Frequently Asked Questions
What is handpoke?
The handpoke method, also called "stick and poke", is a tattoo technique which doesn't require any electricity. It's a manual process which involves holding the tattoo needle and gently poking the ink into the skin.
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This method stems from traditional techniques such as hand-tapped tattooing which has a long history from all over the world.
Do they hurt?
Short answer: it depends, but often no. It will depend on the placement, the sort of tattoo and size you're getting, also how you're feeling on the day. Something small on the arm will, in most cases, not hurt, but something bigger and bolder on, let's say, the ribs will probably be more sore. Pain is obviously individual as well and everyone has their own experience, but because there is less damage to the skin, the sensation is often not as intense and scratchy as machine tattoos. A lot find it quite relaxing and therapeutic even.
Are they permanent?
Yes. Handpoked tattoos are permanent, if done correctly. I use the same equipment as with machine tattoos, just no electricity.
How do I book?
Message me on Instagram or email, read my Booking section for all the info you need to book.
How do I prepare for my tattoo appointment?
It's recommended that you come well-rested and hydrated, and that you've have eaten a substantial meal around 2h before. Feel free to bring any sugary snacks or drinks, this helps with keeping your energy up.
Don't drink alcohol the day before as that thins your blood and can affect the healing as well as make it harder to tattoo. It's also not fun for either of us if you're hungover! Avoid Ibuprofen and other blood-thinning medication for the same reason.
Extra: Moisturise the area you're having the tattoo in 2-5 days before your appointment - moisturised skin is happy skin :)
Do they take longer than machine tattoos?
Handpoke often takes longer, but it depends on the artist - some are quicker, and some slower. However, I don't see this as a bad thing, but an opportunity for all of us to just slow down a bit. As mentioned above, handpoke can be quite a relaxing meditative experience (for both) and I would never rush a tattoo. When booking in with me, I give an estimate how long it'll take, but to be safe, make sure you don't book anything in straight afterwards.
How much do they cost?
I charge per design, not hourly. When you enquire, I'll give you a quote and if you have a budget, just let me know as I try to accommodate everyone. My minimum for flash is usually £80 (sometimes less during limited offers) and £100 for custom designs. Most of my tattoos that you can find on Instagram are between £150-400 to give you an idea.
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I also offer half and full day sessions - £300 for ~3.5h am or pm, or £600 for a full day starting around 10am to ~6pm.
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Please read my Booking information before enquiring, that has all the information you need to include.
What style do you work with?
I do a lot of different styles (within the handpoke realm), but my absolute favourite is dotwork shading. This comes in a few different packages, but the common factor is in the name - dotwork. For me it's not so much about what the tattoo is (eg. a flower, an animal, an object or abstract shapes (I love'm all)), but the ~ texture ~ is where it's at. I absolutely adore gradients and especially interesting contrasts like bold vs. soft, weird vs. cute, dark vs. pretty, abstract vs realism.
I also enjoy working with bolder lines, often in contrast with soft grainy dotwork. I occasionally do fineline as well, which requires more precision and I get to tend to the fine details which I really like. A pop of colour is always fun too!
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Prepare for geek talk...
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A lot of my tattoos are done with solely black ink, I create gradients and shading by building up dots in the right place. This on its own can create nice contrast in the tattoo yet with a textured look. This method is also called stippling or pointillism, and I've been using this technique for many years when drawing on paper. For me it translated on to skin very well and naturally, and I think that's why I enjoy it so much.
Another way to create grainy shading, but with a pencil like gradient is to use grey wash. Grey wash is diluted black ink and you can get a softer look. This is how I tattoo my fuzzies.​​
Do you do machine tattoos?
Short answer (at the moment) is: No.
I do have a machine and from time to time I've practiced on fake skin, myself and a few people with the direction of other tattoo artists that specialise in machine tattoos. I am curious and I think at some point I'll give it a proper go. However, I would never stop handpoking, as I just love the process and the calmness of it. It'd be more to allow myself to create bigger pieces for you within a reasonable budget as well as experimenting with a combination of handpoke and machine.