The price depends on the size, the amount of detail, the placement and how long the work takes, rather than how much the design means to you. It usually covers the design, the materials and the session itself; aftercare products cost extra. An artist can give you a rough figure from your first message, as long as it includes the placement, size and references, and confirm the exact amount once you’ve talked through the idea and placement.
What affects the price
An artist prices the work rather than the picture: how long it will take and how complex it is.
- Size. The bigger the area, the longer the session.
- Detail. Hatching, shading, small elements and dots take hours.
- Placement. Working on the ribs, hand or neck is harder and slower than on the shoulder.
- Style. A three-line outline and solid black fill involve very different amounts of work.
- Someone else's work. Covering up or reworking an old tattoo takes more time and planning.
Why tattoos of the same size cost different amounts
“Ten centimetres” isn't enough information to give a price. A three-line sprig and a detailed botanical design with fine hatching may be the same size, but one can take several times as long to tattoo as the other. That's why an artist can't give you an exact figure until they've seen exactly what you want.
My prices at a glance
“From” prices are the minimum for a simple design at each size. The more detail, the higher the total.
- Consultation, 30 minutes
- free
- Design for your session
- free
- Mini tattoo up to 5 cm
- from €80
- Piece 5–15 cm
- from €150
- Piece 15 cm and over
- from €300
- First mini tattoo, including consultation and sketch
- from €80
I’ll give you the exact price once we’ve talked through the idea and placement. You don’t need to wait for the design.
What's included in the price and what isn't
It varies from artist to artist, so ask in advance what exactly you're paying for. The price usually includes:
- a design tailored to your chosen placement and size;
- single-use needles, ink, gloves, film and other consumables;
- the session itself and the first protective covering afterwards.
Aftercare products cost extra. Touch-up policies also vary between artists: some include a touch-up in the price, while others charge for it. More in “Tattoo touch-ups”.
Fixed prices, hourly rates and session rates
Small pieces usually have a fixed price. Large ones are priced by the hour or per session, because it's hard to say in advance how many hours a sleeve or a back piece will take. A large tattoo takes several sessions, and you usually pay for each one separately.
A deposit when you book is standard practice: it reserves the artist's time and usually goes towards the final total. For more on how this works, see “Deposit and booking rules”.
Where you can save and where you can't
There are sensible ways to save: simplify the design, choose a placement that's easier to work on, or split a big idea into stages. Choosing an artist just to save money or making the tattoo too small, though, almost always means paying more later.
- don't shrink a detailed design — the details will merge and you'll need a touch-up;
- don't look for the cheapest artist; look for the one whose style is right for you;
- don't skimp on aftercare — it determines how the work heals.
A cheap tattoo from an artist you haven't chosen carefully often ends up costing more than a good one: a cover-up or laser removal costs more than getting it done properly the first time. More in “Covering up an old tattoo” and “Tattoo removal”.
How to find out the price in advance
Send the artist your idea, the placement, a rough size and a couple of pictures. That's enough for a rough figure. For help writing that message, see “Your first message to a tattoo artist”.
I give you a rough price from your very first message, as long as it includes the placement, size and a couple of pictures. I’ll tell you the exact price once we’ve talked through the idea and placement, so there’s no need to wait for the design.
If it's beyond your budget for now
That's completely normal. You can wait and save up, start with part of a big project, or simplify the design without losing the idea. A tattoo stays with you for a long time — a few months' wait for good work is worth it.
Frequently asked questions
Everyone asks about the cost, and there's nothing wrong with that. Can't find your question? Message me on Telegram or Instagram. I reply personally.
Why do artists have a minimum price?
Even a tiny tattoo involves preparation, a design, single-use materials and cleaning the workstation afterwards. Those costs hardly depend on size at all.
Is a colour tattoo more expensive than a black one?
Often, yes: colour takes more time and more ink. But size and the amount of detail have a bigger effect on the price.
Can I haggle?
You can ask what would work within your budget: a simpler design or a different size. Asking for the same work for less isn't the best way to start.
Should I tip?
That's up to you. The best way to thank an artist is with a review and a well-healed tattoo.
