How is the price of a tattoo explained?
What explains the price of a tattoo?
Naturally, it will depend on the size of the tattoo, the design itself, the technicality of its execution, and its placement... but that's not all!
Before getting a tattoo, you know there's a first step: making an appointment.
The artist and/or their assistant takes the time to manage emails, inform clients, provide estimates, answer the phone, organize the schedule... etc. This is a big job in addition to tattooing/drawing for the artist, and if an assistant handles it, their remuneration must be factored into the tattoo's price. We tend to greatly underestimate this part of the work because it is invisible, but believe us, it's a lot of effort and time!
A quick note on "speed": constantly badgering us has never helped anyone get a faster response. Demanding a response on a Sunday morning at 7:30 AM won't either! We make it a point of honor to respond to you within a maximum of 24 to 48 hours, so no need to panic ^^
It's a bit difficult for some people to grasp, and this is increasingly the case over time, but you are not your tattoo artist's only client :) A little patience and kindness will do no harm, quite the opposite.
Another point to consider in the price of a tattoo: the equipment. A good quality tattoo machine costs at least several hundred euros. Depending on the tattoo artist's work, several machines may be needed, or at least they will need to be replaced regularly based on usage. For example, the price of gloves has doubled in just a few years, and the same goes for many of our other consumables. Ink prices are also rising, and upcoming regulations are not helping. Stencil paper has also increased significantly in price, when we don't have to deal with shortages during certain periods. We also need to consider the "big" equipment: tattoo tables, stools, thermal copiers, lamps... etc.
At the shop, we believe that you can only work well with good equipment, which is why we choose high-quality inks, gloves, machines... etc.
However, despite inflation, we have chosen not to raise our prices for years. We cannot do more than that, and we have too much respect for our work to undervalue it.
Let's be clear: This is absolutely not about "whining" and complaining, but simply to explain all the ins and outs behind the price of a tattoo :)
You also need to factor in the hours of drawing/research that most projects require. And once again, it might seem "quick," but a tattoo artist doesn't have just one client or just one design to prepare.
And most importantly, saving the best for last: experience!
Between an apprentice just starting out and an experienced tattoo artist who has been working for 10 years, it is absolutely logical that there would be a difference in pricing. This is a very important point that is too often invisible to clients; price should not be the sole criterion for choosing your tattoo artist.
So if you want a "cheap" tattoo, you'll have to overlook the quality of the equipment used, and the experience and skill level of the tattoo artist. But that will be at your own risk!
However, if you respect your tattoo artist and their experience, if you take into account the time they spend managing appointments, drawing, managing social media, and investing in safe and quality equipment: then you will be welcome in all shops!
