How to Get a Quality Tattoo on a Budget

Key Takeaways:

• Never compromise on hygiene and professional standards, regardless of price.
• Start small and simple; you can always add more later.
• Apprentices can offer quality work at lower prices under professional supervision.
• Black and gray designs cost less than color while still looking great.
• Budget extra 10-20% for aftercare products and touch-ups.
• Be wary of extremely low prices, dirty shops, or pushy sales tactics.
• A good tattoo is an investment in permanent art on your body. It's better to wait and save for quality work than to rush into a cheap option you'll regret later.

Getting a tattoo doesn't have to break the bank. While quality ink typically comes with a higher price tag, there are some smart strategies you can use to get a great tattoo without spending a lot of money. These cheap tips will help you get beautiful body art that lasts, from picking the right artist to timing your appointment well.

What Factors Influence the Cost of Your Tattoo?

The cost of body art isn't arbitrary; it's based on a number of important factors.

Tattoo Size & Style

The larger and more intricate your tattoo design, the higher the cost. Most small tattoos cost between $50 and $100. Medium-sized tattoos can cost up to $200, and big, complicated designs can cost more than $250.

Your Artist's Street Cred

The skill level and reputation of your chosen artist directly influence pricing. Newer artists usually don't get paid as much as more experienced artists with good portfolios and large followings.

Location, Location, Location

Tattoo prices vary a lot depending on where you live. Rates are usually higher along the coast and in big towns than in the Midwest because of the higher cost of living there. Places that a lot of people visit also tend to charge higher prices.

Body Placement

The location of your tattoo on your body affects the price. Challenging areas like the ribs, hands, or feet usually cost more because they are harder to work on and need higher expertise.

Color vs. Black and Gray

Color tattoos typically cost about 30% more than black and gray designs due to the additional time, skill, and materials needed for proper color application and mixing.

The Materials and Tools Used

The quality of materials used also impacts the final cost. For more complicated tattoos, you need more supplies, like different kinds of needles and ink in different colors.

After learning about the factors that affect tattoo prices, let's look at some smart ways to help you save money while still getting the great art you want.

How Can You Get an Affordable Tattoo Without Compromising Quality?

Get Tattooed by an Apprentice

Typically, apprentice artists charge about half as much as experienced artists. Their rates range from $50 to $80 per hour, while established artists charge $150 to $400. Even though apprentices don't have as much experience, they work under supervision and must follow professional safety rules.

Choose Simple Tattoo Designs

Tattoos that are small, simple, and have clean lines and few details can be had for as little as $50 to $100. Tattoos the size of your palm that have simple designs usually cost between $200 and $500. This makes them a more affordable choice than more complicated ones.

Opt for Black and Gray Tattoo Colors

Color tattoos cost more because they take longer to do and require more materials. If you stick to black and gray patterns, you can save money while still getting a striking look. Generally, single-color tattoos are less expensive than multi-colored ones.

Consider a Trade Agreement

If you have valuable skills to offer, some artists might be willing to trade them for their work. This could include trades of goods, professional services, or other things that are good for both sides. But make sure that this plan is agreed upon professionally and in advance.

Watch for Flash Sales

A lot of tattoo shops have promotions or flash sales periodically, especially around holidays or other special events. You can stay informed about these opportunities by following local shops and artists on social media.

⚠️ Important Note: DIY tattooing or getting one done by a friend who isn't trained may seem like a good way to save money, but it comes with a lot of health risks, like getting an infection and poor tattoo results. For permanent body art, safety and skilled skill should always come before saving money.

What Are The Warning Signs When Getting A Tattoo At A Low Price?

While it's smart to look for deals and save money on your tattoo, some "bargains" can cost you more in the long run. Watch out for the below red flags:

Too Cheap to Be True

When a tattoo shop gives incredibly low prices or big price cuts to get your business, it's usually a sign of underlying issues. To get a good tattoo, you need skill, experience, and professional-grade supplies, which are all represented in the price. Prices that are too low usually mean inexperience, poor reputation, or desperate attempts to attract customers.

Dirty Shop, Big Problems

A professional tattoo shop has to follow strict cleanliness protocols. Keep an eye out for opened needle packages lying around, equipment that hasn't been sterilized, and a generally dirty work area.

No Work to Show? That's Weird

Professional artists take pride in showcasing their work. It's worrying that they don't have a full portfolio or can't show that their quality is the same across all styles.

Pushy Sales? Run!

A big red flag is someone who is desperate to get you on the chair as soon as possible. Good artists usually have a steady run of customers and won't have to beg or use pushy sales tactics. Be wary of shops constantly advertising gimmicks like "free touch-ups for life" or "tattoos until you tap out," as these often come with hidden conditions.

They Don't Care About Your Healing

Good artists care about your healing and the long-term results. If an artist doesn't give you clear or sufficient aftercare instructions or doesn't seem interested in checking up on your healing progress, this shows that they lack professionalism and concern for the client's well-being.

FAQs About Tattoos

Q: Can I negotiate payment plans with tattoo artists?

A: Some well-known studios offer payment plans for larger pieces, but it depends on the artist and the shop. During your consultation, you can talk about how to pay, but you shouldn't haggle over the base price because that's rude to the artist.

Q: Does the season affect tattoo pricing?

A: Tattoo shops are usually less busy in the winter (January–March), so the prices tend to be cheaper and there are more deals. Many artists offer deals at this time to keep their businesses going.

Q: Are there health risks associated with getting tattoos in installments?

A: It may be better and safer for your health to get a big tattoo in several smaller sessions. This is because it puts less stress on your immune system. But make sure that each session heals completely before moving on to the next one to avoid complications.

Q: What other costs should I plan for besides the tattoo itself?

A: Don't forget to include the cost of aftercare products, touch-up appointments (if you need them), and any travel expenses to reach a good shop. These extra costs can make your total budget go up by 10 to 20 percent.

Q: Is it safe to get tattooed by an apprentice?

A: Proper safeguards can make apprentice tattooing safe. Before treating clients, apprentices get extensive safety, bloodborne pathogen, and cleanliness training. Experienced artists oversee their work to ensure proper process. Since they're still learning, expect longer sessions and minor mistakes.

Q: What's the minimum I should spend on a tattoo?

A: The minimum tattoo cost at most reputable shops is $50 to $100, regardless of size or style. Supplies, sanitation, and artist time are covered by this minimum. Remember the common saying: "Good tattoos aren't cheap, and cheap tattoos aren't good".