Thanks for this clarification! I tip every time at least 20 dollars. I once tipped 50% because I passed out and had a seizure during my tattoo and my artist was super nice and patient with me. I'm just super grateful for my artists' patience.

I'll try not to be awkward... *proceeds to end video awkwardly* Relatable 😂😂😂

For the record I ALWAYS tip. My artist does free touch ups for a year following a tattoo so they maintain their integrity in case they flake etc. I tip him in that case as well. His time is not free 💕🙌

I tip my artist 30%...he’s fantastic and does anything and everything to make sure you’re comfortable and happy. Each room has a 60 4K tv with surround sound and he lets you pick any movie or tv show you want to watch...even if he has to buy it. The most comforting thing is the level of confidence I have in his artistic ability.

I love when I hear a person who is well articulated and well spoken, and then they use profanity. It’s like sugar, spice, -and everything nice- and a Red Hot Chili Pepper

I always tip my tattoo artist as much as I can so that they know how much I appreciate their work, but also because it fosters a good service relationship and I feel like it makes the artist happier to tattoo me again in the future. And it's SO worth it considering how permanent tattoos are.

I really like how you frame up your videos. You give an overview of the topics, you break down each topic, and then you summarize. Keep it up.

Tipping well is great practice for people who hate being/feeling rushed. When time is valued (tangibly), people are willing to take a more relaxed pace which can help make the experience even better.

I always tip that's just me. I tip usually 20-30 dollars, my tattoos normally take roughly 3 hours. I appreciate someone taking the time to basically cater to what I want and put art on my body, thats just me

I'm a receptionist in a tattoo shop in the UK. Tipping is pretty uncommon but does occasionally happen, usually £5-£10, sometimes more. We are near an American military base so they quite often tip. It's always very appreciated as it's not expected at all. Honestly I prefer just being told a price and then paying it. If you're gonna expect 20% more every time just charge me it. Appreciation can be shown in other ways like repeat custom , recommendations or just a smaller tip. I understand this is probably cultural though

These videos are so well freaking put together. you can tell he sat down and planned this out very extensively

I'm not tipping 20% on a 7k sleeve. Lol

You are the best tattoo advice channel on KZfaq. Always so thorough. You answer all of our questions in each video. THANK YOU for sharing your knowledge; I have learned so much about tattoo culture through all of your videos.

“ I’m not begging you guys to tip me , I don’t really give a f***, I’m good financially “ I love that cocky shit

This channel is underrated for how much effort you put into the intro

Hey James, I'm glad you made this video. For alot of people who go into a barlar think that the artist sets the amount and pockets all that money for the tattoo so thanks for clearing that up for everyone,🤜🤛 ✌️

My tattoo artist is always super good to me and always more than exceeds my expectations as well as gives me a great price since I’m a regular. Therefore, I ALWAYS leave a generous tip. Being in the service industry I know how much tips are appreciated.

Hi James, just wanted to reach out and let you know that your videos have been instrumental in helping set my expectations for the tattoo process. Previously I was to afraid to get a tattoo because everything was so foreign. I’m happy to say that with your informative help, I have finally scheduled my first tattoo appointment. Thank you for empowering people like myself by demystifying the process. You Rock!

Seriously THANK YOU for clarifying this for me I believe I'm ready for some work. 🙏

I love your videos! They are clear, concise, and, well thought out. I had no idea that tipping was a thing! Nice to know. It's, funny my husband and I were just talking about tipping the other day. As far as I know, we are the only people who tip the way we do.

Great video man! This is my second video of yours i watched today! VERY thorough information! I’m getting my first tattoo tomorrow. I’m super excited!

Like the new intro. Keep up the informative vids man!

Great video as always. I was hoping you would touch on this topic. Thank you so much. Also your work is so good.

I generally just tip $100 every time usually for around a 4-5 piece for around 400-500 price. I do tip in cash, and that just generally seems a good ammount to take out as I never know exactly how long a piece will take or how long it will go before myself or my artist needs to call it quits for the day.

You are super down to earth, yet articulate as always. Nice video!

Best channel dude love this! Great insight into the tattoo industry!

Thanks for this. The tattoos that I got in an actual shop were my 1st 3 small ones I got off the wall as a walk in and I didn't know anything about tattoos so I didn't even that I should have tipped! Then I got on the TV show Miami Ink so that one was free and then the others I got from a friend who was a home tattooer. So thanks again for the Deets!

