Getting tattooed: A Tattoo Artist’s Guide to Cost, Timeline, and Budgeting
Welcome tattoo enthusiasts and curious first-timers! I'm Chris, resident artist at Remington Tattoo in San Diego. In this guide, I'll provide tips on what to expect when getting a new tattoo - from pricing to session length, and budgeting for larger projects. My goal is to educate you on industry standards so you can make informed decisions.
When it comes to tattoo pricing, several factors are considered. If you're wondering “how much do tattoos cost in San Diego?”, a good baseline is that most reputable shops have a shop minimum between $100-200. Small simple tattoos range from $100-200, while large complex designs run $180-250 per hour depending on the artist. Color often but not always costs more than blackwork due to more time that may be needed. Custom creations are standard but sometimes you can save on pre-drawn flash that artists have ready to go and are excited about. The shop minimum covers setup, materials, sterilization. With a $150 minimum and $200/hr rate, the minimum covers the first 45 minutes. Tips aren't expected but always appreciated for great work.
Session Length:
Small tattoos under 2-3 inches take 30-60 minutes. Medium tattoos need 2-4 hours, occasionally split over 1-2 sessions. Large intricate tattoos require multiple long sessions over weeks/months. Full sleeves need 12-20 hours over 4-6 sessions. Half sleeves take 6-12 hours over 2-3 sessions. Full back pieces need 20-40+ hours over 10+ sessions. Allow 2-3 weeks minimum healing between sessions - be patient! Your artist can estimate sessions during consultation.
Budgeting Tips:
Set your budget based on size and details - quality over quantity. Larger tattoos can cost $1000s over multiple sessions. Request a cost estimate for planning. A deposit is required to book. Book sessions by length at the hourly rate x hours. Longer sessions may be needed initially for outlines and most artists might need a minimum of 2 hours to be productive. Good tattoos are worth it! Don’t be afraid to discuss budget and plans during a consultation. A large project is not paid upfront, but after each session. So planning sessions with what works for you is common, many people do 2 or 3 weeks apart, some do once a month, and others every 2 months. This allows the client to heal and budget for each session accordingly.
If you're in the San Diego area and considering a new tattoo, I invite you to stop by Remington Tattoo for a free consultation. This is a great opportunity to meet me, check out the shop, ask questions, and discuss your vision. No pressure or obligations - just open conversation about collaborating on custom body art you'll love forever.
You can also book a free consultation through my website. Just visit the booking section and select "Consultation". Reach out anytime to schedule - I look forward to learning more about your tattoo ideas!