That's as much as TheVenerableCain told in the comment somewhere around yours. You're certain that tips are very important, while I don't find it so - it's a cultural difference, I suppose. I'm not saying I shouldn't pay any extra for good work of any person, it's just that tipping sounds off to me. Odd, the idea of giving extra money for a job, no matter how good, when there's already a set price. There must be some other way to thank them and compensate for their time that I can't think of.
I guess that as a tattoo artist, I have a different point of view. I charged $150 an hour for black and grey, and $200/h for color. I was the cheapest artist in my shop. But of that $150 I only got $75, and as a tattoo artist, you only get paid the hours you are actually tattooing. Which means if I worked a 12 hour day and only did an hour of actual tattooing, I made $75 for 12 hours. Which isn't very good at all. I also ended up damaging the tendons in my hand because the vibrating, 1lb machine, isn't good for your hands, apparently. I guess I was also just raised where you tip when you get good service/work because you appreciate the person that did that service for you. Because it is you giving money directly to them, not the business they work for. I totally get the cultural difference on tipping though, I'm just trying to portray the other point of view.
I see, and I appreciate that. I must let you know that, as an artist bringing people joy, you're doing a great work. Tattoos are a magical way of expressing oneself, and people who can do it deserve praise. Since I am to try stuff out and you're the person I'm supposed to be asking, tell me: if I were to dedicate a day of my life to help you with anything in the shop - bringing the instrument, making a run for water or food, holding the stuff you need to hold so that you'd make a good picture etc. - would you appreciate it more than a 25% tip?
I don't really do them anymore except maybe 2-3 a year for friends due to my hands being damaged by the machines, I get maybe 6-8 hours a sitting before my hand can't really do it anymore and cramps out. This is actually generally what the apprentices are around for, lol. That is their way of paying for the skill training. Some assholes are actually charging people money to apprentice these days, it's pretty silly. But I would also say no, because the stuff you're helping out with is nice, but I can't pay my rent with it. You can't replace money with not money, the gesture is nice, but I mean, would you try to pay your lawyer by offering to file his paperwork?if I were to dedicate a day of my life to help you with anything in the shop - bringing the instrument, making a run for water or food, holding the stuff you need to hold so that you'd make a good picture etc. - would you appreciate it more than a 25%