Stick and poke tattoos are essentially the original body modification. The European Tyrolean Iceman (5300 years old!), buried around 3250 BC, was discovered to have 61 tattoos all over his body. Basically, humans have been marking their bodies for thousands of years to represent their status, achievements, social roles, and decorations.
The advent of tattoo machines has made the process faster and allows for more elaborate designs. In later years, stick-and-poke tattoos became popular again as a symbol of rebellion and as part of the underground punk subculture.
These days, the artistic and hand-drawn charm of stick-and-poke tattoos has become popular on social media. After all, quarantine has made visiting a tattoo artist impractical and made it difficult to track down expensive tattoo equipment. Although it’s not recommended to DIY your own (or someone else’s) tattoos when you’re not an expert, the charm of stick-and-poke tattoos with their dainty thin lines and dot work has left an impression on tattoo trends. .
We teamed up with Jingxi Gu, who specializes in Chinese painting and traditional Asian styles. Both are rooted in ancient Chinese art and translated to today’s most visible and intimate canvas: the human body. She is the owner and lead artist at Patch Tattoo Therapy in Tarzana, California, and offers her workshop of custom tattoos and tattoo training to aspiring tattoo artists.
Description of prick tattoo
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Stick and poke tattoos are an ancient form of tattooing done by hand, without the use of a tattoo machine, and have been practiced for thousands of years by indigenous, Polynesian, and ancient Mediterranean cultures. Over the past decade, Gu has observed this traditional tattoo practice gain popularity as tattoo artists return to tradition and create both referential and more contemporary tattoos.
The process of tattooing, which has been most commonly used in Western culture over the past several decades, is performed using a tattoo machine, which consists of a small needle or group of needles that pump ink through the needles 80 to 150 times per second onto the skin. Insert it below. Stick and poke tattoos bring the entire process back to its basics, before the invention of sophisticated machines and electricity.
According to Tattoo, as the name suggests, the artist pricks or pokes the skin with a small dot where the ink goes, whereas the machine essentially does the same thing but uses a rotor or coil-based machine. at high speed. Artist Fernando Morales Unda is a self-taught Mexican artist known for his extreme realism.
“During the stick-and-poke process, the artist dips a single needle into ink and uses a back-and-forth motion to place the ink, but instead of using an electric machine, all of its momentum and power is supplied by the ink. fingers, wrists, and arms,” Gu explains.
Stick and Poke Tattoo vs. Machine Tattoo
If you’re trying to choose between a stick-and-poke tattoo or a machine-made tattoo, you’ll first need to decide what you want your tattoo to look like.
“Stick-and-poke tattoos are cute, and I’m sure there are really talented artists who actually do them, but when it comes to actual results, artists who are better at using tattoo machines create better tattoos.” It can be done,” Gu admits.
Tattoos done using a tattoo machine are faster, more efficient, accurate, and consistent. There is less trauma to the skin, more needle configurations, less risk of skin overuse, and more complex designs.
To get a good tattoo, you need to use the right techniques to avoid tattoos that look messy or fade quickly. Morales Unda explains that we all have three layers of his skin: the epidermis (the surface), the dermis (the second layer), and the hypodermis (the third layer or subcutaneous tissue) . The second layer of skin is where the tattoo will be placed. If an artist goes too deep, blown-out highlights occur, which look like blurred lines or a blurred image. If your tattoo is too superficial, it won’t last long.
According to Morales-Unda, correct technique is important, especially when working with thin needles. “It’s a common misconception that the smaller the tattoo, the easier it is. In fact, the opposite is true,” he says. Additionally, although they are usually simpler in design, stick-and-poke tattoos are handmade and therefore take longer to create. However, it can also be more affordable and more unique with its hand-painted look.
“I think stick-and-poke tattoos have a unique charm and simplicity. They can be seen as a more intimate, hands-on approach to tattooing,” says Gu. Ultimately, the choice between a tattoo machine and a stick-and-poke tattoo comes down to personal preference, the complexity of the design, and the level of professionalism required. It’s best to seek professional opinion and guidance from a reputable tattoo artist before making any permanent decisions.
stick and poke tattoo process
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Compared to getting a tattoo done with a machine, the process is the same, except the artist doesn’t use a tattoo machine. Gu provided a breakdown of the process, which typically goes like this:
- Create your tattoo concept and decide what you want
- Meeting between artist and client
- Cleaning and disinfecting the tattoo station
- Stencil (if needed)
- tattoo steps
- Clean the affected area and cover with a sterile bandage
- Aftercare and healing
- Optional touch up
So, what about your burning questions? “How much does it actually hurt?” “Stick-and-poke tattoos are generally less painful for some people because the needles are inserted manually and don’t penetrate as deeply into the skin,” Gu says. However, everyone’s pain tolerance varies and some discomfort is to be expected.
Safety and aftercare
The most important aspect of tattoo safety is hygiene. This means not letting you get a tattoo done in your cousin’s kitchen. Consult a professional and reputable tattoo artist with solid experience in stick-and-poke tattoos, preferably one with many rave reviews. Also take a look at the artist’s gallery and see if their style matches your expectations.
After getting a tattoo, the aftercare process is essential for healing and prevention of infection. “Leave the sterile bandage on for a few hours, gently wash the tattoo with warm water and unscented soap, pat the tattoo dry, and apply a thin layer of ointment such as Aquaphor,” Gu instructs. do.
Gu also recommends avoiding excessive moisturization, water immersion, sun exposure, picking or scratching, loose clothing, and physical activity. Gu said it’s also important to stay hydrated, eat well and follow the artist’s instructions. These steps will ensure your tattoo stays in tip-top condition for years to come.
conclusion
Morales Unda says if you want to try a handpoke tattoo, you should, and there are many great handpoke artists out there. “Hand tattoos are the current trend,” says Morales-Unda. “The idea of ’going back to your roots’ or having a different experience is great. But if you want something more intricate and equally timeless, do your own research and find an experienced tattooer who will do the style you want. We recommend that you hire an artist,” he added.
Always do your research to make sure the artist you choose can create the style you want. Take a look at their restored work in their portfolio and get a feel for their typical results.
