"How much is a tattoo?" It might be the question we hear most, and honestly it's a very fair one. You want to know where you stand. Still, you won't get a number from a list at our studio, but a personal quote. That's not us being vague: it's actually the most honest way to do it. In this post we explain why, and what all goes into the price.
Why there's no fixed price list
A piercing is fairly easy to compare: one spot, one piece of jewellery, a set method. A tattoo isn't. Two tattoos of exactly the same size can be completely different. One is a few clean lines, the other is full of shading, detail and colour transitions. That makes a huge difference in work and time.
A fixed price list would always be unfair: either you'd pay too much for a simple design, or the artist would have to rush a complex piece. We don't want either. So we look at what each tattoo needs, and you get a personal quote for it.
Size and amount of detail
Size is the first thing people think of, and yes, it counts. A bigger tattoo takes more time. But the amount of detail is at least as important.
- Linework: a minimalist or fine line design with few lines is relatively quick.
- Shading and depth: as soon as shading, gradients or realistic details come in, it takes more time.
- Realism: a realistic portrait is precision work. Eyes, skin texture and light need a lot of attention and space.
Designing is work too. Are you coming in with a ready-made idea, or does the artist need to draw something completely new for you? That also plays a part.
Placement on the body
Not every spot is equally easy to tattoo. On a flat, firm area like the upper arm or calf, an artist works differently than on a spot where the skin is thin, stretchy or sensitive, such as the ribs, feet or hands. In those places the artist sometimes has to work more slowly and take more breaks.
You play a role here too. On a sensitive spot it's harder to sit still, and that makes a session longer.
Colour or black and grey
A stubborn myth: colour ink is supposedly more expensive. The difference usually isn't in the ink itself, but in the time. A colour tattoo is built up layer by layer, from dark to light, and filling areas properly takes time. Black and grey work has its own technique with shading and gradients.
In short: it's not the colour that sets the price, but the work that goes into it. Your artist can tell you what suits your design, your skin and the placement best.
How to request a personal quote
Getting a quote is easy, and there are two ways:
- Walk in. We're a walk-in studio at Reguliersbreestraat 46, right by Rembrandtplein, open every day from 10:30. You talk through your idea directly with an artist.
- Book an appointment. On our tattoo appointment page you can pick a time that suits you.
To get the most accurate quote, it helps if you know or bring:
- a photo, sketch or example of what you want;
- the placement on your body;
- the size (a rough estimate in centimetres is enough);
- whether you want black and grey or colour;
- whether it's a new tattoo or a cover-up of an old one.
The clearer your idea, the more precise the quote. Idea still a bit fuzzy? No problem, that's exactly what the conversation with your artist is for.
Cheap or good?
One last thing: you'll wear a tattoo for the rest of your life. So don't choose on price alone, but above all on craftsmanship, hygiene and an artist you feel comfortable with. Money isn't everything, as we also wrote in 10 life lessons people with tattoos can teach you.
Piercings Works was founded in January 1998, has been on Reguliersbreestraat since 2004 and holds a GGD licence. Want to know more about us? Read about Piercings Works. Our team speaks five languages, so you can explain your wishes in your own language too.
Curious what your idea will cost? Drop by or book an appointment. We'll look at it together!