BIPOC Sliding Scale Rates FAQs

As a white tattoo artist, I offer sliding scale rates for Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color (BIPOC). I’ve created this page to explain what that means, why I do it, and how to access it.

Why do you offer a BIPOC sliding scale?

Because we live in a country where systemic racism has shaped access to healthcare, wealth, housing, safety, even access to affirming art and bodily autonomy. As a white artist, I benefit from systems that were not built to be equitable. Offering a BIPOC sliding scale is one way I can help redistribute access to tattooing, especially in a field that has historically excluded and harmed people of color.

Is this because you think BIPOC folks can’t afford tattoos?

No. This is not about assumptions around income or financial stability. This is about acknowledging historical and ongoing harm, how I have benefitted as a white person, and doing what I can to lower barriers for those most impacted.  The sliding scale is a form of reparative practice, not charity.

Why is this about reparations?

Modern Western tattooing owes its existence to the cultural practices of Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities. Tattooing was not invented by the white Western world. It was taken, altered, and colonized from traditions that held spiritual, ancestral, and cultural significance. As a white tattoo artist, I benefit from this legacy. I offer sliding scale pricing as one way to honor those roots and make space for the people whose practices shaped this craft.

How much is the discount?

The amount varies depending on the piece, and I’m always happy to talk transparently about cost. Generally, the sliding scale reduces my hourly rate from $100 to $75 or provides a discount on flat-rate flash designs. Flash pieces are clearly priced in my Flash Book. For custom pieces, I offer a sliding scale price range which uses a pay-what-you-can model.

What if I’m white but low-income?

The BIPOC sliding scale is specifically about addressing racial inequity, but I am committed to making my work as accessible as possible for everyone. If cost is a barrier, reach out, I can work within your budget or make adjustments to the design to get the price to align with your budget. I also regularly offer discounted flash sheets that are available to everyone. Follow me on social media or sign-up for my newsletter to stay in the loop about flash sales.

How do I access the BIPOC sliding scale rates?

The BIPOC sliding scale is available to anyone who identifies as Black, Indigenous, or a person of color. You are trusted to use this offering if it supports your access to tattooing. You simply check off that you’d like sliding scale rates when you fill out your booking form. 

Finding a BIPOC Tattoo Artist

I know that some BIPOC clients may prefer to be tattooed by another BIPOC artist, and I deeply respect and support that choice. My BIPOC sliding scale is one way I try to make tattooing more accessible, but it does not replace the importance of culturally-affirming tattoo experiences and the importance of representation.

I’m working on developing a community-sourced directory of BIPOC tattoo artists in Upstate New York to help folks find affirming, identity-aligned artists.

You can help shape this project by filling out this form:

  • BIPOC tattoo artists can self-submit their information to be included in the directory.
  • Clients can recommend BIPOC artists they know (with the artist’s consent if possible).
  • Anyone can submit their contact info if they’d like to receive a copy of the directory once it’s ready.

You can also support this effort by sharing this initiative with your networks. Here is a graphic that includes a QR code to the submission form. I appreciate you taking time build something that supports access in our tattoo community!

A Note on Accountability

The tattoo industry, like many spaces, is still full with racism, gatekeeping, and harm. My client base remains disproportionately white, and that’s something I sit with seriously. I have a lifetime of unlearning and practicing ahead of me. This sliding scale is not the solution, it’s just one piece of a larger responsibility I hold as a white person and artist in this work.

Questions? Suggestions?

I'm always open to feedback and conversation. Please choose from the following contact methods: