Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some questions which people often want answered.

Send me an email if there’s anything else you’d like to know.

Is handpoke more or less painful than machine?

Generally, handpoke is less painful than machine, but it can take longer so that can affect the discomfort. If a handpoke artist uses a large needle grouping, or is filling in an area, you're likely to find it comparably painful to a machine tattoo. The level of pain is more about the design and placement than method of application. A bold design will hurt regardless. A single-needle machine tattoo on the forearm will hurt far less than handpoking a bold design on the ribs. Handpoke feels like a rhythmic pinch.

Is handpoking better for small details and fine-line?

No. Fine line tattoos are far easier to achieve with a machine because consistent lines in general are far easier to achieve with a machine. Both techniques can achieve fine detail, handpoke uses dots so that will affect how the details heal. For consistent lines and smooth shading, machine is often a better method of application.

Do handpoke tattoos fade faster than machine tattoos?

No, not if they're done well. Lighter designs risk lightening or fading, bolder designs risk spreading or blurring, regardless of whether they're handpoke or machine. People assume handpoke tattoos fade because late night kitchen tattoos from your mate are usually handpoke, and those are more likely to fade.

Can you tattoo colour with handpoke?

Absolutely, there are a number of very talented handpokers who excel with colour. I love working in colour.

What's the difference between ‘handpoke’, ‘machine-free’ and ‘stick-and-poke’?

Nothing, it's different words for the same technique. Western handpoking differs from Asian and Oceanic styles however. There's very little overlap in style or method between Japanese tebori and what I do, for example.

What if I realise I can't make my appointment at the last minute?

Just send an email as soon as possible, even if it's the same day. We can usually fill slots with some notice. It's always better to let us know than to no-show.

Why is the deposit non-refundable?

As well as going towards the cost of the tattoo, the deposit also pays for the admin of scheduling, discussing designs and prepping the tattoo. It also discourages non-commital bookings. 

Which needle did you use? 

I use needles ranging from a tight 3 to a straight 14, but it's not the needle that makes a tattoo look a certain way, it's the tattooer. It's like asking what paint brushes a fine artist uses; it's not going to help you create work like them. If you come for a tattoo with me, I'm more than happy to talk through what I do, but doing it over Instagram isn't very fun. My very general advice is to do your own research on what all the jargon means, it's all out there and easy to find.

How often do you do guest spots?

I used to do one a month but my other life commitments have forced me to reduce that to one every few months. I can't see myself tattooing outside the UK this year, but aim to work in cities outside London a few times a year. Your best bet is a trip to London, my guest spot scheduling is very ad hoc.

Why don't you book via DM?

(1) my DMs are not reliable, I lose messages or receive them days later all the time. (2) the extra effort to contact me means people are more committed. (3) the slight personal distance it creates helps to keep things professional and seems to reduce rude interactions. (4) I want to spend as little time on Instagram as possible.

What's your favourite designs to tattoo?

Any of my flash, it's full of fun ideas, motifs and textures I enjoy. Even better, come and pick something in-session.

I'm apprehensive about coming to a private studio that I can't research beforehand.

That's fair enough. If you'd like to see inside the studio, ask me with some notice and I'll send you a video. My colleagues are @adverse.camber @billythekidtattoo @mr.groundhog___ and @dirt___girl if you'd like to know who'll be working alongside me. We're not registered on Google Maps and don’t have a shop-front because we don't want walk-in appointments. 

Can I bring someone along with me for my appointment?

Yes but more than one person is not ideal due to space, and a group of friends who aren't getting tattooed is a big no-no. Let me know beforehand so I can accommodate as well as possible. It's likely to be quite boring for them though because they’ll be sat away from where we’re tattooing.

I want to start tattooing, what would you recommend?

Doing lots of internet research about needles, history, techniques etc. Getting tattooed a lot and asking questions in person. Practise small designs on your own legs and track the healing process. Do a cross contamination course online.

Can you work within a budget?

Absolutely. Let me know what your range is and I'll let you know what's possible. My minimum is £100, and I have a pricing page if you'd like a bit more info. Send me an email to ask for more specific pricing, I'm always happy to give an estimate or range. On flash days, I’ll almost always be tattooing some designs for less than £100.

Do you do apprenticeships?

No, I'm self taught so I'm not really qualified. They're also not mandatory. The vast majority of tattooers I like and admire didn't do one, whilst practicing safe, technically-proficient work. If you'd like one, I'd do my research on studios where you know artists who've got through an apprenticeship there; apprenticeships are often exploitative, free labour, with little to no promise of work or training. Most see apprentices as disposable. If you want to learn machine, this will need more oversight than learning handpoke, so apprenticeships can be more appropriate though absolutely not essential.

Do you tattoo other tattooers designs with their authorisation?

No, but there are plenty of tattooers who would. Also, please don't send other tattooers' work as references when inquiring with me.