Do Your Research: Cheap Tattoos Can Cost You More in the Long Run

3-4 min read

One of the biggest regrets I hear about is when people choose a tattoo artist without doing their homework.

Let’s be real—there are countless artists out there, each with their own style and level of expertise. And hey, some may charge less than others, but here’s the cold, hard truth: when you go cheap, you often get cheap results.

Sure, saving a few bucks might sound like a win at first, but what happens when the lines fade too fast, the design looks off, or the tattoo just doesn’t hold up over time? You’ll end up spending way more on cover-ups, laser removal, or just hating the thing every time you see it. It’s a classic case of cutting corners coming back to bite you in the ass.

Find the Artist Who Gets Your Vision

It’s not just about cost though. You’ve gotta find an artist who understands what you’re after. You want realism? Go to someone who nails it. Blackwork? Find an artist who eats, sleeps, and breathes that style. But the biggest mistake I see? People walking into any random shop, pointing at a flash design, and calling it a day. Or worse, hiring the cheapest option thinking all tattoo artists are the same. Spoiler alert: they’re not.

Quality Tattoos Aren’t Fast or Cheap

The old saying “Good tattoos aren’t cheap, and cheap tattoos aren’t good” is still true. And for a reason. Quality work takes time, skill, and a lot of effort.

Sure, you might be tempted by that friend of a friend who “does tattoos for cheap in their garage,” but think long-term. Is that really the memory you want etched into your skin forever? Probably not.

Invest in What Will Be on Your Skin for Life

At the end of the day, tattoos are an investment. They’re not just a financial investment, but an emotional one too.

This is your body we’re talking about. The one thing you’ll live with until the end. If you’re not willing to pay for the quality, it’s a gamble—and one you might regret. Sure, a cheap price tag may look tempting now, but is it worth risking a bad tattoo that you'll be stuck with?

So yeah, research your artist. Find someone who aligns with your style, vision, and knows what they’re doing. Spend that little extra for the result you’ll be proud to show off for the rest of your life.

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Finding Your Style: Choosing the Right Tattoo for You