what is handpoke?

“handpoke,” or “machine-free” tattooing, is the process of applying a tattoo without the use of electricity and without a tattoo machine (AKA tattoo “gun”).

handpoke tattoos are applied by manually inserting ink pigment into the skin dot by dot, (“poking”), until the design is formed. i hold the needle directly in my (gloved) hand and poke the skin with a slight up and down motion from my wrist. handpoked tattoos are equally as permanent as a machine-made tattoo if applied professionally. most of my clients agree that this method of tattooing hurts significantly less than a machine tattoo!

additionally, the process is quieter, gentler, generally heals faster, and has a sought-after “human” quality that can be seen in it’s texture and appearance. they are reminiscent of traditional methods of tattooing, from before the tattoo machine was invented.

many of my clients choose to work with me because i specifically offer handpoke. they prefer and appreciate my calming, gentle approach to tattooing, and i hope to share my practice with you soon :)

Booking process

i release my booking form on the first saturday of each month. the link is sent through my email mailing list (sign up down below!) to schedule the following month.

in the google form, there will be an option for flash, custom, or touch-up. here you will specify the design you’re wanting as well as size and placement.

filling out a form does not guarantee you a spot. i will be taking on appointments based on submissions i feel most excited about! this keeps my work sustainable and prevents burnout for me.

please keep in mind that i usually close form submissions for the month within 20 minutes. (most clients will set an alarm for when my booking email is sent out to make sure their submission is received in time!)

dates + deposits

if i decide to take on your appointment request, i will send you my calendar booking link via instagram DMs or email to choose a date and time.

once i send the booking link, you have 48 hours to book a date or else your spot for the month is forfeit.

i will require a $50 non-refundable deposit for flash or $100 non-refundable deposit for customs to hold your spot. $50 from your deposit will go towards the final cost of your tattoo day-of.

after receiving your date and deposit, i will send final confirmation with my studio address.

reschedules + cancellations

if you need to reschedule before 5 days of your appointment, your deposit will carry over to your new appointment. if you reschedule within 5 days of your appointment, i will require a new deposit to re-book.

if you cancel your appointment without indicating a desire to reschedule, i will keep your deposit.

if you will be more than 20 minutes late, i will cancel your appointment and require a new deposit to reschedule.

if you no-call, no-show, i will keep your deposit and i will never work with you again. this protects my time as an artist.