Selected Flash designs in my Birr studio cost from €50 to €100. Custom Tattoo work starts from €150 because I draw it for your idea and placement. The final price depends on the design, not only on how many centimetres it measures.
These prices cover small Flash and Custom Tattoo work only. For the studio minimum, Cover-Ups, full-day sessions and other rates, see my tattoo prices in Ireland guide.
Why Flash and Custom Tattoo start at different prices
My Flash Tattoo service is for ready-drawn designs. I have already spent time making the artwork, so I only need to check the chosen design, size and placement. Selected Flash designs cost from €50 to €100.
My Custom Tattoo service is for a new drawing or a major change to an existing idea. I plan the design around your references, body area and size. That work starts before the tattoo session, so a Custom Tattoo starts from €150.
These are prices for two services in my studio. They are not an average for every studio in Ireland. They also do not mean that every small tattoo has the same price.
Does tattoo size decide the price?
No. Two tattoos can both be 5 cm and take very different amounts of time. One might be a simple Flash symbol with clear lines. The other might include lettering, several small shadows and details that need careful spacing.
I look at what I need to draw, how small the important details are, and whether the tattoo is black or colour. I also check the body area. Small designs that fit easily on a flat forearm may need changes for a narrow wrist or curved shoulder.
References matter too. Tell me what you like in each image instead of sending a large folder with no notes. I'll use them to understand your idea, but I won't copy another artist's tattoo.
When Flash is a good choice
Flash is a good choice when you genuinely like one of my ready-drawn designs. I can confirm the size and help choose a placement that suits its shape.
Small changes do not always turn Flash into custom work. Moving the design to another suitable body area or adjusting the size may be simple. Changing the main subject, joining several designs or asking for a full redraw means you need a Custom Tattoo.
Choose Flash because you want that design, not only because the starting price is lower. I still need enough room between the lines. If the design will look cramped at the size you asked for, I'll tell you before booking.
When Custom Tattoo is the better choice
Custom Tattoo is the better choice when the idea is personal or several references need to become one new drawing. It also suits original lettering, a certain animal pose, a family object, or a design shaped for one body area.
Small custom tattoos are not always quick to plan. I may need to remove a weak detail, turn the subject or try a few simple layouts. This helps the main idea stay clear when you see the tattoo from a normal distance.
Custom Tattoo starts from €150. I give the final quote after I have seen the idea, placement, size and references. I'll also say if the design needs to be larger or simpler.
Detail, colour and placement can change the work
Tiny details need space between them. If too much is packed into a small area, the design can look crowded from the start. Clear shapes and fewer important details often work better.
Colour can add time because I may need several shades and clean edges between them. Black ink doesn't always mean a lower price. Small black tattoos with many fine details can take longer than a simple colour design.
Placement changes how I prepare the stencil and fit the drawing. The outer forearm, shoulder and wrist have different shapes even when the tattoo measures the same number of centimetres.
Old ink nearby also matters. Send a clear photo before I quote because the new tattoo may need to sit beside it or leave space around it. I quote Cover-Up work separately, after I've seen the old tattoo. Don't use these small-tattoo prices for it.
What Fine Line, Blackwork and Realism mean for a small tattoo
Fine Line, Blackwork and Realism can all be used for smaller work, but each design still needs enough room.
Fine Line needs clear gaps so the lines do not feel packed together. Blackwork needs a simple balance between solid black and open skin. Realism usually needs more room for the main features to stay easy to recognise.
The style name doesn't decide the price by itself. The subject, amount of detail, body area and drawing time matter more. My small tattoo ideas guide can help if you're still choosing a subject.
What should you send for a small tattoo quote?
Send enough detail for me to understand the job:
- the subject you want;
- the exact body area;
- the rough size in centimetres;
- black or colour;
- two or three references with a short note about each one;
- a clear photo of any old ink nearby.
Tell me which part of the idea must stay and which parts can change. This is more useful than a large folder of unexplained pictures. I can then tell you whether a Flash design fits or whether you need a Custom Tattoo.
What does a tattoo quote include?
My reply will say which service fits the idea. Selected Flash designs cost from €50 to €100. Custom Tattoo starts from €150. The quote I give after seeing your details is the one that applies to your tattoo.
Don't use these starting prices to guess the cost of a different project. My tattoo prices in Ireland page covers the studio minimum, Cover-Ups, full-day sessions and larger work.
When your subject, placement, size and references are ready, send them through the booking form. I read every request myself and give you the price before an appointment is confirmed.
