[Tattoo Pricing] - Helping shed some light

Tattoo pricing has been one of the most challenging aspects of my career, and while I would like to say that I have a handle on it... I'd be lying. That difficulty persists today. And it's complex. And even more than that, I realized that if it's complex for me as a Tattoo Artist, I can only imagine how complex it is for my Clients. And while I have by no means mastered the 'break down' of pricing out Tattoos, I feel like it's perfectly reasonable (and even well within my responsibility) to help demystify some of what goes in to pricing our work - while I don't feel like I owe an explanation, and some things should stay close to the chest, there are certain facets that I think could help everyone, and I'd like to share some of them here with you as a means to bridge the gap, in a sense. 1.) Supplies The most costly aspect of Tattooing, for me at least, is the supplies. I think that sometimes it's easy to overlook everything that goes in to a Tattoo before it's even inked on your skin. A short list includes:

• Tattoo Bed/Chair/Arm Rest

• Toolbox/Station Surface

• Sanitary Tools (shields, bibs, gloves, paper towels, soap, water, rinse cups)

• Ink

• Ointment

• Needles

• Machine(s)

• Art Supplies (iPad, Sketch Pad, Tracing Velum, Stencil Paper, Pens/Pencils)

• Printers (Stencil & Computer)

These are the items I'd consider 'bare minimum' - everything you'd need in order to provide a safe, sanitary space in which to Tattoo. And while I won't elaborate on pricing for each item, as they can vary, note that in my experience needles alone have cost between $15 - $25 a box, and need to be purchased in multiples. A single needle used for your tattoo can cost up to $5/ea. Ink has cost $20 a bottle, and ointment close to $15.

2.) Shop Cut

This is a point that I realized not many people were privy to, and I think it's fair to share - a majority of the time, the Tattoo Artist you're working with (if they do not own their own Studio) is likely paying a Percentage (per Tattoo), or Booth Rent (per Month) in order to occupy the space and access the supplies and utilities the shop provides them. This would mean a lump sum per month (sometimes up to $2000), or a set percentage is taken from the value of each Tattoo 'sold' - each arrangement allows funds to cycle back in to the space, in order to cover the cost of all necessary supplies. This means that your Artist is not receiving 100% of the amount paid for the Tattoo - somtimes 40% - 60% (in my experience).

3.) Skill Set & Experience

Ultimately, art is a skill that can be trained like any other. We have learned a craft - something that required hours 'behind the wheel', many times spent in unpaid Apprenticeships. This allows for the training and learning required to do our jobs to the highest capacity possible! We have spent our time, money and energy to learn the trade, and as a result are able to return that back to you as a Client. The years we've taken to hone our craft will impact the cost of the work rendered (as well as the quality) - there will a difference, generally, in price between a Veteran Tattoo Artist, and one earlier in their career (me, for instance).

4.) Location, Location, Location

Where you are receiving your Tattoo is a factor that can't be understated - not the placement of the piece, but where in the world you are being Tattooed. The cost of living varies from state to state, country to country, and each business (Artist) adjusts their price point to match that. Each piece must help to cover the cost of supplies, living expense, fuel expense, etc. Especially that as Independent Contractors we do not have access to PTO - each appointment must chip away at overall cost.

I realize that none of these notes are all that revolutionary, and to detail out each individual note would take me months to complete - I hope that this little snippet helps to at least provide a little insight in to what drives the cost of your piece! We are working hard for you, and want to provide you with the quality work you deserve - and it helps to charge a price that allows us to continue to offer you that. You are the reason we are able to create! Thank you for allowing me to work with you.