What kind of tattoo designs are possible with this method?

​

Single needle tattooing is best suited to simple, geometric shapes and symbols. Circles, dots, lines, and repetitive motifs work best, and come to life in a magical way which cannot be replicated with the use of a tattoo machine. Subtle imperfections inherent to this old way mean that the tattoos really dance and are imbued with a personality that is distinct and unique. Conversely, large areas of fill-black, very thin curving lines, grey-tone shading, and picture based images are not well suited to this method of tattooing and are best done with a tattoo machine. For a first time poke tattoo, think about line bands, dots, crosses, runes, spirals, or astrological symbols. 

Victoria does not tattoo lettering or script.

​

​

What colors of ink are possible?

 

Black (eventually turning a dark blue color in the skin when healed) India ink only.

​

 

How large of a tattoo is possible?

​

For a first time hand-poked tattoo, I recommend choosing a design no larger than 2"x2". Most tattoos within this size may be completed in one session, usually within 3 to 5 hours. Larger designs and projects are certainly possible and can be planned out over days, weeks or even months. 

​

 

How long will the tattooing take?

 

This style of tattooing is significantly slower than mechanized methods of tattooing. Expect a half hour to an hour for a design the size of a US dime. For a design which is 2 or 3 inches long, expect at least three to five hours. A single line band around an arm or leg may take between 2 to 5 hours. This being said, the time required by each tattoo varies significantly. Lines and dots go relatively quickly. Curves typically go much slower. Your tattoo may be completed within a single session, or may require planning out multiple sessions spaced out over days or weeks.

​

 

Does it hurt?

​

Of course! Pain is an intrinsic and potent part of tattoos, just as it tends to be with all growth and transformation worth having. The painfulness of tattooing varies a lot from individual to individual, and on different parts of the body. It can vary from easy and mild to a bit intense. This said, of the many methods of traditional and primitive tattooing, such as cutting/slicing, threading/stitching, skin removal, and the tattooing stick, I believe the hand-held, single needle method to be the gentlest. There is often no blood at all, or only an occasional very small drop. . 

​

​

What is the healing process like for my tattoo?

​

Tattoos on different parts of the body and on different people will heal differently and at different speeds. Overall, most tattoos should be completely finished healing within three weeks. Many will heal within one week. Keep your new tattoo covered with a natural oil (such as coconut or olive oil, or even petroleum jelly) as much as possible after the tattooing in order to keep the skin moisturized. Moisturized skin tends to scab less. Some very minor scabbing and/or peeling on a tattoo during the first week or two of healing is normal. On certain individuals, some bruising is even possible, and should heal within a matter of weeks.

​

​

What are the risks involved in being tattooed?

​

Any wound created on the body creates the potential for infection. Strict sanitation practices before and during tattooing, and proper care during healing make this risk very slim. Of the many tattoos on my own body, and all those individuals I have tattooed over the years, I have yet to experience infection. While I will do everything in my knowledge to ensure your tattoo heals impeccably, please understand that in any form of tattooing, you as the receiver are assuming some risk.

 

 

Is this type of tattooing the same as "stick-and-poke"?

 

Yes. "Stick-and-poke" is a contemporary term which generally refers to tattooing the skin using a single hand-held needle. Some stick-and-poke tattoo artists may tattoo using fine, multi-pronged machine needles held by hand, and thus tattoo at greater speed and with more possibility of grey-tone shading than using a single, simpler needle. Thus there can be much variation in the methods of stick-and-poke tattooing, and great variation in the styles, materials, and specialties of each tattooer.

​

How much does a tattoo cost?

​

The payment exchange for a tattoo reflects the amount of time and labor required by that design. This can vary a lot depending on the design, its size, and its location on the body. In general, most tattoos can be divided into three tiers: 1) tiny tattoo (within the size of a nickel) - in the range of $40 - $50, 2) medium tattoo (up to 3" and of simple to moderate complexity) - range $80 - $130, and 3) other tattoo (a medium sized dense motif, large, or very large) - which vary too much to give a generalized price range.   

​

​

What about touch-ups?

​

Normal touch-ups are offered as a part of every tattoo. Touch ups take place after a tattoo is fully healed (usually 2-4 weeks after completion of tattooing), to add very minor amounts of ink where needed. Many tattoos will not need any touching up. For some tattoos, touch-ups may be recommended. There is no extra charge for touch-ups, unless you have directly gone against instructions for after care of the tattoo and need significant amendments. 

​

​