09/15/2025
Getting a tattoo is a deeply personal experience, and showing your artist appreciation for their craft is a crucial part of the process.
Tipping is an industry-standard practice and an impactful way to recognize their skill, time, and dedication beyond the base price.
Here is a supportive rant about tipping your tattoo artist:
You're paying for more than just the ink
It’s easy to look at the final bill and think, "Wow, that's expensive." But you're not just paying for the time they spent with the needle in their hand. That cost covers a ton of hidden work that you don't see.
Design and drawing
Your artist spent hours on a custom design, often on their own unpaid time, to bring your unique vision to life.
Business expenses
Most tattoo artists are small business owners or independent contractors. This means they are responsible for their own shop rent, high-quality sanitary supplies, and expensive equipment.
Studio cuts. If your artist works in a shop they don't own, they may give up to 40–50% of their earnings to the studio to cover overhead.
Hidden costs. They also manage their own scheduling, marketing, and client communication, often long after the studio closes.
Tattooing takes a toll
Tattooing is a physically and mentally demanding job. Artists spend long hours hunched over in uncomfortable positions, which can lead to chronic pain and repetitive strain injuries. When you're in that chair, they are giving you their full attention, focus, and energy. A tip acknowledges that you see and value this invisible labor. For many self-employed artists, tips are also a much-needed financial safety net to cover lost income from illness or injury.
What is a good tip?
The standard is similar to other service industries—a 15% to 20% tip is a great place to start. For exceptional service or a particularly intricate, custom design, many clients tip 25% or more. If your tattoo is a small, less expensive piece, consider giving a minimum tip of $20.
But I can't afford a big tip
If your budget is tight, it's always better to offer a smaller tip than none at all. A tip is an expression of gratitude, not a mandatory fee. It's the thought that counts.
If you truly can't afford a tip, there are other meaningful ways to show your appreciation:
Give a small gift
Thoughtful, personalized gifts like snacks, coffee, or something from the flea market are always appreciated.
Leave a positive review
A glowing review on Google or Yelp can boost their reputation and bring in new clients, which is invaluable.
Show them off
Post your new tattoo on social media and tag the artist, singing their praises. Word-of-mouth recommendations are a huge part of their business.
Tipping is about building a relationship
Showing appreciation through a tip helps build a strong, positive artist-client relationship. If you plan on getting more work done, treating your artist with respect and gratitude can lead to a long-term connection. After all, a tattoo artist can change your life, and tipping is a simple, powerful way to say "thank you" for the wearable permanent art they created just for you.