I’m glad I watched this video I already wanted to my artist for my next tattoo at the end of the month but this video made it solid that I will tip since I’ve heard nothing but great things about this parlor.

As long as an artist does a good job and follows proper procedures they absolutely deserve a tip. Most quality artist put serious time into the design, much of that in their personal time. I appreciate art of all types, there is great value in art and artist should be paid for their time as well as their talent. I have 2 tattoos currently, both great in my opinion, 1 tiny blowout on each that I can find after healing, only when looking hard. $130 for 1 and $160 for the other. I was very happy and tipped $50 on the first and $60 on the second. I’m a lower middle class husband and father, not a lot of extra money but I come prepared to tip at least $50 every time. I appreciate the channel! Thanks

Top tier outro, my guy.

Going to be in Detroit Michigan. Hella snow up here. Be safe. Love the videos. Learning a lot. Thanks.

I always tip a lil extra cause my artist is amazing and tattoos super quick so the tip is just an extra thank you for kicking ass

I live in Norway, and tipping is not very common here. So I appreciate the tip of bringing in some cake or something to show appreciation! That would most likely be accepted by my tattoo artist :) Thanks for your great videos.

Appreciate the video, just want to give a Brazilian perspective. Here we only tip waiters and waitresses. So is not in our culture to tip a tattoo artist. (I've been doing interviews with tattoo artists and that is one of the questions) most of them have received tips one or two times in their life, many of them from Americans.

Hey dude, I live in Bulgaria and people usually don't tip tattoo artists here, some of us do, especially if the tattoo artist is a friend or they are nice to you or did an exceptionally good job. I really appreciate this kind of tipping culture in the US tho.

Dude you’re super informational ! I love your content and you definitely earned my sub and I clicked the damn bell haha. Keep up the good content man

Great video. I just got a tattoo. I tipped really high (30%) because my artist was great and I think overqualified to do the work I had him do. Now, I'm really glad I did.

Thank you for your videos! I'm getting my first tattoo in mid August so thanks for all the info!

I live in Sweden, and leaving tips here is no where near as common as it is in the States. Every time I got a new tattoo I insisted on leaving a tip for the artist, and usually it was pretty generous amount. The reaction I usually got was rather strange and also involved shock on their behalf since they weren’t expecting it. For them they viewed more as something strange & uncommon rather than the norm. But that might just be the shop that I went to, and not the rest of the shops. Who knows

love your content! thorough yet succinct....thanks!

Short, but informative video. The splitting the money, they do that with salons too. It can make or break you for what I've seen from my mom's friends. Thanks for the video.

For me, I tip my artist $20 dollars per hour of work. So, 3 hours of work I tip my artist $60. If I really love the tattoo, tip a lot more

Thanks for this video! I've gotten a fair share of tattoos, including large pieces and I always tip. It's good to have an artist lay it all out, even for those with tattoos. A lot goes into the cost of the tattoo for the artist, usually shops supply gloves and paper towels but artists pay for their ink, machines, saniderm, art supplies..etc. These things are expensive and like you said an artist doesn't get the full hourly rate as they have to pay the shop or they have extra expenses like shop rent. When I tip I take into account the quality of the tattoo overall at the end of the session, the art, the tattooers friendliness/how much I enjoyed being at the shop, how long I sat in their chair for, and based the overall vibe I have at the time. If you go into a shop and have a great time through all the pain, that says a lot about your tattooer. I also tip during touch ups which are free, but if you think about the time you spend in their chair and how much they could be making from another client, you may consider tipping on that as well to compensate, again especially if the overall experience and tattoo are good quality. If your tattoo artist/tattooer is reliable, dependable, they make solid tattoos that will last and they work with you to make sure you get exactly what you want in the best format/design for the tattoo then definitely considering tipping more than at a session with a different tattooer that just does the bare minimum. If you go around to enough shops you'll see that the level of care, quality, patience and skill differ greatly from place to place. Great video, hope this long comment helps some of you, I don't like to write these long winded comments on YT.

You’re vids are getting cooler! I like the new intro

I agree 100% here in America tipping is almost a must. Just not any specific percentages. For example I’m getting both my lower arms done an it’s going to be around 4,000 so even 10% of that is a lot. I’ll probably tip at least 300 tho as I have scars on my arms that require his expertise to tat over good

I like that you've touched up on this topic, even though I feel as though you done that before. I'm familiar with the 15-20% of your tattoo being tipped. I however i tip a little greater than that. Hell, once when getting a touch up for one of my recent tattoos, it was free and I still felt tipping my artist would have been a great idea for the very reasons you've mentioned. I view tattoo work as a service, similar to getting a haircut or going to a restaurant. Therefore, I find it helpful to tip the artist. No matter how much money I probably don't have. Thanks for the great content, James. Looking forward to seeing more of you in the future.

