tattoo tipping?

Q. What is the industry standard for tipping a tattoo artist?

A. There isn't one. Tipping everywhere else in the world but America is down to the discretion of the individual to reward poorly paid workers for a service particularly well carried out. In America, however, tipping isn't the choice of the individual as an expression of their gratitude it is expected as a right. I read an article yesterday about a woman in America who had a lip tattoo and wasn't pleased with the results but then went on to say that she paid $80 for it plus the tip! Why would you tip somebody for a job badly done??

A tattooist is not a low-paid person in the service industry. They get paid to do a good job.

In the UK tipping a tattooist isn't common practice and isn't expected. If you're in the States (you don't actually say where you are) pay whatever usual percentage you normally would on anything else.

Original Question

First tattoo... HELP.?

Q. I have a depression problem. I've had it for the longest time; I cut myself, had failed suicide attempts, family problems. I want to get a big tattoo. One that I won't regret, not like a tiny tacky one. I was thinking maybe one on my rib cage of an ugly butterfly turning into a beautiful colorful butterfly. Since a butterfly is the symbol for the self harm awareness. I really want to stop cutting.
Do you think that's a good idea?
Do I need to sketch a picture of my idea to the tattoo artist? I really can not draw too.
Do they charge by the hour or by what the tattoo is?
Should it be on my rib cage or back? (I don't want it to be on my wrist or arm because of job interviews and whatnot.)

A. Here's the thing - you seem to think that if you get a big tattoo that you will stop cutting yourself. This isn't how it works. You are fooling yourself.
Yes, a tattoo can help you remind yourself of something or someone or a goal etc. But once it is done healing, you have to make the effort to be aware of it, because you don't feel anything from it, it just acts like normal skin.
Your imagery isn't very good either - like said above, an ugly butterfly does not turn into a pretty butterfly, .. a caterpillar changes into a butterfly.
And just because a tattoo is big does not mean that it is good, or that a tiny one is tacky.
What makes a tattoo great is that it is well thought out, personal, and individual, beautiful imagery and artwork, and a skilled and talented tattoo artist, and that it is properly cared for while it heals and for the rest of your life.

I think that you are trying to use another form of cutting = tattooing = thousands of tiny punctures in the skin, as a way to continue doing what you say that you wish to stop. I think that you think that if it is big, that all of those little punctures will take away whatever is causing you to cut yourself.
This is a delusion.

If you truly wish to stop doing this, and if you truly wish to get better, then you need to quit giving it lip service and you need to go to a professional in psychiatry and set up appointments and follow the mental health advise that is given.
After you are free of cutting and other self destructive activities, then reward yourself with a beautiful and meaningful tattoo if you still choose to get one.

Here's a mental health hotline:
for suicidal thoughts:
1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433)
prevention
1-800-273-TALK
self injury numbers:
Self-Injury

Bristol Crisis Service for Women - UK
+ 44 (0) 117 925 1119
Offers a confidential helpline service on selected days and times.
SAFE (Self-Abuse Finally Ends) Alternative Information Line
1-800-DONT-CUT
Free information on self-injury available.
Boys Town National Hotline, 1-800-448-3000

Call someone now. Get a tattoo later.

luck~

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