Should You Tip Your Tattoo Artist? We Break it Down

So, you’ve just spent hours getting your skin pricked by a needle thousands of times, and now you’re the proud owner of a new piece of body art. You’re admiring your tattoo in the mirror, and then it hits you – “Should I tip my tattoo artist? And if so, how much?” 

Well, my friend, you’ve come to the right place. We’re about to dive deep into the world of tattoo tipping etiquette. It’s a world filled with percentages, cultural norms, and the occasional cheesecake (more on that later). 

This isn’t just about money, though. It’s about showing appreciation for the artist who just turned your body into a living, breathing work of art. So, grab a seat (preferably one that doesn’t make your fresh tattoo uncomfortable), and let’s get started!

The Norm of Tipping

Welcome to the world of tipping, where the rules are made up and the points don’t matter! Well, not exactly, but it can feel that way sometimes. 

In the United States, tipping is as American as apple pie and baseball. It’s a common practice in many service industries, and tattooing is no exception. In fact, it’s estimated that a whopping majority of clients tip their tattoo artists. 

But before you start throwing dollar bills around, it’s important to understand that tipping practices can vary around the world. In some cultures, tipping might be seen as an insult, while in others, it’s the norm. So, if you’re getting a tattoo in a foreign country, it might be a good idea to do a quick Google search on local tipping customs. 

Now, you might be wondering, “Should I tip my tattoo artist?” Well, the short answer is yes. But the long answer is… also yes, but with some caveats. We’ll dive into those in the next section. 

So, to sum it up, tipping your tattoo artist is generally seen as a good practice. It’s a way to show your appreciation for their hard work and skill. But remember, it’s not just about the money. It’s about the relationship you’re building with your artist. So, tip wisely, my friends!

Should You Tip?

Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. Should you tip your tattoo artist? Well, if you’re in the U.S., the answer is a resounding “Yes!” But, like a good tattoo, it’s not just black and white. 

Tipping is a personal decision and it largely depends on your satisfaction with the service. If your tattoo artist made you feel comfortable, listened to your ideas, and delivered a killer tattoo, then a tip is a great way to show your appreciation. 

But here’s the kicker: Tattoo artists often have to give a percentage of their earnings to the shop owner. So, that awesome tattoo that you paid $200 for? Your artist might only see half of that. So, a tip can go a long way in showing your appreciation for their time, effort, and talent. 

In the end, the decision to tip is up to you. But remember, a tip is more than just extra money—it’s a sign of respect and appreciation for your artist’s hard work.

How Much to Tip?

So, we’ve established that tipping is a good idea, but what’s the magic number? How much should you tip your tattoo artist? Well, it’s a bit like asking how spicy a jalapeño is. It really depends.

The average tipping percentage in the U.S. is somewhere between 15-20%. So, if your tattoo cost $200, a tip of $30 to $40 would be in the ballpark. But remember, this is just a guideline. If your artist went above and beyond, feel free to tip more. If they tattooed you while reciting Shakespeare, definitely tip more!

But here’s a twist: your tip doesn’t necessarily have to be monetary. Some clients bring their artist’s small tokens of appreciation. We’re talking about things like homemade cookies, a favorite book, or even a sketch of their own. One artist mentioned receiving a hand-knit scarf from a client. How heartwarming is that?

So, whether you decide to tip in cash or in hand-knit scarves, remember that the most important thing is to show your appreciation for your artist’s hard work and talent.

Factors Influencing the Tip Amount.

So, you’ve decided to tip your tattoo artist. Great! But how much should you tip? Well, that’s where things get interesting. 

The amount you tip can depend on a variety of factors. It’s not just about the final product, but also the experience. Did your tattoo artist make you feel comfortable? Did they listen to your ideas and provide helpful feedback? Did they go the extra mile to ensure you were happy with your tattoo? If so, these are all reasons to consider tipping more.

Professionalism is another big factor. If your artist was professional, punctual, and respectful, that’s worth acknowledging. Remember, a tattoo isn’t just a product—it’s a service. And good service deserves recognition.

The quality of the tattoo is, of course, a major factor. If you’re absolutely in love with your new ink, show your artist some love in return! For example, we went through what makes an expensive tattoo different from a cheap one here.

Lastly, consider the overall experience. Was the shop clean and welcoming? Was the staff friendly? Did your artist provide clear aftercare instructions? All of these things contribute to a positive tattoo experience and should be considered when deciding on a tip.

So, while there’s no set rule for how much to tip, these factors can help guide your decision. !

Why Tattoo Artists Appreciate Tips

Now, let’s flip the script and look at this from the artist’s perspective. Why do tattoo artists appreciate tips? Well, there are a few reasons.

First off, tattooing is hard work. It requires skill, creativity, and a whole lot of patience. So, when a client tips, it’s a sign of appreciation for the artist’s hard work and talent. It’s a way of saying, “Hey, you did a great job, and I value your work.”

Secondly, tattoo artists often have to split their earnings with the shop owner. So, that $200 you paid for your tattoo? Your artist might only see half of that. A tip can help make up for this and provide a much-needed boost to the artist’s income.

Finally, tips can help build a good relationship between the client and the artist. It shows that you respect and appreciate their work, which can lead to a better working relationship in the future.

So, while tipping is not mandatory, it’s definitely appreciated. It’s a small way to show your appreciation for your artist’s hard work and talent. And who knows, it might even get you a discount on your next tattoo! (Just kidding… or am I?)

Here’s a short video on what a tattoo artist had to say and how appreciative he feels when he’s given a tip.

The Art of Tipping: A Wonderful Conclusion

And there you have it, folks! The ins and outs, the ups and downs, the nitty-gritty of tattoo tipping. It’s not just about throwing some extra cash at your artist (although they’ll certainly appreciate that). It’s about showing respect and appreciation for their hard work, skill, and creativity.

Just keep in mind, getting a tattoo is not just a transaction—it’s an experience. And a good tip can make that experience even better for both you and your artist. So, the next time you’re admiring your fresh ink in the mirror, remember to show some love to the person who made it possible. Happy tipping, and even happier tattooing! You can check out this post to understand the process of getting a tattoo.