Tipping catches a lot of first-time clients off guard. At a restaurant most people know the usual amount. With tattoos it is less clear, because it depends on where you live, the studio and the kind of tattoo you get. A tip is always appreciated. Many artists rent their chair or pay part of what they earn to the studio, so tips make a real difference to them. A tip also helps you build a good relationship with an artist you may want to see again for touch-ups or your next tattoo.
Knowing how much to tip and when takes the awkward moment out of the end of the session. This guide covers the usual amounts in the US and Europe, when to tip more or less, how to work out the amount, and what to do for multi-session pieces and touch-ups.
How much should you tip a tattoo artist?
15 to 20% is usual in the US, and 10 to 15% in Europe.
In the US, tipping your tattoo artist is expected, just like other service work. Many artists count on tips as part of their income.
In Europe, including the UK and Greece, a tip is welcome but not expected. Many people round up the total or add 10 to 15% when they are happy with the work. If you do not tip in Europe, nobody will think badly of you. If you do, the artist will notice and remember it.
When to tip more or less
Tip at the higher end, or a bit more, when your artist:
- drew a fully custom design for you from scratch
- made changes you asked for during the session
- worked patiently on a painful or difficult spot
- fit you in at short notice
Custom designs deserve a mention of their own. The artist often spends hours drawing before the session. You do not see that work, but it is part of what you are paying for.
A tip at the lower end is fine for a simple flash design with very few changes. In the US, tipping well below the usual range can come across as a sign that you are unhappy with the work. If you really are unhappy, talk to the artist instead of saying it with a small tip. Most good artists will try to put it right.
How to work out your tip
Work out the tip from the full price before any discount. If the artist quoted €200 and gave you €20 off as a returning client, base the tip on €200. For hourly work, the base is the hourly rate times the hours worked.
For a flat price, apply the percentage you picked. On a €200 tattoo, 10% is €20, 15% is €30 and 20% is €40. Some people prefer to give a round amount instead of a percentage, and that is fine too. What matters is that the tip feels right for the work. For a full picture of what a tattoo costs, including tips, see the tattoo cost guide.
Tipping on multi-session pieces and touch-ups
For large tattoos done over several sessions, like a full sleeve, a back piece or a leg sleeve, tip after each session. Do not wait until the whole piece is done, which can take months. Each session is hours of focused work, and your artist has bills to pay between your visits. Base each tip on what that session cost.
Touch-ups are a gray area for many people. Many artists include one free touch-up in the first few months after healing, and you are not expected to tip for it. The artist still gives you their time and uses fresh materials, so a small tip is a kind gesture if you want to give one. If you pay for the touch-up, tip as you would for any session.
Cash or card: how to give a tip
Many tattoo artists prefer cash, because it goes straight to them with no card fees. You can hand it over directly or leave it in an envelope. Both are fine.
If you do not have cash, a card or digital tip is much better than no tip. Many studios let you add a tip on the card machine, and some artists accept tips through a payment app or a bank transfer. Ask the studio what works for them.
Other ways to thank your artist
A tip is not the only way to show you are happy. These help your artist too, and they cost you nothing.
- Leave an honest review of the studio or on the artist's profile.
- Share a photo of your healed tattoo and tag the artist, if you are comfortable with that.
- Recommend them to friends who are looking for an artist.
- Follow the aftercare instructions, so the tattoo heals the way the artist intended. The aftercare guide has the full routine.
For more on how to behave at the studio, read the tattoo etiquette guide. If you are still looking for someone, find a tattoo artist whose work you love.
