So how much do tattoos cost?

Submitted by rdlwolverine on

Enlighten a geezer.  I realize it can probably vary from a little buckey leaf to a full arm inking, but does anybody have an idea what the going rate is for the size and type of tattoos that the Buckeyes might have gotten.  Are we talking $75 or $3000?

Hyphen

June 3rd, 2011 at 12:12 AM ^

In my moderate experience, you have listed good estimates for lower and upper limits of what you could reasonably expect to pay, ranging in size from something the size of a silver dollar, to a high detail sleve done in color. Size seems to be the biggest factor, followed by level of detail (this increases the amount of time it takes, some artists have an hourly rate), and artist/studio/region.

Blazefire

June 3rd, 2011 at 12:15 AM ^

you will get what you pay for to some extent. I've always wanted to get either a nail cross or an industrial-looking cross on my bicep (but I know I never would. sissypants.). I've had it quoted a few times between $100 and $300, more to add some color.

For the record, they also suggested I put on some muscle first. :(

MMBhorn

June 3rd, 2011 at 1:20 AM ^

Mine is a simple block M on my calf (about 4 inches tall) just in black and it ran me about 130 at Name Brand Tattoo in Ann Arbor. From what I've heard and experienced a simple tattoo at a "respectable" establishment is going to start at at least $100.

TheWolverineWay

June 3rd, 2011 at 1:40 AM ^

I have a few tattoos and I would say that a the majority of tattoo artists charge by an hourly rate anywhere from $50-$200. Usually this rate will depend on the reputability of the artist and the traffic for this particular shop or artist. Other artists will charge a minimum rate, no matter how big or elaborate the tattoo is, and then an additional hourly charge. For example, Kat von D, from LA Ink, charges a $500 minimum + hourly cost. Some will also charge a flat charge for the specific tattoo that you're getting. 

I doubt there are any reputable or famous tattoo artists in Columbus that charges what Kat does, but if they are the best game in town, I'd said they'd easily ask for $150 an hour. Tattoos definitely aren't cheap because you have to pay for the cost of the needles, the ink, the artist, overhead, plus a tip, which usually runs $20-50 per hour. The only time you'd ever get a "cheap" tattoo is either from an apprentice who is starting out in the business or from a good friend that doesn't charge.

Judging from what I've seen on Terrelle's arms, I'd said that both arms would easily run somewhere between $3,000-$6,000. This is just an estimate because I don't know what he has tattooed on him, other than the O, and how much detail is involved. My tattoo artist in California charges $150 an hour and my last session (a half sleeve) ran me $700. It's probably going to cost me another $700 to finish it, if not more. Definitely not cheap.

Just as a side note of how awesome Ann Arbor is, there is a famous tattoo artist who works there. His name is Leo Zulueta and he is basically the guy who started the modern tribal tattoo. I know there are some dumb tribal tattoos out there, but Leo's work is based off of traditional tribal tattoos from the Pacific Islands and he studied with artists from that region. His work was actually profiled in National Geographic. 

Hope this is helpful.

TheWolverineWay

June 3rd, 2011 at 2:56 AM ^

I always appreciate learning about artists. I just looked up Durb's work and It looks good. He does nice work with color. I am not particularly familiar with artists who work primarily in Americana-style tattoos. It's not my style, but I definitely appreciate the work, though I think Jeff Zuck at Name Brand is better. 

 

troublet1969

June 3rd, 2011 at 1:44 AM ^

Well, some might argue that there are between 3.5 to 4 million dollars.  Isn't that how much Tressel made.  I may be off on the estimate...and we know that is not what got the man kicked to the curb.  In this age where virus and disease are so easy to aquire, I would not want to frequenting those establishments.

Bb011

June 3rd, 2011 at 1:54 AM ^

They can easily get above 1k if there is a lot of work done. 

 

The only way I could ever see myself getting a tattoo was if I was in the marines (or something along those lines) and got it of my Battalion or something similar.

