I think we are so used to tipping in the States (hair & nail salons, bars, food service, massages, etc) that it's automatic to assume we tip tattoo artists as well. I think if you really like the work and felt they did a good job you can tip, but from what I have heard it's not expected. I think at $175/hr you are already paying a good chunk. I would probably give an extra $20 or $40 if I was going to use the artist again in the future.

I posted a similar question few months ago. I had never tipped an artist before. Anyway, after a second sitting I handed him a little envelope and told him to have a drink on me. It was unexpected but appreciated.

UK South coast artist

Purplestar

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When I was about 5 (1971), I lived near an old lady who had tattooed arms, so for me, they have always been a female thing!

I posted a sminliar question a few months back, anyway, I stuck a couple of drinks worth in a small card and handed it to the artist as I was leaving the studio. Drink appreicated.

Purplestar

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When I was about 5 (1971), I lived near an old lady who had tattooed arms, so for me, they have always been a female thing!

lol my artist doesnt drink
but im sure i could offer him a case of aloe vera

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when the artist is getting 5 -10 times my hourly wage - I'm afraid a tip wouldn't enter my mind ! - I wouldn't tip any other tradesman that gave me a price for a job either !

sounds like a case of Jealousy to me......

so if somebody asked you to do some work, then after you completed it they offer you a tip..... not because they think your too cheap but because they liked your work.... would you take it or would you say to them that you dont believe in tips ??

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this is a community for interacting not just an index search system for frequently asked questions in the tattoo world....

tbh - I regularly get offered a little extra and I normally say thanks but no thanks - the price was what we agreed on - if you're happy with my work then just recommend me to others - that's better than a tip to me - they go away happy - and I get some good word of mouth - hopefully !

( and btw - the whole "tip" thing is another americanism - that is mainly important for the low paid service industry --- not people on a bigger hourly wage than solicitors ot doctors ) - and I don't think the next time you get a solicitors bill that you'd tip them ! - nothing to do with jealousy - just a price for an hours work is exactly that - not another 20% on top of that !

I always tip the artist, even a 60 dollar tat on my wrist i tipped him 20.

Maybe it is an american thing?

I tip everyone who does good work!

For the record, I think seniorminnion sounds like a dick.

Just sayin.


For my two cents, I really think the tip has as much to do with your relationship with your artist as it does appreciation. I've gotten all my ink from the same artist, and as long as he's still working, I don't plan on going to anyone else. We've known each other for years, and I've brought him more than a few repeat customers. More, we just get on real well.

Every time I've tried to tip him, he's flat out refused, even when I was flush with cash. Most he's let me do is get him a subway sandwich. Hell, last time, he bought ME a freaking soda because I was broke. I couldn't even pay for my ink--my best friend did, because he's awesome that way.

On the other hand, I saw him accept a $500 tip from someone else without blinking.

So honestly dude, I'd just dude what Lord Matthew Hull said, and talk to your dude.

Love. Peace. Metallica.

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If I die, pretend I said something witty and inspiring.

Yeah, well, I'd like to see you get out of the giant robot and say that -KnightHawk

Perverted old Kung-Fu Master--wandering the west, bringing law to the lawless, Big'uns in tow

My Deviant Art