Tipping your Artist
Should You Tip Your Tattoo Artist?
Guidance on tipping etiquette, amounts, and thank-you alternatives
Getting a new tattoo is an exciting time in any person's life, and it's entirely normal for them to have questions after their appointment. One of the most commonly asked questions is simple: should you tip your tattoo artist? The short answer is that it's not required, but many will appreciate your gratitude if you're happy with the service, the completed tattoo, and your overall experience.
There aren't universal guidelines that apply to all studios and artists, so it's important to keep in mind that your artist could be an owner, a renter, a commissioned worker, or have another system in place that reflects their time and effort.
Is Tipping Your Tattoo Artist Required
No, a tip is a thank-you, and not an additional fee that every client is expected to pay. As a client, you should be quoted the tattoo price well ahead of your appointment, and you should never feel like you're being asked to add more to your bill just to prove you're grateful for the service.
On the other hand, tattooing is a skilled and time-intensive craft, and artists dedicate themselves to providing clients with excellent work. They spend time talking to their clients, designing or modifying sketches, preparing their station, setting up their equipment and tools, completing the tattoo, and discussing aftercare instructions.
It's an appropriate and thoughtful time to express your gratitude if your artist managed to make the experience pleasant and the final piece looks better than you ever anticipated.
If you're unhappy with the tattoo, the communication process, or the level of cleanliness, speak with the artist and/or the studio ahead of your gratuity decision. After all, a tip should reflect a positive experience, and shouldn't be used to make up for a negative one.
How Much Should You Tip a Tattoo Artist
Many clients begin their calculations from a percentage, but a flat amount works just as well. For a great experience, a tip of approximately 15 to 20 percent is considered common, and some will go above and beyond for an exquisite piece, a long appointment, or excellent service. Others will leave a smaller tip because the tattoo was a large price or because their budget simply doesn't allow for it.
For example, on a $300 tattoo, a 15 percent tip would be $45 and a 20 percent tip would be $60. On a $1,000 tattoo, the same percentages would be $150 and $200, which isn't realistic for all clients. The percentage is simply a guideline, not a requirement, and a flat amount that you can comfortably afford is always a good option.
The most important factors when determining gratuity is your level of satisfaction, the effort the artist put into the piece, and your financial situation. Don't skip a necessary appointment or make decisions that compromise safe and professional tattooing just to give a bigger tip. Paying the price you've quoted and agreed upon is an obligation that both parties are expected to meet, in a timely manner.
Plan for the Full Cost of Your Tattoo
As a client, it's wise to plan for the full cost of your tattoo ahead of your appointment. That might be the deposit, the quoted tattoo price, travel, food if you have a long appointment, aftercare supplies, and an optional tip. It's a good idea to set aside a little bit of your budget for the tattoo if you know you want to tip, but your finances won't allow for a large percentage. You can also just tell the artist that you're on a budget, and a good one will rather say you can afford this or that, then surprise you with a bigger price at the end. Ask your potential artist about deposit, touch-up, and payment policies if you're planning a multi-part tattoo; they vary, and it's a good idea to know the details ahead of your appointment as well as if you want to tip for each part or just the final one.
When Should You Tip Your Tattoo Artist
It's common practice for clients to tip at the end of your appointment, when your tattoo is complete and the artist has shown you their aftercare instructions. It's a good opportunity to reflect on your overall experience, as well as the consultation, communication, and final appearance.
If you're having a multi-part tattoo, you can tip after every session or when the tattoo is done; either is acceptable. Tip after each session if you're happy with everything, and just wait if you're on a budget and have a large piece to finish. Ask the studio about their preferred payment methods - some will accept cards, while some will rather have cash or a digital payment. If you're paying by card and a small screen appears showing you how much you're paying, you can choose an amount or no tip - there's no shame in leaving nothing if you chose not to tip, and a professional studio will understand and respect your decision.
What About Artists Who Own Their Shop
Some clients believe that an artist who owns their private studio should not be tipped, which isn't always true. An owned shop can mean that the artist has a larger share of the tattoo price, but they also have to cover rent, supplies, licenses, insurance, utilities, equipment, bookings, cleaning, and other costs.
Whether your artist owns their space or rents it shouldn't be your only consideration when deciding if and when to tip; look at the service you received, and if you want to show your appreciation. A tip is always optional, and the same general etiquette applies: tip within your means if you want to show your appreciation. It's always a personal decision, and you should tip if you want to recognize excellent work, and not if you think you're being rude.
Other Ways to Thank Your Tattoo Artist
Artists rely on repeat clients and those who spread the word about them, so your appreciation after the tattoo has been completed can mean a lot to them.
• Leave an honest review that talks about what you liked about the experience.
• Post a photo of your healed tattoo with a tag if appropriate.
• Tell a friend who's looking for a similar tattoo about the artist.
• Book again when you want a tattoo.
• Follow your aftercare instructions so your tattoo heals nicely.
What Tattoo Artists Say About Tips
The artists behind this studio agree that tips are not expected, but are appreciated. Clients tip regularly, some tip a little, some don't; they understand that tattoo prices can be a lot, especially for large tattoos and multi-part ones.
The general idea is that clients shouldn't feel forced to tip, and artists know their pricing reflects their skill, work, and experience. If you want to tip, it's always a nice gesture, and nothing is expected of you beyond the quoted, agreed-upon price. It's always a personal decision, and you should tip if you want to recognize great work, not if you feel you're doing something wrong.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 20 percent a good tip for a tattoo artist?
Twenty percent is a good starting point for excellent service, but it's not a hard-and-fast rule. A smaller tip, a flat amount, or a non-monetary thank-you can all be appropriate depending on the tattoo price and your budget.
Should I tip my tattoo artist after every session?
You can tip after each session or at the end of the tattoo; it's all up to you and how you feel.
Is it rude not to tip a tattoo artist?
No, a tip is optional, and you should always pay the quoted, agreed-upon price and follow your aftercare instructions. It's a good time to give a tip if you're happy with your experience and your tattoo, but it's not a requirement.
Can I tip with a credit card?
Some studios accept credit card gratuities, while some prefer cash or digital payment. Ask the studio if you're not sure, especially if you have a long or expensive appointment.
The Bottom Line
So, should you tip your tattoo artist? If you're happy with the tattoo and your experience, a tip is always a great way to do so, and around 15 to 20 percent is a good general idea.
There's no set amount and no requirement to tip beyond what you can afford, so just pay the quoted, agreed-upon price, choose a professional artist, communicate, and take care of your new artwork. If you want to do a little more, you can leave a review, post your healed tattoo, send a referral, or tip within your means. Your artist will appreciate your support, and you'll be able to leave the appointment happy with your experience.