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PaulinNJ · Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2008 12:52 pm Post subject: Help! Do I tip my artist and....

I am getting my second tat this Saturday, Phoenix Rising, on my entire right calf. I have Pegasus on my right bicep done in 1992 (and she's also getting a punch up soon). I need to know if it's proper "tatiquette" to tip my artist, and if so, how much. Ten percent? Twenty? My total cost for two sittings, three hours each sitting will be about $1,000.

I am desperate to know ASAP since I am going Saturday (June 28th) at
1 PM and want to bring enough cash to tip my artist, and IF that's appropriate...OR is the tatiqutte thinking along the lines that he is getting paid with a share to the owner so tips are not acceptable or neccesary.

PLEASE let me know asap.

THANKS!!!
Paul

Jamie · Tattoo lover Joined: 04 Jun 2008 Posts: 44

definitely tip him!

if the work is satisfactory to you,.....

on that big a job,........I'd think along the lines of $100 tip.

if someone doesn't tip me,...I personally take it as a hint they weren't happy with my work.

mommabird · Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2008 5:46 pm Post subject:

Hi Paul,

You might get mixed replies on this, as there really isn't a "norm" when it comes to tipping, especially when you compare countries, as it's almost expected in some countries (US) and not at all in others.

I'm also in the US and I always tip for a tattoo that I'm happy with. As far as how much, there's really not a standard %. I usually tip between 15% & 20%. I recently had a large piece done and it took 3 sittings. I tipped at the end of each sitting and the total for the 3 sittings was around $1000 also - and my total tip for the three was $200.

Hope that helps!

PaulinNJ · Posted: Thu Jun 26, 2008 10:26 am Post subject: Tips

Thank you both for the "tips" (pun intended) -

So we're looking at between $100-200 total - I think what I'll do is split your suggestions, and give him $100 after the first sitting if I'm peeing in my pants (well, shorts since it's going to be my entire right calf) with joy ($75 if I'm still up in the air), and at the end of the second, another $75 to 100 to total $150-200.

THANK YOU!!!

It was 1992 when I got my first done by [b]Jill Jordan in LA [/b]. Anyone ever hear of her? She was voted best female artist internationally in the mid-90's - did Cher's early tats and a lot of other celebs - charged $1000 an hour - UNLESS she knew you were a working stiff (I am) and for the love of the art, she charged me $100 an hour. I've been trying to post a pic of Pegasus, the one she did, but it's too big...and when I get time to reduce it, I will and then post.

Paul

devilduckie523 · Posted: Thu Jun 26, 2008 1:36 pm Post subject:

I would say its up to you and if you like the work he did......also some people consider if they own their own tattoo shop or not....SOmetimes I get tipped sometimes I dont

PaulinNJ · Posted: Thu Jun 26, 2008 10:27 pm Post subject: Clarify please?

So, DevilDuckie;

Could you clarify? The artist is not the owner and I have no doubt I am going to like this tat or else I wouldn't let him near my calf (or any other part of me). I guess what you're saying is, if I'm cool after the first session, $75-100 is appreciated, and after the second session, the same? I am not one to stand on ceremony and tip becaue it's "the thing to do" - I'm a gentleman who wants to acknowledge his work. Btw, I was WAY upfront and told the owner AND the artist of my HIV status before we even began and they were both A-OK with it and thanked me for being upfront. It's only right - mutual respect.
Paul

mommabird · Posted: Thu Jun 26, 2008 11:52 pm Post subject:

Paul, what I believe DevilDuckie is saying is that when an artist owns their own shop, they are getting 100% of whatever you pay them. However, if they do not own the shop, then they are most likely either paying a monthly fee for the spot in the shop or paying a cut to the owner of the shop, so they aren't getting the full amount you are paying.
DevilDuckie, correct me if I'm mistaken!

Paul, I recently talked to my artist about HIV and asked for his views on it, because we were discussing on this forum different practices/attitudes regarding tattooing someone with positive HIV test. Basically he said that he appreciates a client letting him know (and actually in many shops the release form even asks if the person has had a positive HIV test). But he also said that he feels confident he's already taking every precaution possible to keep not only himself safe, but also all his other clients, so it's not a problem for him - and really shouldn't be a problem to artists who are taking the extra precautions. He's meticulous about sterilization and cross-contamination - and that's one other reason I love going to him. Of course artists can reserve the right to serve whoever they want, so you'll run across different opinions and attitudes out there.

devilduckie523 · Posted: Fri Jun 27, 2008 9:35 am Post subject:

Mommabird thats exactly what I meant.

