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If you’ve ever looked into getting a tattoo, you’ve probably noticed that studios historically charged by the hour (and many still do!)
At first glance, that sounds fair. You pay for the time it takes.
But in reality, hourly pricing can create uncertainty, pressure, and sometimes a worse overall experience.
At Eleven Pillars we price tattoos as a fixed cost. And once you understand why, it makes a lot more sense.
By Chris Sinclair in one day sitting $1400(upper arm)
The Problem With Hourly Tattoo Pricing
Hourly rates sound simple, but they come with a few hidden downsides.
1. You don’t know the final price
You might be quoted an hourly rate, but you won’t know exactly how long your tattoo will take. That means you’re going into the appointment without a clear total cost.
For a lot of people, that creates stress before you even sit in the chair. While an artist can give you their best guess its never guaranteed.
2. It can feel rushed
When you’re paying by the hour, every break, adjustment, or moment of rest can feel like it’s costing you money.
That can lead to clients:
- sitting longer than they’re comfortable
- rushing decisions
- avoiding breaks they actually need
None of that leads to a better tattoo.
3. It doesn’t reward efficiency
An experienced artist who works faster and cleaner might cost you less time, but under an hourly model, that doesn’t always translate to better value for you.
By Hayley in 1/2 day sitting $500
Why We Use Fixed Pricing Instead
We price based on the piece, not the clock.
That means once you’re quoted, that’s the price. No surprises. Even if it takes us 10 hours more than what we thought - that's on us, not on you as the client.
Here’s why that works better.
1. Full Transparency From The Start
You know exactly what you’re paying before your appointment.
No guessing. No watching the clock. No anxiety about how long it’s taking.
It allows you to focus on the experience, not the meter running in the background.
It gives our artists peace of mind and the ability to take their time with the tattoo session for the best finished result.
2. Your Comfort Comes First
Need a break? Take one. Need a vape? Take one.
Want to adjust the placement slightly? We will.
Decide to sit a little differently because you’re uncomfortable? That’s completely fine.
With fixed pricing, you’re not paying for time. You’re paying for the outcome.
That gives you and your artist the freedom to actually enjoy the process.
By Hayley in one day sitting $1,000
3. We Focus on the Result, Not the Time
Our priority is the final tattoo.
Not how quickly we can finish it.
Not how long we can stretch it.
Just the quality of the work on your body.
If something needs extra attention, we take the time at no extra cost to you. If it flows slowly, we don’t penalise you for it.
4. It’s Fair for Both Sides
A fixed price is based on:
- size
- placement
- detail
- style
- and overall complexity
That means the price reflects the actual work involved, not just how long it takes on the day.
You’re paying for the design time, the experience, and the result. Not the stopwatch.
5. No Surprises at the End
One of the biggest concerns clients have is:
“what if it takes longer than expected?”
With us, that doesn’t change your price.
If your tattoo runs over time due to factors on our end, that’s on us to manage.
You won’t be hit with unexpected costs at the end of your session.
By Toni in 1/2 day $600
Does Fixed Pricing Mean More Expensive Tattoos?
No.
In many cases, it ends up being better value.
Especially when you consider:
- the experience is more relaxed
- the outcome is prioritised
- and you’re not paying extra for time overruns
It’s about certainty and quality, not just cost per hour.
The Bottom Line
Tattoos aren’t just a service. They’re permanent artwork on your body.
Pricing should reflect that.
Fixed pricing removes pressure, creates transparency, and allows both you and the artist to focus on what actually matters - getting the best possible result.
Thinking About Getting a Tattoo?
We offer free consultations where we can:
- talk through your idea
- recommend the right artist
- and give you a clear, fixed quote upfront
No pressure, no obligation.
Just honest advice and a clear plan forward.
Request a quote today here.
By Hayley $450
