Tattoo Pricing: What Affects the Cost of a Tattoo?

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “how much does a tattoo cost in the UK?”, you’re not alone. Tattoo pricing can seem confusing at first, but understanding what influences the cost will help you make an informed choice and ensure you get the best value for your investment. At Avant Art Tattoo Studio in Chippenham, we focus on transparency, artistry, and giving every client a clear understanding of what their tattoo will cost before they sit in the chair.

Factors That Determine Tattoo Pricing

1. Size and Complexity of the Design

The size of your tattoo is one of the most obvious factors affecting cost.

The larger and more intricate your tattoo, the more time and skill it requires. A tiny minimalist design may cost just £100, while a full sleeve or detailed realism piece can run into several hundred or even thousands of pounds. Remember: the cost reflects the time, precision, and artistic expertise required.

Even small tattoos require careful planning, precise line work, and attention to detail. Because of the work involved in preparing a design for your appointment, as well as the cost of setting up sterile, high-quality materials to ensure your safety, we have a minimum charge in place. This ensures that every tattoo, regardless of size, is created professionally, safely, and to the highest artistic standard.

2. Experience and Skill Level of the Artist

Not all tattoo artists are the same, and the cost of your tattoo can reflect this. Artists at different stages of their careers charge differently:

• Apprentice Artists: These are artists still learning under supervision. They typically charge lower rates but are capable of basic designs and styles.

• Junior Artists: Slightly more experienced, junior artists can handle more complex work and develop their own style. Their rates reflect growing skill and reliability.

• Fully Trained Artists: Experienced artists have honed their techniques over years. They can execute highly detailed, precise, and long-lasting tattoos.

At Avant Art, we match clients with artists based on their design and style preferences, so you get the right level of experience for your piece.

3. Hourly vs Project-Based Pricing

Many tattoo studios charge by the hour, which can make budgeting difficult. At Avant Art, we charge by project, meaning we agree on the price before your session begins. This approach gives you clarity, removes surprises, and ensures that your tattoo fits your vision and budget.

Even though we have an hourly rate to calculate the project cost fairly, our goal is that you know exactly what your tattoo will cost. Whether it’s a small piece or a large, multi-session design, the price is transparent and agreed upfront.

4. Location of the Studio

Tattoo prices vary across the UK. Studios in major cities or areas with higher living costs may charge more. In Chippenham, we offer competitive pricing while maintaining top-tier quality.

Deposits and Our Private Tattoo Studio Policy

Avant Art is a private, appointment only studio. We do not take walk-ins, so last-minute cancellations can’t be replaced easily. To secure your booking, we require a 50% deposit.

This deposit helps cover part of the studio’s loss if you can’t make your appointment. We understand emergencies happen, so the deposit only covers half the total cost, leaving room for flexibility while still protecting our artists' time. This system ensures that everyone’s time is respected and that your session is guaranteed.

If you’re in Chippenham searching for “tattoo pricing guide” or “how much does a tattoo cost in UK”, Avant Art Tattoo Studio offers clear, project-based pricing tailored to your design and artist level.

📅 Get in contact and let us bring your tattoo ideas to life with expert precision, care, and clarity on pricing.

Avant Art Tattoo team