‘Handpoke’ or Stick and Poke tattoos are an ancient art form of poking dots of ink under the skin to create tattoos. ‘Handpoke’ tattoos are just as safe and just as permanent as a machine tattoo. The only difference is ‘handpoke’ tattoos use the gentle force of the human hand to place the ink into the skin rather than a machine. The tools and equipment used are sterile, single use and specifically made for the process of tattooing.

Generally, handpoke tattooing is a slower process than machine tattoos and dependent on the style of the piece will involve less ink/pigment being entered into the skin. They also tend to heal quicker than a machine tattoo as the skin is struck by the needle less.

I have two private licensed studios. One is based in Somerset between Exmoor National Park and the Quantock Hills in the town of Wiveliscombe near Taunton. The other is based in Liphook in Hampshire.

‘Handpoke’ tattooing is less intrusive and usually said to be less painful than that of a machine tattoo. I’ve even had clients say it is therapeutic and a few have fallen asleep! Saying this, pain is of course different for everyone and can depend on the style of the tattoo, location and many other factors.

If you’ve had a machine tattoo before, handpoke is not the same dragging burning feeling but more like little pin pricks or tweezing hairs. Your tattoo can feel a little sunburnt and warm once complete as your body starts the healing process.

‘Handpoke’ tattoos are as permanent as a tattoo created with a machine. It’s all the same equipment just minus the machine. It is less intrusive to the skin as it strikes the skin less. Because of this there is less pigment entered into the skin which give ‘handpoke’ tattoos their distinctive look. .

Bank transfer to the same account you sent the deposit to or cash. I don’t have a card machine. Thanks!

Please head over to my pricing page for more information.

This all depends on the placement, size and detail of the tattoo. Most of the designs you can see on my gallery page will be anything from 1 hour to 6 hours of tattooing. Generally if a client is with me for a palm sized tattoo they’ll be in the studio for a total of 3 or 4 hours, but this includes plenty of time for cuppa’s, chat and stopping for snack and stretch breaks! Drop me a message and I can give you an estimation based on your ideas.

If possible don’t make any big plans for the rest of the day after an appointment. The tattoo may take longer than I think as different skin types can take ink differently but also, treat it like a massage! You need to let your body relax and re-coup as it starts to heal. Although handpoke is generally not very painful it can really take it out of you. Feeling anxious in the lead up to your appointment etc can be super stimulating.

Unfortunately neither of my studios are perfect. My Somerset studio is upstairs but if you are in the area and interested in my work please get in touch as I am happy to work with you to make it possible. My Liphook studio is on ground level and the entrance to the building has one shallow step. There is not however a fully accessible toilet facility on the same floor. Again, please get in touch with me as we may be able to work out an alternative space.

It’s really important to me to be as eco-friendly as a tattooist as possible. However, there’s no such thing as a completely eco-friendly tattoo studio. This is due to the important rules of hygiene and how waste is disposed of under strict rules here in the U.K. We are seeing more and more options to buy products made from recycled plastic, plant-based products or in paper packets rather than plastic. I try my best to use as many eco-friendly products as possible from great companies determined to lower the footprint of the tattoo industry.

The inks I use are vegan, made from the highest quality pigments available and created by an eco-friendly company who are committed to proactively working for a better future and have NEVER tested their products on animals.

All of the products I use are vegan. I do my absolute best to check all my products with the manufacturers to ensure they are vegan friendly. U.K products are often labelled clearly if they are vegan due to regulations. Some E.U products are not labelled in the same way but are in fact vegan. I’m super open to learn and welcome any tips from my vegan customers. If you are particularly interested in specifically getting a vegan tattoo then please feel free to get in touch and discuss this further. I’m really happy to talk you through my products in the studio or send over a list before booking in.

Absolutely! My Somerset studio is a single room with space for one friend or family member to sit in with you. My Liphook Studio is large and I can offer group tattoo’s here easier.

It is your responsibility to arrive on time, please allow for traffic, parking and walking to the studio from your car (for e.g) If you’re more than 20 minutes late we will have to reschedule and your deposit will be forfeited as there may be an appointment after you.

