What makes my tattoos vegan and cruelty free? Another video to revisit in more detail, keeping it brief this time:

Some inks and other tattoo supplies contain animal products and have been tested on animals.

However, many modern, high quality brands are now vegan and cruelty free.

I use ink, stencil products and aftercare that does not contain animal derived products and are not tested on animals.

I also like to use eco friendly barriers and tools where possible such as: wash bottle covers and razors that are made from biodegradable materials to reduce my impact on the environment as best I can in such a high waste industry. I’m moving toward more biodegradable gloves and removing cling wrap from my set up entirely by using compostable barriers instead.

And of course, me! Cruelty free comes from my personal philosophy of living a cruelty free, vegan lifestyle which has been important to me since 2013.

Animal ingredients used for some traditional inks are: glycerin (from animal fat), bone char (for black ink), gelatin (as a stabilizer), or shellac (from beetles). In stencil paper and aftercare: beeswax and lanolin.

Vegan alternatives use vegetable glycerin, plant-based pigments, and synthetic materials to achieve the same durability and vibrancy in inks.

Thanks for reading!

Hand poked tattoos fade and aren’t permanent

Ötzi The Iceman is the oldest, most well preserved human mummy ever found and that dude has tattoos… sounds pretty permanent to me

This technique is the oldest form of tattooing - over 5,000 years! It’s ancient origins from around the world include:

- Egypt
- Japan
- Rome
- And Pacific Islands

The application was made with sharpened bones, shells, stone or bamboo dipped into pigments crafted from soot or ash and manually applied to the skin one dot, or tap at a time. In some cases small cuts were made to the skin and the pigment was rubbed into the incision.

So next time someone says hand poked tattoos aren’t permanent- tell them about Ötzi The Iceman

Share this with your friends and family, or just come and experience a modernised version of our ancient history! Book your hand poked tattoo with me!

There’s so much information on this subject this is only part one!

Why do my clients keep coming back?

Easy booking process - My booking form makes things fast and easy for both me and my clients. I’m pedantic so every detail and inquiry will be addressed prior to the appointment (form linked here on my website in the top right corner)

Intuitive designs - 9/10 times I get the concept right the first time and my clients love what I come up with, and if not it’s only a matter of tweaking to translate ideas to art

I take my time with stencil placement - I’m easy going with design changes and like to stencil just as the client visualises, but with guidance from my own perspective too. The rule is; if it’s not a “yes I love it” right away it’s a “no” and we’re going to move it (did I mention I’m pedantic)

Cosy and comfortable studio space - My studio space is comfy: pillows, blankets, breaks, tea, snacks, choice of music and a relaxed, low pressure environment where you and your tattoo are my focus

Gentle tattooing experience - Often, my clients drift off or even fall asleep from the minimal discomfort and relaxing meditativeness of hand poke

Healing is super easy and fast - treat hand poke tattoos like any other tattoo, with aftercare and keeping it clean. My hand poked tats usually heal in about 5-7 days with no scabbing.

The feedback I receive is that my clients trust me, feel heard, have a laugh and leave happy with their new tattoo and overall experience

And please leave me a review of your experience if you haven’t already on my google profile, it’s very appreciated and goes a long way to support my business. Thank you!

How do I tattoo without a machine?
There are 4 different techniques I use for my hand poked tattoos:

1. Plucking
2. Stipple
3. Packing
4. Skimming

Each technique gives a different effect & style, & that’s how I create my tattoos.

Stick around if you want to learn more about what I do & my tattoo journey!