Tattoo etiquette (2024)

FAQs

How much do you tip for a $100 tattoo? ›

If you're getting smaller art done or maybe a touch-up for $100, tipping anywhere from $15 to $25 fits the bill. Some regular or return clients also give gifts to their tattoo artists, such as restaurant gift cards, theater tickets and doughnuts for the shop.

That, and the "1/3 rule." A tattoo should be one-third black, one third-color, and one-third skin. For traditional tattoos, you don't want to use more than six colors, and that's including black.

"While any tip is highly appreciated, a good guideline is to tip 15-20% of the price of the tattoo. However, this amount can be adjusted depending on your personal budget, as well as how happy you are with your tattoo; there definitely isn't a minimum amount," they added.

But as a rule of thumb, a 15-20% tip is usually a good place to start. So, if you spent a total of $200 on a tattoo, tipping anywhere from $30 to $40 shows your artist that you appreciate their handiwork.

Both Gomez and Dim say that tipping isn't essential, but it is a kind way of showing your artist appreciation for their service and for their work. "I don't believe it's necessary for you to provide a tip. In fact, it doesn't make a difference if you choose not to tip — even if you enjoyed the tattoo," says Dim.

Though the meaning of a 333 tattoo can differ from person to person, this numerical tattoo is often associated with growth or change. The number three is considered to be a lucky number in many cultures, and it's often seen as a symbol of good fortune. For some people, a 333 tattoo is a reminder.

Traditionally, three dot tattoos symbolize “Mi Vida Loca” or “my crazy life.” They are commonly used to represent struggle and appreciation of life. For example, three-dot tattoos can communicate an intention to move forward after unfortunate circ*mstances.

• Faith Johnsen • | Matching tattoos in honor of their grandpa— 143 is shorthand for I love you and also his house number ♥️ . . .

So, if you were going to get a $1000 tattoo, you'd probably want to tip at least $200; if you were getting a $500 tattoo, you'd probably tip $100, and so on.

Is $300 an hour a lot for a tattoo? ›

Many tattoo artists charge an hourly rate, ranging from $50 to $300 per hour or more, depending on their skill level and reputation. Hourly rates may be more common for custom designs or larger, more detailed pieces.

Plus, many artists offer free touch-ups after the tattoo is completed. (Just make sure to tip your artist, even for a complementary touch-up session!)

A full sleeve tattoo can cost anywhere from $1000 to $6000, depending on the hourly rate of the artist and how much time the art takes to complete.

A palm-sized tattoo usually runs between $200-500, and medium to large tattoos (about 8”) usually range from $300-600. Half sleeves typically start around $1,000 and full sleeves often range from $2,000-$4,000.

You don't have to tip the shop owner unless they also did your tattoo. You don't have to feel bad about not tipping the owner either. Most of the tattoo artists renting chairs pay a portion of their earnings to the owner for space in the shop and/or supplies.

The general consensus in the tattoo community is that 20 percent is the typical amount to tip—just like at a restaurant or a hair salon.

How Much to Tip a Tattoo Artist. The most common way to tip a tattoo artist is to tip a percentage of the total cost of the tattoo. Many people tip about 20% of the overall price to show some extra love to their tattoo artist, especially if they invested a considerable amount of time and effort into your tattoo work.

How much should you tip your tattoo artist? "In general, 20 percent is typical, just like other service industry standards," shares tattoo artist Lina Shuliar. "I also want to say, the tip doesn't necessarily have to be about money.