Start with the design and the artist
A photograph and a rough size help start a conversation, but they rarely describe the entire project. The same subject can be a small outline, a shaded drawing or one element in a connected composition. Those are different amounts and kinds of work.
Each artist has an individual practice. We therefore do not publish a studio-wide hourly rate, day rate or starting price. Ask the artist you want to work with for an assessment of your idea.
What shapes the amount of work?
Scale matters, together with the density of detail, line work, shading and colour. Placement affects how a design needs to be arranged and applied. Integrating a new piece around existing tattoos also needs to be considered.
A compact design can require careful preparation and precise placement. A large project may require planning across several sessions. Size alone is not enough to compare two quotes, and a photograph cannot tell you exactly how long another person’s tattoo took.
Tell us what budget you are working with
It is welcome to mention your budget when you enquire. The artist can discuss whether the idea and scale are realistic within it, or suggest an alternative approach. You can decide whether the proposal feels right before going ahead.
Send the idea, preferred placement and approximate dimensions, along with examples from the artist’s portfolio. These details make the price conversation much more useful than asking for a number without a project.
Clarify the agreement before confirming
Ask whether the artist is proposing a price for the piece, a session or an estimate based on the expected work. For a project with several appointments, ask what the proposed amount covers and how later sessions will be discussed.
Also clarify any deposit, how it is accounted for, the artist’s cancellation terms, and what happens if you change the design or size. Discuss any relevant follow-up arrangements directly. These details belong to the agreement with your artist.
When the idea changes, revisit the plan
Adding a background, changing the placement or expanding a piece can change the work involved. Discuss the revised scope and any effect on the quote with your artist before the additional work begins.
This article explains our approach and is not a price quotation. The price and scope for your tattoo are agreed individually with the artist.