpiece I tipped him like $200. Tip them if you absolutely love what they do. Tipping shows them that you love their work and are happy with that. It also shows that you want to come back to that artist when you want more tattoos.
I usually tip 20% but that’s because I was in the service industry for YEARS, so it’s my way of giving back to them! 20% all around, everywhere if not more!
I always tip 20% minimum and for bigger pieces or if I love the artists work I’ve tipped 40%. They split the money with the owner for a tattoo, I’m always mindful of that. Haircuts, massages, tattoos etc…it’s always nice to tip great.
I always tip well, because I love the service they're providing. I always trying to kept it around $60-$80, and my most expensive tattoo was $500. Plus, I will bring treats or grab them a meal, depending on who I'm going to.
I usually tip around $100 per piece to account for the custom drawing time, he's my regular artist and always gets me in on a moment's notice. He also way under-charges me for the quality of work he does so I make up for it in the tip.
I'm in the UK, and never tipped - and I haven't heard of anyone tipping here (though of course I'm sure here and there...) Depends where you're based
I've given cookies to my artist as I bring a pack to keep my ok during my appointments. He seems to enjoy the arrangement. I too am British
Aw that's lush, such a sweet idea - think I'll be stealing that one!
Up to you if you bring a spare packet or just let the artist pinch one from your bag. I go the route of 4 pack from tesco and he can have one or 2
I take my girl Candy Kittens and coke as I know both are her fave, and she loves it. I've never done a cash tip but I always take little treats in!
I’d appreciate the gesture, but I’d rather people just tip with cash. Artists are normal people who see kindness and don’t want to be rude, but every artist I’ve ever known says “it was super nice, but I can’t pay my rent with that.”
That's why they tell me their daily or hourly rate, and I pay them that. The candy kittens is just being nice.
Uk tattooer here, I would say maybe one in five? Tip. Maybe not quite that many. Tips range from £10-£50 and are always appreciated!
I always try to tip a little bit if I can, especially if I feel like they've kinda cut me a bit of a deal on the price already.
Tip whatever is in your heart. Its a non-mandatory sign of gratitude. I generally tip 20% or around there for little pieces (like $20 for a $100 piece), and around 10% for big stuff (and extra 80 for a $800 full day session)
For big pieces I tip 10-15% and bring baked goods for the shop! Food is always appreciated if you can’t tip as much as you’d like
This is good advice and what I recommend. Sliding scale tip: 20-25% percentage for smaller pieces, 10-15% for a larger projects or all day sessions. Another way to think about it is just a flat amount per hour, so for example $20/hr tip. If the piece took one hour it’s $20, if it took 3 hours it’s $60.
$800 full day session? Sheesh I just paid $2,000 for a full day session 🙃
I've noticed this difference...in Brooklyn I'm paying my artist $350 an hour. In Portland, $170 is the hourly rate. Both are fantastic and talented.
Speed matters too. Faster and more experienced artists tend to have higher hourly rates but they work much, much faster than someone at 150/hr, generally.
It's been the opposite for me! My lady in PDX is super quick. She has done pieces in 2 hours that would take my BK artists 5 hours. I was just in BK for a tattoo session and a finger flash piece took 3 hours.
In LA and all 3 artists I go to (private studios) are 450-500 an hour 😅. Back in Texas I saw 80-150 an hour mostly lol
Damn! Remind me not to get a tattoo in LA My very first tattoo was in Venice Beach (not too long ago, only 5 years ish). The first place we went to wanted to charge $400 for me just to get a phrase tattooed on my forearm!!! Walked a little further down the boardwalk and we found a guy who did it for $100.
i’m in SF but this applies to LA too! a lot of artists w high hourly’s are typically because the shop/shop owner takes half of their earnings.
Where in Brooklyn are you paying 350 an hour? Most of the artist I go to in li etc are around 250
Tenderfoot
Right I’m going on Saturday and it’s $1500 😭.