Hey man I really like the quality of your videos and you get on some good topics that the average person wouldn't know. I've actually had a few of my clients check out your videos. Another thing to mention is out of that $250 the average artist would keep from a $500 tattoo, we also have to pay a higher tax rate for being self-employed, and we get no medical insurance or benefits that are included with other jobs. And like you said we chose this career and lifestyle, but that's one of the reasons tips are so appreciated.

I definitely agree that percentages really don't matter. My artist has been working on my first sleeve for me, and given his quality of work and how much the tattoo means to me, I think it's priceless. He's charging me $200 per session, and I'm expecting it'll be done my next session, which is my fifth. To me, the artwork and the meaning and just the overall badassery of the tattoo is worth more than $1000.

Love the videos man just got my first tattoo so I'm just watching everything I can on it so keep it up! Also love the holy ship hat been to any other festivals?

I love your honesty .😌

Loved the video, keep them coming

Great video man!

I am grateful for your explanation, I am learning so much. My next appointment will be tipped. I did not know about the split with owners. I figured they just paid booth rental. 🐝🍀🌺🌈🤗🦓 Liz

I tipped my artist 100 bucks after my tat was done. He actually originally asked for 600 bucks to do my tat. I asked if he would shoot it for 500 he said “yes, I just really wanna draw it.” After my appointments and tat was complete, it looked great not to mention the artist is a chill dude, so their it is. And I love my tattoo. 4 life!

i have only not tipped an artist once and it was partly because i physically did not have extra money and partly when i did the math it was a day rate for 3.5 hrs of actual tattooing time. i had a great time and she was fantastic and i love the tattoo so next time i get something from her ill tip generously but i have a hard time feeling bad for not tipping on a tattoo when i was essentially charged for 2.5 extra hours of tattooing that didn’t happen.

I don’t live in Japan but I am majoring in Japanese in college and plan to live there in a couple years or so. I know they don’t tip in their service industry because it would imply that the person already isn’t giving 110% to their job if they get a tip for doing an outstanding job only at certain times. I live in the US too so I know that’s like completely opposite Edit: I am about to schedule my first tattoo appointments and the artist happens to be someone I have been friends with since we were 5 years old (now in our early 20’s). She has been doing this for a few years now and her work is fantastic so I will try to tip her as best I can but like you said I think I will also bring some food or whatever to help show my appreciation

As a German, tipping (in terms of money) anywhere else but in restaurants is not really normal. Even there, not everyone does it (I do, since I appreciate it when people make me feel welcome and feed me ;-) ). My tattoo artist is self-employed and has her studio in her home, so her earnings are here alone. However, I usually bring her something extra to show my appreciation for her (excellent) work, even if it is only her favourite chocolate. Also, I always let her know in very clear words, how much I love what she put into my skin. I guess if I where to get a tattoo by an apprentice, whose monetary situation was less secure, I would tip in money, since I feel it is important to support people who just start out so they have a better chance of making it to the bigger leagues. Thanks - as always, interesting topic executed comprehensively and measured. All the best from Germany!

I never looked up your location. Just liked your vids but I'm here in Phoenix too. I go to my guy Danny Ross. We have built a relationship and I trust in his creative take on my idea I gave him. We go back and forth with creative while he works on the stencil. He has gone above for sure to help me out when I pulled a rookie move and didnt eat beforehand. I thought I had a lot from the night before and was in a rush to get ready and there. I almost passed out. Gave me suckers and He bought me lunch. Once I felt better we continued on with the session. He was beyond amazing. So yeah he gets tips every session and I'll hook him up in the end. Plus I promote him and his shot every chance I get. Word of mouth brings in money. So not only tipping but promoting your artist and shop helps then out too. I always have his cards on me. So if anyone ask I can give them.his card. Great videos bro. And I am gonna have to check you out/style. Maybe get some work done from you. I'm loyal AF but I can appreciate having great artwork on me from different artist. But makes me feel guilty not always going to Danny.

What’s your opinion on second skin? My most recent tattoo was my first experience with it and personally I found the healing process to be much quicker and easier than my other tattoos. Maybe it was the placement (collarbone) but the overall healing experience was way simpler

Great video man

I'm from the UK, I got a new tattoo today with the shops apprentice, I tipped as he was very accommodating to my design, even going as far as offering touch ups in a few weeks if needed and seemed very good at what he was doing . On par with those with more years under their belt. I tipped 25% of his day rate .