Rather be on BA

June 3rd, 2011 at 2:09 AM ^

Anything like what the sleeves I have seen the Buckeyes wearing would cost likely 2k-4k.  They are extremely inticate, HUGE, and with color.  All of those factors make the price skyrocket.

A small to medium sized, black tattoo is much less. I have two, neither of which cost more than $200, and this is from a very reputable artist.

Rather be on BA

June 3rd, 2011 at 2:10 AM ^

Anything like what the sleeves I have seen the Buckeyes wearing would cost likely 2k-4k.  They are extremely inticate, HUGE, and with color.  All of those factors make the price skyrocket.

A small to medium sized, black tattoo is much less. I have two, neither of which cost more than $200, and this is from a very reputable artist.

MMB 82

June 3rd, 2011 at 3:31 AM ^

is knowing that something I would have wanted at 25 would be something I would have regretted at 40. There is a huge business in laser tattoo removal in my part of the world. To each their own.....

TheWolverineWay

June 3rd, 2011 at 3:52 AM ^

I feel if the tattoo is something personal to you and meaningful, then you should've regret it. For me, my tattoos tie into my ethnic and cultural background. I'm sure if I got Bugs Bunny or a fairy when I turned 18, I'd def want that thing gone as an adult. I also try to go to artists who are reputable to make sure I'm going to get "art" and not "ink". 

I can see a big reason people lasering their tattoos is having a tattoo fade and look stank over the years. There's nothing to completely prevent this, but there are things to do that can help preserve it. A lot of artists nowadays often free touch-up on their work when there's fading. Also, you have to be smart about exposure of your tattoos with UV rays. I try my best to cover up with sunblock when I'm out surfing to preserve my tattoos that mean a lot to me. 

But like you said, to each their own.

Crentski

June 3rd, 2011 at 5:04 AM ^

They are a form of individual expression. Most of us receive tattoo's of significant meaning. I can understand why some people do not prefer them but I've noticed  a majority of those people are not of the current younger generation(18-30 years old). I was at first skeptical of getting a sleeve piece done due to working for the government in the nuclear sector. I thought about it many times and realized that a large number of people within my age group have them and society will slowly accept them as my generation ages. Everyone is different though and I can respect both sides. The only thing enthusiasts can hope for is that non-enthusiasts do not create unfair and unwarranted negative perceptions of those individuals.

wolfchant999

June 3rd, 2011 at 6:25 AM ^

They are usually priced by time they will take. Depending on the artist they can be 50+ an hour. My back piece that has 12 hours of tattoo work (no color which sometimes makes a difference) cost me $3000. Not sure if that gives you an idea of cost, just my experience

El Jefe

June 3rd, 2011 at 9:18 AM ^

I have a few friends that own tattoo shops so I get a huge deal and I have about 4000 grand invested in my tattoos.  Each shop is different, some go by a quote of the tattoo and some are just an hourly rate of about $50-$200 an hour.  If I had to guess, it looks like Pryor has anywhere up to $1500-$2000 grand of worth of work total on my both arms.

michgoblue

June 3rd, 2011 at 9:39 AM ^

By my best guess, they cost around 3-5 years of vacated wins, 3-7 scholarships per year for 3-4 years, a 3 year bowl ban and a highly-esteamed head coach. 

rdlwolverine

June 3rd, 2011 at 10:38 AM ^

I found this photo of Pryor on the Toledo Blade website that gives a better idea of the extent of the tattoos on his right arm, though not much detail.

OSU Pryor players meeting Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor arrives Monday for a players only meeting at the Woody Hayes Complex in Columbus.

Happyshooter

June 3rd, 2011 at 1:17 PM ^

I suspect the phrasing "tattoo" is used to cover what else went on in the party room--most likely blow, crack, and meth.

Otherwise you don't really need a party room at the shop.

 

I think OSU screwed up hoping this will go away, and if the media stays on the story for another week or two some cell camera shots of players exchanging helmets for dope should come out. Maybe some suspect drug tests, too.