r/sticknpokes Dec 21 '18

Educational Guide to successfully SnP:

2.2k Upvotes

Hi, so many people are asking for advice on this sub that I think we need a Thread pinned to the top on how to successfully poke a tattoo for beginners.

I'm gonna start with a few basic advices that I find crucial and you can comment more and upvoted them. I will edit this post and add the most upvoted comments to this list.

So here we go:

  1. Get proper equipment!

Buy it on Amazon or a tattoo supply shop. Don't use some shady ink or needles or whatnot. It's not that expensive and your tattoo will look immensely better than with India ink and sewing needle. Unless you want the genuine prison style look.

  1. meticulously cleaned workplace and equipment

This saves you from infection and other diseases you might get otherwise. DONT REUSE NEEDLES, GLOVES, RAZORS OR ANYTHING ELSE! Put your ink into a cap and throw that ink away after use. Be aware of cross contamination! Wipe the skin down with alcohol AFTER shaving the area. And DON'T USE YOUR PHONE WITH GLOVES ON, GET A NEW PAIR IF NEEDED. don't be greedy and try to save a dollar or two while risking an infection or other disease like HIV. Prepare everything beforehand and don't go running for some paper towels in the middle of tattooing

  1. Prepare a stencil that you are happy with!

It takes a huge amount of skill for your tattoo to look better than the stencil. So spend some time drawing and redrawing and perfecting the stencil before you start poking. ALWAYS FOLLOW THE STENCIL NOT THE PREVIOUS DOT! You need more passes on the same line anyways so don't let one misspoke distract you from your stencil! If you keep wiping down your stencil in the process of poking, try using a non alcohol based wiping solution. I use only pH neutral soap with water. And try applying a stencil just for fun to see how much stencil gel you need and how to use the paper. Try wiping it down with different solutions and see what works best for you.

  1. Take your time!!!

Most stick and pokes look bad because they are rushed. The cleaner you want your lines to get, the slower you have to poke. Take 1/2 a second for every dot (at least for lines). If it takes too long, take a break. Or continue the next day, or better: after it has healed. That way you can see the end result and redo things you are not happy with.

  1. Experiment and learn from others!

Noone can tell you what's right for you. So just try stuff out. Try different angles of the needle. Try different needle sizes. Try different ink. Ask people what ink, needles handposition, stencil gel they use. That's why Most of us post the needle size in the title.

  1. STRETCH the skin!

This is one of the secrets to solid lines! That's why some people dont like petroleum jelly, it makes the skin slippery and harder to stretch. Just experiment and see what's works best for you.

  1. Don't start with using small needles.

I would say don't go below 5rl. Try to use the biggest needle that fits your design. As you get better you can try 3rl or bug pin needles.

  1. Aftercare!

DON'T PICK ON YOUR TATTOO DURING THE HEALING PROCESS! Don't go sunbathing and don't stay in the water for too long. Cover your fresh tattoo with some moisturizing cream after you are done and stick a bandaid on it! Remove the bandaid after 1-3 days and clean your tattoo with pH neutral soap. Keep applying lotion 1 to 2 times a day and LET IS BREATHE. Don't put another bandaid on it.

  1. Share your results and what you have learned!

This is why we are all here. To learn from one another. Share your experiences!

NOTE: THERE IS A SHOPPING LIST IF YOU DONT KNOW WHAT SUPPLIES TO GET !

OK that's all I can think of for now. Please comment if you want to add anything and I will edit it into this post. ADMINS!! Pin this post to the subreddit!

I am no professional or a doctor so let me say these final words:

I don't know tho.


r/sticknpokes 4h ago

Freshly Stuck Did a little snail with 7rl

Post image
78 Upvotes

I have a couple pet snails I wanted to commemorate :) I also did all the other visible tattoos!


r/sticknpokes 4h ago

Freshly Stuck My newest pokes @stixxkycurse [OG design DO NOT Copy]

Post image
19 Upvotes

Did this sketch about 3-4 years ago in Vienna, inspired by the baroque architecture and the ornaments with my own interpretation. So happy she finally found her home as a tattoo.


r/sticknpokes 1h ago

Practice Pokes Third poke, now trying halftone style

Post image
Upvotes

Any advices? I used 7RL


r/sticknpokes 1d ago

Practice Pokes Fake skin is making me mad >:(

Post image
281 Upvotes

I like working on the real skin waaay more. I am mad about being unable to take the stencil and those black splashes of ink off. I tried using oil, vaseline, alcohol, even pink stuff and nothing is working :( Any tips are welcome, even though I think there's no help with this >.<
I guess I'll have to man up and do portrait study on my own leg next time :D


r/sticknpokes 1d ago

Freshly Stuck Little guy I did a couple nights ago

Thumbnail
gallery
307 Upvotes

r/sticknpokes 8h ago

Educational Looking for a tattoo I saw on this sub.

