10/20/2026
Listen, $80 an hour for an apprentice tattoo artist is NOT a lot of money, especially when you understand what actually goes into becoming a tattoo artist.
Most apprentices show up day in and day out, putting in countless hours, working their asses off, learning their craft, and often doing it all without getting paid a single dollar.
When they finally start making money, they typically work on a percentage split with the studio, sometimes as much as 50%.
So let’s break that down.
An apprentice charges $80 an hour. The studio takes 50%, leaving them with $40. Now factor in needles, ink, supplies, equipment, travel, fuel, lunch, and all the other expenses that come with the job.
By the time everything is said and done, they might be walking away with $25 an hour, sometimes less.
And that’s not even accounting for the hours spent drawing, designing, setting up, cleaning, practicing, and improving their skills outside of tattooing.
My point is simple: Unless you understand the industry, the sacrifices, the expenses, and the structure behind what an artist charges, don’t be so quick to judge their prices.
You’re not just paying for someone’s time. You’re paying for their dedication, creativity, skill, and the countless hours they’ve invested into becoming better.
Talent deserves respect. Hard work deserves compensation. And just because someone is an apprentice doesn’t mean their time or talent is worthless.
You cannot put a price on genuine talent.
Please be respectful, reasonable, and supportive of artists who are putting in the work to build their careers.
Everyone starts somewhere. Respect the process. Respect the artist. 🖤
— Bad & Bougie Studio
