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FAQ's
A Guide to Tattoo Tipping: Showing Appreciation for Your Artist First off, thank you for choosing us for your new tattoo. We know the topic of tipping can be confusing, so we wanted to provide a simple guide. While tips are never required, they are a deeply appreciated gesture that supports the artist directly for their time, skill, and the custom art they've created for you. Is Tipping Standard Practice for Tattoos? Yes. Just like in other service industries where you receive a personalized, one-on-one experience (like hairdressing or dining), it is customary to tip your tattoo artist if you are happy with your new tattoo and the service you received. Tipping is a way to show your appreciation for the hours of work the artist put in—not just during the tattoo session itself, but also in the design process beforehand. How Much Should I Tip? This is the most common question, and we've broken it down for you. The Industry Standard: The common range for a tip is 15% to 25% of the total cost of your tattoo. 20% is the most common benchmark. A Simple Example: For a tattoo that costs $300, a 20% tip would be $60. For a tattoo that costs $500, a 20% tip would be $100. For a large session that costs $1,000, a 20% tip would be $200. Ultimately, you should tip what you are comfortable with and what you feel reflects your experience. Practical Tipping Questions What about for large pieces with multiple sessions (like a sleeve)? This is a great question. The standard etiquette is to tip after each session. You would tip based on the cost of that day's work. For example, if you paid $800 for a 4-hour session, you would tip on that $800, not on the estimated total for the entire sleeve. Should I tip in cash? While we can process tips on a credit or debit card, cash tips are always very much appreciated by artists. It allows them to receive the full amount of your gesture directly. However, please do whatever is most convenient for you. The Best Tip of All Honestly, the best way to show you love your new tattoo is to take amazing care of it, follow the aftercare instructions perfectly, and show it off to your friends. A heartfelt "thank you" and a healed photo of your tattoo sent to us down the line means the world. A monetary tip is just a wonderful, extra way to say thanks for the art and the experience.
Q: Is the consultation free? Yes, your initial consultation is complimentary and typically takes about 20-40 minutes. This is a dedicated time for us to collaborate on your vision. During your consultation, we will: Discuss Your Idea: We'll go over your design concepts, and you can share any reference images you've gathered. Finalize Placement & Flow: We'll determine the perfect size and placement for your tattoo, and I will take a tracing of the area to ensure the design fits your body perfectly. Schedule Your Tattoo Appointment: We’ll look at our calendars and secure the best date and time for your session. To officially reserve your tattoo appointment, a deposit is required at the end of the consultation. This deposit goes toward the final cost of your tattoo and secures your time in my schedule.
Q: How do I book an appointment? The easiest way to book an appointment is to email me us at tattoogoodneighbor@gmail.com. visit our booking button on our website, or submit a form for a tattoo appointment. You can also stay informed at our Instagram.
What is the Average Cost of a Sleeve Tattoo? How Much Does a Sleeve Tattoo Really Cost? A Professional Breakdown One of the first questions we get is, "How much for a sleeve?" The honest answer is: it depends. A sleeve isn't a single item you can buy off a shelf; it's a large-scale, custom art project that unfolds over many hours and multiple sessions. The final cost of a sleeve tattoo is determined by a combination of factors. Let's break them down. 1. Pricing Models: Hourly vs. Day Rate For large projects like sleeves, most professional tattoo artists charge by time, not by the piece. Hourly Rate: This is the most common model. The artist charges a set rate for every hour they are actively working on you, from placing the stencil to the final wipe-down. In the Reno area, the hourly rate for a skilled, experienced artist typically ranges from $150 to $250+ per hour. Newer artists may be closer to $100-$125, while in-demand specialists could be higher. Day Rate / Session Rate: Some artists prefer to book full-day sessions for a flat rate. This is often more cost-effective for the client on a per-hour basis and allows the artist to get into a good workflow. A typical day session might be 5-7 hours of tattooing. A day rate in this region could range from $800 to $1,500+, depending entirely on the artist. 