How Much Does a Tattoo Cost? Real Numbers From Our Lewisville Studio
Most pieces at Ink Theory start around $250 to $500, and large custom work can run $4,000+. Here is what moves the price and how to get a real number for your idea.
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Short answer: most tattoos at Ink Theory start around $250 to $500. Large or complex custom pieces can run $4,000+. Where your idea lands between those two numbers comes down to three things: how big it is, how much detail is in it, and where on your body it goes.
A lot of shops keep pricing off their website. We would rather you know what you are walking into, so here are ours.
Our price ranges
| Placement or tier | Range |
|---|---|
| General Starting Price | $250 to $500 |
| Neck & Armpits | $500 to $800 |
| Feet | $1,600 |
| Glutes | $2,200 |
| Large / Complex Pieces | Up to $4,000+ |
These are starting ranges. Your final price is set at your consultation, once the artist has seen your idea and the spot you want it.
What actually moves the price
Size
Size is mostly a question of time. Here is how long each size usually takes with us.
| Size | What that means | Time in the chair |
|---|---|---|
| Tiny | 0 to 3 inches | 1 to 2 hours |
| Palm Size | 4 to 7 inches | 4 to 6 hours |
| Quarter Sleeve | Upper or lower arm section | 6 to 8 hours |
| Half Sleeve | Upper, lower, or outer arm | About 2 days |
| Full Sleeve | Full arm coverage | 3 to 4 days (8 hrs/day) |
A full sleeve takes 3 to 4 days, and those are full days in the chair. That is why large pieces cost what they cost.
Detail
We sort every idea into one of three detail levels:
- Low Detail. Simple designs, minimal shading.
- Mid Detail. Moderate complexity with shading and texture.
- Advanced / High Detail. Complex realism, intricate patterns, full coverage.
Two tattoos the same size can be priced very differently. A palm sized outline and a palm sized photo realistic portrait are not the same amount of work.
Placement
Some spots are harder to tattoo well. The skin is thinner, it moves more, or it takes ink differently, and the session goes slower. That is why the neck, armpits, feet, and glutes have their own rates in the table above.
Cover ups
We do cover ups. They take more planning than a fresh piece, because the new design has to work with what is already there. Send a clear photo of the existing tattoo when you reach out so we can tell you what is possible and price it properly.
Why a good tattoo costs what it costs
You are paying for the hours in the chair, and for the hours you do not see: the design work before your appointment. Every piece here is custom, built for you and for the spot it is going.
It is also the one thing you buy that you wear every day for the rest of your life. Fixing a tattoo you are unhappy with means a cover up or removal, and both usually cost more than getting it right the first time.
How to get a real number
- Fill out Design Your Tattoo. It takes a few minutes and covers your style, placement, a photo of the area, size, detail level, a description of your idea, and whether it is a cover up.
- We text you within 24 hours to set up your consultation. That is also when you send over reference images.
- At the consultation we lock in the design, the placement, and the price.
You can also text the studio directly at (845) 385-2136.
Not in Dallas Fort Worth?
You have two options. Travel to the Lewisville studio, or choose Find an Ink Theory artist near me in the questionnaire. We are building a network of certified Ink Theory artists across the country. If there is a certified artist near you, we route you to them. If there is not one in your area yet, we will tell you, and we can talk through coming to Texas.
Quick answers
How much does a small tattoo cost at Ink Theory?
Most pieces start around $250 to $500. A tiny piece, 0 to 3 inches, usually takes 1 to 2 hours.
How much does a sleeve tattoo cost?
A half sleeve takes about 2 days and a full sleeve takes 3 to 4 days, working full days. Large or complex pieces like these can run $4,000+. You get an exact number at your consultation.
Why do some placements cost more?
Some areas are harder to tattoo well. The skin is thinner, moves more, or takes ink differently, so the work goes slower. The neck, armpits, feet, and glutes are priced on their own for that reason.
Can I get an exact tattoo quote online?
The Design Your Tattoo questionnaire gives us what we need to price your piece. The final number is set at your consultation, once the artist has seen your idea and the placement.
