How to get a Price / Quote on a Tattoo Design Online (2024)

FAQs

How to get a tattoo price quote? ›

You can charge per hour or per piece, depending on the design's complexity and your efficiency. The average tattoo cost per hour ranges anywhere from $80 (beginners) to $500 (famous artists).

Many artists will charge by the size of the tattoo or how long it takes to complete, and they should have a good idea of the price once they read through your first email. “What is the payment process for this tattoo?” “Do you have an approximate estimate for this piece so I can save up money for it?”

Don't negotiate the price. Tattoo artists will always quote you beforehand based on their time and the size of the tattoo. They want to make sure they get the design just right, so it's better to pay for an extra half hour or so than to walk out with something that looks rushed and sub-par.

The cost of your tattoo is influenced by the amount of time the artist spends tattooing you, which is why most artists charge either an hourly rate or a day rate. But it's important to appreciate that the time they take tattooing you is NOT the only time they spend on your tattoo.

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.

A palm-sized tattoo usually runs between $200-500, and medium to large tattoos (about 8”) usually range from $300-600. Half sleeves typically start around $1,000 and full sleeves often range from $2,000-$4,000.

How much does a custom tattoo design cost? ›

The pricing for custom tattoos can vary depending on the tattoo designer, the size and complexity of the design, and how much time it takes to complete. But as a general rule, you can expect to pay anywhere from $50-$200 for a small tattoo, $200-$500 for a medium-sized one, and upwards of $1,000 for a large tattoo.

Sit still!

If you might have trouble with pain, consider a numbing cream in advance of getting tattooed (ask your artist first). If you're jumpy, you're wasting tattooing time and risking mistakes. Generally though, you're stressing out the artist which can mean not getting their best work. Don't move unexpectedly.

In most studios, payment must be made before services are rendered. It is up to each studio to decide which methods of payment they accept. Whatever method you pay with, make sure they give you a receipt. It is also customary to tip the artist for their work– 20% is the norm, but you can use your discretion.

For designs under 2x2 inches, you can expect to pay our shop minimum, around $100. If you're considering a 3x3 inch design, the price typically falls within the $150-$200 range. For larger tattoos measuring 4x4 inches or more, prices start at approximately $250 and go up from there.

Tattoo artists are professionals who should be treated with respect and consideration. There are certain questions you should never ask your tattoo artist. For example, you should never ask your tattoo artist to negotiate on the price or copy another artist's work.