How Much Should You Tip A Tattoo Artist?

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Put yourself in the following situation:

You’ve been dying to get a cool Japanese tattoo for the past few months. You’ve scoped out different artists and shops around town, and you’ve finally settled on someone who you think is worthy of tattooing your skin.

You book the appointment. Show up and get tattooed. And… You are ABSOLUTELY in love with the piece your artist gave you.

In this case, you’re probably going to want to give your artist a little something extra, on top of the overall cost of the tattoo.

But how much should you tip a tattoo artist? Is it normal to tip tattoo artists? And how much do tattoo artists generally expect?

These are all great questions that we’re here to answer.

So let’s dive right in!

How Much Should I Tip My Artist?

As with most service based industries, the tip amount you leave your tattoo should be based on the total cost of the service provided.

So just like when you’re dining at a fancy restaurant, a 10%, 15%, or even 20% tip perfectly normal, fair, and acceptable, especially if you’re really happy with the experience. Or, if you want to form a good relationship with the artist.

That said, there’s nothing set in stone about how much you should tip. It’s completely up to your. And most artists know and understand that a tip is completely voluntary.

Still, the larger, more complex, and more time consuming the tattoo has been, the more you should probably tip your tattoo artist, just to show them that you appreciate their effort.

For example, if your artist put in 10 hours on a piece, sat with you for multiple sessions, and the total cost is closer to $1,500, a $150-$300 is totally appropriate.

But if you’re getting a small flower tattoo, for example, and it only cost $50, it’s perfectly normal to give a tip that’s in line with that price, so let’s say a $5 or $10 tip.

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Should You Tip A Tattoo Artist?

Yes! If you’re happy with the tattoo your artist put on your body, then go nuts! You should leave your artist a tip to show them that you appreciate their hard work and the effort they put into the service they’ve given you.

But if you had a terrible tattoo experience, the artist’s process made you feel uncomfortable, and you don’t even like the way the tattoo turned out…

Then, in that case, there’s really nothing wrong with not leaving a tip.

Tipping, in any industry, really depends on how happy, or unhappy, you are with the service you’ve received. So whether you should tip really depends on whether or not you’re happy with your new tattoo.

Love the tattoo? Great! Leave a tip!

Hated the overall experience and regret your tattoo…. Walk out… Don’t leave a tip… And don’t ever go back to the same shop. And in that case, if you’re really upset or disappointed with your new tattoo, you should know that tattoo removal can help you get rid of that unsatisfying ink.

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Is It Normal To Tip A Tattoo Artist?

Yes, it is normal to tip a tattoo artist, especially if you’re happy with the service they’ve provided and if you really love your new custom tattoo.

However, the thing is that tattooing is part of the service industry. So just like in restaurants, hair salons, food delivery, valet parking, or any other service industries, it is completely normal to leave a tip for an artist.

We should also note that tipping etiquette is very much an American, Western World thing. So if you’re getting tattooed in the US, tipping is normal and sometimes expected.

But in many Asian countries, as well as in Sweden, Norway, and Iceland, tipping is not normal. It’s not expected. And tattoo artists in these countries might even find it insulting if you try to tip them after they’ve finished their work.

If you’re really unsure about how your tattoo artist feels about it, just ask them!

How Much Do Tattoo Artists Expect?

Because tipping is not mandatory, your tattoo artist shouldn’t expect a cash tip to begin with.

But when asking them to create a custom design for custom tattoo, there will likely be some expectation of a tip, especially if they’re going out of their way to help you land on a design, style, or tattoo placement you love.

So monetary tips are not mandatory. But that doesn’t mean your tattoo artist won’t consider it impolite or rude if you don’t leave a tip.

After all, good tattoo artists put in time and make a concentrated effort to make you feel comfortable, safe, and at ease during their tattooing process.

Good tattoo artists understand that they’re providing a service.

And if they’re any good at their job, they’ll understand that it’s in their best interest to provide the best service possible, which may result in a tip.

They won’t expect it. But they should put their best foot forward to keep you happy, in hopes that it could earn them a little something extra at the end of your session.

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Frequently Asked Questions – How Much Should You Tip A Tattoo Artist?

Tipping etiquette is completely dependent on the tattoo shop you’re visiting, what country you’re in, and how the individual artists at the shop feel about tipping.

So if you’re unsure of whether or not to leave a tip, just ask them!

Now, let’s review a few frequently asked questions about tipping percentages and tattoos.

Is tipping mandatory after getting a tattoo?

No, tipping your tattoo artist is not mandatory, and you should not feel obligated to tip, unless you really want to. Good artists won’t make you feel pressured to leave a tip. However, many artists do find tips to be greatly appreciated and feel that it’s a great way for clients to show them that they are indeed happy with the work provided.

What is the average tip for custom tattoos?

Most tattoo shops say that customers often tip anywhere between 10% to 20%. However, it really does depend on the individual tattoo experience, the size of the tattoo, and the amount of time put in to complete the work. So for smaller tattoos, smaller tips or even no tip is perfectly fine. Whereas, larger tattoos requiring more work often call for larger tips.

Should I tip after every appointment if my tattoo takes more than one session?

It’s really up to you. If you enjoyed the tattoo experience during each session, then there’s nothing wrong with leaving a tip after each visit. However, there’s also nothing wrong with not tipping your tattoo artist after each visit, but then leaving then a single, larger tip when the tattoo is complete.

Should I tip if I had a bad tattoo experience?

No! Most tattoo artists and shop owners say that if a customer did not have a good visit, they should not tip. Doing tattoos and body art is an art form, but customer service is just as big a part of the experience as the art itself. Therefore, you should only tip if you feel like it’s justified and if you’re happy with your experience.

Should I tip after a touch up appointment?

You can. But you don’t have to leave an additional tip for a touch up appointment, especially if you’ve already tipped the artist during your initial tattoo session. Again, tipping is completely up to you and most artists will not expect a tip, especially if you’re only sitting for a short touch up appointment.

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