The cost of getting a tattoo varies from artist to artist. Popular artists can charge more, while incompetent or inexperienced artists will be cheaper (hey, it's supply and demand).
Artists will usually charge a flat rate for their flash designs, and this will depend on the size and color of the design. You can expect to pay approximately $50 to $100 for a "flash" piece (that is, a stock piece) of about two square inches if it's a quality artist.
For custom work (that is, you bring in a picture of your boyfriend's face for the artist to put on your back), artists will usually charge by the hour, but they might negotiate prices with you ahead of time based on how difficult the design is and how long they think it will take. The hourly rate for custom work ranges from $50 to $300.
Whatever you do, don't go for bargains. A cheap tattoo will look cheap. You should try to find an artist who charges between $100 and $150 per hour. If money is no object and you simply must have a popular (expensive) artist work on you, then go ahead and spend more. After all, you'll be with your tat for life.
SoYouWanna know more? Check out our full-length article SYW get a tattoo?
