The word amortize is a transitive verb meaning ” to gradually reduce or write off the cost or value of (as an asset)”. This is a word that comes to mind frequently when an individual is considering the cost of their tattoo. As a tattoo artists, we are sometimes put into the situation of trying to explain to clients that though it sounds expensive at first consideration, a tattoo is really not expensive at all.

If you think about it, a tattoo that costs five hundred dollars and is applied when you are twenty-five years old really only costs you about nineteen cents a week if you live to be seventy-five. How cool is that? Your Starbucks bill exceeds that by a huge amount my friends!

So, next time you head down to your local tattoo establishment to get a copy of Angelina Jolie’s tattoo put on your back, think about amortizing the price of that piece of artwork over the span of your lifetime. This might help you feel more comfortable about how much you are willing to spend on something you will enjoy for the rest of your life. Just joking about copying Anglina’s tattoos!

An important piece of information to consider when it comes to picking a tattoo that you will enjoy forever is to try to be creative. Don’t just run down and pick something off the wall, there are plenty of custom tattoo shops out there that will take your idea and design a tattoo just for you.  Be careful though! Always make sure the place is clean with a courteous staff and a good reputation.

Good luck with making that decision that lasts a lifetime! Enjoy your tattoos!

Charlie Spencer, Owner
Studio 21 Tattoo Gallery, Inc.
Las Vegas, Nevada