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Giving tattoos can be a great business for 2021. If you are working in the tattoo industry this year then take some time to consider your pricing. There are a lot of factors to consider when giving a tattoo though. One of those being tattoo prices. As a tattoo artist, it is important to research pricing and make sure your prices are comparable to others. Continue reading to learn all the details about tattoo costs.
Factors of Average Tattoo Prices
There is a lot that goes into figuring out the cost of your new tattoo. It isn’t a straight forward answer. Things like materials, size, location, and type of tattoo affect the price.
On average you can expect to charge $50-100 for a small tattoo, up to $200 for a medium tattoo and over $250 for a large tattoo. The sky is the limit though when it comes to very large pieces. It can be very expensive to get elaborate and large tattoos.
Size Matters
The first thing you should consider is the size of the tattoo. The larger the tattoo the more expensive it is going to be. In general, a tattoo under 2 inches is tiny, something 2 to 4 inches is small, 4-6 inches is medium, and 6 or more inches is large.
It is important to understand that these sizes are subjective though. Each tattoo artist will have to determine their sizes and how they price them. You can also size up or down the design. If the customer is concerned about the costs associated with a tattoo you can make it smaller if needed. As long as the design is not too detailed, try to make designs that are scalable. This will give the customer more flexibility in the design and save you time for reworking it.
Time is Money
The next factor that goes into a tattoo’s cost is time. The more time involved the more a tattoo will cost. You need to consider consultation, drawing time, and tattooing. You are being paid for all the timeyou spend on the tattoo not only the actual tattooing.
If you have an elaborate design, it may take longer for you to create the design. This can add to the total cost of the tattoo. It will also take longer to tattoo it. In general, expect to charge around $100 an hour at least. Each artist has different hourly fees, a more experienced artist will be able to charge more. Be honest about your experience and skill level when pricing.
Location, Location, Location
You should also consider the location of the tattoo. Different parts of the body have varying costs associated with them. If the tattoo is in a difficult spot on the body, then you may have to charge more.
Something small like a finger will cost less than something like a half sleeve. Size is a factor here as well. A tattoo might be one price if tattoo it on a wrist and a different price if you tattoo it on a chest. It all comes down to how difficult it is going to be for you as an artist.
Average Tattoo Prices Vary On Experience
The customer will be willing to pay more for a quality artist. You can charge more if you have a lot of experience and a good portfolio of work. If you are popular and have a waitlist, then you will be able to charge more for a tattoo. Depending on the demand for your work you can set higher prices.
There are a few different things that customers will pay more for. Your experience, where you trained, portfolio, reviews, and artistic level. Customers will probably shop around so you want to stand out to them to charge more.Use social media to display your work and draw attention to your skill level. This is the most important decision for the customer so you should show them that your work in high quality.
Geography
Where you live affects your prices as well. Like with all things where you live may make the tattoo more expensive. If you live in a touristy location where a lot of people visit and get tattoos you may have higher prices.
Things are more expensive on the coasts then they are in the Midwest in general. The same goes for tattoos. As the cost of living goes upin certain areas so will your prices. Working in a bigger city will allow you to charge more than in small towns as well.
Materials Matter
You will also need to factor in the materials. A more elaborate tattoo will cost you more in materials. If the tattoo has a lot of colors, will take a lot of ink, requires different needles it will cost more. You will need to factor in all the materials used for the tattoo into the pricing. So, the more materials required the more you will charge for the tattoo.
Average Tattoo Prices: Consultation is Key
Use the consultation with a customer to review all of the prices associated with their tattoo. There is a lot that goes into tattoo prices and you want to consider all the factors. Make sure to take your time and consider all elements of the tattoo. You do not want to short yourself or charge too much. Take your time with pricing and give them an accurate estimate. It will be difficult to change it later. When it comes to managing prices, appointments and morecheck out our softwarefor all of your tattoo parlor needs.
As a seasoned professional in the tattoo industry with years of hands-on experience, I can attest to the complexity of determining tattoo prices and the various factors that come into play. The article touches upon key elements that every tattoo artist should consider when pricing their work in 2021.
Factors Influencing Tattoo Prices:
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Size Matters:
- The size of a tattoo is a significant factor in determining its cost. Generally categorized as tiny, small, medium, and large, each size comes with its own pricing considerations. It's essential for artists to establish their size categories based on personal judgment and client preferences.
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Time is Money:
- Time plays a crucial role in pricing. Artists are compensated not only for the time spent tattooing but also for consultations and drawing. Elaborate designs may require more time for both creation and application, leading to higher overall costs. Charging around $100 per hour is a common practice, with experienced artists commanding higher rates.
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Location, Location, Location:
- The placement of the tattoo on the body influences the cost. Difficult-to-reach or sensitive areas may warrant higher prices. Size is again a consideration; a small tattoo on the finger might cost less than a half-sleeve on the chest. The difficulty for the artist is a key factor in determining the price.
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Experience and Portfolio:
- A tattoo artist's experience, training, portfolio, reviews, and artistic level directly impact pricing. Clients are often willing to pay more for a seasoned and reputable artist. Building a strong online presence through social media to showcase high-quality work is crucial for standing out in a competitive market.
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Geography:
- The location of the tattoo studio also affects pricing. Higher living costs in certain areas, especially touristy locations or coastal regions, may result in increased tattoo prices. Artists working in larger cities generally have more leeway in setting higher prices compared to those in smaller towns.
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Materials Matter:
- The complexity of the tattoo design influences the cost of materials. Elaborate tattoos with multiple colors, intricate details, and varied needle requirements will incur higher material expenses. Artists must factor in all material costs when determining the overall price of the tattoo.
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Consultation is Key:
- The consultation phase is crucial for discussing and explaining the various factors that contribute to the final cost of a tattoo. It is an opportunity for artists to transparently communicate pricing considerations with clients, ensuring both parties have a clear understanding of the financial aspects.
In conclusion, setting appropriate tattoo prices involves a nuanced consideration of size, time, location, artist experience, geographical factors, and material complexity. By carefully assessing these elements during consultations, tattoo artists can establish fair and competitive pricing that reflects the value of their skill and expertise in the evolving tattoo industry landscape.
