Tattoo Technique
Stick-and-Poke Tattoos
Hand-poked, dot by dot — an ancient technique currently having a renaissance.
What is a stick-and-poke tattoo?
With stick-and-poke, every motif is done entirely by hand — needle and ink, no tattoo machine. The technique dates back more than 5,300 years and was originally used in many cultures for ritual and spiritual occasions. Today, many clients value the calm, quiet process and the distinctly handmade look.
Stick-and-poke vs. machine
- Hand-poked instead of a motorised needle — a quieter, calmer process
- The overall session takes longer than a machine tattoo
- A handmade, deliberately slightly irregular look instead of machine-even lines
- Especially well suited to small, minimalist, delicate designs
How it works
Consultation
We discuss design, placement and size — stick-and-poke works especially well for small, minimalist motifs.
The session
The motif is poked dot by dot, by hand. It takes longer than with a machine, but many find the slower pace enjoyable.
Aftercare
Healing works just like a classic tattoo — you get the same detailed aftercare guide.
What to keep in mind
- We work exclusively with sterile single-use needles and certified tattoo ink — just like any tattoo in our studio.
- Pain is comparable to a machine tattoo, but spread over a longer period.
- Stick-and-poke is just as permanent as a machine tattoo; professional laser removal is possible later if needed.
- An experienced, professional artist with sterile equipment matters — we strongly advise against improvised DIY stick-and-poke for hygiene reasons.
Interested in a stick-and-poke tattoo?
Send us your design idea — we'll give you an honest read on whether and how it works as stick-and-poke.