How much money to put in gift certificate for tattoo?

I want to give my boyfriend (of 10 months) a gift certificate for himself to go get a tattoo for his 22nd birthday. He already has several tattoos and talks about starting a sleeve on his arm. How much money should I put in the gift certificate? Or should I just make a homemade gift voucher stating that I will pay for his next tattoo at whatever place he chooses?

How much money to put in gift certificate for tattoo?
Definately do the homemade idea. Cash talks...and since a good portion of tattoo artists can be flaky its best to have it on hand and not a gift certificate that has already been paid for. Think about it. The artist has already been paid if you have a gift certificate....it would make much more sense to him to book someone when he can still make money. Sounds bad and I am sure all artists are different but its how it works most of the time. In regards to how much $$$ to give as a gift, it totally depends upon the tattoo. As little as $50-75 to cover a shop minimum...or A couple grand for sleeve. Figure $100-150 an hour for a good artist.
Reply:Um ... if you offer to pay for the next one without putting a limit on how much he could run you dry depending on what he gets so I suggest making a voucher stating you will pay for $70 to $100, however much you can afford. This way he isn't restricted to a shop or an artist and you don't have to worry about how much you'll pay because you set the limit. Great gift idea, I'm sure he'll love it!
Reply:If he wants a sleeve, depending on the artist, it'll run him around 2 grand. So, I'm sure whatever you can muster up would be helpful. Maybe 4 or 5 hundred so he can get the outline and some shading done.
Reply:tattoos very in cost based on the operator, the size of the tatoo, the number of colors, etc.





You should find out which tatoo artist he wants to use and talk with him/her about prices for tatoos.
Reply:It really depends on how much you want or can afford to give. If you're on a fixed budget, a $50 gift cert would be nice. Or if you two are into spoiling each other, offer to pay for his next tattoo, but buyer beware that that could cost you a pretty penny. Best of luck!
Reply:i think you should do the homemade gift voucher. because every artist charges a different price depending on: color, size, etc. It sounds like a great idea. Good Luck.
Reply:i would do the homeade thing, and put about $100. that would be enough for a start. and very sweet!
Reply:I would go with the homemade gift voucher. There are too many variables regarding price, plus he might have a preferred artist to go to. Or he might want to try someone new, but it's best to let him choose the artist. I am sure he will love it. :)