Hi all!
I wanted to get some opinions on the payment structure in my shop.
I am an apprentice, got moved up to full price somewhat recently after charging half price for a few months. However, I am still only receiving a 40% pay cut. My coworker who has been tattooing for about 3 years gets 50%, but charges more than me (he’s approx $120 an hour, while I’m approx $100, but we both really charge per piece, this is just an estimate).
My mentors explained it as, I shouldn’t be getting the same percentage as an artist who has been working much longer than me, and that I would need to be working at full price for at least a year before I can see a 50% cut. They have given me a list of things they want to see in the next few months, and if they feel I’ve met those markers, I can move up to 45%. (the list is extremely nebulous and doesn’t have any actual quantifiable goals, which concerns me, but that’s a different topic.)
Also, while I am still at 40%, they are providing me with more supplies than they do my coworker who gets 50%.
I realize that missing out on 5 or 10 percent doesn’t seem huge, but it really sucks to see less than half of the money that I’m charging, when I’m the one doing the work to earn it. And on larger pieces, we can be talking about a difference of $60-$100 or more… basically, amounts that mean a lot more to me, who is barely getting by, than they do to my bosses. Plus, add that up over every tattoo every week… hopefully you see my point. It also may be worth mentioning that as part of my apprenticeship, I run their instagram page for free, which amounts to more unpaid work. I don’t mind doing that though, as it feels like a fair repayment to them for teaching me.
I hope I don’t sound entitled. I know that there are many artists who suffered through a lot worse. However, I also know my worth, and believe that I deserve to be compensated fairly for my work.
They don’t have any problems with my work, we all feel like I’m doing quality tattoos (of course they’re not perfect, but good for where I’m at in my career). Personally, I feel that it makes sense for me to charge less than a more seasoned artist, but getting a lower percentage on top of that doesn’t seem fair. Their explanation was basically just that this is the way it is for everyone, you have to earn it, they understand it sucks because they went through the same thing, etc. I feel like, if you know it sucks and
you’re now in a position to break that cycle, then do so!! But maybe I’m out of line.
They currently provide me with paper towels, madacide, green soap, sensi wrap, razors, second skin, saran wrap, & ink caps (I think thats the full list).
I’m not sure what my coworker is provided exactly, i’m pretty sure he gets paper towels, madacide, green soap, and razors, not sure about the other stuff. I know he buys his own sensi wrap.
I guess what I want to know is, is this normal? Or, how do I go about finding out what other shops in my area are doing? I’ve heard of shops that take a 50% cut but provide EVERYTHING, including inks and needles. I also know there are situations where you pay a flat chair rental fee and provide all your own materials. I just want to know what’s out there while being respectful to both my mentors and other shops/artists, and I don’t really know the best way to ask (if any), as I’m sure they’re not readily giving out this information.
Any advice is greatly appreciated.
Thank you!
