Tattoo Artist Breaks Down Costs of Freckle-Size Tattoos (Exclusive)

Teeny-tiny tattoos are all the hype!

Singapore-based tattoo artist Celes Chng, 26, is giving a behind-the-scenes look at the recent trend after her viral Instagram post that showed her tattooing a microscopic paw print on a client’s upper arm. The video has accumulated over 46 million views since she shared it in February. 

Celes reflected on the ink in a July 12 post, writing, “Can’t believe this little paw freckle video is at 3 million likes 😳🤣 I’ve been seeing it pop up everywhere lately! It makes me so happy that something so small and cute is spreading joy.”

One person commented that the post inspired them to get a sentimental tattoo of their own. “It inspired me to get 2 freckle paws to represent my 2 kitties. Never thought I’d get another tattoo and couldn’t stop thinking about this video,” they wrote. 

“I’m not into tattoos, but this is definitely the one I’d get someday,” another wrote. 

A third person said it was “the cutest tattoo ever.”

In the comments section of the original post, Celes stated that the ink “was complimentary for a regular client who came in that day for a much larger piece.” However, she tells PEOPLE that she usually charges for the service. 

The tattoo artist says her price, in Singapore dollars, is typically “$60 for one freckle, $100 for two, or $200 for up to ten.” The cost translates into roughly $46 USD for one freckle tattoo. 

“That includes touch-up if needed,” she says, noting that she considered the time and materials required when establishing the price.

Celes, who has about two years of tattooing experience, explains that each freckle tattoo takes a few minutes to do. “For freckles as tiny as 0.3cm, it takes me around 30 seconds to freehand the placement, and about 2 to 5 minutes to tattoo them using brown ink. They’re small, but I still take my time to make sure they sit nicely on the skin,” she says.

Ever since Celes’ video went viral, she has been getting more bookings. 

“I’ve been getting requests almost every other week. I mainly focus on microrealistic color work, but I guess I somehow found my way into the freckle niche too,” the tattoo artist says. 

Freckle tattoos, she notes, are ideal for people who have been thinking about getting a tattoo for a while but have been holding back for various reasons. 

“These freckles are subtle, so they feel like a sweet little secret they can keep, while still being happy they finally did it,” Celes says. 

The micro tattoo trend has been seen on celebrities like Selena Gomez, Bella Hadid and Sofia Richie Grainge and for good reason, according to the tattoo artist. 

“Some people say they don’t last well, but many of my clients who got them months ago healed beautifully. And even if they fade or blur slightly years down the road, it’s just a freckle. I think that’s part of the charm. They’re low commitment, and that’s probably why so many people are drawn to them,” she says. 

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As for what draws her to tattooing, Celes values the connection she is able to foster with her clients, whom she says are “often the best part of the job.”

“My clients are kind, warm, interesting, and many have become friends. And sometimes I get to do work that feels extra meaningful, like nipple reconstruction tattoos for breast cancer recovery. Tattooing gave me a kind of freedom and purpose I didn’t know I was looking for,” she says.