Affordable Doesn’t Mean Amateur: Why Lower-Cost Tattoos Deserve More Respect

At Dakota Dream Tattoos, we respect each others unique styles and for the most part keep an open mind to ideas as well as differences in opinions as it pertains to the tattoo industry. One statement I just couldn’t jump on board with though is the belief that if a shop’s minimum price on a tattoo is low compared to other shops in the area, it will be seen as a red flag and cause a potential client to avoid that shop because it sends a message that we provide cheap poor quality work. All I can say is WOW! As a business school graduate and also because I am the type of person that will not simply accept another’s rationale as expert opinion. Especially without evidence to support their claim, I just simply couldn’t agree with such ignorance.

Allow me to clear the air: just because a tattoo doesn’t cost an arm and a leg doesn’t mean it’s low quality. This mindset is not only outdated—it’s disrespectful to both the artist and the client. Here’s why it’s time to stop assuming price equals skill.

1. Pricing Isn’t Just About Talent—It’s Strategy

A tattoo’s cost reflects a mix of factors: location, shop overhead, supply costs, experience, and personal pricing strategy. We’re based in Fargo-Moorhead, not L.A.—so naturally, our rates are different. But don’t mistake fair pricing for lack of talent. Our artists are professionals who could easily charge more, but we choose to make tattoos more accessible without cutting corners.

2. Affordable Doesn’t Mean Desperate

Some of the best work you’ll ever get might come from an artist offering a promo or building their local client base. That’s not being desperate—that’s called being smart. At Dakota Dream, we don’t believe in pricing people out of expressing themselves. We’d rather ink more meaningful pieces than inflate our rates just to look “premium.”

3. We All Start Somewhere—But We Don’t Stay There

We remember what it’s like to be the underdog. New artists, apprentices, and seasoned pros refining their style might offer lower rates—but that doesn’t mean they lack the skills. Everyone you now call “top-tier” started with flash deals, grind work, and hungry hustle. Support your locals while they’re still humble—you’ll regret it when they’re booked six months out and charging triple.

4. You’re Paying for the Work, Not the Hype

Let’s be real: some high-dollar artists are charging you more for the name, not the needle. We’ve seen overpriced pieces that barely healed right, or lacked originality. At Dakota Dream Tattoos, we pride ourselves on transparency, artistry, and quality—not hype, filters, or ego. We’d rather undercharge and overdeliver than the other way around.

5. The Real Red Flags Have Nothing to Do with Price

If you’re concerned about quality, don’t look at the price tag—look at the work. Ask to see portfolios, healed tattoos, and check the shop’s cleanliness and vibe. We encourage questions and consultations (always free, by the way). A low price doesn’t mean unsafe—a shady setup does.

My Personal Philosophy:

I believe that the true purpose of being an artist is to translate vision into something others can feel. I’ve been gifted with the ability to bring my ideas to life—and I share them with a level of passion that runs deeper than profit. I would never allow ego or greed to become a barrier between my art and the people who connect with it.

In today’s economy, where inspiration is often stifled by price tags, I intentionally keep my work accessible. Because art should reach, not repel.

As an artist’s demand grows, yes—pricing will evolve with it. That’s natural, and respectful of time, effort, and mastery. But let’s be clear: it’s not demand that corrupts the artist—it’s ego. And an artist ruled by ego will go bankrupt far quicker in soul than in money.

I’d rather be remembered for how I moved people than for how much I charged them.

Okay, My Final Thoughts:

Dakota Dream Tattoos was created to serve our community—not to be part of some elitist pricing game. You’ll never get cookie-cutter service here, and you’ll never get a half-assed tattoo just because you paid less. Our goal is to give you art you’re proud to wear, at a price that respects your budget and our time. A true artist knows that the price of art is arbitrary, subjective to what the viewer is willing to pay and rarely has anything to do with the actual level of expertise.

So next time someone tries to shame you for getting a “cheap” tattoo, send them our way. We’ll show them that affordable can still be f*cking awesome.

Curious about our work or want to book a session? Call us at 701-540-4964 and let’s talk about your next piece.

No pressure. No BS. Just real art, real people, and real respect.