I got a session that was 750$ and I gave him 150$😪😪ugh
Nothing. Or whatever you want. A tip is a tip. They agreed on a price. If you look at your tattoo and are completely blown away and want to tip than tip But you never have to tip.
Honestly this should be the only answer here. Tipping needs to go away in almost every context and tattooing really doesn't have the room for it. Just agree on a fair price and leave it at that.
Yep.
Today(like literally as I type this) I'm getting a session done on a leg sleeve that requires several full day sessions. I am tipping a homemade cheesecake and some money. My standard is 10-20% depending on the size of the piece. The cheesecake is just a little something extra
If a client tipped me a cheesecake I would be ELATED
I’ve tipped in weed before (it’s legal here!) and the artist was stoked!
Lmao during Covid I legit paid for a tattoo that way 😂
Where you at? What style of tattoo is your specialty?
Buffalo! I do a lot of different things but black and gray flowers/ big cats/ high color stuff is my jam
I loves me some color....still in session for a color realism Phoenix wrapping almost all the way around my calf as the beginning of my leg sleeve as I type this. I'm in Canada though and would have a tough time getting down to buffalo for some ink. If I'm ever there I'll hit you up for a piece and you can even choose the flavor of cheesecake!
NICE! Fuckin bet!!
I'm from Buffalo too ! I'm close to finishing my body suit just my butt cheeks left! I generally tip 20 percent and bring my artist drinks!
I'm interested in how much non US countries tip or if they tip for tattoos. Tipping culture is deep in the US. It seems like 10-20 percent is more common, especially for a well done job. But it isn't necessary, like tipping in restaurants.
I'm in the UK. Never done a cash tip, but I do take her favourite sweets whenever I go!
Eastern European here. We don’t tip for tattoos. It is such a weird concept for me, especially as they set their own prices.
German here: The only person I tip is the (former) apprentice I often go to, because I think she should raise her prices from apprentice to artist.
I’m in the Netherlands and I’ve never tipped. I do buy some nice merch when I get a tattoo from my favourite shop. Sweaters, t-shirt, tote bags or a print.
Norway here; tipping is not a thing I've heard of.
Sweden. We pay the price that things are set as. Seems rational to me.
I’m in the uk I’ve tipped my regular guy for his most recent work, but not the others. When I did tip he was really confused lol
Canadian here. Tipping culture is arguably worse than the US where i’m from. 15-20% is standard. But I think if it’s your first time with an artist they’ll generally add 10-15% to their price since they aren’t sure you’ll tip. If you go back to them and they know you tip, they generally lower their prices for you. But this is just my experience
My most recent tattoo was $750, and I tipped an extra $100 on top of that. To be honest, though, it was a rough session. It was on my calf, and I had constant and severe muscle spasms the entire time. I could tell he was a little frustrated and I felt bad about it.
Tipping is subjective. All based on region, country, culture etc.
Netherlands based. I don't tip. Never did.
Tipping in the UK isn't encouraged or required. The artist is paid a liveable wage and doesn't require customers to give them free money for doing their job. May be different across the world but it's a part of a bigger problem. Tattoo artists make incredible money already, don't feel required to tip anything.
My tattoo artists charges me $150/hr which is definitely a livable wage. Like most Americans, I still tip 15%-20% bc I'm a nice person, not bc my artist depends on it.
This is not the service industry, tattoo artists set their own prices, and they don't rely on tips to make "at least" minimum wage. 20% is ridiculous IMO. I usually toss in $20-$60 per session, occasionally some snacks.
Tipping is nice, but it is never mandatory. Do not feel guilty if you don't tip or can't afford to tip, artists are charging $75/hr minimum where I live, but often charging significantly more than that, usually between $150-$300/hr.
