Avoid Tattoo Sizing Frustrations: How To Measure Properly

How many times have you scrolled by a post with a tattoo artist bemoaning a vague question like “how much is a medium tattoo” or “I’d like a small tattoo, just a word, how much?”. I suspect we all realize this frustrates the person who answered the phone somewhere around the middle of the conversation. Then their frustration becomes your frustration. Nobody wants that. Getting a new tattoo should be a fun and easy process! Unfortunately, there is a reason it has become a common complaint. We hope this little blurb helps you avoid the problem entirely.

We knew one artist who replied to “how much is a…” with “I dunno, how long is a piece of string?” just to point out how vague such a question can be. Then we were told they once had someone answer with no hesitation ”about six inches”. The artist said “fair enough, a tattoo is X dollars!” That rarely happens, but this story continues to amuse us.

To help you guesstimate size, Fish drew some easy size guides.

We’re sure you’ve seen similar size-guides online as we’ve seen approximately one million posts pop up recently (posting trends, right?) with fun interpretations of commonly-sized items. We’ve seen some that are specifically based around hand/palm size. We feel that is disingenuous, gloves range from S – 2XL. That’s a pretty big difference! Our artists wear different sizes, so using their hands would be different size comparisons just in-house.

The best way to give a size is to properly measure and ask “how much is this tattoo, I’d like it to be about 4×6 inches”. If you don’t have a measuring tape or ruler on hand, these common items are a great way to get an estimate.

Once you’ve decided on your size goal, send a pic of the area you want your tattoo with one of these objects in the photo. That way we can picture your tattoo at the proper size and help you with a quote. Don’t worry, this photo doesn’t have to be professional-quality. We’ll take new photos and measurements at your in-person consult.

Measurement Tips with Common Items

US Quarter – one inch • US Charging Block – 1.25 inches • Credit Card/ID – 3.375×2.125 inches • G2 Pen – 5.5 inches long • Dollar Bill – 6×2.5 inches • 20oz Soda – 8×2.5 inches

All done measuring?

We can’t wait to help you realize your next tattoo, whether it is the size of a quarter or a quarter (or more!) of your back. Text 754-999-0327 today to book your consultation, including free measuring! Is today Thursday? Is it between 3 and 6pm? Just swing by the shop as a walk-in!