If you are a huge fan of tattoo art, you might be skeptical about the tipping etiquette surrounding the profession of tattoo artists. Tattooing requires a high skill level, precision, and creativity.
Though not mandatory, tipping is an excellent way of appreciating the tattoo artist for an outstanding job. You also can acknowledge the time spent by the artist carefully curating art on your skin by giving a good tip.
Do You Have to Tip Your Tattoo Artist?
Though not compulsory, you should leave a tip when you feel the inking process is worth it. Most tattoo artists spend the bulk of their time sourcing for design ideas that suit your personality and style. They are the brain behind unique color combinations, alongside neat patterns.
Tattoo artists take precautions to maintain sterility throughout the procedure to eliminate the risk of infection. Inking supplies are also purchased by these creative skin designers, specially for your tattoo session.
Giving a tip after an inking session will undoubtedly be much appreciated by tattoo artists. In cases where you develop problems with your tattoo, later on, they can make necessary adjustments for free and give you a discount for your next session.
The Best Time to Tip Your Tattoo Artist
Since customer satisfaction mainly triggers tipping, it will be best to tip your tattoo artist after every successful inking session.
Leaving a tip after each session is a good option if you would have to see your tattoo artist more than once for a complex design. This will encourage your artist to do better for your next session.
Some wonder if leaving a tip after consulting your tattoo artist is okay. It’s okay, especially when you’ve finally decided on a design that suits you well.
When Not to Give Tips
The common thing that comes to mind is terrible tattoo results. Well, that can be preventable once you notify your artist about patterns you are not pleased with in the design. So you should expect them to make adequate adjustments after carefully pointing out errors.
It would be best to discard the idea of tipping your tattoo artist once you have a “bad tattoo experience,” which could exist in diverse forms. For example, once you observe a tone of rudeness or disrespect while asking your artist to guide you through the inking process, you can change your mind about leaving a tip.
Impact of Tips on The Wages of a Tattooist
Your tattoo artist is a small business owner who has to cope with the expensive nature of staying in business. They must pay taxes when due, settle rent fees, purchase inking supplies, market their services, and pay for health insurance.
Tattoo artists working as employees must remit 40%-50% of the total service charge to the shop owner. A tip will go directly into their purse and help them to cope better with expenses.
How Much Should You Tip For a Small Tattoo?
Unlike complicated tattoo designs, some designs require less time or planning and typically last less than an hour or more. It could be a simple word or outline, and you’re left with the question of whether to tip for a short session or not.
It is advisable to leave a tip of at least 15% of the tattoo cost, usually between $100-$200. Some clients leave a tip of up to $100 regardless of the complexity of the design.
How Much Should you Tip For a Complicated Tattoo Design?
Complex tattoo designs require careful and patient planning, high skill level, precision, and intelligence.
An artist who can blow your mind by successfully crafting these designs on your skin deserves a good tip. You can leave a tip that’s 20%-25% of the tattoo cost or go beyond that rate.
How to Tip For a Half-sleeve or Full-sleeve tattoo?
A half sleeve tattoo usually costs between $500-$1,000. You can tip about 20%-25% of the service charge based on the tattoo industry’s general tipping etiquette. For a half sleeve tattoo, you can leave a tip of $100-$200.
A full sleeve tattoo takes time and effort and usually costs between $2,000 to $4,000, so the standard tip will be $400-$600. If the tattoo requires more than one session, you can split the tip into separate sessions.
How to Tip For a Tattoo That Costs Between $100-$300?
Tattoos of this amount are usually simple or direct designs. A standard tip of less than 20% or more of the tattoo cost is ideal.
How to Tip on a $700 Tattoo?
For a $700 tattoo, a tip of $140 which is 20% of the cost, is a reasonable tipping rate. If you’re impressed with the overall customer service, you can be more generous with the tips.
How to Tip on a $1,000 Tattoo?
A tip of $200 is fair, bringing your bill to a total of $1,200. If you establish a good rapport with your stylist during the inking session or love how they explained every process thoroughly, you can go beyond that amount.
How Much to Tip For a $2,000 Tattoo?
$2,000 is undoubtedly a lot of money, and a tattoo of that price will require high expertise and time commitment.
Your tattoo artist can empathize well with you if you can’t afford a tip. Still, it would be nice to leave a tip of about 400 dollars to compensate for the time spent on the job and strict maintenance of sterility.
Should You Tip Tattoo Artist in Cash?
Tipping is done mainly in cash, especially in the tattoo industry. Most tattoo artists will refuse tips from a credit card so ensure you have cash at hand as a good tip.
Another tip you can offer to your tattoo artist, apart from cash, is advertising their brands on social media or showing off your beautiful tattoo after a fantastic session with them. This will help them to gain more exposure and, of course, more clients.
What Do Tattoo Artists Feel About Tips?
Some tattoo artists do not expect a tip, while others are keen on receiving tips when completing a complex, time-consuming design. Tattoo artists appreciate tips well.
However, some prefer you help them grow their client population by recommending their skills to others.
