Should I Tip My Tattoo Artist?

Tipping in Tattooing is never expected… but always appreciated. Here's five good reasons why — and a few ideas for how to do it, even if you’re on a budget.

1. You're Receiving Rare 1:1 Care. That Deserves Recognition

When you sit in a tattoo artist’s chair, you’re not just getting ink — you’re receiving something far rarer in today’s world: someone’s full attention, energy, and expertise, focused entirely on you.

Tattooing is a hands-on, emotionally attentive craft. Your artist is using their body, their technical skills, their creativity, and their mental energy to guide you through a highly personal experience. They’re managing precision tools, reading your reactions, adjusting in real time, and often supporting you verbally through hours of work — all to create something completely unique to you.

This kind of one-to-one, tailored service is increasingly rare. Hairdressers, massage therapists, tattooists — these professionals are offering something more valuable: genuine human connection, and labour that is thoughtful, and skilled.

We live in a world where people will spend hundreds on factory-made trainers or tech from faceless corporations — often without question. But we hesitate when it comes to tipping the individual who's just spent hours using their whole self to create something meaningful just for us.

If we don’t actively value these roles — especially through fair pay and tips — we risk losing them. Value them not just for their work, but for their presence, their energy, and the rare human experience they’re giving you.

2. They Don’t Take Home What You Think They Do

That tattoo quote? Your artist is only taking home a fraction of it.

Most tattoo artists are self-employed, which means they’re covering all their own costs — from chair rental to taxes to high-quality, hygienic supplies (which, trust us, are not cheap). They're investing in the best materials because they care about your safety and the quality of your tattoo. But those costs add up fast.

When you book a tattoo, you’re not just paying for the time you spend in the chair. You’re helping cover the hours your artist spends answering emails, prepping your design, setting up their station, maintaining a sterile environment, cleaning up after you're gone, and doing admin long after the studio lights are off. They're often working late into the night, not relaxing in some glamorous tattoo-artist afterparty.

Most tattoo studios are small, independent businesses. That means your artist isn’t just an artist — they’re also the cleaner, the receptionist, the social media manager, the accountant, the marketer, the website builder, the supply-orderer. The time they spend actually tattooing is often just a small part of their working week, and the overheads are many!

So yes, getting tattooed can feel like a big investment — but remember that the artist you’re working with is also investing a lot behind the scenes to make your experience possible. A tip is a powerful way to show you see and value all of the invisible labour. 

3. This Work Takes a Toll — and There’s No Safety Net

Tattooing — like hairdressing, massage therapy, and other one-to-one service work — is physically intense. It might look calm and creative from the outside, but make no mistake: this is demanding manual labour.

Tattoo artists spend long hours hunched over, often in awkward or fixed positions, applying intricate work with extreme focus and precision. It’s hard on the back, neck, hands, wrists, and eyes. Over time, many artists experience chronic pain, joint problems, and repetitive strain injuries. It's not uncommon for people in these industries to face reduced mobility or early retirement because of the physical wear-and-tear the job creates.

And here's the thing: most of them are self-employed. That means there’s no sick pay if they’re injured, no paid holidays, and no pension contributions building quietly in the background. If they can’t work, they don’t get paid. If they want a break, they have to save for it themselves. They cover their own insurance, taxes, and sometimes even health costs related to their work.

So when you tip, you're not just saying "Thanks for a great tattoo" — you’re helping support a real human being who is taking on all the risk and responsibility of self-employment. You're offering a little buffer in a system where there’s often very little protection.

4. No, They’re Not Overcharging You

One of the biggest misconceptions about tattoo artists — and creative service professionals in general — is that they’re charging “too much.” But the reality? Most of them are actually undercharging.

Creative people aren’t typically drawn to business spreadsheets and pricing strategies — they’re driven by passion, not profit. And when you're pricing your own work, it’s often excruciating. Artists want to be fair. They worry about affordability. Many spend hours agonising over what to charge because they care deeply about not taking advantage of anyone.

