Tipping for tattoos is a complex topic with no definitive right or wrong answer. The amount you should tip your tattoo artist depends on several factors like the complexity and size of the tattoo, your relationship with the artist, and even tattoo shop norms. While there are general tipping guidelines, tipping ultimately comes down to your personal discretion.
What is the average tattoo tip amount?
The standard tip amount for a tattoo is typically 15-20% of the total cost of the tattoo. So if your tattoo costs $100, you would tip $15-20. For larger or more complex tattoos, some recommend tipping 10% for tattoos under $500, and 20% for tattoos over $500. The average cost of a tattoo in the US is around $200, so on a typical tattoo you could expect to tip $30-40.
Do you tip tattoo artists hourly or per tattoo?
Most tattoo artists charge by the hour rather than per tattoo. The average hourly rate for a tattoo artist in the US is $150 per hour. For hourly rates, you would calculate the tip based on the total hours worked. If your sleeve took 10 hours at a rate of $150/hour, the total cost would be $1500 and you would tip 15-20% of that amount, or $225-$300.
How much should you tip for a small, medium, or large tattoo?
As a general guideline:
- Small tattoo (2×2 inches): Tip 15-20% of the total cost
- Medium tattoo (6×6 inches): Tip 15-20% of the total cost
- Large tattoo (full sleeve): Tip 10-15% of the total cost
So for example, if your small tattoo cost $50, you would tip $8-10. For a medium tattoo at $200, you’d tip $30-40. And for a full sleeve at $1000, you’d tip $100-150.
Should you tip tattoo artists in cash or on a card?
It’s best to tip your tattoo artist in cash. This allows them to pocket the money directly rather than going through the tattoo shop’s payroll system and getting taxed on it. Discreetly slip the tattoo artist their tip at the end of the session as a gesture of your appreciation for their work.
Do you tip a tattoo artist for a cover up?
Yes, you should absolutely tip for a cover up tattoo. Cover ups require extra skill and effort from the artist to effectively conceal the old tattoo. Tip at least 20% for a cover up given the extra work involved. If your cover up was complex with intense coloring and detailing, tipping 25-30% would be appropriate.
Should you tip for a touch up?
Tipping is not necessarily expected for a touch up, but it’s a nice gesture if the artist put in extra time and effort. Even just $5-10 is fine for a small touch up. For larger touch up work involving several hours, tip around 15% of the total cost as you would for a new tattoo.
Do you tip for a consultation?
You do not need to tip for an initial consultation. This is just meeting with the artist to discuss design ideas. However, if the consultation runs long, like 2+ hours, and the artist does some initial sketches or drafts of the tattoo, you could tip 10-15% of the hourly rate as a token of appreciation.
Should you tip an apprentice tattoo artist?
Yes, you should tip a tattoo apprentice just like you would tip a licensed artist. They are still providing you a service and their time. The standard 15-20% tipping guideline applies. However, you may want to tip on the lower end for an apprentice who is still learning.
Do you tip when getting a tattoo at a convention?
It’s customary to tip when getting tattooed at a convention, even though you may also be paying a convention fee. Artists travel to conventions and spend long hours there, so show your appreciation with a 15-20% tip if you’re satisfied with the work.
Should you tip if you don’t like the finished tattoo?
If you are unsatisfied with the final tattoo, you are not obligated to tip. Explain to the artist what you don’t like about it and give them a chance to correct it. If the issues cannot be resolved, you can forgo the tip. However, if it’s simply a matter of personal taste and the artist did the work properly, it’s still kind to tip 10-15%.
Do you need to tip every session for large tattoos?
For tattoos requiring multiple sessions, you should tip at the end of each session. Don’t wait until the very end. This shows your appreciation for the artist’s time and effort each time. The standard 15-20% tipping amount applies to each individual session.
Applying general tipping principles to 3000 tattoos
Now let’s imagine you are getting not just one tattoo, but 3000 tattoos! That’s obviously an extreme example. But we can apply the general principles above to determine an appropriate tip.
Some assumptions for 3000 tattoos:
- They are all small, simple tattoos about 2×2 inches
- It would take a single artist approximately 375 hours to complete them all
- The tattoo artist’s hourly rate is $150/hour
- Tipping 15-20% is customary
So to calculate the tip on 3000 small tattoos from a single artist:
- 375 hours x $150/hour rate = $56,250 total cost
- 15% tip would be: $56,250 x 0.15 = $8,437.50
- 20% tip would be: $56,250 x 0.2 = $11,250
Therefore, for 3000 small tattoos, you would tip between $8,437.50 – $11,250. Of course, getting 3000 tattoos from one artist would likely involve multiple sessions over an extended period of time. So you would want to tip each session rather than wait until the very end.
Key takeaways
- The standard tattoo tip amount is 15-20% of the total cost
- Tip in cash at the end of each session
- Tip apprentices and for cover ups, touch ups, and conventions
- No need to tip for consultations
- For 3000 small tattoos, expect to tip $8,437.50 – $11,250
Conclusion
Tattoo tipping etiquette ultimately comes down to showing appreciation for the artist’s time, skill, and service. While there are general guidelines, the appropriate tip amount depends on factors like the complexity of the tattoo and your relationship with the artist. For an extreme scenario of 3000 tattoos, you would expect to tip approximately $8,500-$11,000 based on standard tipping practices. But remember, when it doubt, always tip your tattoo artist for quality work!