Handpoke Interview with Matt

We sat down with our artist, Matt (@doctorfreakenstein) to have a chat about handpoke tattoos!

Q: Why do you like handpoke?

A: It’s just you, your hand and the needle, I like that I have more control. Less stuff in the way of me and the tattoo eg: cables, foot peddle, machine - Returning to the roots of tattooing is a refreshing feeling.

Q: What are the benefits?

A: Less trauma to the skin so it greatly reduces pain during and after the tattoo. It creates a more relaxed environment for both artist and client, no machine loudness etc. It’s a different feeling in the skin. Handpoke also gives you the most unique and oldest experience of tattooing!

Q: Will it look the same as a “normal” tattoo?

A: I feel there’s a bit of a stigma around handpoke tattoos as people associate them with being “dodgy”. Although, I find its a growing style, now gaining in popularity. There are a lot talented artists out there now, I guarantee you can get a handpoke tattoo that looks like its freshly done with a machine.

It always pays to do your research!

Q: How long does the process take?

A: It can be quicker than you think! Depending on if it’s line work, colour etc, something within palm size can fall within a 2-4hour time frame.

The lack of pain makes these kind of tatts much easier to sit through and zone out.

Q: Will I need a touch up?

A: Less likely than a tattoo done with a machine! The lack of trauma to the skin means less scabbing, which makes healing much quicker and easier!

Some of Matts hand drawn and handpoked designs!

Thank you so much Matt, for giving us a bit of insight into handpoke tattoos!

If you’d like to see more of Matts work, head over to his Instagram or enquire online to get booked in with Matt and have a chat about a design!