For a few years now I’ve completely adored the idea of stick n pokes, also known as homemade tattoos. The style is so creative, and I believe that it’s an extremely intimate thing to share with another person. I was inspired by my grandfather, who gave himself a homemade tattoo of “V is for Victory” when he was 12. This past year, tried convincing my best friend Shannon to tattoo me for my 18th birthday. Nevertheless she thought I was completely crazy. After begging for months on end, I succeeded and she gave me a very sloppy Saturn on my ribs, which frankly looks more like a Krabby Patty than an actual planet. Don’t get me wrong, even though it’s not aesthetically pleasing per say, it’s one of my favorite things about our friendship and I’m so happy to have a part of my childhood best friend on my body for the rest of my life.
After that we began practicing on oranges, bananas, ourselves, and other people and I’d like to say that I am extremely proud of our work. Shannon and I learned by using a sewing needle, #2 pencil, thread, and India ink. We’ve upgraded to 3RL and 5RL tattoo needles which made our process a whole lot easier than using sewing needles. We’ve found that the tattoo needles also create a darker, thicker line without as many pokes as would be needed with the sewing needles.
Shannon and I have watched and read a countless number of tutorials, videos, and articles and we’ve been very inspired by a few tattoo artists like Tati Compton and Miso, both of who specialize in handpoked style. We have done many tattoos now, from poking ourselves, our friends, and each other. I have included a few pictures of our work, and hopefully I will have many more to share with you all soon.
Saturn & Stars// Done on Carol by Steph
Equality Sign//Done on Bri by Steph
BE KIND//Done on myself by Steph
Shannon’s Assorted Finger Tattoos//All done by herself
SPACE BABE// done on myself by Steph
Saturn//Done on Steph by Shannon
Although stick n’ pokes seem like something fun and little, you need to keep in mind that it is as permanent as any regular tattoo done by a traditional tattoo gun, and that it is also extremely dangerous if the right precautions are not taken. It’s extremely important to do your research before you do your own tattoos, get the right sterilized materials, keep the process sterilized, and keep your fresh tattoo clean!! Homemade tattoos are small memories that are super unique and stay on your body for the rest of your life, so take them seriously but have fun with and be creative with them as well! Please feel free to submit any of your stick n pokes; I would love to see your art! Thanks so much for reading. Good Luck. xx
-Steph
Freckhled 