What is a hand-poked tattoo?

Also known as a “stick n’ poke” tattoo, hand-poked tattoos are a permanent style of tattooing which does not require the use of a machine. Tattoo needles are held manually and inserted into the skin poke by poke. It is a gentle and intricate alternative to machine tattoos. Many folks enjoy hand-poked tattoos as they are less abrasive on the skin and can make the environment more relaxing. Hand-pokes aren’t always ‘perfect’ looking, which is part of the reason why I love them - there is beauty in imperfection!

It is normal for hand-pokes to need a touchup after the initial appointment. I have a ‘first touchup is free’ policy within the first 6 months of your tattoo appointment, with the exception of finger/hand tattoos which are subject to a $30+ initial touchup fee.

For more about the history on hand-poking, check out this link!

Are hand-poked tattoos painful?

Pain is relative to the person, location and design of the tattoo. That being said, 95% of my clients find hand-pokes to be much less painful than a machine tattoo. No vibrating or buzzing?! I’m here for it!

Is your studio inspected?

Yes. The studio is inspected by the PEI Department of Health as per their personal services guidelines. Our last inspection was completed January 2024.

Where are you located?

93 Pownal street (2nd floor), Charlottetown PEI

Is your studio private?

I share a studio space with Pokey Rae and No Ordinary Rabbit Tattoo. We both work in the same room and there are no partitions between our booths. Right now, I am typically working on days when no one else is in the studio.

Is your studio accessible?

Our studio is on the 2nd floor of a heritage building. There are stairs from the first floor to the second floor, and no elevator.

There is a bathroom located on the 2nd floor.

You will be asked to read over and sign a one-page consent form before your appointment begins. If you’d like this sent to you beforehand let me know. I can also read it aloud to you at your appointment if necessary!

In your booking form, there will be a space where you can inform me of any accessibility needs you may have. You can also request a quiet appointment, which means I will communicate only when necessary and you can lay back, relax and enjoy!

Please let me know if you have any suggestions, feedback or comments on accessibility needs. It is very much appreciated!

What is the weight limit on your tattoo bed?

750 lbs.

I don’t have any tattoos - are hand-pokes a good option for a first tattoo?

YES! I absolutely love being able to give someone their first tattoo. Hand-pokes are a gentle introduction to tattoos and are a great option for folks who may be a little hesitant to going to a traditional tattoo shop.

How should I prepare for my appointment?

• Stay hydrated!!

• Eat well beforehand (feel free to bring snacks and water, but we also keep some snacks on hand if you need)

• Wear appropriate clothing. I’ll need about at least 6 inches of space around where the tattoo will be placed. If you need tips on what is best to wear, DM me!

• Please arrive clean and showered

• Moisturize the area for a few days leading up to the appointment

• Protect the area from the sun (I cannot tattoo over a sunburn, nor would you want me to!)

• Do not come to the appointment under the influence of drugs or alcohol or you will be asked to reschedule

• Relax! Don’t go too wild the night before or after a tattoo.

• ASK QUESTIONS! I can’t stress enough that if you have any questions about the tattoo process feel free to reach out to me before your appointment. If you’re nervous and would like me to walk you through what the appointment will be like I’m more than happy to do that.

Will you tattoo something me or my friend designed?

Yes! I love tattooing designs that you’ve drawn yourself. Depending on the design this is usually always an option.

Will you tattoo another artist’s design?

No, unless you have gotten permission from them for the design to be tattooed (I’ve done this before - tattoo tickets are very cool) I also ask for proof of permission.

How do I book in with you?

My books are currently OPEN indefinitely for booking requests. Have a look here for more details on how booking works!

Once or twice a month I will release some flash designs on my Instagram that you can snag if you’re quick! They go fast so turn on post and story notifications.

PLEASE DO NOT DM ME TO BOOK :) I won’t respond!

What is the difference between “flash” and “custom” designs?

“Flash” designs are pre-drawn and available for you to pick from. Some flash designs are repeatable while others are not. You can view my available flash here.

“Custom” designs are when you send in a request for your own idea and I draw or create the design you want.

Am I limited to what designs I can choose with a hand-poked tattoo?

Heavily shaded/coloured/detailed pieces are not ideal for hand-poked tattoos. Most of my work is simple linework (but I do love adding colours!) Take a look at my instagram and portfolio page for a better idea of the kinds of designs I do. I don’t do a lot of florals, realism or animals. I love doing objects, abstract imagery, plants, vases, finger/hand tattoos..lots of stuff!

Please feel free to ask me about any design you’re thinking about - I will be honest with you about if I’m able to do it and if not, I can hopefully recommend another artist who the design may be better suited for.

Do you have colour inks?

Yes! We have pretty much every colour!

Do I need to send a deposit if I book an appointment?

Yes. Here is more info on my deposit policy.

How old do I have to be to be tattooed by you?

18. Proper I.D is required when you come to your appointment. There are no exceptions, even with parental consent.

How much do you charge?

My minimum/base rate is $100, which means if you get a very small tattoo that takes less than an hour, the price will be at least $100.

I work at an hourly rate. For flash designs, my rate is $100/hour, and for custom designs, my rate is $125/hour. (This means if you are getting a flash design and it takes 1.5 hours, your price will be around the $150 range. If you’re getting a custom piece that takes 3 hours, your price will be around the $350 range. )

This pricing could vary based on design, placement, ink colours, etc. I try to give a price estimate when you book in, but if I haven’t please feel free to ask. Pricing is subject to change on the day of the appointment if any changes are made last minute to design, placement, sizing, etc.

*ALL PRICING ESTIMATES EXCLUDE TAXES*

I like to work on a sliding scale for clients who are interested. You can find more info on that here.

What are your payment options?

Cash, debit or credit (via Square)

What parts of the body will you not tattoo?

I won’t tattoo behind the ear, genitals, inner lip, side of hand or finger, or top of foot.

Will my finger tattoo fade?

Finger and hand placements are some of my favorite placements to tattoo. That being said, we can always expect some amount of fading after the initial appointment. How much it fades depends on various factors: needle size, the person’s skin, aftercare process - including the person’s line of work (are you working with your hands, washing your hands super often, etc.)

We can never predict just how much a finger/hand tattoo will fade. I’ve seen some that have never needed a touchup and some that I have to go over the whole thing again in a touchup session. I usually see most of my finger tattoo clients again about 4-6 weeks after our initial appointment to do a quick touchup and then the tattoo lasts pretty well after that.

Side of the finger tattoos almost ALWAYS fade. Oftentimes they completely disappear. I have stopped doing side of the finger tattoos altogether.

Initial finger/hand touchups are subject to a small fee of $30 (extra for multiple tattoos). Pricing for subsequent touchup sessions will depend on how much fading there is.

Ultimately, the risk of fading can’t be determined so it’s up to you whether or not you want to take a chance!

Should I tip?

Tipping is not mandatory, but appreciated of course! Tips don’t necessarily have to be monetary, they can be in the form of art, plants, vegan treats..whatever!