As far as tipping its really up to you. I know I appriciate it when someone does. As far as how much its really up to you, usually I get $20-50 for average size tattoos.

PaulinNJ · Posted: Sun Jun 29, 2008 7:58 pm Post subject: Thanks!

It was a bit confusing at Starlite (anyone ever hear of them? Spain, Vegas etc.) as when my first session of three hours was completed, the Manager told me to see Tito (my artist) as he didn't get involved with the money. There's several artists there (and a guy was getting a Phoenix Rising on his back/shoulder at the same time!).

In any event, he figured it really came down to about 2.5 hours and he figured $420 - said just give him $400...this was after I had already given him $80 for a tip so I believe Tito was happy.

I wish I was happy--I'm HURTIN' PEOPLE! LOL
NO ONE freakin' told me that the calf area is one of the hardest (not to start a debate) places to get inked. I swear, the last 10-15 minutes I felt like he was slicing razor blades across my calf! But the tat is freakin' awesome! Last time I tried to post a picture here, it apparently was too large, but when it's complete and healed up (by the end of July) I will reduce a pic and post it.

As far as HIV disclosure - it's amazes me how cool certain "groups" of people are...and conversely, how some "groups" are driven by prejudice and hatred. I felt it was my obligation, despite all precautions artists take, to tell him. And if he was at all uncomfortable, I would know it right away even if he said the opposite. Both Tito and the Manager thanked me a few times for being honest. And you're right, before any work was done, I had to complete information including any scrips I am on (I keep a list in my wallet...it's easier!). I figure if Tito for any reason, created a small tear in a glove and figured, "Well, I'm about done with this one outline then I'll change it." as opposed, to "Stop. Change glove(s)!" it would make the difference in transmission. I would NEVER knowingly put anyone at risk and I guess it's all about respect. Where I live in NJ, it's a well off area (I'm one of the poor sons-a-bitches! LOL) and HIV is a dirty little secret. That sucks...so either way, to disclose or not disclose, is up to the individual. I am SO out about it and figure if people are going to like me or not, that's life. Besides, the old Oak tree downtown hasn't hung anyone in a few centuries. I perhaps live in a Utopia whereby people can agree to disagree, are educated and worldly...yet sometimes when perusing the net, I am amazed at the absolute hatred people feel. Their issues, not mine. Can't change the world.

But if anyone ever has questions about disclosure or even HIV, to me, there are no stupid questions...only stupid people who don't ask questions.

Thanks for helping me out here all of you and for also listening to my soapbox rant about HIV/AIDS. We are all either INfected or AFfected. You're AFfected if you've read this because now you can say you "know" a PLWHA (Person Living With HIV/AIDS)...but that doesn't define me...I'm MANY other things.

PEACE,
Paul

mommabird · Posted: Sun Jun 29, 2008 8:34 pm Post subject:

Paul, can't wait to see it when you get it posted.

Sounds like you've got a good artist and shop to work with - that makes all the difference in the world.

As far as other's attitudes and hate, etc. Feel comfortable here - we try to make this forum a friendly hate-free-zone and welcome everyone Wink

chic · Posted: Mon Jun 30, 2008 4:14 am Post subject:

So it hurt did it!!!!
hehehehe..thats all the fun of getting a tattoo..
sounds a nice tattoo..
get a picture up soon..
and thanks for being up front on here too.
allthough we dont now you..we certainly know a lot about you..
you sound like a level headed guy...
If you dont mind me asking, how long have you had HIV. you dont have to tell me..just being nosey, (i am a woman after all)..
good luck with the healing.. Laughing

blamski · Posted: Thu Jul 03, 2008 6:39 am Post subject:

i just got back from having a piece done on my arm - nothing especially big, just a couple of hours work and just in black. my artist not only decided to charge me much less than he originally quoted me but refused point blank any kind of tip. Surprised

i insisted several times with various amounts but he wasn't having any of it and said that he enjoyed doing the piece.

i'll have to follow him to a bar when he leaves work later and buy him a beer.

PaulinNJ · Posted: Thu Jul 03, 2008 11:35 am Post subject: Hmmmm

Blamski-
THAT is cool - to know he does it for the love of the art abd refused any tip. WAY cool.

So, whadja get? Tribal? Post pics?

Yep....slyly ask where he nags out and even credit his tab at the bar sometime - even anonymously - just so she/ho knows how COOL that was.

Paul Exclamation

blamski · Posted: Thu Jul 03, 2008 4:05 pm Post subject:

nice idea paul. the pics are in my gallery, mate.