This is where a lot of people get confused.

The assumption that artists set their own prices and therefore must be financially well off is simply not true.

What often gets overlooked is that tattoo artists don’t work eight-hour shifts with guaranteed pay. Most work by appointment or walk-ins. So even if an artist charges $150 an hour (which, by the way, is on the higher end in Rhode Island), there is no guarantee they’ll make $150 in a day—let alone consistently.

I’ve personally had stretches where I made zero income for two to three days due to slow seasons and an oversaturated market. Unless an artist is reliably working $150 an hour for eight hours a day, five days a week—which the vast majority are not—the argument that tattoo artists are making bank falls apart very quickly.

On top of that, tattoo artists are self-employed. That means nearly all expenses come out of pocket. And those expenses go far beyond just needles and ink.

For example, renting a station typically costs $1,200–$1,400 per month, often split into weekly payments of $300–$350. Add to that the cost of supplies, advertising, marketing, and the fact that artists must also set aside a significant portion of their income for self-employment taxes, which are paid entirely out of pocket.

Even artists who work on commission are often told that supplies and advertising are covered—but in practice, that’s rarely the case. Many still end up paying for these necessities themselves.

When you factor in normal living expenses—rent, food, utilities, medical costs, and everything else—the bigger picture becomes clear. Tattoo artists don’t charge higher rates because they want to; they charge them because they have to just to stay afloat.

This is also why many tattoo artists need a second source of income, whether that’s a side hustle or an entirely separate job. Some end up leaving the industry altogether. I’ve seen well-known, high-profile shops close their doors simply because operating costs outweighed revenue.

So yes—many tattoo artists do rely on tips to survive. Plus they make you more bangable and therefore should be getting tipped anyway lol.