You need more vids man I really enjoy them

Here in Jamaica, I find that tattoo artists tend to charge based on size and detail rather than time. Prices vary largely by artist, but tattoos are generally a lot cheaper here than abroad, probably partly because our cost of living is lower. Also, I haven't noticed many artists specialising in particular areas. I know that some artists like being tipped, but tipping in general isn't that big a part of our culture in general. I don't really know much about it in terms of tattoos though (I only have one atm) but I'll ask around.

I always tip my artists because they work so hard and they truly deserve it! My current artist is amazing. I was getting a big chest piece that was super painful, and I had to take a few breaks. He was so kind and understanding. We ended up having to split the session into 2, and I paid him the full amount at the first session. He told me that he would just call the next session a "touch up" even though he's gonna be doing more shading and colour. I'm most likely going to give him extra at the next session even though I already tipped him when I paid in full. He's honestly just the best so he deserves it so much!! Hands down the best artist I've ever had :')

I got a 5k tattoo 2 weeks ago. I offered a tip and he asked me “are you crazy?” He went on to say, tattooers determine their own rates. Tip should already be factored in. Buying him lunch was enough.

I just clicked on the video but yes you should tip!!!! A service has been performed.

i havent ever tipped but im back at the shop every couple weeks spending hundreds of dollars and I constantly send clients to them and when I go for my consultations I tell them what i want and how i want certain things represented but give them creative freedom for how they want to draw my idea for the most part

I always tip my artist, even when they've been unprofessional. I wouldn't tip if they didn't attempt to make my tattoo look great. Unprofessional or not, always tip based on the art itself.

I always tip my artist! I just got a small color piece on my ribs and i tipped 20 and the tattoo was 80. She always does such an amazing job and has really gentle hands so im more than happy to tip. If i got something bigger that costs more id tip at least 25%

From the UK here! We do tip, however it's fully optional, meaning we only really tip if the person does a good job, and that also dictates how much the tip should be. As far as waiters are concerned, if they provide excellent service it is customary to tip between 10% and 20% of the overall value of your meal. Most of the time however, it's largely just the small amounts of change left in your pockets. Tips here serve as a bonus rather than a necessary part of a salary for any job.

I have 3 tattoos & the biggest one only took about 20 minutes to complete & I’ve tipped $20 every time. To me it’s all about showing your appreciation to your artist.

i like this keep it up!!💯👌🏾

In my country, Costa Rica, we don't tip because we have minimum wage for everyone, if you are a bartender ,a shoes seller, a waitress, etc, and you work certain hours for one place you should earn a minimum wage for the time that yo assist to your workplace, even if for one or another reason you don't work all the hours; some days you will work more, others less but you always gonna have an stable salary. However, that is what the law says, I don't really know the specific situation for everyone, it could be that in some tattoo shop's they use a system similar to United States, but that will be rare and the people wouldn't tip because here is something really weird.

I generally tip anywhere from 25-30% just because I love my artists, and want to let them know how much I appreciate them and their art on my body. I also want them to like me. 😂 I'm in the US, btw

I never ever heard of tipping..(Canada)This is news to me! I just figured if the artist figured out everything in the cost! I will do so in the future!

Thanks for making these videos. It’s nice to know what you artists think about tipping and general advice. If I’m getting a tattoo from the co-owner of the shop and he’s got a high rate, what would anybody recommend to tip? His books are hardly ever open bc he’s extremely good. On a $200/hr, 5-hour session, I’ve been tipping $300.

I'm not tipping for a "pretty good" tattoo, I'll tip if I'm freaking in love with it

My next appointment is on my tattoo artist's birthday, so I'm getting her a present

Thanks for the advice

Can you do a video about hip tattoos or advice on first large tattoo and good placements?

I’m from Denmark and I only got one tattoo at the moment. I never really heard about tipping from people here. I wouldn’t like feeling pressure to tip when tattoos are expensive enough in itself. However I really liked the idea about bringing something like food or something else if you continue seeing a specific artist, so I’m putting that in my notes😄💕

What is your opinion on tattooing over spider veins? I realized I have spider veins all over my body, but really want another tattoo. I want a large piece on my leg but I have a lot of spider veins on my legs. Btw.. love the videos! Thanks for giving out this knowledge. I’ve been learning a lot from you and feel more prepared for my next tattoo.