In today’s economy, most artists are painfully aware of rising costs for their clients while being faced with rising rents, and studio bills themselves. Most studios provide regular offers, sliding scales, loyalty schemes, or end up simply absorbing some costs themselves in order to keep their work accessible.

So when you see a price, know this: it’s not padded. It’s not greedy. It’s usually a thoughtful attempt at fairness — one that probably undervalues the time, energy, and talent going into your tattoo. A tip is a small way to give back to someone who’s already doing everything they can to honour your budget and their craft.

5. Tipping Can Be a Really Lovely Moment

Tipping might seem like a practical thing, but it always generates a warm exchange. It’s a quiet way to say, “I really appreciate what you did for me today.” Someone tipping and saying, “Go treat yourself,” or “Thanks for the care you took.” will make a tattooist’s day. 

For the artist, it’s not just about the amount — it’s about the sentiment. That little gesture of thanks goes a long way in a job that can be physically and emotionally demanding. And the truth is, tipping can feel just as good for the giver. It’s a kind of connection — a nice, human way to close out the experience. 

Ok, I’m Warming to the Idea…How Do I Actually Tip?

First things first — tipping is not about trying to gain favour, look cool, or get special treatment. Your artist should treat you with care regardless. If you’re tipping, do it from a genuine place of gratitude.

If you're unsure, ask yourself:

• Did I have a good experience?

• Did my artist take extra time to talk me through the process, calm my nerves, or adjust the design?

• Did they offer advice, flexibility, or aftercare?

• Was this a discounted session or part of a flash deal?

• Has this tattoo required a lot of prep, multiple emails, or multiple sessions?

• Did the artist use their energy to absorb my nerves, offer comfort, set boundaries, and help me advocate for myself and feel confident and comfortable in my body?

If so, a small tip is a kind way to say “thank you” — no pressure, just appreciation.

How do I Tip my tattoo artist, and how much?

You can tip at the end, when you pay for your tattoo. Tipping percentages can range from 10-25 percent as a rough guide, but really it’s up to you. As a starting point, work out what 10 or 20% of the cost of your tattoo would be (easy to work out!) and round up or down from there. 

You should choose an amount that you feel is right based on what you can afford, and how much you valued the experience. Trust us - it’s more about the gesture. No-one will be judging you on the size of the tip. 

Cash is great, as it avoids transaction fees — but most artists will gratefully accept tips via card, QR code, or platforms like Ko-Fi, Venmo, or CashApp. Ask what works best for them.

Can’t Afford to Tip with Money? 

We get it — not everyone has extra cash. Tipping doesn’t have to be about money. Here are other ways you can show your appreciation:

• Bring kind, friendly, positive energy to your appointment — worth its weight in gold! 

• Respect the prep — read instructions carefully and come prepared.

• Bring snacks to share! — artists often work through meals without realising.

• Bring a small gift or thank-you note — We've received everything from hand crocheted animals and felted ghosts, to plants and viking shields! And we treasure every one.

• Buy art, merch, or gift vouchers later.

• Leave a glowing review online.

• Tell your friends! You can’t beat word of mouth when it comes to recommending a small business to others.

• Follow, like, comment & share on social media to support the artist and help them reach a wider audience.

Final Thoughts

Small, independent tattoo studios are made up of individuals who care deeply about their work, their clients, and their communities. Many studios — especially queer-run, trauma-informed, or consent-focused ones — are carving out space for expression, safety, and inclusion in ways that can’t be mass-produced. Tipping supports artists not just as creators, but as whole people trying to make a life through meaningful work.

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About KTREW Tattoo

We’re a queer-owned, independent micro-business riding the waves of these uncertain times. We care deeply about our clients, the space we’ve created for them, and the value of independent creative expression. Our practice is rooted in safe space, inclusivity, and informed consent.

We hope this blog empowers you to have a safer, more informed, and fun tattoo experience. If it’s helped you, or if you just want to show your support, you can leave us a tip here: 

You can also follow us on Instagram:

Our Studio: @ktrewtattoo

Our Artists:  @kirstietrew

  @pokeyhontastattoo

Thanks for reading — your support truly means the world to us.