Free Tattoo Artist Invoice Template & Generator
Create tattoo artist invoices for custom designs, tattoo sessions, and touch-ups. Bill per session, per hour, or by piece.
Currency
Amount already received from client
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What should a tattoo artist put on an invoice or receipt?
Separate the design work from the session time so clients see what the consultation and drawing cost versus the tattooing itself. Note any deposit that booked the slot and counts toward the total. List touch-ups clearly, since some are included and some are charged.
Your invoice needs your business name, license number if your state requires it, and the date of the session. Include what you did: the tattoo description, size, placement, and how long it took. Price it as a flat rate or hourly, whatever you quoted. Add your deposit amount and subtract it from the total. If they bought aftercare products, list those separately. Your clients need this for touch-up records, and some will expense larger pieces through their business.
Most artists take a non-refundable deposit when booking, usually $100 or 20-30% of the estimated cost, whichever is more. The rest comes due when you finish the tattoo, right there in the shop. Do not let anyone walk out without paying. Cash and Venmo are common, but get a card reader so you do not lose sales. Some artists doing multi-session work will take payment after each session rather than billing the whole project upfront.
Send the invoice immediately, even if they paid cash. People lose paper receipts constantly and will bug you for copies later. Email it or text a photo right from your station before they leave. This also gives them proof for any insurance claims if they have an allergic reaction or infection.
Typical line items
- Custom design and consultation
- Tattoo session (per hour or by piece)
- Color or shading work
- Touch-up session
- Booking deposit
- Materials or aftercare supplies
- Cover-up or rework session
- Cancellation or no-show fee
How the work is charged
Tattoo artists charge either an hourly rate or a flat price per piece, often with a session minimum. Custom design time may be billed separately from the tattooing.
Payment terms and deposits
A deposit commonly secures the appointment and applies to the final cost, with the balance due at the session. State your deposit and rescheduling policy, since missed slots are costly.
Tax and compliance
If you are registered for sales tax or VAT, show it as a separate line with your registration number. Service work and any products you sell may be taxed differently, and rules vary by country, so confirm what applies to you.
Frequently asked questions
How do tattoo artists set their rates?
Tattoo artists charge by the hour ($100–$300+), per piece (small $50–$300, large $500–$5,000+), or per session. Custom design time is typically billed separately from tattooing time.
What should a tattoo invoice include?
Include design description, session duration, placement, design fee if applicable, deposit applied, aftercare products provided, and touch-up policy (many include one free touch-up).
Should tattoo artists charge deposits?
Always. Non-refundable deposits ($50–$200 or 20–30% of the estimated total) cover design time and hold the appointment. Apply the deposit toward the final session cost.
Related invoice templates
Read the complete invoicing guide to see how to fill out, number, and send an invoice that gets paid.
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