Tattoo FAQ 07: How much does a Tattoo cost? How long will it take?

Original question from our visitor: I am looking for how much it would cost to have my entire back done. I also would like to know how long it would take to have done. There is already a Thresher Shark tail on my left shoulder that I would like to encompass into a oceanic scene. The main feature I want is a big Whale Shark facing up at an angle towards my right shoulder. I want alot of additional sea life around this shark and corals etc.

Answer:
The only way anyone can tell you this, cost and time, is if you have the entire design in your hand to show them, the style you want it done, like fine line, 7 needle traditional, etc is made clear to the artist and the biggest and most obvious is WHO your artist is.
Find an artist you LOVE, trust and can work with easily first, and please oh please, dont let money be your only guide! You do get what you pay for in life and in tattooing this is not an exception. A good artist and quality inks and proper hygiene are everything. A cheap tattoo is just that.
Work on the back in segments to pay for quality instead of going for the entire cover. The ocean scene is an awesome arena and you could do this quite easy with that sort of design because it never has to "look not done" with the freedom of elements. I have seen people think they want an entire cover and then all of a sudden they have a session, and they look at it and they yell "THATS IT!" and they are done. Meaning it is already in a phase they love and will stop or they will live with that design awhile and add later as they travel to conventions or to different parts of the world to have another creature added much like one makes a quilt of memories.
Hope this helps give you some ideas.

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