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have seen. This presents a difficulty to many artists, who are interested in, and satisfied by, tattooing because it allows them artistic integrity.

Walking the fine line between satisfying a client's demand for mediocrity, and expressing something in a more aesthetically pleasing way, is one of the most infuriating and confusing aspects of the work. It is also one of the main reasons so many skilled artists earn less than they might. In my personal experience, simply making as many small improvements to a design as possible, without altering its basics, allows enough freedom to satisfy me while still making the client happy with the end result. It's easy for some tattoo "artist" to forget, too, that they are not performing "high art" or fine art, but are performing commissioned illustrations. The snobbery implied by insisting on too much freedom can become a bit ridiculous at times. Being aware that tattoos are illustrations, not paintings, can make a major difference in willingness and in customer relations.

The satisfaction to be gained from knowing that there are many people happily wearing your artwork permanently is more meaningful than the money to be earned tattooing. A reasonable income for a tattoo artist will support them and allow them enough savings to have a normal level of financial security. This again will vary from place to place and person to person.

A dedicated and experienced artist working full time, fifty weeks a year, can easily earn at least 50k. This routine usually leads to "burnout" for an artist with any level of skill and conscience before the year is over, unfortunately. Being tired or creatively drained can result in poor choices which harm the clientele and therefore lower the artist's future income. Taking less money and spending more time learning and relaxing helps in the long run, and the longer an artist works in this field, the more they can earn by the hour. Longevity in tattooing is difficult to attain. Those who have the best pay in this field are careful to pace themselves and be cautious with their time, and continue to work until they are ready for retirement.

Learn more about this author, A.R. Marth.
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