What is a hand poke tattoo?
Otherwise known as “stick and poke”, it’s a manual technique which means that instead of putting the needle in a tattoo machine powered by electricity, I use my hand to add the ink under the skin. This method is therefore slower, but more comfortable for the client.
The aftercare/healing process tend to be easier as it does less damage. No intense itching or extremely dry skin.
Most clients find this technique somehow therapeutic and relaxing as it’s quiet.
There is something crafty and organic to this method that I like, like holding a pen, compared to a tattoo gun that is mechanical.
When/How did you start tattooing?
I started tattooing in 2016. I’m self-taught. It was suggested to me by a friend. At that time, I worked as a freelance digital designer and illustrator and I was overworked and stressed. My mum became very ill and I needed to take a break from the fast-paced environment of the graphic design world and have a more flexible schedule in order to visit her regularly in Paris and help her. Tattooing was a side hussle for a few years and slowly became a full time job. It appealed to me for its cultural impact, beautiful art and human connection.
Where does your style come from/What INSPIRES YOU?
I have an obsession with music. It feeds my imagination. I’m also very much inspired by the joy of a moment in life.
What to avoid before/after getting a tattoos?
Please allow 4 weeks to heal. Sauna, swimming, camping, sun exposition, extreme sports are therefore not allowed.
Do you have any AFTERCARE ADVICES?
Once the tattoo is finished, I’ll give you a plaster. It’s waterproof. You can shower with it. You can slowly peel it off after 2/4 days. Then rinse your tattoo with lukewarm water, a gentle soap and dry it off with a clean towel. Feel free to moisturize your tattoo once a day after a shower, with a perfume-free, organic ointment. Please don’t use any sun cream until the tattoo is fully healed. I recommend Cicaplast balm by Laroche-Posay.
What are your working hours?
Weekdays morning from 9:30am/10:30am - afternoons from 2:30pm onwards.
Sometimes it’s possible to book you in for an after work/early evening or a weekend session.
How do I secure an appointment?
I take a £50 deposit to secure the appointment on any flash from my book. It’s included in the total price.
For custom queries, deposit is £80. Once I receive it, I will work on this and send you the draw.
Should you miss or cancel your appointment a new deposit will be required. Your deposit will be safe as long as you give me a 48hrs notice minimum and reschedule within the next 4 weeks. The deposit is not refundable for guest spots in other cities.
What's the process if I want a custom tattoo?
Send me some ideas and I’ll let you know if I can do it. Once a deposit is received, I’ll start working on your idea and I’ll aim to send some options before the appointment day so we can make some amends if necessary.
Where are you based?
My studio is located in the Blackhorse Lane area of Walthamstow, London. It’s a 10mn walk from Blackhorse Road tube station (Victoria line) and within reach of Standsted airport.
I sometimes travel for guest spots in other tattoo studios abroad.
WHERE CAN I SEE YOUR FLASH BOOK?
I can email them to you upon request.
HOW MUCH IS A TATTOO?
My minimum charge is £150. Price do not depend on size or hourly rate but on the details. A small to medium piece tattoo with a lot of details and filling will be more expensive than a big tattoo with minimal lines. To find out exact prices, please send me an email with some examples of what you’d like and I’ll email you my book accordingly. Also, feel free to let me know if you have a specific budget.
HOW DO YOU JUSTIFY YOUr prices?
A tattoo is forever. Therefore is has a value and behind the process of getting a tattoo, you also have to take into consideration the amount of time that goes into working on each project/piece, preparing the appointment, answering emails, as well as the studio rent, equipment costs, bills.
How long is a session?
A session takes roughly around 45 minutes for a small, simple piece to up to 60/90 minutes.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING A SESSION
Small talk or just meditate/relax and focus on your breathing, disconnect from the world and reconnect with the feelings in your body. Sometimes people tend to fall asleep and have a power nap :)
How do I pay?
I don’t have a card reader. For UK customers, I accept bank transfer and cash. For non-UK customers, I accept Revolut, Paypal payment and cash.
WHAT IF I’M LATE TO MY APPOINTMENT?
I charge an extra £25 if you are 30mn late, and £50 if you are 60mn late.
Can I bring someone to your studio?
You can bring a +1.
I want a MATCHING TATTOO, CAN WE COME TOGETHER?
I can welcome 2 people at the same time for a back to back appointment.
What equipments do you use?
All equipments that I use are sterile. They are disposed in a specific hazardous waste bin that is collected by a clinical waste management company.
I live in another country and I can't get a tattoo from you, do you offer tattoo ticket?
It depends on the drawing, feel free to drop me an email.