Most of the people who seek to have their tattoos removed are those that became unhappy with their tattoo’s quality. They usually chose the tattoo they could afford and later regretted opting for the inexpensive tattoo. It is always better to wait and save up for the tattoo quality you want rather than cheap body art.
How Much Does a Tattoo Cost?
A tattoo’s cost varies widely and is dependent on the size, complexity of the image design, and the demand for the tattoo artist. $150 to $450 is a typical range. An artist won’t typically quote you an exact price but only a rough estimate of tattoo cost until you have agreed on the details for your design.
Hourly Rate
Many artists will quote an hourly rate. Upon finalizing the design concept, the tattoo artist should be able to give you a good idea of the number of hours it will take. Tattoo artists charge $100 to $250 an hour on average.
Flat Rate
Some tattoo artists charge a flat rate for pre-existing designs. Depending on the size and other factors, they are typically in the $100 to$200 range.
Half/Full Day Rates
For a large tattoo like a full sleeve tattoo cover-up or backpiece, half-day or full-day rates may apply. The artist may also book a full-sleeve tattoo as a two to three-day project.
Cost by Body Placement
You may be surprised that tattooing a design onto a particular part of the body also impacts costs. Certain body parts like bonier areas, feet, and ankles tend to be more difficult to tattoo. They’re also more sensitive and the artist may need to spend more time to make the client comfortable.
Size and Color
The size of the tattoo is an important factor in tattoo costs. Larger tattoos are more time-consuming than smaller ones and take more effort to accomplish. A small tattoo often costs just $50 to $150 depending on the design complexity.
Opting for a full-color tattoo increases the complexity of the design. The artist considers how to place or blend them for the desired effect.
Tattoo Artist’s Experience
The artist’s experience and popularity will affect the cost of your tattoo. Look for an artist who produces quality work you will appreciate for years to come.
Consider your tattoo as a long-term investment. Going with the most economical option is usually not the wisest choice. Remember that your tattoo will be projecting an image of you to the rest of the world and you’ll be seeing it daily.