So I've been looking at a tattoo idea based around 2 playing cards, and have found a style that a really like by an artist from the US. Unfortunately he doesn't have the 2 cards I'd like (J♡♧). Asked him if he could whip up the designs for those cards in the style I liked and he said he could but asked what price I'd be looking at.
Being a know-nothing of the industry any idea what a reasonable offer would be (in US$)? Just for the 2 playing cards (life size) with fairly detailed design and some, but not much colour?
Thanks
I'm guessing this is the first tattoo you have ever had done.
I am honestly surprised the artist asked YOU how much you want to spend. I got tattooed in Wisconsin when I was there 2 years ago. The artist was a fella I had met at a festival so it was kind of at mate's rates but he charged me for the time he spent. Maybe it differs between the States and Aus but heres my advice.
Last year I went and saw a particular artist because I a) liked her work and aesthetic and b) she had done designs involving musical instruments so decided she was the artist for me. She did a phenomenal job so when I had another idea in mind and had seen her do something similar I went and saw her again. I plan on getting her to do one more piece for me.
If you have an idea in your head of what you want then I would suggest that;
A) even if you do not have a modicum of artistic expression in your body get a piece of paper and do a really, really shitty rough sketch of it. Have little arrows pointing to elements of the design and hand written notes to describe to the artist what elements you want represented/drawn.
B) get photos off the net as "inspiration" to accompany the sketch. Don't just limit this to other artist's work but also photos of certain elements.
And finally.... and perhaps the most important.
C) if you are that keen on the design and you really like what the artist can do to bring your concept to life then TRUST the artist. Pay your deposit, trust them to do a bang up job on your design. You can consult on the day when they show you the stencil and if there's any amendments then you can discuss on the day. But if you do the right thing and are not vague during the consult phase then there's no reason for your design to be amended.
And have plenty of cash on the day to pay the difference. They are not cheap and this is how the artist makes a living.
If you pay peanuts you get monkeys. Be prepared to spend money to get it done right.
