05/13/2026
Just a little transparency moment because I think some people genuinely don’t realize the cost of running a professional tattoo studio.
A $100 shop minimum is all I ask and honestly that’s being generous. (Communication goes a long way with me.)
One recent supply order alone:
• $223.89 on cartridges
• $152.97 on black, greywash, and white ink
• $102.28 on additional ink supplies
That’s almost $500 before I even touch:
— rent
— licensing
— barrier protection
— disinfectants/Cavicide
— bibs, razors, gloves, stencil supplies
— machine maintenance
— paper towels, ointments, caps, needles
— booking systems/payment fees
— taxes & insurance
And those are recurring costs. Constantly. That doesn’t include my time to draw and execute the design. Which has worth.
When you book with a licensed professional, you’re not just paying for the tattoo itself — you’re paying for cleanliness, safety, experience, sterile supplies, quality materials, proper education, and an environment that held to health department standards.
And honestly? Lowballing tattoo artists is selfish and unrealistic.
You are asking someone to permanently mark your body with custom artwork while expecting them to undervalue their time, supplies, skill, and overhead just to accommodate your budget. That mindset is disrespectful to the craft and to the artist behind it.
People want professional quality tattoos done in a clean licensed environment… but don’t always want to pay professional prices. Those two things do not coexist.
I don’t charge what I charge to get rich. (And I honestly don’t charge an arm and a leg folks, I work with everyone’s budget) but I do I charge what I charge to keep my business running, continue improving my craft, and give clients quality work done safely and correctly.
Respect the art. Respect the artist. Support small business.
