Here is a detailed explanation of how I, and most other Tattooists determine the cost of each tattoo:  Tattoos are incredibly difficult to estimate the price of because of all the variables that are involved.  The following is a list of all the factors that will affect the price of every tattoo:

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- THE SIZE OF IT

- THE TIME NEEDED TO TATTOO IT

- THE PLACEMENT ON YOUR BODY

- THE ARTIST'S SPEED and AVERAGE HOURLY RATE

- THE NUMBER/AMOUNT OF INKS REQUIRED

- THE NUMBER OF NEEDLE SETS REQUIRED

- THE TIME REQUIRED TO CUSTOM DESIGN IT

- THE COMPLEXITY/DIFFICULTY OF THE DESIGN

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          My minimum is $80.00 (when there's only one ink and one needle set required and its under 30 minutes of work).  I have a discounted rate for full-day appointments (12pm - 6pm), $700.00 for grey/black work and $800.00 for a full-day of color work.  This discount is to help people that are working on larger pieces and sleeves.  If your tattoo will take less then 4 Hours, then i will prorate it based on an hourly average of $140 per hour. 

         A deposit is always required before i will begin a custom design, and it's either $40 or $80 depending on the complexity of the design.  Most tattoos only require a $40 deposit, however sleeves or portraits would require $80 deposit.  IF YOU HAVE A BUDGET YOU WANT TO STAY UNDER, I CAN USUALLY WORK WITH ANY PRICE, AND IM HAPPY TO WORK WITH YOU NO MATTER WHAT YOUR BUDGET!.  I'll always give my honest recommendation on what i think you should spend to make it look it's best, but it's ultimately up to you and you can choose to spend less if you want.  if you would like to spend less money then i recommend, then i will show you different options to simplify your design or reduce the size so that it will meet your budget.

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             Hourly rates for tattoo artist will vary depending on the artist, but clients should be aware that a lower hourly rate DOES NOT mean you're getting a better deal.  In Minnesota, $100 - $200 per hour is common prices, anything over $250.00 is considered to be on the high end.  However, If a faster artist charges more, and a slower artist charges less per hour, then in the end, the price will be roughly be the same.  So don't focus on these advertised rates, because they are designed to be a marketing tool for artists, but mean very little if anything to the customers.  

            The only real way to get an accurate price estimate for your tattoo is to go, in person, to do a consultation with the artist that you choose.  After going over the details, ideas, and concepts with them, they will be able to give you an estimate.  You are welcome to consult with as many artists as you want to try and find the best fit for you and your budget.

             The best advice i can give to anyone that's new to tattoos or the veterans that aren't sure if they have been getting a fair price is this:  You will never be upset about paying a lot (or too much) for a tattoo that turns out perfect and heals properly.  You will, however, be very upset if you paid less (or too little) for a poor quality tattoo that heals poorly and needs to be touched up/fixed up anyway.  So ultimately, the price isn't the thing you should worry about as much as the particular tattoo artist that you'll choose to tattoo your design how it's meant to be done.  Look at their work, and find an artist that does the kind of work you are wanting to get.  That's the number one key to getting perfect tattoos that you'll be proud to show off for a lifetime.  Thanks for taking the time to read this and i genuinely do hope it will help you to get a tattoo that you'll always be proud of.

 

                                                               - Myk Kehr 

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