Frequently asked questions and their respective answers

HANDPOKE QUESTIONS

How do handpokee tattoos work?

Tattooing by hand (aka. handpoke / stick and poke/ DIY tattoos) is a manual method of tattooing that’s completed by repeatedly ‘poking’ the skin with an inked needle to create the desired design.

What is the difference between stick and poke tattoos and machine tattoos?

The fundamental difference between both is how the ink (pigment) is inserted into the skin; machine tattoos use an machine also referred to as a tattoo gun that reverberates the attached needle up and down. Because of the aforementioned manual process of ‘poking’ the needle that’s involved in handpoked tattoos, machine tattoos are typically completed quicker.

Do they hurt?

Handpoked tattoos generally don’t hurt as much as machine tattoos because they make fewer incisions into the skin, however, they can still be painful. Everyone experiences pain differently, and whilst certain placements have a reputation for being painful such as the ribs there is by no means a standard.

I would advise you to not let any expectations of pain influence where you would like your tattoo. Remember that its placement will be permanent, whereas you can always take breaks throughout a session or complete a piece across several sessions depending what would work best with your pain tolerance.

Are handpoked tattoos permanent?

Yes! Just like machine tattoos, when done correctly, hand-poked tattoos are permanent. All tattoos will fade over time for a variety of reasons, such as the ageing of skin, sun exposure, poor aftercare, or the placement of the tattoo. For example, tattoos on thin-skinned areas such as hands and feet typically fade faster.

When did handpoked tattoos start?

Handpoke tattoos are the universally ancient tattoo technique, so as you would expect have an incredibly diverse and rich history because there are present throughout so many civilizations and have had different social-cultural significance throughout different stages of time. I love researching this and it would be an utter dishonour to condense to a short answer, so I’m currently finalising a page all about it that will be linked here soon.

What inks do you use?

I use Dynamic Color Tattoo Inks because the company is a long-term leader in the contemporary tattoo industry and is entirely vegan friendly.

Where do you source your products?

I buy the majority of my tattoo products from Hold Fast Tattoo Supplies - a lovely company based in Meeanjin/ Brisbane that is owned and operated by tattoo artists.

What are free-flow tattoos?

Free-flow tattoos are mindfully improvised tattoos that I create with a client on the day of tattooing. I see this as a meditative experience for clients and love to be able to offer it as an option. I require clients send me two/ three reference photos for the piece, and from there it is their choice how we come to the creation.

Most commonly I freehand a design on a designated spot, with others we create visualisations of a word, others have shared an experience or memory they would like commemorated, one client curated a playlist for the session and several have asked me to tattoo something of my choice and surprise them.

The method of creating a free-flow tattoo is completely up to you - particularly the degree of creative consent. This process is not enforced either - there is plenty of flash available as well as the classic method of custom design if you change your mind on the day.

Can you give me a tattoo just like one I’ve found online?

I will not tattoo anyone else’s design unless it has been designed by you or someone you know and there is a clear consent procedure. For example, I’ve previously tattooed designs created by a client, a clients family member/friend, or a tattoo by another artist that has been purchased by a client from said artist. I will never claim any of these as my own designs, just as I would expect my own designs to always be acknowledged as mine.

BOOKING QUESTIONS NOT ON BOOKING GUIDE

Where can I find your flash?

It’s in the process of being released through my Instagram page, please don’t email me asking for flash I don’t email any out.

How old do I have to be?

I don’t accept any clients under 18 years old.

How do I pay a deposit if I don‘t have an Australian bank account?

I recommend Wise Transfer as it has the lowest rates.

Can I bring someone along?

I much prefer clients come alone as I’ve found an extra person in the room inhibits the tattoo experience, however if there are an circumstances where you would really value some extra support please ask beforehand and I’m happy to comply.