How Pricing Works
How Is a Tattoo Priced?
Tattoo pricing is not arbitrary. Professional studios price tattoos based on time and complexity — not just size. A small, highly detailed piece may cost more than a large but simple one because the amount of skilled work required is greater. At Tattoo Things Studio, our pricing reflects the skill level of our artists, the quality of materials we use, and the studio environment we maintain.
Tattooing is a skilled permanent service. Pricing it purely by size or comparison shopping on cost alone is a false economy. A tattoo is with you for life — the real cost of a cheap tattoo that needs to be fixed or covered is always higher than the cost of doing it properly the first time.
Price Factors
What Affects the Cost of a Tattoo?
Five primary factors determine the cost of any tattoo: (1) Size — larger tattoos require more time and ink. (2) Complexity — detailed designs with intricate shading, fine lines, or photorealistic elements take significantly more time than simple designs of the same size. (3) Placement — some body areas are technically harder to tattoo and heal less predictably. (4) Tattoo style — realism and fine line work are among the most technically demanding styles and are priced accordingly. (5) Artist experience — senior artists with a proven track record command higher rates that reflect their skill level and the lower risk of needing rework.
What to Expect
Typical Tattoo Price Ranges in Johor Bahru
Prices vary across studios depending on artist experience, studio quality, and what is included. As a general reference: small simple tattoos in JB typically start from RM150–300. Medium designs of moderate complexity commonly fall in the RM400–900 range. Large or complex pieces — sleeves, back pieces, detailed realism — typically begin at RM1,000 and can run into several thousands across multiple sessions.
| Size | Typical Range (RM) | Session Time |
|---|---|---|
| Tiny (coin-sized, minimal detail) | RM 150 – RM 300 | 30–60 min |
| Small (palm-sized, moderate detail) | RM 300 – RM 600 | 1–2 hours |
| Medium (hand-sized, detailed work) | RM 600 – RM 1,200 | 2–4 hours |
| Large (half-sleeve, complex piece) | RM 1,200 – RM 3,000+ | 4–8 hours / multi-session |
| Full sleeve or large back piece | RM 3,000 – RM 8,000+ | Multiple sessions |
At Tattoo Things Studio, we do not publish fixed price lists because every tattoo is unique. We prefer to give accurate, honest quotes for each specific project after understanding the concept, size, placement, and style. Contact us or book a free consultation — we will give you a clear estimate with no obligation to proceed.
At Tattoo Things Studio, all consultations are free and quotes are firm. You will know the full cost before we begin — no surprises, no hidden charges.
What's Included
What Is Included in Your Tattoo Appointment?
At Tattoo Things Studio, every appointment includes: a pre-session design review and stencil placement, all inks and materials (single-use, professional grade), aftercare wrap and written aftercare instructions, and a complimentary follow-up review session once the tattoo has healed. Touch-ups required due to artist error are corrected at no additional cost. Our 30% deposit is deducted from the total — it is not an additional charge.
Getting a Quote
How to Get an Accurate Quote
The most accurate way to get a tattoo quote is to share your reference images, intended placement, and approximate size directly with the artist. WhatsApp us at +60183959136 or book a free consultation through our booking page. We will review your concept and provide a detailed estimate. For complex or multi-session projects, we typically quote per-session rather than a fixed total, as design development and healing can affect the final scope.
FAQs
Tattoo Pricing — Common Questions
Do you charge a deposit?
Yes. A 30% deposit of the total estimated cost is required to confirm your booking. This deposit is deducted from your final payment — it is not an additional charge. Deposits are non-refundable but are fully transferable to a rescheduled appointment with at least 48 hours notice.
Can the price change after I have booked?
If the final design scope remains as discussed, the quoted price is honoured. If significant changes are requested after booking — substantially larger size, major design changes, or switching to a significantly more complex style — the quote may need to be adjusted. We communicate any changes to the estimate clearly before proceeding.
Why should I not just choose the cheapest option?
Tattooing is permanent. A tattoo placed with incorrect technique, low-quality ink, or in unsanitary conditions carries real health risks and will almost certainly require correction or cover-up work that costs more than the original tattoo. Quality, hygiene, and artist skill are the factors that determine whether you will be happy with your tattoo for life.
Do you offer payment in instalments?
We accept cash and bank transfer. We do not currently offer instalment payment plans. For large projects spanning multiple sessions, each session is billed and paid separately, which naturally distributes the total cost across the project timeline.
Related Pages
Get a Free Honest Quote
Contact us or book a free consultation to get an accurate quote for your specific tattoo project.