Forum Discussion - Tipping Your Artist (Even if They Own the Shop)
Sunday February 17, 2008
In response to: I asked a lot of people and the general consensus was that tips are welcome, but not expected, and if your artist is the owner of the shop it's a lot like tipping the owner of a hair salon--you typically don't. (ThumperWabbit)
"Number one, tattooing is a service industry, just like waiting tables, etc. Even a $5 tip is appreciated.
"Number two, even if your artist owns their studio, a tip is still very much appreciated, as the owner is the one paying all the bills to keep the place open, and in many cases after taxes and business expenses, they actually make less than say, a contract artist. I should know, my husband and I own our own studio, and we are lucky to clear 30% to 45% of what we actually charge for a tattoo some months. Think about it - a $100 tattoo, and we get to keep $30 dollars of it.....now it doesn't sound like so much, right?" - TexasInksli1
Comments
I believe in tipping an artist if they are the owner or not. The work you get is with you for life and you need to show your appreciation of how well the artist did. That is if they did an outstanding job!!
I have been getting a back piece in pieces since September and I have been tipping my artist an extra $50 on top of each sitting. I am VERY happy with his work and therefore feel that he deserves EXTRA tips for his skills and art. I know this amount is excessive, but as I said I am VERY happy with it.
My husband is think of opening a tattoo studio and wants to have other artist rent spaces, but we aren’t sure how to charge them. We thought about just renting out for a flat rate every month and leave the rest for them, should we still have a percent go to the house as well as rent?