First-time tattooees usually want to know the price of a small tattoo. Getting your first tattoo always comes with a rollercoaster of emotions—especially as a teenager. You may not be sure whether you’ll like it or if your parents will approve, so you’ll want the small one.
The average price of a small tattoo ranges between $50 and $300. Size is one factor that influences this price, but it’s not the only one. Other factors, like tattoo artists’ experience and location, influence the price.
Are you interested in knowing how much for a new small tattoo? Keep reading this article, as we’ll share insights on the price of getting a new tattoo and scenarios when it can be high or low.
What Determines the Price of a New Small Tattoo
There’s no fixed price tag for a new small tattoo. And no lawful organization regulates the price of tattoo artists in Canada. As such, the price you’ll get depends on the following factors;
Tattoo Artist Expertise and Experience
The most important factor affecting the price of a small tattoo is the experience and expertise of the tattoo artist. The more experienced an artist is, the more confident you can be that they’ll get your desired tattoo right.
Experience matters in tattoo designs. An experienced tattoo artist must have completed many complex tattoos in the most difficult locations. As such, fixing a small tattoo for you will take only a few minutes.
However, having an expert tattoo artist is more expensive than having a regular tattoo. According to Glassdoor, tattoo artists in Canada have an annual income of over $50,000 but less than $60,000. So if you contact a tattoo artist in Toronto and their income is more than that, they may have earned it through years of experience.
Size of Tattoo
Size is another crucial factor affecting tattoo costs. Creating a large tattoo on your body can be a lot. The tattoo artist may sometimes be on the design for a full day.
Multiple tattoo studios rely on time to bill customers; some even pay artists based on time. According to Indeed, the average tattoo artist in Canada receives $34.69 per hour. So, the more time you’re taking, the higher you may have to pay.
Complexity of Tattoo Design
Your desired tattoo design influences the final cost of the tattoo design. Your Tattoo may be small but can be very complex to complete.
A perfect example is drawing a small tattoo of your favourite anime character. The tattoo may be small, but the tiny details the artist must follow to achieve a perfect design make it daunting. As such, this will increase the price.
Details of a tattoo design can sometimes make it impossible for the tattoo to be small. For example, you can’t draw a fox or lion in a small tattoo. The details of the tattoo won’t be legible enough if you put it as a small tattoo.
The more complex your tattoo design details are, the more money you have to pay.
Related Article: How Old You Have To Be To Get A Tattoo
Customized Designs
Different types of tattoo designs are common among many people. Tattoo artists can pre-design these tattoos. So, all they need to do is install the design when someone requests it.
These designs are usually quicker to install. The artists don’t need a sketch before completing the design, which saves more time.
They’ll also save you money as they cost less to install. The average price for a small pre-designed tattoo is usually more than a new, custom one.
Colour
Tattoos are inks that retain their colours after a while. The most popular tattoo ink colours in the world is the black tattoo. That’s because of the adaptability of black to any skin colour and design.
The prevalence of black tattoo ink will make it a cheaper option economically. According to Investopedia, an increased supply without a change in demand means lower prices. As such, black tattoo inks will be more affordable than other colours.
You may have to pay more if your tattoo design has more colours. Mixing colours requires more materials and care on the tattoo artist’s part, which may alter prices.
Location of Tattoo
A tattoo can sit anywhere you want it in your body. But the location will affect the price.
For example, any tattoo artist can easily fix a tattoo on your back, chest, and arm. You only need to pick a good position; the artist will have clear access to these locations.
However, other locations, like private parts, are more sensitive and require more complexity. Apart from exposing the tattoo artist to possible infection, it’s harder to draw at such locations. As such, the average price for a small tattoo per hour of such designs will be higher.
Pricing Technique of Tattoo Studio
The pricing for a small tattoo depends mainly on the studio ownership. They’re not legally bound to fix their services at a specific price.
As such, the owners must set prices based on their expenditures and projected profits. This gives them the liberty to charge at their discretion.
A tattoo shop in Toronto will typically generate their prices based on the following;
- Size
- Hourly rate charge. This style is usually for the more complex designs that take time.
- A basic charge for pre-designed tattoos.
Tattoo studios can factor in running costs like government licenses and rent to their pricing.
Related Article: How Long Does It Take For A Tattoo To Heal?
Find An Affordable Tattoo Artist in Toronto
It’s important to note that paying heavily for a tattoo doesn’t always mean you’re getting quality. An expensive price for a small tattoo isn’t an assurance that the tattoo studio has the best practices.
Review reviews are one of the first things to check when looking for a good tattoo studio. Reviews are testimonials from clients confirming the studio’s expertise.
At Piranha Studio, we’re a shop with a decade of experience in the tattoo industry. We understand the best practices and engage the best-trained and licensed artists to help with your tattoo. Book an appointment with Piranha Tattoo Shop to discuss creative ideas for small tattoos.