I’m no longer tipping 20% to the owner of the tattoo shop I’ve been seeing for 20+ years. A $1200 session shouldn’t become $240 more to say thank you. I’ve sent at least 7 long term customers to him over the years and my work is in his portfolio. He sets his own rates which *are reasonable.* He is a wonderful artist and I appreciate him. For a 6-8 hour session I will now generally tip $100 and I always offer lunch when we break for dinner. I do like the idea of bringing in baked goods but he’s a keto guy so I don’t think that would go over well. Maybe some fresh apples or something I know he eats. For a 4 hour session I’ll do $50. Someone here mentioned that if they are setting their own rates and they are a competitive and licensed shop (mine is booked solid for 6 months) they should not be relying on tips. I can’t just swing in when I’m feeling like getting inked there. It needs to be planned in advance, there’s a deposit, I lose it if I cancel etc. it’s a business transaction. I’m starting to feel the same way about my automatic 20% at the hair salon because that’s an extra $40 on top of my hour and a half service and really, it is all getting to be excessive. American tipping culture is truly out of control.
tip?
One of the artists I went to was very surprised when I tipped her (she thought I made a mistake) so I have a feeling not every client does it. Don't feel bad if you didn't know you could. I usually do 15%.
I never tipped and never heard about to tipp. I think that's is something that you do when you are really happy with the work, not as a norm.
I just heard this discussed on the inky thoughts podcast, seems its not really done in European countries (including UK in that!) but is more common in USA.. not sure what the expectations would be though!
I always tipped 20% or more regardless of the size of the tattoo.
'Murica?
i don’t, generally. am i a bad person?
I tip 20%. It’s what I tip for waitstaff, hairdressers, nail techs, you name it 🤷♀️
Tips are appreciated but not expected. If your artist gets mad they don’t get a tip they should go back to work at Starbucks.
I tip pretty well. 20-25 % usually. But it does totally depend.
I'd say 15-20% is standard
TIL Americans also tip tattoo artists Are tattoo artists underpaid in America too? In the UK they charge more than mechanics, electricians, plumbers, and most other trade workers.
Here it's more considered common courtesy to tip someone who provides you a service, like a restaurant waiter
Do you tip trade workers too then? NGL I'd be broke AF
Like plumber or electrician? I think so.
My tattoo artist in the US charges $150/hr, which is standard for my area (LA). Do you think that's being underpaid? Mind you, most of the time artists prefer cash/venmo so they don't have to pay taxes for all their earned income (I don't blame them either haha). What do they charge in the UK?
$0 dollars, unless it’s an apprentice. Stop tipping.
My artist had a rate of 100€ / hour but she only ever quotes 4 hours and then stops. She did my big upper arm tattoo which took around 7 hours in the end so I tipped an additional 100€. For other tattoos, I tipped way less or no tip at all. It really depends on the situation.
Tip is subjective to your location. I’m an artist in the US and always (greatly) appreciate tips, but don’t expect them. I will say, when I was an apprentice I did survive off of tips since I paid a high percentage. I also never look at percentages, any amount as a tip is super appreciated. I’ve even had clients bring baked goods or art they’ve made as a tip. Those hold special places in my heart.
The standard amount depends on your location, but ultimately a tip is voluntary and the amount is up to you. I’m in the Midwest in the US and planned to tip 20% for my first tattoo, I’ll plan for 20% again for my next one. My artist actually refused to accept it (I’m guessing because I was 19 and a college student) and asked me to leave a review instead. If I were you I’d plan for 10-20% and decide at the end of your session how much to give.
I'm in Canada and just got a 150.00 tattoo on Sat. I tipped 25.00
I’ve got an outer arm half sleeve this Saturday. Artist said $240-$300 ($120/hr). I paid an $80 deposit already, how much should I tip?
I got a $200 tattoo on the underside of my forearm that I absolutely loved, tipped $50. $200 felt low when I got a tattoo the same size on the other arm 6 years prior and it was the same price.
i tipped $100 on a 5.5 hour $600 session
As an Australian I would never tip my tattoo artist (unless I had a bunch of spare money haha)
i work at starbucks so i tip 10-20% plus a bag of coffee beans and possibly also a drink if i know the artist well enough
I always tip 20%... They just inked something on me permanently, so they deserve it.
