Handpoked Tattoos
Handpoked tattoos are done by a manual tattooing technique that uses nothing but a tattoo needle and ink, rather than using a tattooing machine. There’s traditional handpoke methods like the Japanese ‘tebori’ and the Thai ‘sak yant’ tattoos; I use a more modern handpoked method using a tattoo needle that is also used in coil machines.
How it all started...
Hey I’m Li! I’m a handpoke tattoo artist (tattooing without machine) from the Netherlands and since 2017 based in Algarve, Portugal.
I started learning handpoke during the pandemic when life slowed down and I rediscovered my passion – and need – for creativity. Creativity and self-expression through art and music, as well as tattoos (since a legal age) have always played a significant role in my life and personal healing journey. I started to create again, something I’d been “too busy” for while running a business as a chiropractor.
I thought of ways to combine healing through chiropractic with healing through art and opened a studio in Loulé in 2023. However, life showed me I needed to take some time for myself to realign with my purpose, so I decided to take a break from everything and focussed on my own healing.
In the meantime I’ve trained with great handpoke artists @momospoke, @ann_pokes and @maria_pokes.
I love handpoke because it’s such a meditative process, as every dot is made conscious-li by hand. The process takes a bit longer than a machine tattoo, but it’s more gentle on the skin and generally heals faster. My favourite style is the unique shading effect that can be achieved by handpoke and I love mandalas.
Conscious-Li
I care about our planet; I’m conscious about the materials I use, aiming to reduce plastic waste, carbon footprint and to use products that are safe for our bodies. I do use some materials made of plastic sometimes as I receive them from someone as a gift/donation or already had it – I will still use it as it makes no sense to me to throw it away 🙂 Also I will never sacrifice the quality and safety of the tattoo for more eco-friendly materials.
I aim to use biodegradable materials where possible and use products that are natural and safe for our skin, as much as possible. And all is vegan-friendly 🙂
For my other art forms I also like to use recycled materials, upcycle, and try to buy local where possible.
It may not always be perfect but the intention is always there 🙂 That’s why I call it: Consciousli!
FAQ
What is a handpoked tattoo?
Handpoke is a manual tattooing technique that uses nothing but a tattoo needle and ink, rather than using a tattooing machine. There’s traditional handpoke methods like the Japanese ‘tebori’ and the Thai ‘sak yant’ tattoos; I use a more modern handpoked method using a tattoo needle that is also used in coil machines.
Is a handpoked tattoo permanent?
YES! Some people confuse handpoked tattoos with henna tattoos that are temporary. The only difference between a handpoked tattoo and a machine tattoo is that a handpoked tattoo is done without a machine. The needle penetrates the skin the same way and thus the ink is being deposited into the same skin layer, making a handpoked tattoo just as permanent as a machine tattoo 🙂
Is a handpoked tattoo more painful?
No! Handpoke actually is more gentle on the skin than a machine tattoo as the needle is not being ‘dragged’ through the skin but rather every dot is being made individually. This doesn’t necessarily mean getting a handpoked tattoo is completely pain-free – your skin still gets pierced with a needle and it also depends on the location, the skin, how you’re feeling etc 🙂
How long does it take to get a handpoked tattoo?
Handpoked is a manual method and therefore always takes longer than a machine tattoo. The duration depends on the size, the design and the location of the tattoo. It can take an hour, or 6 hours. When booking your tattoo I will always give an estimate of how long it will take, however I always ask to not plan anything else that day as it can always happen that it takes more time than expected and I don’t like to rush 🙂
Will my tattoo need a touch up after it’s healed?
Sometimes the tattoo can fade a bit in which case a touch up is needed. This is more common in fine line tattoos; thin needles have to be used more superficially in the skin to prevent the ink from blowing out. The goal obviously is for the tattoo to heal well without a touch up being needed, but I always believe it’s better to have tattooed too gently and needing a touch up than to have a tattoo that can’t be fixed anymore. Besides that every skin is unique and heals in its own way. Taking good care of your tattoo is essential for proper healing!
How much does a handpoked tattoo cost?
The minimum price for a small tattoo is €50 (with exception of some of the flash designs or special promotions). The exact price of a tattoo always depends on the size, the design and the location/placement of the tattoo. Contact me for a price estimate.
How do I make an appointment?
For a price request please e-mail me with the following info:
The flash design you picked or your idea* (please include reference images), the location where you want the tattoo, and the size.
If you’re around only for a limited time please include the dates!
*For personalised designs please have a look at my work and designs to see if your idea fits in my style 🙂
I don’t copy designs and every design will only be tattooed once.