How Much to Tip a Tattoo Artist?

Shmulik Dorinbaum

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Getting a tattoo can be a big decision – not only do you have to choose the right design, but you also need to find a reputable artist who can execute it perfectly. Once you’ve found the perfect person for the job, another important question arises: how much should you tip your tattoo artist? 

While there is no one definitive answer, we’ve compiled some advice to help you make the best decision for your situation. Read on to learn more about tipping your tattoo artist!

How much should you tip a tattoo artist?

The consensus

When it comes to tipping tattoo artists, the consensus seems to be that 15% to 20% is a good starting point. Of course, you can always tip depending on your budget and how satisfied you are with the results. If you’re really happy with your new ink, a 20% tip is always appreciated – but no one is going to expect it.

On the other hand, if you’re not thrilled with your tattoo or the artist made a mistake, a smaller tip (or no tip at all) is perfectly acceptable. The bottom line is that you should tip what you feel comfortable with – after all, it’s your money!

Tipping etiquette for tattoo artists

In addition to the percentage, you tip, it’s also important to follow some basic etiquette when tipping tattoo artists. For example, you should always tip in cash – tips paid by credit card can end up going to the artist’s studio instead of directly into their pocket.

You should also try to tip your artist immediately after getting your tattoo. This will ensure that they get the money as soon as possible, and it also shows that you appreciate their work.

How to tip your tattoo artist

Now that you know how much and when to tip your tattoo artist, the next question is: how do you go about doing it? If you’re not sure what to do, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered.

Here are a few tips for tipping your tattoo artist:

– Try to have the cash on hand when you go in for your appointment. This makes it easy to tip right after your tattoo is finished.

– If you’re paying by credit card, ask the artist if they have a card reader so you can add the tip to your total.

– If you’re not sure how much to tip, ask the artist for their recommendations. They should be able to give you a range based on their experience.

What to tip your tattoo artist if you’re not satisfied

If you’re not happy with your tattoo, you don’t have to tip your artist at all. However, if you feel like they did a good job even though you’re not thrilled with the results, a smaller tip, or none, is also acceptable.

When to tip your tattoo artist

Now that you know how much to tip your tattoo artist, the next question is: when should you do it?

The best time to tip is immediately after your appointment, while everything is still fresh in your mind. This will ensure that the artist gets the money as soon as possible, and it also shows that you appreciate their work.

If you’re not able to tip immediately after your appointment, don’t worry – you can always do it later. Just be sure to get it done within a few days, so the artist knows that the tip is coming.

Why do people decide to tip their tattoo artist?

There are a few reasons why people might choose to tip their tattoo artist. For some, it’s a way to show their appreciation for a job well done. Others may feel like it’s the right thing to do since tattoo artists can sometimes be undertipped or underappreciated.

Will my tattoo artist expect a tip?

There’s no right or wrong answer to this question – it depends on the artist. Some tattoo artists may expect a tip, while others will be perfectly happy with just the payment for their services. If you’re not sure what to do, ask the artist directly – they should be able to tell you if they expect a tip or not.

Does a tip depend on the price of the tattoo?

The price of the tattoo does not necessarily dictate how much you should tip. Instead, it’s more about the quality of the work and how satisfied you are with the results. If you’re on a budget, a smaller tip is fine. However, if your tattoo was a particularly detailed and intricate one, a larger tip may be in order.

What’s more, if you’re tipping within the 15-20% range, your tip amount will go up in proportion to the price of the tattoo, so a $200 tattoo would warrant a $30-40 tip. Whereas a $600 tattoo would be a $90-120 tip.

How to show you appreciate your tattoo artist

Tipping is one way to show your tattoo artist that you appreciate their work, but it’s not the only way. Another great way to show your appreciation is by leaving a positive review on their Google Business page, Yelp, or another platform. If you had a good experience with your artist, be sure to let other people know!

How to recommend your tattoo artist to others

If you’re happy with your tattoo and the artist who did it, one of the best things you can do is recommend them to others. This is a great way to help other people who are looking for a good artist, and it’s also a great way to show your appreciation. Tattoo artists work hard to create beautiful art on people’s bodies, and they deserve to be shown real gratitude for their efforts.

At the end of the day, it’s up to you how much you want to tip your tattoo artist. Just be sure to factor in the quality of their work, how satisfied you are with the results, and what you can afford. With these considerations in mind, you should be able to come up with a figure that feels comfortable to you and makes your tattoo artist happy. By following the tips in this guide, you’ll be able to ensure that your tattoo artist gets the appreciation they deserve.

Shmulik Dorinbaum

Shmulik Dorinbaum

A musician, a father, a former cancer person, not a tattoo artist, but a tattooed person indeed.