2 Upvotes

Hi guys, I remember scrolling on this sub and seeing an incredible stick n poke tattoo that looked like a night vision camera photo of a deer or a lamb? Is anyone able to help me find this amazing tattoo for inspiration??? Many thanks


r/sticknpokes 1d ago

Freshly Stuck handpoked kudzu from my flash ig @morbidcrowcuriosities

Thumbnail
gallery
108 Upvotes

me and the homies hate kudzu but it’s a southern staple


r/sticknpokes 1d ago

Freshly Stuck Jester with a 9rl

Post image
247 Upvotes

@srotoswini_pokes on insta!


r/sticknpokes 21h ago

Conversation poking over old scars

4 Upvotes

Hey!

I recently got my first sticknpoke kit))) I have a lot of old self harm scars over my arms and thighs, so I was wondering what the process would be like

Is it safe to go over scars? Do I need to poke deeper or lighter than usual? How does it heal?😅😅😅


r/sticknpokes 1d ago

Freshly Stuck recently @igorrr.poke

Post image
63 Upvotes

r/sticknpokes 1d ago

Healed healed handpoke ~~ ig sacredfoxes

Post image
56 Upvotes

this shit took like 12hrs broken up in two sessions hehe


r/sticknpokes 1d ago

Freshly Stuck Horse toy poked today!! @alegoria____

Thumbnail
gallery
77 Upvotes

Made using 1005rl
Healed venus in the right leg also poked by me


r/sticknpokes 1d ago

Freshly Stuck recently done :)) @all_theolives on ig

Thumbnail
gallery
56 Upvotes

r/sticknpokes 2d ago

Freshly Stuck Meowth poke!

Post image
100 Upvotes

r/sticknpokes 2d ago

Freshly Stuck Silverfishhh

Post image
17 Upvotes

r/sticknpokes 2d ago

Conversation Artist recommendation for baobab tree?

Post image
13 Upvotes

Hey!! I am hoping to get a Stick n Poked tattoo of a baobab tree. My inspiration is this one who is done by oums_pokes. Unfortunately, her book is closed for good. ​ However, I'm wondering if anyone has any​ recommendations for the best artist to do something like this?I

I'm based in Toronto but i travel often throughout North America and Europe and I'm in no rush to get it. So I have the true pleasure of being able to get this tatted by anyone anywhere. Id love some suggestions!!


r/sticknpokes 2d ago

Healed Healed Venus (2 monthd old) @alegoria____

Thumbnail
gallery
223 Upvotes

Healed (and bruised hahaha) Venus i poked two months ago in Madrid for a friend

Done using 9rl


r/sticknpokes 1d ago

Conversation Has anyone used Dynamic Tropical Purple ink or any of the Purple shades from Chroma?

2 Upvotes

I’ve been looking to pick up some purple ink and after some research, I’ve narrowed my choices down to the two brands. However, I can’t find ANY pics of how the shades look on skin/fake skin so if anyone has used any of those inks and are open to sharing their thoughts on them or pics, please do! I want to make sure I’m getting the right one I’m looking for before I hit order! 🙏

Cross posted


r/sticknpokes 2d ago

Freshly Stuck Second handpoke ever

Post image
57 Upvotes

Abstract jackalope/hare thing. Took me all day!!! My neck may never recover


r/sticknpokes 2d ago

Freshly Stuck Got my second s&p by @whitedottt

Thumbnail
gallery
17 Upvotes

Got it done in Jakarta. I am so glad I got this as a souvenir from my trip!


r/sticknpokes 3d ago

First S’n’P First ever handpoke tattoo :)

Post image
58 Upvotes

It’s definitely not perfect but i feel like it’s not bad for a first try!
Constructive feedback is welcome :)


r/sticknpokes 3d ago

Conversation what would you tell a beginner?

3 Upvotes

i’ve been doing stick and pokes for a bit over a year, always on fruit or fake skin. i don’t plan on doing myself much less another human for a long time, if ever. i’m not good at drawing! however, my friend group is super into it, and i’m thinking of hosting a get together where i go over the basics and let them have fun with my supplies. and then we will eat the fruit we tattoo :) anyway, what would y’all recommend i tell them? i’m thinking going over types of needles, ink, and how to transfer a stencil. i can’t think of much else though! any recommendations?


r/sticknpokes 4d ago

Practice Pokes Yesterday's practice!

Post image
597 Upvotes

Used 3rl and dynamic ink :)
I just started experimenting with greywashes, any tips are welcome!


r/sticknpokes 4d ago

Freshly Stuck charms and trinkets ^ . ^

Thumbnail
gallery
73 Upvotes