Do Tattoo Artists Really Make that Much Money?
In the beginning, I worked long hours, doing crappy shop work and learning how to tattoo. I made barely enough to feed myself and pay my rent. But now, at 33, I am well established, own my own shop, and could work when I wanted. I work Tuesday through Saturday normally, but, if I have no appointments and want extra time with my family, I don't go in. I have other artists in my shop who can take their appointments and any walk ins, so I feel like I am on top of the world. If I sold my shop, I would probably still work though, just because I love the job so much. I do most of my work by appointment, but do occasionally have time to do walk in clients. The appointment only clients usually want higher end tattoos that cost more. It's a good living if you can establish yourself. Your friend, I am not surprised he is living like he is.
How much money should i take into a tattoo parlor?
Couple things you should know. First, go to the shop and get your price before you go any further. If you're doing a walk-in, a lot of shops take credit/debit cards these days, so you wouldn't need to worry about cash. Second, color in a tattoo doesn't cost more. Not sure why people think this, the ink does not cost more and it is not harder to apply. Tattoos are priced based on time. How large is it, how much detail is involved, and how long will it take to finish are all factored in. Sometimes, with common flash pieces, they're priced based on previous customers. I say, do yourself a favor, go to the shop and talk to them first. You may not even like the work they do on a walk-in basis. You really need to look at portfolios before jumping into a tattoo with any artist.
Earning enough money for tattoos?
Brent pretty much hit the nail on the head. The amount of work you're talking about could be anywhere from 100-300+ hours of work (minimum!)... at $125-150/hr (typical rates for quality artists - some are even more expensive), you're talking about a LOT of money. Most normal people who end up heavily tattooed get there over time... session by session, piece by piece. They put aside money that they're able to after paying bills and buying their essentials, and they use that money for another session on their in-progress work. One month maybe you can save enough for 10 hours of work, and the next month maybe you can only afford 3. It takes time unless you end up being rich. But there's a good side to that too - getting each new tattoo is FUN and exciting, and so is thinking up the design for the next piece. And the more work you get, the more ideas you will get... not being able to get all of the work all at once actually can work to your benefit. You may decide that instead of a frog playing the banjo, you'd rather have a bear riding a unicycle for your next tattoo. The road to being fully covered is a lengthy but fun process. If you jump the gun and manage to get everything by the time you're 23, you're going to be a very unhappy 30 year old when you have no space to get something done by your current favorite artist. Enjoy the journey :) (and save neck and hands for last! Only do those when you've tattooed everything else! Warped Tour body suits are lame and will make sure you don't get a job that will give you the financial freedom to get the rest of the tattoos you want. Neck/hands must be earned.) Hope that helped! Good luck!
Does a tattoo consultation cost money?
a consultation usually [99%] costs no money, little if any. like don't be a jerk and make them draw it out and say no. if you do have her draw it out, just look at and and tell her things you don't really like about it, but she prolly won't draw it up if your not sure you want it that day, or if your really iffie about it at the time. tell her colors you want how detail you want it. make it look really cool. sum it up: - closely look, talk about adding details thats really it. as far as i know.
How much money to put in gift certificate for tattoo?
Definately do the homemade idea. Cash talks...and since a good portion of tattoo artists can be flaky its best to have it on hand and not a gift certificate that has already been paid for. Think about it. The artist has already been paid if you have a gift certificate....it would make much more sense to him to book someone when he can still make money. Sounds bad and I am sure all artists are different but its how it works most of the time. In regards to how much $$$ to give as a gift, it totally depends upon the tattoo. As little as $50-75 to cover a shop minimum...or A couple grand for sleeve. Figure $100-150 an hour for a good artist.
Why do people waste money on tattoos? Does it have a lot to do about insecurity?
Why risk infection? It seems people only get them to impress their friends or getting tattoos seem to make them feel better about themselves. Does insecurity have anything to do with their decision to get tattoos? I have many friends with tattoos, however I myself have never found a reason to get one.
Why do people waste money on tattoos? Does it have a lot to do about insecurity?
Why risk infection? It seems people only get them to impress their friends or getting tattoos seem to make them feel better about themselves. Does insecurity have anything to do with their decision to get tattoos? I have many friends with tattoos, however I myself have never found a reason to get one.