Two Tattoos: Why the Price Difference?

Imagine this: You and your best friend decide to get matching tattoos. Tiny, cute, identical tattoos that perfectly capture your friendship. Easy, right? But when you get to the tattoo studio, you notice something weird. Two tattoos for two different people cost more than if you got two tattoos yourself. Are you getting scammed? Nope! There’s a good reason behind it, and I'm here (coffee in hand) to break it down for you.

Think of getting tattooed like throwing a little party. One person getting two tattoos is just one event. The artist sets up once, tattoos continuously, and cleans up once. But two tattoos on two separate people? That’s two separate mini parties, each requiring its own setup, cleanup, and prep work. It’s like baking two cakes at two different times, twice the oven preheat, twice the cleanup, twice the effort.

Here’s how it works: every tattoo session has some built in costs, like the artist’s setup time, sterile equipment, paperwork, and aftercare instructions. For one person getting two tattoos, these costs occur only once. But with two separate clients, the artist must reset completely between tattoos, fresh needles, new ink caps, clean gloves, and a sanitized station every time. No shortcuts here; tattoo hygiene is nonnegotiable.

Shops also typically have a minimum fee per person. This covers basic studio expenses, hygiene supplies, and ensures the artist isn't losing money on small tattoos. When you and your friend each get a tattoo, each of you pays this minimum. If you alone got two tattoos, you'd likely pay just one minimum fee, saving you money. Think of it like the cover charge at your favorite bar, every person pays their way in, even if you’re drinking identical drinks.

Artists also factor in their time. Tattooing two designs on one person is streamlined, one consultation, one stencil prep session, one cleanup. But with two separate people, each tattoo is treated individually. Your artist must handle two sets of paperwork, two consultations, two setups, and two cleanups. It adds up to more time and effort, even if the tattoos are identical.

It’s similar to online shopping and shipping fees. Ordering two items together saves you money on shipping because they arrive in one box. But two items ordered separately mean two separate shipments and double the fees. Tattoo sessions follow the same logic. Two tattoos on one person are shipped in one "box" (one session), while tattoos on two people are two separate "boxes" (two sessions).

At the end of the day, the extra cost isn't about taking advantage, it’s about providing each client with personalized attention, quality work, and safe, sterile equipment. Tattooing is a professional service that requires specialized materials and significant setup. Each client deserves their own dedicated experience.

So, next time you and your friend plan matching tattoos, don’t be surprised if it costs a bit more than you expected. You’re not just paying for ink, you're investing in the care, safety, and dedicated attention each of you deserves from your tattoo artist.