What is a good price for a portrait tattoo?

Question

My grandfather passed away August 2 of this year, I want to get his military portrait...head and shoulders shot tattooed on my left shoulder blade. How far should I let an artist run me?I want it to be good so I am willing to pay, but what is too much and what is too little? And how do I know...

Answer 1

you don't really know. you would be better off going to different places and seeing what they are going to charge you. it all depends on the artist, colouring, the size of the tattoo, and other things.

take the portrait that you would like to get tattooed to at least 3 different shops that you know have nice quality tattoos and are clean, and go for whichever one is least expensive.

Answer 2

Portrait tattoos are the easiest to s***w up, in my opinion. There is so much fine detail, sketching, and shading that if you are going to get one, I'd go to one of the very top artists around. Find someone who really specializes in it and who does absolutely stunning ones, because what would be worse than having a big gray blob on you that doesn't resemble your grandfather at all? Some examples of great work:

http://www.tomrenshaw.com/index2.htm

http://www.bmezine.com/tattoo/portrait00...

I think you should find an incredible artist, and pay what they ask. This isn't a good place to haggle, and a portrait isn't like a simple design that any half decent artist can do.  

Answer 3

I am a grandfather, if he is like me and had any say in the matter he would say, don't daub my princess with graffiti.