2. The Key Factors That Influence the Final Cost Here’s what determines how many hours your sleeve will take: Artist's Experience and Demand: A world-renowned artist with a 2-year waitlist will have a significantly higher hourly rate than a talented artist who is still building their portfolio. You are paying for their skill, speed, and artistic vision. Complexity and Detail: A sleeve composed of simple, traditional designs with bold lines and minimal shading will take far less time than a photorealistic sleeve with intricate details, complex textures, and subtle blending. More detail equals more hours. Color vs. Black and Grey: Generally, a full-color sleeve will cost more than a black and grey one. Color work often requires more time for saturation, blending, and layering of different pigments. Size and Placement: "Sleeve" can mean different things. Are we talking about a full sleeve from shoulder to wrist? A half sleeve (upper arm or forearm)? How large is your arm? A larger canvas requires more time to cover. Design Time: While often built into the hourly rate, some artists may charge a separate drawing fee for a fully custom, large-scale design that requires hours of research and preparation. Estimated Cost & Time Ranges Remember, these are ballpark estimates. Only a direct consultation can provide an accurate quote. Half Sleeve (Upper Arm or Forearm): Time: Typically requires 10 to 20+ hours of tattoo time. Cost Estimate: Based on a $175/hour average, you can expect a half sleeve to be in the range of $1,750 to $3,500+. This is usually spread across 2-4 sessions. Full Sleeve (Shoulder to Wrist): Time: A full sleeve is a major commitment, typically requiring 25 to 50+ hours of tattoo time. Cost Estimate: Using the same $175/hour average, a full sleeve will generally fall in the range of $4,500 to $8,500+. This will be completed over numerous sessions spread out over several months to allow for healing. The Analyst's Bottom Line for Your Business: The only way to get a true price for your sleeve tattoo is to book a consultation. During the consultation, we will discuss your ideas, look at reference images, take measurements of your arm, and map out a rough plan. Based on that conversation, we can give you a much more accurate estimate of the total time and cost involved in creating your custom piece of art.
Understanding Tattoo Costs: An Investment in Your Art We believe in being transparent about our pricing. A custom tattoo is a serious investment, and you deserve to know what factors contribute to the final cost. While every piece is unique, here’s a breakdown of how we determine the price for your new art. Our Pricing Philosophy Think of your tattoo not as a simple purchase, but as commissioning a custom piece of art that you will wear for life. The cost reflects the artist's years of training, the use of premium, sterile equipment, high-quality pigments, and the time dedicated to designing and executing your vision flawlessly. How We Price Our Tattoos 1. Our Shop Minimum: Starting Point for All Tattoos Every professional tattoo studio has a "shop minimum." This is the absolute minimum price for any tattoo, no matter how small. Our Shop Minimum is [Insert Your Price, e.g., $100]. Why? This cost covers the non-negotiable essentials for a safe procedure: sterile, single-use needles and tubes, high-quality ink, personal protective equipment for the artist, and the time for station setup and breakdown. This ensures your safety and the quality of our work, even for a tiny tattoo. 2. Hourly Rates: For Larger & Multi-Session Pieces For tattoos that will take more than a couple of hours (like sleeves, back pieces, or complex designs), we charge an hourly rate. Our Artist's Rate: My current rate is [Insert Your Rate, e.g., $175] per hour. What this includes: This rate applies to the time I am physically tattooing. It reflects over [X] years of experience, specialized skill in [Your Style, e.g., Neo-Traditional, Fine-Line], and a commitment to giving you the highest quality work. For large projects, we can provide an estimate of the total hours during our consultation. 3. By the Piece: For Smaller, Single-Session Tattoos For smaller tattoos that can be completed in a single session, we will typically quote you a flat price upfront. This price is based on the "by size" metric, but with crucial added context: Size: The overall dimensions of the tattoo. Detail: This is the most important factor. A simple 3-inch silhouette of a mountain will cost significantly less than a complex 3-inch photorealistic portrait of a pet. More detail requires more time and precision. Placement: Certain parts of the body (like ribs, necks, or hands) are more difficult to tattoo and may take longer, which can influence the cost. Color vs. Black & Grey: Color tattoos often take more time for saturation and blending, which can affect the final price. The Bottom Line: A Consultation is Key The information above provides a general guide. The only way to get an accurate price for your specific tattoo idea is to book a consultation with us. During your free consultation, we will discuss your design, finalize the size and placement, and provide you with a precise quote or a solid estimate of the hours required. There are no hidden fees—just a clear, professional assessment of the investment required for your new art.
