That should be a relatively cheap tattoo,tho heres the problem….most tattoo artists charge by the hour and if it goes over into the next hour,they will charge you for that full hour…so say the guy is charging 60 bux and your tat takes about 1.5 hours to do,they will likely charge you 120 bux for 2 hours. It also will depend on how many tattoo shops you have in your area. If you have a bunch of shops you likely will be able to work out a deal since these guys are in competition with each other for your hard earned dollars.
A prime example is the last tattoo I got…I was originally quoted 400 bux for the tat, but then I went to another shop and talked to an artist and he quoted me 250 bux for the same ink. Now keep in mind if you live in a place where theres only one tattoo shop…prepare to pay through the nose.
Also,and I know you think you are getting a simple tattoo but DO YOUR LEG WORK. Go to the shops,ask to see portfolios (or browse online ones,alot of artists have their portfolios on FB these days),hang out in the shop and check what the ‘vibe’ is,ask around to other people you know who have gotten tats before.
I know it sounds like alot of stuff to do,but keep in mind a tattoo is pretty much MINOR SURGERY so think of it like that. Would you let a doctor you didnt feel comfortable with perform bypass surgery? I doubt it. You should take the same care when looking for someone to do your tat because you have to live with it for the rest of your life and the artist can make all the difference between a great experience,or a ****** tattoo.
Another thing to keep in mind is alot of times you can get a quote from an artist right there on the spot,especially since you already have your design in mind…most guys I’ve run across will tell you beforehand what they will charge to do that tattoo.
Oh yes and above and beyond everything else,remember to tip your artist once they are done. I know far too many people who are cheap on that and the next time they go get ink,well their miserly ways have already spread around to every shop in a 200 mile radius and chances are,they will not be nearly as careful or meticulous with your next one because they know you aint gunna tip em.
Anything else,feel free to ask…I’ve got quite a few tats so I’ve been around this block quite a few times.
Good luck!
chairma
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Zirbel
