There is no single price for a tattoo, and any artist who gives you one before seeing your idea is guessing. A custom piece is priced on a few clear things.
Size and placement A palm-sized rose on the forearm is a very different job from the same rose on the ribs. Some areas stretch, move or hurt more, and they take longer to work.
Detail Realism and portraits need many layers of shading. Two pieces of the same size can take very different time when one is simple linework and the other is a photo-realistic face.
Sessions Sleeves, chest and back pieces are done in several sessions. Big projects are usually quoted per session so you can plan your budget.
How to get a real quote
- Send a clear photo of the area you want tattooed
- Share reference images and the size you have in mind
- Say if it is a cover-up
With that, Carlos can give you an honest number before you pay a deposit. The deposit holds your date and comes off the final price.
Written by Carlos, tattoo artist in Tallahassee, Florida.
