The Dos and Don'ts of Tipping Your Tattoo Artist — Certified Tattoo Studios (2024)

FAQs

The Dos and Don'ts of Tipping Your Tattoo Artist — Certified Tattoo Studios? ›

Generally, a tip of around 10-20% of the total cost of the tattoo is a good starting point. However, you may want to tip more if the tattoo is particularly complex or if you feel that your artist went above and beyond to give you a great experience.

Sinatra also recommends tipping all tattoo artists, even if you're getting your ink done by the owner.

Here, you might find that while the quality of work is top-notch, the tipping rates hover around the 15-20% range. A tattoo costing $300 might get a tip of around $45 to $60.

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.

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.

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.

✴ Hourly Rates

Many tattoo artists charge an hourly rate, ranging from $50 to $300 per hour or more, depending on their skill level and reputation.

Cash Is King

Many tattoo shops will ask you to pay cash, so you'll need cash for a tip. In some instances, shops will honor debit and credit cards for the tattoo itself, but you should still tip the artist with cash.

What do tattoo artists refuse to do? ›

Moral Objections: Tattoos That Artists Refuse to do

Additionally, almost every tattoo artist will turn down racist, sexist, hom*ophobic, and otherwise offensive tattoos.

It's way too easy for customers to regret the purchase and dispute charges with the bank, leaving the shop having to pay the money back & no ability to recover the product. Also, when you're in an industry with a high rate of chargebacks, you tend to pay much higher transaction fees, further cutting into their profits.

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!)

It is customary to tip tattoo artists for their time and skill. A general guideline is to tip between 15-20% of the total cost of your tattoo, but you can adjust this amount based on your personal budget and satisfaction with the service.

Just give them what extra you can spare, if you feel like they're cutting you a great deal and you're happy. Give them more etc…. because their price is a higher rate and you're going to be getting a piece that will ultimately be pricey, common etiquette would be 10%. if it was a 500$ or less tattoo i'd tip 20%.

"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.

Cash is King: Tattoo artists often prefer cash tips because they receive them immediately and in full. If you're unsure whether the studio accepts credit card tips, it's best to have cash on hand.