It is the first question almost everyone asks, and the honest answer is "it depends," but that is not very helpful on its own. So let me actually break down what your money pays for, give you some real ballpark numbers, and tell you exactly how to get a quote you can count on.
What actually sets the price
- Size: the bigger the piece, the more time and ink it takes
- Detail and style: fine line, realism, and heavy shading take longer than bold simple work
- Placement: tricky spots like ribs, hands, and feet are slower to tattoo
- Color vs black: color and blends usually add time over solid blackwork
- Custom design: each piece is quoted individually for the work involved
House of Pain pricing
Simple and upfront:
- Shop minimum: $100 for tattoos of any size, excluding the Candy Machine
- Pricing: quoted by the piece based on design, size, detail, and placement
- Deposit: $50, non-refundable, required to book, and it goes toward your tattoo (here is why)
- Half and full sleeves: quoted for the piece and completed over multiple sessions
Cheapest way in the door: the Candy Machine is a flat $80 for a mystery tattoo. Turn the knob, take what you get.
The shop minimum is $100 and the booking deposit is $50. Your custom tattoo is quoted by the piece, with the price agreed before work begins.
Why tattoos cost what they do
A tattoo is permanent custom art applied by hand, one time, with single-use sterile needles and supplies for every client. Your quote reflects the custom design, years of skill, and care involved in completing your piece. This is also why chasing the cheapest price is a trap: a bad cheap tattoo costs far more to fix or cover up later. Pick the artist whose work you love (take a look at mine), then talk price.
How to get your exact quote
Send me your idea, the rough size, and where on your body you want it. A reference photo helps a lot. I will give you a clear number before any needle touches skin, and the consultation is free with no pressure to book.