I've had several pieces of ink done recently by the same artist and tipped him well each time, however the next artist I'm scheduled to have ink by has chosen to have her personal assistant be communicating with me and I feel part of the fee is going to the PA, so I don't really want to tip now, what are your thoughts

Think is such a huge culteral difference! Over here no one tips anyone, in any job. But prices of getting tattooed are a lot higher here too (or any service for that matter).

If you're having a multi-session tattoo done, do you tip per every session, or at the completion of the tattoo?

How much would you recommend tipping for a 2.5 hour piece that costs $700? It is booked out 7 months in advanced since the artist is very well known locally.

The shop I go to is so busy they are all booked a month out and do walk ins when the pretty much feel like it.

I’m getting a large back piece done with the shop owner. Will probably be around 10 sessions. Would you tip after every session or at the end of project?

No hate but just had to say I'm from the UK (Scotland) and we tip most things. Hair dressers, taxi, restaurants and so on. I personally tip my tattoo artist when I get one done :) great video.

The shop I go to has a 50/50 split. I know it's not my problem or responsibility but because I know that I DO tip a LOT! Also my artist is a rock star lol He's super accommodating when I get a wild hair or need emergency ink therapy and I tip stupid amounts when those come up. The bigger ones where we've have several sessions I usually tip around 30-40% of whatever each session costs. People can bitch about tipping all they want or say they shouldn't have to but as the old saying goes, cash talks... bullshit walks, and it goes a long way to show them some appreciation!

I got my first tattoo yesterday and I thought it was going to be super painful but then when she started I sat there for 6 hours and I almost fell asleep lol apparently I did better then anybody she has done on their first tattoo,

I always tip, but the rates vary. Sometimes for a single hour I’ll tip $20-$30 if the tattoo is cheap (e.g. $50). But if rates exceed $100/hr then I’m probably going to tip closer to $15/hr.

I was just thinking about this, I’m getting my first tattoo on the 6th .

Just got a tattoo recently and got one price and at the end he raised it $30 because of time. Well he took 2 cigarette breaks so I gave him the amount he said because of time and no tip. I feel he added his own tip and called took longer to finish. I think I am in the right what do you guys think?

I know w probably won't respond to this but I have a filigree rose tattoo on my chest and I'm looking to add on any suggestion to what I should add

Thanks James!

James I want to see a video on what type of obligations a tattoo artist has after a deal is struck/agreed on as far as holding up there side of the deal so deposit is paid appointments are kept and artist has started with first needle poke? Should it come out the same?should it be as black as promised? Should it not be hazzy? Should their lines be clean? Spaces be even? No mistakes in the tattoo ECT.... All things leading up to the quality of what was talked about and them not milking the clock for biting off more then they can chew/ or past they're skill level? And what if it's not Turing out how the tattoo should? At what point should you say look it's not Turing out? Should you let the artist keep running with it trying to make it better? And why should the client pay for more if the artist can't deliver what was agreed or promised? Why should a client be at mercy for a artist to run up a clock because they don't have the skill set they say they do? At what point should you back out? Ask for a refund? Let the artist know your not happy? Not have to pay more for no delivery? And shouldn't the artist be confident in the hours quoted? Or price quoted? The client isn't the professional here what steps should they take after the job is started?

My sister got her first tattoo a few years ago. We had a scheduled appointment, we waited an hour and a half. No sense of urgency. The artist had a great portfolio which is why we were SO confused! He seemed STONED out of his mind, and he charged her $100 for a (kinda shitty) quarter sized minimalistic flower he put 10 minutes into. I mean minimalistic as in those few-stroke, basically no detail tattoos. She asked if she should tip and I grabbed her and we DIPPED!

Hey man. So I hope you see this, I’m getting tatted on the 20th of August the guy is charging a flat rate for the entire day for an 8-10 hr tat of 1600 minus the 200 deposit so 1400 how should I go about tipping ?? Cause 15-20% on that price of a tat can be pricey it’s a half sleeve on my shoulder.

Love your account! So relatively new tattoo apprentice here and was wondering if you could answer this question in one of your videos! Do you charge clients before or after the tattoo? (Not including hourly tattoos.) Just started taking clients in the last month or two, and half of my appts are walk-ins right now, fas an apprentice I handle the small stuff mainly). And basically I’m always low key afraid someone will run out on me after a tattoo, is it weird to ask for payment before though? Also do you have any stories of customers not paying you or vanishing after a tattoo is done? Would love to hear!! Thanks!