What is tattoo etiquette?

Let the artist take the lead or ask them what they prefer. Do bring a book to read or movie to watch provided you can do it without moving. Do let your artist take the lead on whether or not to talk. Don't stare at the tattoo while your artist is working.


What should I not tell my tattoo artist?

Tattoo Etiquette Guide
  • I Let My Dog Sleep In My Bed With Me. ...
  • How Much For A Sleeve? ...
  • Can You Draw Something, And If I Like It, I Book An Appointment? ...
  • I Am Just 17, But My Parents Approve. ...
  • Can You Hurry Up, Please? ...
  • I Had A Few Beers To Man Up. ...
  • I Want The Text To Be Super Small, Like A Freckle. ...
  • Can I Pay You Next Week?


What annoys tattoo artists?

21 Things That Secretly Annoy Tattoo Artists
  • When you complain about the estimated price of your tattoo: ...
  • And when you try to bargain for a cheaper price: ...
  • When you ask your tattoo artist to copy another tattoo artist's work: ...
  • When you try to convince your tattoo artist you're 18 even though you're clearly underage:


Is it rude not to tip for a tattoo?

Tipping may not be mandatory, but it's a way to show that you appreciate all of the hard work and effort—physical and monetary—that your artist put into your new tattoo. Remember: A tip isn't about you, it's about the artist.

How much money should I bring to my tattoo appointment?

It doesn't matter what you're getting, you have to leave a tip. Think of this beforehand and make sure you bring enough cash or be prepared to add it onto your card. Also, give a fair tip – something between 20-25% will do.


Everything You Need to Know Before Your First Tattoo | Dos and Don'ts



What is a good tip for a $100 tattoo?

You generally tip tattoo artists 20% - 30% for the price of the service you're paying for. So a $100 tattoo would include a $20 - $30 tip at the end of the session.

Do tattoo artists like when you talk to them?

Some artists love to gab while tattooing but others prefer to be quiet. Let the artist take the lead or ask them what they prefer. Do bring a book to read or movie to watch provided you can do it without moving. Do let your artist take the lead on whether or not to talk.

How much do you tip for a $1000 tattoo?

So, if you were going to get a $1000 tattoo, you'd probably want to tip at least $200; if you were getting a $500 tattoo, you'd probably tip $100, and so on.


How much should I tip on a $500 tattoo?

The average percent of tips to a tattoo artist is 15-20%. So, for a $500 tattoo, you can tip $75-100.

How much do you tip for a 4 hour tattoo?

“A suggested percentage of 20% to 25% for personal services is an accepted standard, especially in these post-COVID times.” Cornolo puts the range between 15% to 20%, but says that it really varies. “Some tip less, and some are very generous."

What jobs do not like tattoos?

Here's a short list of some of the most common employers that either don't allow tattoos or ask you to cover them up at work:
  • Healthcare Professionals. ...
  • Police Officers and Law Enforcement. ...
  • Law Firms. ...
  • Administrative Assistants and Receptionists. ...
  • Financial Institutions and Banks. ...
  • Teachers. ...
  • Hotels / Resorts. ...
  • Government.


What are the hardest spots to tattoo?

Most painful
  • Armpit. The armpit is among the most painful places, if not the most painful place, to get tattooed. ...
  • Rib cage. The rib cage is probably the second most painful place for most people to get tattooed. ...
  • Ankles and shins. ...
  • Nipples and breasts. ...
  • Groin. ...
  • Elbows or kneecap. ...
  • Behind the knees. ...
  • Hips.


When should you not get a tattoo?

Artists will not tattoo those taking blood thinners because it can cause excessive bleeding, which is not good while tattooed as mentioned above. Those that are taking anti-rejection medication for an organ transplant should not be tattooed until consulting with a doctor, due to the greater chance for infections.

Is it rude to wear headphones while getting a tattoo?

Bring your headphones

If you have music or something that might relax you, we strongly encourage you to have your headphones as an option. On some projects our artists might choose to wear their own headphones as well, which can help them focus without the general shop distractions.


What can you not eat after tattoo?

Foods to avoid include those that promote inflammation – red meats, foods high in sugar, salt and additives, as well as overly processed foods. These can interfere with the body's natural healing processes. The same is said to be true for an excessive amount of dairy.

How much do you tip a tattoo artist?

However, the average tattoo tip in the U.S. is at least 15-20 percent. “A tip is a tip—we appreciate anything,” says Clifton. “But you can always follow the Golden Rule of tipping 20 percent of whatever your tattoo price was if you're not sure.”

Do you tip every tattoo session?

While this decision is entirely up to you, typically clients tip at the end of each session so that your tattoo artist has confidence that you will be tipping them for their work. Alternatively, you could let your artist know that you will be tipping them in the final session.


Should I bring my tattoo artist a gift?

If you're obsessed with getting tattoos, you're probably pretty chummy with your tattoo artist. After all, this person is responsible for creating body art that is meaningful to you—and that lasts forever. A small present to show your appreciation for their hard work and valuable skills can go a long way.

Should you moisturize before a tattoo?

Staying well hydrated leading up to being tattooed, will put your skin in better condition. It helps your skin become more resilient which helps allow the tattoo ink application easier. Also, do not forget to moisturize your skin prior to your tattoo session.

What is the typical price for a 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.


What to do before getting a tattoo?

What to do before getting a Tattoo
  • Get a Good Night's Sleep. The last thing you want is to come in and be completely exhausted for your tattoo session. ...
  • Stay Hydrated. ...
  • Shave. ...
  • Shower. ...
  • Moisturize your Skin. ...
  • Eat and Bring Snacks. ...
  • Dress for you Session. ...
  • Do not show up Intoxicated.


How much does a half sleeve tattoo cost?

Half-Sleeve Tattoo Cost

The average cost for a half-sleeve tattoo is $500 to $1,500. It can span either the bicep or the forearm.

How do you know if a tattoo artist is good?

Good tattoo artists love to answer questions and provide comfort to their clients, from what kind of machines they use to what kind of ink they use to how long they've been at it and what they have a preference for doing. The look and presentation of the shop itself speaks volumes about the artists in the shop.


What should I bring to a tattoo appointment?

Bring a phone charger, headphones, portable game device, book – whatever will keep you busy and help time go by faster for you. It's also a good idea to bring a water or beverage with you. Some shops will recommend a beverage with a good amount of sugar in it to help your body endure the tattoo.

Is it rude to bring art to a tattoo artist?

The one thing you don't want to do is take an image from these platforms, and bring it to a tattoo parlor to get that exact design inked onto you. Again, you could be in violation of copyright laws, and it's just not worth it. You'll likely end up with a tattoo that twenty other people have too.
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