How Do I Prepare for My First Tattoo Appointment? Of course. This is a fantastic topic for your website because it not only helps your clients but also sets a professional standard for your shop. A well-prepared client makes the entire process smoother and more enjoyable for both of you. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to prepare for a first tattoo appointment, written from the perspective of an experienced artist. Your First Tattoo: How to Prepare for Your Appointment Getting your first tattoo is an exciting experience. To ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible, a little preparation goes a long way. As your artist, I've put together this guide to help you feel confident and ready for your appointment. A prepared client is the best kind of client! 1. The Weeks Leading Up to Your Appointment Finalize Your Design: By now, we should have a solid idea of your design and placement. If you have any last-minute thoughts, please communicate them to me at least a week in advance. Major, last-minute changes can disrupt the schedule and may require a new appointment. Take Care of Your Skin: The healthier your skin is, the better it will accept the ink. In the weeks before your appointment, keep the target area well-moisturized. Healthy, hydrated skin makes a better canvas. Avoid Sun Damage: I cannot tattoo on sunburned skin. If your appointment is in the summer, be extra diligent about applying sunscreen to the area you're getting tattooed. A sunburn will result in a rescheduled appointment and a forfeited deposit. 2. The 24-48 Hours Before Your Appointment This is a critical window for preparation. What you do now directly affects how well you'll handle the session. HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE: Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your session. Hydrated skin is more receptive to ink, which can make the process easier and improve healing. DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL: Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before your appointment. Alcohol thins your blood, which can lead to excessive bleeding during the tattoo process. This can affect visibility for the artist and impact how the ink settles in your skin. Avoid Blood Thinners: This includes aspirin and ibuprofen, if you can avoid them (please consult your doctor if you are on prescribed medication). Like alcohol, they can increase bleeding. Get a Good Night's Sleep: Being well-rested is one of the best things you can do. A long tattoo session can be physically draining, and your body will handle the process much better if it's not already tired. 3. The Day of Your Appointment Eat a Substantial Meal: Do not come in on an empty stomach. Eat a solid, balanced meal 1-2 hours before your appointment. This will keep your blood sugar stable and help prevent you from feeling lightheaded or dizzy. Dress Appropriately: Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to the area being tattooed. Arm Tattoo? Wear a tank top or loose t-shirt. Leg Tattoo? Wear shorts or loose pants you can easily roll up. Back Tattoo? A zip-up hoodie or button-down shirt that you can wear backward is a great option. Pro Tip: Wear dark-colored clothing. Tattoo ink can splatter, and it does not wash out easily. What to Bring With You: Valid Government-Issued ID: You must be 18 to get tattooed in Nevada. I am legally required to check your ID (Driver's License, Passport, etc.). No ID, no tattoo. Your Payment Method: Confirm with the shop what payment methods are accepted. Snacks & Drinks: Bring a bottle of water and some snacks (like a granola bar, fruit, or candy). This is especially important for longer sessions to keep your energy levels up. Entertainment: For a multi-hour session, feel free to bring headphones to listen to music, podcasts, or an audiobook. A book is also fine if you can read it without moving the part of your body being tattooed. 4. During the Tattoo Session Stay Still: This is the most important rule. Even small movements can affect the quality of the final piece. If you need to cough, sneeze, or readjust, please give me a verbal warning first. Communicate: Let me know how you're feeling. If you need a short break to stretch, use the restroom, or have a drink of water, just ask. We want you to be as comfortable as possible. Breathe: When the needle starts, focus on steady, deep breaths. Tensing up and holding your breath will only make the experience more difficult. Trust the Process: Relax and trust your artist. We are professionals dedicated to giving you a piece of art you will love for a lifetime. By following these steps, you're setting yourself up for a positive and successful first tattoo experience. We look forward to seeing you at the shop!
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