WHAT IS HANDPOKE?
handpoke is an ancient, traditional method of tattooing. Handpoke tattoos are created without the use of a machine, and instead A sterile tattoo needle is gently poked into the skin, creating the design dot by dot.
this is a slower process than machine tattooing, however some people may prefer this method as it is almost silent, with no vibrations.
STUDIO INFORMATION
I AM BASED IN A PRIVATE STUDIO IN HAMILTON, south lanarkshire, scotland. The full address will be sent after the booking has been confirmeD. THE STUDIO IS STREET LEVEL WITH ONE STEP OUTSIDE. THE DECOR IS MINIMAL TO PROVIDE A LOW SENSORY EXPERIENCE. I have a range of sensory toys available free of charge, such as stress balls and fidget toys.
AS A PRIVATE STUDIO, I WORK ONE TO ONE WITH CLIENTS, HOWEVER YOU ARE WELCOME TO BRING SOMEONE ALONG TO YOUR APPOINTMENT.
if arriving by car, there is short stay pay and display parking immediately outside the studio, or single line parking nearby on haddow street. Long stay parking is available a short walk away, including duke street car park or leechlee road.
The studio is a 5 minute walk from hamilton central train station and local bus routes.
i offer evening appointments from 4:30pm and weekend appointments. I try to be as flexible as possible so please include your availability when messaging to book.
style and pricing
as handpoke tattoos are made up of dots, this can be reflected in the final piece. Please check my portfolio via instagram to make sure this style suits your idea.
i create flash designs usually based on a theme or season. These are usually non-repeatable which means i won’t tattoo these on more than one person, however I do have some generic designs available that are repeatable.
if you have an idea in mind for a custom design, please provide as much information as possible and include any reference pictures. Please note, i will not copy reference pictures exactly. if i feel i cannot do justice to your tattoo, i may turn down the request.
my minimum and hourly charge in my hamilton location is £60. if booking multiple designs a discount will be applied.
a booking fee will be taken at the time of booking to secure your appointment. This is deducted from the total cost. any remaining amount must be made on the day of the appointment and can be paid via bank transfer, cash or debit/credit card.
BOOKING POLICIES
You must be over the age of 18 and be able to provide photographic id (drivers license or passport) on request
you must not be pregnant or breastfeeding
you must not arrive to your appointment under the influence of drugs or alcohol
please let me know at the time of booking if on any medication or have any medical history that may affect your tattoo
please only bring one person with you to the appointment. Children are not allowed in the studio at any time
appointments are not secured until the booking fee has been received
booking fees are non-refundable but can be transferred to a different date if more than 72 hours notice has been given
if you become unwell or sick before your appointment, please contact me with as much notice as possible
touch ups can be scheduled after 4 weeks. There is no charge for a touch up, with the exception of hand/finger/feet tattoo. A charge of £30 is applied for these tattoos
by booking and sending your booking fee, you agree to these
policies
HOW TO BOOK
My minimum and hourly charge is £60. a booking fee of a minimum of £40 is required to secure your booking.
To book an appointment -
send me a message via instagram
or
email ellis.pokes@outlook.com
please include -
any design ideas and reference pictures
where you would like the tattoo
size in cm
preferred days/times
if you have a budget
examplE - “Hi, i would like to enquire about getting a butterfly on my calf about 8cm wide. I have attached reference images. I would like it to be done in black ink and i have a budget of £150. I am available weekday evenings from 5pm or saturday mornings.”
please be prepared to send over your booking fee within 24 hours of contact.
before your appointment
Exfoliate and moisturise the area in the days leading up to your appointment, but avoid moisturising on the day
take extra care in the sun as sunburnt skin cannot be tattooed
stay hydrated and eat well
do not consume alcohol the day of or the day before your tattoo
get a good sleep the night before your appointment
wear suitable, comfortable clothing
avoid taking aspirin and notify Me if on any other medications
avoid caffeine before your appointment
Please do not arrive more than 5 minutes early
after your appointment
Remove the film covering after around 2 hours. once removed, do not wrap again
wash hands thoroughly and then wash the tattoo with warm water and fragrance free, antibacterial soap. Pat dry with a clean paper towel. Wash morning and evening
apply a thin layer of aftercare cream 2/3 times a day
do not pick or scratch your tattoo as this may lead to infection
for the first 3 weeks after your tattoo, avoid -
baths (stick to showers)
sun beds or direct sun
fake tanning
swimming and saunas
once healed, use SPF 50 to avoid fading
TOUCH UPS
handpoke tattoos are created in dots, which may become more visible as they heal. This creates a more unique ‘rustic’ effect. Fine line tattoos are more prone to fading as they are done delicately with a thinner needle.
after 4 weeks of healing, if there are parts of your tattoo that need a touch up, send me a message and i’ll get you in as soon as possible.
hands and feet are very likely to require a touch up, which is something to consider before getting your tattoo in these areas.
make sure to follow all aftercare advice during the healing stage. Once healed, continue looking after your tattoo by staying hydrated, moisturising regularly and using SPF 50 in the sun.
frequently asked questions
WHAT HAPPENS AT MY APPOINTMENT?
when you arrive, you will be asked to complete a consultation form including your medical info, emergency contact and your consent. We will discuss the design and placement then will cleanse the area ready to apply the stencil. Once you have confirmed you are happy we will start. You can take breaks at any time.
can i see my design before my appointment?
yes, if you have booked a custom design this will be sent over 1-2 days before your appointment. There will be the opportunity to make changes on the day, however i am aware some people may feel more comfortable requesting changes via message which is why i send the design in advance.
do you tattoo in colour?
most of my work is black/grey wash however i have a small selection of colours. Please make me aware at the time of booking if you would like colour And i will do my best to ACCOMMODATE.
do we have to speak?
it is important you give your consent verbally for the design and for me to start but once comfirmed we don’t have to speak. I may OCCASIONALLY check in to make sure you feel okay. Please feel free to bring headphones/a book/tablet etc.
WILL YOU BE JUDGING ME?
absolutely not! I aim to provide a good, safe and comfortable experience and give you a tattoo that you love. i am super focussed on this and nothing else. Every body is worthy of getting a tattoo.