Have you ever wondered how much tattoo artists really make?

Are you considering pursuing a career in the tattoo industry? If so, you'll want to read the heartfelt truth about earnings in tattooing.

We scoured Reddit to gather real stories from tattoo artists about their income and overall experience in the profession.

One artist shared, My first year I made $20,000. Seven years later I'm at six figures, but that's only because I'm the boss.

Another artist shared a more humorous perspective, My money matches my tattoos... none.

While some tattoo artists may start off with a lower income, others have found success over time. One artist reported bringing in around $60,000 annually after 15 years in the industry.

But it's not all about the money for these artists. Many mentioned the personal fulfillment they receive from making a lasting impact on their clients.

If you're considering a career in tattooing, it's important to have a realistic understanding of the earning potential. But it's even more important to have a passion for the craft and a desire to constantly improve one's skills.

Read on to discover more tales from the tattooing trenches and uncover whether this career path is the solution you've been searching for!

The Reality of Earnings in Tattooing

Tattooing has recently emerged as a fast-growing industry, with the market size reaching $1 billion in 2018. However, the realities of earnings for tattoo artists are quite different from what is often portrayed in popular media. In this article, we explore real stories from tattoo artists on Reddit and provide a comparison of their experiences to debunk common myths about earnings in the tattooing industry.

Myth vs. Reality: The Earnings of Tattoo Artists

Myth: Tattoo artists make a lot of money.

Reality: Most artists struggle financially and earn considerably lower than the average income in the United States.

Tattooing may seem like a lucrative profession due to high hourly rates ranging from $100 to $250. However, in reality, artists’ actual earnings after tax, liability insurance, retirement savings, and other expenses can be as low as 10% to 20% of the price charged. Moreover, many artists have to manage overhead costs related to running their studio where they work.

While some full-time studio artists do make comfortable incomes upwards of $100,000 annually, these numbers do not reflect the average experience of tattoo artists. Many working artists earn commission-based wages, often ranging from 50% to 70% of the price of each tattoo, and may be unable to support themselves with this pay. Being freelance, independent artists often leaves them without benefits, such as health insurance or retirement packages. This wage disparity is further impacted by gender bias, race, and diversity in an often-too-traditional field.

Few Ways Gets Comfortable Income:

There are others ways tattoo artists can make more varied income.

Diversifying services offered's like piercing and products sold (such as clothing and accessories) are increasing organization primarily. Many artists list their portfolios and ephemera for sale via online platforms like Etsy and Depop.

Inking royalties are becoming increasingly prevalent, studios that tattoo a particularly m arkettable image on someone, immortalizing them in ink, offer proceeds within the tattoos above all else traditionally rich world of tattooing-demonstrating even this corner of the industry requires adaptability and out-of-the-box financial strategy.

A Game of Perception:

Many tattoo artists seem accepting of low-income conditions because they love their craft and prioritize job or lifestyle satisfaction over making money. One reason this perception often slips past the public eye is the powerful nature of successful art - followers see plenty of iconic artists enjoying branded, hyped-up lifestyles parallel with pop culture-like figures, and think it’s the dream for any artist.

Still, art comes before the hype, creativity before finances. The earnings people obsess over perpetuate only for those deeply involved, and when it comes to pressing career or personal needs, finances take a back seat to artistic edict overall.

The Realities of Sacrifice:

Tattoo machine-chiseling long hours require patience, concentration, strength steady nerves and a willingness to endure discomfort . After all, focusing all one’s attention on flesh for long periods' four to six days weekly over multiple years can take a real toll on both mental and physical wellbeing—that tattoo artists get paid significantly lower than the national U.S. median salary of around $44,720 likely confounds matters, prompting empathy from craft pursuers and shock from patrons.

Tattooers' endure job path bumps like hobby rank outsiders’ expectations altered opportunities sacrifices like solo healthcare oversight,the driving paid model in tattoo piercing et al tough schedules cancelled vacations short-term income, on track to cement or fail prospects dependent the studio as anchor—or the creation of an own space for weary journeyfolks-by-the-grind to pitfall. Comic-book-culture analogies still trendy sub cultural images aside-the life of practical,artistic crafting hard-for little apparent equitable reward remains incredulously hardcore.

Different Forms of Tattooing Demand Varying Supports By Need:

In America their stratified heirarchy tiers consist of doomsday prepper kitsch sac-psychobilly dads,Tattooers attain considerable success in convention-he styles may demand considerably higher rates-cheapness conveys images being irreverent.What works for one demographic doesn't always apply for others.

although Reddit community regarding community membership , widely shared demands other guidance word of mouth tattoo:starting capital frequently disclosed tattoo-piercing-market guidelines in general-range from lots of money”—targeted-ad patience creation and momentum within ground-up endeavors.A comprehensive website and a substantial provider network focused on consolidating resources for tattoo artists could help bridge gaps in earning potential and relieve isolation whilst putting aspiring artists on track .

A Tough Industry That Requires Passion:

The notion that tattoo artists are wealthy celebrities living off their tattoos could not have been more wrong: Darryl working in the industry for a decade,says coming through changes,his legacy depends on higher visibility and broad coding influence through accumulation of stoke-inspiring customer testimonials publicly supporting affirmative human expressions live and on radio podcasts/mad collections.

Although their earnings may be low and most work grueling hours-that no tattoo artist carries prospective boss pipe dream layouts rock-solid options & selling-out anxiety made the cut-and-dried escape routea distinct possibility contributes heavily to rising interest.Wonder Woman cowgirls hunting tattoos could already be seeing the Hollywoodized version,TLC show conventions will surely be swarmed with hopefuls finally discontent with models they'd lovingly caricatured more than occasionally recently.

In Conclusion:

The Heartfelt Truth about Earnings in Tattooing exposes our misconceptions about the true financial reward inspiring this variously esthetic-people-transforming canvas medium. Shop costs overrun must've deflated many who entered too eagerly,but tattooed clients never regret taking on memories they hold so dearly there’s no now possible without unflappable artist-cum-midiunship technicians.Highlights of grim service prospects remind us needs for art coupled by ability exceed occupation.Along with love and compassion tattoo artistry also demands rigorous labors-happiest benefit of all those together belonging to artist themselves.

Tabulation of Compensation for tattooing

ARTIST’S ACTUAL EARNING VS THE AVERAGE INCOME OF USA

Earning status in Tattoo Business some artists based on convention on artist art like realism tends to pull off. Earnings are bracketted

To all tattoo artists and enthusiasts out there, we hope this article shed some light on the honest reality of earnings in the industry. It's important to understand that fame and fortune are not guaranteed when pursuing a career as a tattoo artist. However, passion and determination can lead to success over time.

Remember to focus on building your skills and reputation, rather than solely relying on high profits. Always keep an open mind and continue to learn and grow with your artform.

Thank you for taking the time to read about the heartfelt truth of earnings in tattooing. We encourage everyone to share their own stories in order to create a more transparent and informed community.