When I moved to Vancouver and started tattooing here, I found the concept of hourly rates a bit unusual. It’s not just tattoo artists—plumbers, electricians, and basically anyone working in a trade often charges hourly. On one hand, I understand the logic behind it. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel; as the saying goes, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”
However, I’m currently in a position where I don’t have to build my business from scratch or compete with established studios for clients. That’s why I’ve leaned toward offering fixed pricing. Throughout my career in this industry, I’ve always prioritized being client-focused. I’ve aimed to stand out not just by creating great tattoos but by providing an exceptional experience.
From my perspective, an excellent experience means a client comes in knowing exactly how much their tattoo will cost. They don’t have to sit through the pain of the process while also stressing about the final bill. Imagine someone expecting their tattoo to cost $1,000 only to realize midway that it’ll take longer and end up costing $1,500. It’s an unnecessary source of anxiety, and I’d rather eliminate that.
Of course, hourly rates are fair for the tattoo artist—they’re paid for their time and effort. But from a client’s perspective, it can feel discouraging, especially when they wonder if an artist has an incentive to work slower. I’m exaggerating, of course, but you get the point.
Fixed pricing isn’t without its challenges. A tattoo artist might estimate a project will take five hours, but it ends up taking ten. However, I believe this encourages better time management and more accurate project evaluations. For particularly complex projects, hourly rates can still be an option, but I don’t see why that needs to be the default.
So here’s my decision: I’m offering both options—fixed pricing and hourly rates. If you prefer a fixed price, you’re welcome to visit the studio. We’ll prepare your design, build a basic composition, print it, and place it on your body so you can visualize it. Many people don’t fully grasp how their tattoo will look until this step, and it’s a vital part of the process. During this consultation, we adjust the design as needed and give you a clear, fixed price. The best part? This service is entirely free. It’s just part of what we offer.
You don’t have to commit immediately. If you want to take the design home, think about it, and come back in a year, that’s perfectly fine. Most people—about 80%—do return, but there’s no pressure. We believe in building trust and providing value, and it pays off in the long run.
So, if you’re considering a tattoo, come in for a consultation. We’ll give you a fixed price and ensure you’re happy with the design before moving forward. That’s how we create tattoos you’ll love for a lifetime.
-Alex
