Suggested tip: 20%
"Many clients actually don't automatically think about tipping tattoo artists," says Dillon Forte, a tattoo artist based in Austin, TX. "For some reason, there's an assumption that it just doesn't happen in the tattoo world, which is interesting since most service professionals such as barbers, hairdressers, waiters, and nail artists typically see a 20 percent tip for good service." Still, while there isn't a set standard, Forte says that a 20 percent tip for tattoo artists is common.
Tattooing is art as a service, and more often than not, the piece of work is personal and will leave a lasting impression. Forte says that being a tattoo artist is a high-risk position that requires years of practice and a high skill level, which may warrant a higher tip. "If the artist puts a lot of time into coming up with the design behind the scenes or in person, that makes the final product very unique, and clients tend to tip more for that personalized experience."
While a tattoo's size doesn't necessarily play a role in how much to tip, it can. "If the tattoo takes an hour or two versus multiple five-hour sessions over a course of days or weeks, then I would consider tipping a higher amount," says Forte.
