Hand-poke is a manual way of tattooing which involves lightly poking a needle into the skin by hand. So I create tattoos by placing a bunch individual dots into the skin to create lines, shading, etc. Handpoke tattoos have existed long before machine and are a part of many cultural tattoo practices.

What is the difference between machine and handpoke?

The two are often compared so I first wanna start with their similarities. Handpoke tattoos are just as permanent and real as machine tattoos. The same ink is used as well as the same needles as rotary machines. Moving to their differences, the process of handpoke is a quieter experience; no buzzing or mechanical sounds. The only thing you could hear from the tattoo is a slight popping noise, but I typically can only hear it if its completely quiet in the room. Handpoke is less traumatic on the skin. Since I am only using the force of my hand to insert the needle, I can feel how deep I go and ensure it’s the right amount. Less skin trauma also allows for less likely for there to be blow out or fall out. The handpoke tattoos on my skin(done by me and others) have healed wonderfully every time. I also believe, as well as many of my other clients, that handpoke hurts less than machine. There is so burning sensation from the quickness of a needle, just poke poke poke poke poke. On the downside, handpoke tattoos can take 3x as long as a machine tattoo would. Don’t let this discourage you, getting tattooed this way can be a very healing and cathartic experience. I believe that we want to everything to happen so quickly today but taking the time to sit and be patient can be so calming. To pass the time we can talk, listen to music, watch a show.. whatever you are comfortable with!

Getting a tattoo shouldn’t have to be an uncomfortable experience that you just want to get over with. Your comfortability is the most important thing. The more comfortable someone feels the less both myself and the client will feel the need to rush. I want to take my time making sure that you are happy with the final result and the experience itself. Your boundaries are important! Voice them. Thank you for the trust.

Below is some of my work. A mixture of fresh and healed pieces, all hand-poke!