the main difference is how ink is applied to the skin - which affects the look, feel, time, and healing of your tattoo.

handpoke tattoos are applied using a needle held by hand, without the use of machine. Ink is inserted into the skin manually, dot by dot. this is a slower process, so sessions will take longer. many people find this application to be less painful and more meditative, mostly due to the lack of “vibration” you would experience from machine application. this leads to less trauma to the skin, which can mean less swelling, scabbing, and a quick heal time. when healed, lines often look more organic, delicate, and textured - a softer appearance. I prefer to use handpoke method for small, delicate, and minimalist designs.

machine tattoos use an electric tattoo machine to rapidly move needles in and out of the skin to deposit ink. this process covers larger areas efficiently, produces clean, uniform lines, and strong colour saturation. the result is a faster appointment time, crisp and bold lines, and strong colour saturation. healing time is often longer for machine tattoos.

I do often have a preference for which method we use for your tattoo. that said, please let me know if you have a method in mind and we can certainly chat about it!

this can make a HUGE difference in how your tattoo feels, heals, and turns out.

1-2 days before your appointment:

• hydrate well. drink plenty of water - well-hydrated skin takes ink better and hurts less!

• moisturize your skin. use a simple, unscented lotion - no vaseline/aquaphor as these may clog your pores

• avoid alcohol and drugs. these can be blood-thinners, which may cause excessive bleeding during your appointment. this will impact ink saturation

• do not get sunburned or irritated skin - avoid tanning, harsh exfoliation, or new skincare treatments

the night before:

• get a good night’s sleep! being rested helps with pain tolerance and keeps your body calm

• eat a balanced meal, as your body needs energy to heal

• confirm the logistics. double-check the time of your appointment, location, and payment method (remember your appointment is tax free if you bring cash!)

the day of:

• very important - eat beforehand! low blood sugar = dizziness and nausea. eat a solid meal 1-2 hours before your appointment

• shower & be clean. do not apply heavy lotions, oils, or perfume to the tattoo area

• wear appropriate clothing. loose, comfortable, dark clothes that allow easy access to the tattoo area. feel free to bring a change of clothes if you would prefer to change into something cosy when you arrive

• bring the essentials: water, snacks, headphones, payment

please do NOT: take blood thinners (aspirin, ibuprofen) (unless prescribed), arrive sick or hungover, or bring a group of friends with you

my preference is that you arrive alone. when the studio is busy, there is limited space for extra guests to sit.

i understand that sometimes we want assistance and the opinions of our loved ones to decide on designs and placement. i do hope that together you and i can find the perfect spot for your tattoo between the two of us, and you are more than welcome to send pictures or call a friend if you need extra advice!

that said, if you feel you need to bring someone, I ask that you limit your guests to one person. please note that if the studio is busy, they may be asked to wait in the entrance seating area rather than with us at the station

typically when you arrive I should be about ready to get started - I will ask you to take a seat in our entryway for a few moments while I finish getting everything set up. if you have not yet filled out the waiver, you will do so now!

once i have invited you over to the station we will chat details. we will confirm the design, talk about possible placement, and take a few moments to make any necessary changes. this is a great time to ask any questions you may have, about the design, the process, or anything else that comes to mind regarding your tattoo.

when we place the stencil, i will remind you that we can move it as much or as little as you would like. stencil placement often takes up the bulk of the appointment - do not worry if you feel you are taking too long or being too “picky”. it is extremely important that we find a body placement that feels good to you and i both before we make it permanent.

during the tattoo process, we will find a comfy spot for you to position yourself. we may need to move positions a couple of times during the application if the placement calls for it. do your best to stay relaxed and take deep breaths if you find you are in pain. and please speak up if you need a short break!

i have been told countless times that I have a very gentle touch. the pain should never be unmanageable. i sometimes use a lidocaine numbing spray during the process - feel free to ask for some if you are experiencing strong discomfort.

when the application is completed, i will often ask to take a photo. once we do so i will wrap you up with either second skin (also known as hypafix) or a non-adhesive bandage. at this time you will pay the remainder of the cost and you’re good to go!

in most cases, you will leave the studio wearing a Hypafix bandage, also called second skin. you may keep this water-resistant bandage on for 3-5 days, allowing for normal showering but avoiding baths, swimming, or soaking. it is normal for plasma and ink to collect under the bandage; do not drain it. if there is leakage or irritation (pain, itchiness, significant redness), remove the bandage immediately.

if you left the studio with a non-adhesive bandage, you may remove it at the end of the day. wash your new tattoo with unscented soap and warm water. pat dry with clean paper towel.

removal of the bandage should be done gently at the end of a warm shower. with the water running over top, lift a corner of the bandage and stretch away from the skin until the adhesive releases and the bandage comes off. gently wash your new tattoo with unscented soap. pat dry with clean paper tower.

i recommend waiting for the tattoo to dry out and scab over slightly before beginning to moisturize it. when it begins to itch and feel tight, you may apply a thin layer of unscented lotion to the tattoo. the idea is make it more comfortable without suffocating it. do not use vaseline or aquaphor - these will clog your pores and affect the healing process.

do not pick or scratch at your healing tattoo. avoid direct sun, baths, pools, and hot tubs until fully healed - about 2-3 weeks after your appointment.

always wear SPF on your healed tattoo if you will be in the sun - the UV rays are the #1 cause of tattoo fading.

I charge a minimum of $150 for flash and $175 for customs, for the first hour. I charge $100 for each additional hour after that. Please indicate if you have a budget when filling out the booking form

tips are always appreciated, but never expected. they are a valuable part of my income. i strive to provide a safe, clean, positive, and unique experience - tipping is a way of letting me know you are satisfied! consider adding a tip to your payment if you enjoyed your appointment and you love your new tattoo.

you can reach me any time via email at poked.lmfao@gmail.com