Ready to make a booking? Here’s a few things to consider before your first appointment

How much will a tattoo cost?

The price of the tattoo will really come down to a few things:

- How big is your tattoo?

Size will play a huge factor in price. Expect to pay a minimum of around £50 for a small tattoo, £100 to £150 for a tattoo the size of a credit card and anywhere from £300 to £700+ for larger designs like a full sleeve. Some places also charge by the hour, depending on the artist’s skill and years of experience.

- Do you want a coloured tattoo?

Coloured designs tend to be more expensive than black and white ink, simply because the ink is more expensive to purchase. It also takes the artist more time to change and mix inks to achieve specific shades.

- How experienced is your tattoo artist?

The more experienced they are, the more costly their hourly rate can be. Most places tend to share their artist’s hourly costs upfront so you know what price point you’ll be looking at ahead of time.

Should I shave before a tattoo appointment?

Most tattoo shops will ask you to shave before your tattoo appointment because the hairs can get in the way of the tattoo needle and ink. Your artist might ask you to shave the area so they can have a clear canvas to work on with added precision.

Do I need to tip my tattoo artist?

Leaving a tip is really up to you. Ask yourself, how your experience was and what do you feel comfortable with? Tipping is not a requirement, but it does put something a little something extra in your artist’s pocket if you had a good session. If you do choose to tip, give what you feel comfortable with knowing that 10-25% tends to be the standard.

Now you’re all set to get your ink. Which studio will you check out?