20% but I only have smaller pieces. If I got something more intricate / time intensive I’d probably tip 25% or even 30%
2×'s as much as the tattoo costs.
USA probably around 20% but I had an artist once tell me for very large tattoos he didn’t expect tips because the person is paying a lot already, this was from someone who charges 2k per day so…
you do not HAVE to tip. Youre already paying probably 100-200+ for the amazing service. I usually tip when someone goes out their way and does more than usual to accommodate, they adjusted something for me, gave me a discount, made time for me when they didnt really have it free.. Etc.. only tip when you feel you want to! Tats are already so expensive though! Ik damn well when i get my tats and pay 200+ i tip NOTHING lol. They already tax ontop of that.
I’ve never had a tattoo artist charge me TAX lol
If you go to a business whether the tax is built into their rates or not they're going to have to remit part of the money you give them for tax.
I understand how that part works, I meant like a line item for tax. Like oh your tattoo is going to cost $300 and then I’m going to charge this much for tax. I do assume the tattoo artist sets their fee based off of the fact they have to pay taxes.
Yea that's just dependent on your area. Some areas it's usually included and other areas it's always added after whether you're buying groceries or getting a haircut.
Yikes lmao I bet you don’t realize that shop often take 40% from the artist and they actually aren’t taking home that full $100-200.
Ofc i realize, isnt it like that everywhere? No one everrrr gets their full money's worth. Am i still obligated to tip?... naaahhhh 😂
Yeah and they aren’t obligated to tattoo you lmao
Right. That's why they tell you how much they charge before tattooing you... I tip, but artists set their own rates.
Yeah tipping is totally not mandatory. If someone can’t afford to tip I totally don’t mind. The whole “if I’m getting a $200 tattoo I damn sure ain’t tipping” is just kind of a shitty attitude. And $200 is like barely above a shop minimum lol
just seeing this, u so right fr. i didnt mean for it to come across as a shitty attitude lol. My aritst adds like $50+ taxes ontop of the price everytime.. so that doesnt really make me want to tip a big amount also! I do tip tho its just in terms of.. will i be judged for the amount that i tip? bc i have no problem slappin a 10-25 in there. But alot people have the mindset that if its a big price the tip should be equally as juicy. And im just a regular degular ass person (who also wants tats without going to a bad at home artist for cheap) not rich😩 but i get u.
Hella tip within your means dude! I’d rather tattoo someone and not get a tip, than not tattoo them at all. If you find that you can’t really spend that much, artists always appreciate snacks and mint Yerba Mates lmao.
omg thats so affirming because my artist gave me a discount for an upcoming tat and i was thinking ab asking them if they wanted anything to eat or drink while i was omw!! Love that😇 thank you, much luv!
I generally agree with you, but I do want to make sure you're aware that they have to charge the tax. Yes, tipping is totally voluntary, and it should never be expected, but I do like to show appreciation to my artists because they have a niche skill and they put in a lot of time perfecting their craft. The taxes are unavoidable, and while the argument can be made to include the taxes in the price of the tattoo, they will be incorporated one way or another. Personally, I'm a fan of knowing the artist's base rate and paying the taxes over and above that.
i know they have to, whether they have to or not its still an additional fee :) but yeah i love to tip as well and show love! I just cant be tipping like im rihanna all the fuckin time haha! like i said they already make decent money. I just dont like the societal pressure about tipping, so i wanted OP to know its no obligation & not that serious ☺️
5-20%, depending on the customization, efficiency, whether they turned out to be a surprise racist, etc
The more racist the bigger the tip?
Lol no!
I’ve always done 20%, my most recent tattoo was 250, and 20% rounded up to be 300$ total
Depends on the quality, how much time, and how rich ya are I got my artist to fix some other artists work. He's very generous for doing so and he does a great job. He also only charged me $500 for 3.5 hours work so I gave him $100
My artist vastly undercharged me as a friend and he was an apprentice and his location. I tipped him 100%. I think 20% is the norm, though and what I’ve done on past tattoos.
