A tattoo involves much more than the time spent in the chair. From consultations and custom design work to preparation, tattooing, and aftercare, here's a behind-the-scenes look at the full tattoo process and what you're really paying for.

A cheaper tattoo quote doesn’t always mean you’re comparing the same quality. Here’s what to look at before choosing a tattoo artist, from experience and healed work to cleanliness, detail, and customer care.