Please understand I work within a strict time schedule. Cancellations also need to be made within 48 hours (but longer if possible please!) to give me a chance to fill the space.

I use black, brown, grey & blue ink. I don’t work with full colour pieces but am happy to use bits of colour within your design with prior discussion. I don’t use white ink.

Dependant on the nature of the piece I will either send you an idea of the design a few days prior to the appointment or the design will be shown to you at the appointment itself. This is partly to protect my work from being taken elsewhere and also depends on the piece. In this time you are welcome to make any changes to your design and small tweaks can of course be made the day of the appointment to some extent. Everything can be finalised at your appointment including size and placement.

Yes a deposit of £50 or £100 is required in order to hold your appointment and this deposit comes off the total price of your tattoo(s). This is non-refundable as I spend lots of time organising your appointment, researching for your design and setting up equipment for your tattoo. It’s super disappointing and frustrating if someone doesn’t show up on the day. I’ll happily move your appointment and deposit once as long as I am given at least 48 hours notice.

Depends! Generally my style of work doesn’t suit covering up someones previous tattoo but it really depends what it is. I can also sometimes add to original pieces you may have, or work around them. Drop me a message to discuss if this is of interest.

Every soul is welcome in my studios. I want to create a safe space where all feel comfortable to approach me for a tattoo. Especially those who may otherwise feel excluded or uncomfortable from attending other studios & shops within the industry.

It’s super important to eat a proper meal prior to your appointment to keep your blood sugar levels up. Hydrating and drinking plenty of water in the week leading up will make your skin more hydrated and will help within the tattoo process. Try to get an early night before the big day. It’s really important to be well rested as it helps you to feel calm throughout the process. Let me know if you’re feeling nervous or if you are prone to fainting as I want to help you feel as comfortable as possible.

Gentle exfoliation and deep moisturising the area in the lead up to the tattoo is a great help and will assist the tattoo process and healing. I can’t tattoo skin which is sunburnt, grazed, with scabbing, ingrown hairs or really dry and flaky etc.

Please shower before your appointment and wear comfortable clothing with easy access to the area i’ll be tattooing. Check out the Pre & Post Tattoo advice section on clothing ideas for certain areas.

Once a booking is made, I will send through a form regarding what to do before a tattoo, what to bring and also aftercare. I will also go through afercare with you at your appointment and you’ll be given a written aftercare card on how to take care of your tattoo to obtain the best results.

Yes! Usually!

‘Handpoke’ tattooing inserts a lower level of pigment into the skin than a machine and the depth of each ‘poke’ is set by my hand rather than a machine. Our bodies natural healing process can also heal the ink out of our skin as our cells regenerate. There are so many reasons we may need a touch-up! Sometimes a dot here or there can ‘fall out’ and need replacing. I always say to let a tattoo heal a full month before contacting me to book a touch-up. Following the aftercare advice is vital for healing a happy tattoo. If you swim, wear very tight clothing over it, sunbathe etc. you will need a touch-up but I will charge you!

I only offer free re-touches booked within 60 days of the completion of the tattoo. If you’d like any more retouches to your tattoo they will be charged accordingly at that time as people care for their tattoos in different ways through time.

Fingers/hands, toes/feet are a little different and will be more prone to fall out from hand washing, daily wear and friction against shoes etc. This is something I will discuss with you before booking the initial appointment to make sure you’re happy with these factors. All hand/feet re-touches will be charged accordingly.

I try to keep each piece individual. I’m happy to do versions of a piece but I’d really rather not tattoo the same piece more than once. Sometimes I will offer flash designs as a repeatable design but I wouldn’t ever copy a custom I have drawn for someone.

Strict U.K laws state you must be at least 18 years of age to be tattooed, even with a parent or guardian present. If you tend to get I.D’d when buying alcohol or look under 25 please bring photo I.D to your appointment with you.

I totally understand some people don’t want to chat whilst getting tattooed and that’s absolutely fine! I love a chat but will equally happily work away in silence. I always have chilled music playing in the studio to create an environment of concentration and calm. Feel free to bring a book or scroll your phone. Please bring headphones too if you’d like to listen to your own thing.