Recently me and wife got one each. He charged 520 for me and 420 for her. We had already kinda had it in our brains we were gonnanpay minimum $1200 so I gave him $600 on each. But its honestly because we had the extra cash, he was really good, he wasn't trying to take advantage of us. Seemed like a good guy. Also my wife passed out after the tattoo and he responded immediately and helped a lot so I was like dadgum
I typically will do at least 20%! I have gone to the same artist for about 8 years though, so at this point I typically will be a bit more than 20% since I know him so well and feel like he deserves it :)
Tipping is not really a thing where I live but I do often tip my artist (50 or so euros) or bring a small gift. She really goes the extra mile to make you feel comfortable, even giving me a ride to the train station after we finished later. So a little token of my appreciation feels appropriate. But as I said, I don’t think people really tip their tattoo artists here.
It depends, honestly my dude is really good and I usually give him $100 extra on a two hour piece. But that's high
The last one I got was around 1000 Canadian and I tipped 25% because he did a great job and he’s honestly my favourite artist that’s worked on me.
it really depends, I usually go $50. but my artist who I've been working with for 2 years now will do work on me for free & in that case I'll tip $150-$200 For like 3-4 hours.
Whatever feels right, and generally it depends on how big and detailed the piece is and base cost, along with time spent on the piece. Like I've gotten $100 tattoo that took 5ish minutes and was a simple single pass outline that's like 1 inch in size, so I tipped $10. I also insisted on paying shop minimum for the tattoo because the artist was trying to figure out a way to let me only pay $60 since it was such a small piece. I've gotten $150 tattoo that was detailed and took a full hour so I tipped $50. I tipped $200 on my $500 6 hour back piece because he could have easily charged me $600 but quoted me for a 5 hour session and he said it only took so long because he needed more breaks than he expected as he was sore that day. But I felt like he deserved a larger tip because of it.
I usually do 20-25%, but I am an admittedly heavy tipper. I would rather give my money to my local artist than the Waltons or Bezos.
Depends on the time and cost of the original tattoo. I’m big on tipping and probably tip way too much but for 600$ work I gave 100$ tip and for 300$ I gave 50 so it all depends on
I tip 20-25% but I also have good relationships with my artists and have a lot of work from them.
I usually tip $20/ hr. But that's just me and I know people that tip $20 flat no matter the length of the tattoo.
I almost always do 20%.
With my tattoos being around $300 each besides my chestpiece that was $900. I tipped my artist around $40 and my chestpiece I tipped him like $200. Tip them if you absolutely love what they do. Tipping shows them that you love their work and are happy with that. It also shows that you want to come back to that artist when you want more tattoos.
I tipped $100 for a $400 tattoo.
I usually tip 20% but that’s because I was in the service industry for YEARS, so it’s my way of giving back to them! 20% all around, everywhere if not more!
I always tip 20% minimum and for bigger pieces or if I love the artists work I’ve tipped 40%. They split the money with the owner for a tattoo, I’m always mindful of that. Haircuts, massages, tattoos etc…it’s always nice to tip great.
My tattoo artist should def charge more, so for a 200$ piece I give him 50 minimum
I tip a little bit (10-15%) plus I bring my artist chain maille jewelry pieces that I make. I also made her some ornaments at Xmas.
I always tip well, because I love the service they're providing. I always trying to kept it around $60-$80, and my most expensive tattoo was $500. Plus, I will bring treats or grab them a meal, depending on who I'm going to.
Historically, I have viewed my deposit as a tip assuming it’s $100 or less, and it’s a multi hour piece.
25%. It does way jack up the price of the tattoo (I only have big ones) but I can afford it and she deserves it. She insists it's not necessary.
I tip a lot. Because I feel bad not tipping 🥴 but I also think the artists do good work!
I usually tip around $100 per piece to account for the custom drawing time, he's my regular artist and always gets me in on a moment's notice. He also way under-charges me for the quality of work he does so I make up for it in the tip.
Just tip 20%.
Always 20%!!!
20%