PERGUNTAS FREQUENTES
1. What are handpoked tattoos?
Handpoking is a slow process of
manually pushing the ink into the skin with a needle, creating multiple dots to form the entire design (Google:
stippling or pointillism). Basically, the tattoos are done without using a tattoo machine.
Handpoked tattoos are
permanent tattoos. As long as it is properly taken care of and/or isn't in an area that moves a lot (like fingers), your tattoo will stay with you for a long time.
I use
sterilized disposable tattoo needles and vegan tattoo ink. The same tools used by most artists with tattoo machines.
Go for this if you are into that organic / DIY look and feel. We're going to be spending hours together, and
we need a lot of patience for this. :)
2. Does it hurt?
Everyone experiences pain in different ways. These are the factors that we have to consider: size, placement, your pain tolerance, and the time it will take to do your tattoo.
Some places on the body hurt more than others. Generally: the closer to the bones or the more sensitive the area is, the more it will hurt. Some examples are the fingers, ribs, and inner bicep (Google:
Tattoo Pain Chart).
Compared to machine tattoos: it usually hurts less and it is less abrasive, but, again,
pain is subjective.
3. How long does it take for a tattoo to heal?
It generally takes 2-3 weeks, but everyone's skin is different.
While healing, it will start to scab and itch. Excess ink and plasma may leak as well.
To prevent your tattoo from getting infected/ruined, please try to avoid these while it's healing:
- Getting the tattoo exposed to direct sunlight
- Scratching or picking at the tattoo
- Intense workouts (excessive sweating)
- Soaking/submerging your tattoo underwater for a long time
Plan the next few weeks after your appointment ahead!
Aftercare instructions will be given during your appointment.
4. Can I still donate blood?
According to Red Cross Philippines, you can donate after a year. This also depends on the blood donation policy of the hospital, clinic, or organization you're going to donate your blood to.
5. I have diabetes / eczema / atopic dermatitis / other skin-related problems. Can I still get a tattoo?
It's possible, but it's also risky. We have to be really careful because the heat from the needle penetrating the skin may trigger a flare-up. If there's an active flare-up or open wound, it's best to wait until it's gone.
You have to really take extra care of your tattoo, especially while it's healing. Follow the aftercare guide and keep your tattoo clean to prevent any complications.
Always do your research prior to booking an appointment.
I really recommend consulting your doctor first and getting a medical certificate. :)
6. Can you design my tattoo?
Yes, this is very much preferred!
Please take a real good look on the tattoos I've done so far to see what I can do, and consider if my style fits your idea. :)
Tell me your story or idea and please send some pegs*.
Please be as descriptive/specific as you can! Sometimes, adding context to your tattoo idea can help me design it. :) It's also confusing when I get just a photo and the words "black only." haha
Something helpful: take a screenshot of my work that you like, so I can see the amount of details and figure out the style you want for the design.
I usually provide 2-3 sketches and send them within 48 hours before the appointment. We have up to 3 rounds of minor revisions. Further revisions, substantial/major revisions, or requests for an entirely new set of sketches will incur an additional fee.
You can also browse through the available flashes** in my Instagram!
* Pegs are photos that you want to get inspiration from or can use as references for the design; it is never the exact design.
** Flashes are the designs I've drawn and uploaded in my Instagram Story Highlights ("flashes") that are ready to be tattooed.
PS. It goes without saying that
I will not tattoo another artist's design unless they gave their permission.
7. How much will it cost and how long does it usually take to get a handpoke tattoo?
PRICING
Here are the base rates for tattoos that are 2x2 inches or smaller, custom or otherwise:
₱2000 - Black-only Tattoo
₱2500 - Colored Tattoo
The price can go up depending on the intricacy of the design, size, placement, and how long it will take to do your tattoo. :)
For a
more accurate and faster quotation, please include the following in your message and send it in Instagram:
- Design (description and pegs OR the exact image with the permission of the artist. Please mention their name as well.)
- Size (in inches or centimeters)
- Placement
TIME
Handpoking takes a while, and you need a lot of patience for this. Allot at least 2-2.5 hours for 2x2 inches or smaller tattoos. Bigger and/or more intricate pieces will definitely take longer and may require more than one session.
8. Where are you located?
The studio is located in a commercial space in
Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City. It's very near Mandaue Foam and S&R Shaw. It's very accessible if you're commuting. For people with cars, no need to worry about parking space. :)
The studio is a safe space and the exact address will only be disclosed after you book an appointment. My studio is my second home. Please treat it with respect.
9. Can I bring someone along for moral support?
Due to the pandemic, it would be best if you come alone to ensure our safety. You can bring only one person for moral support if you're from the same household.
Please let me know in advance if you're bringing someone along!
10. What should I do or prepare before the appointment?
Get rest, eat a hearty meal, and drink lots of water! You have to be physically and mentally prepared for this. :) Please don't forget your facemask and face shield. Bring snacks and water if you want to!
For your outfit: comfy and loose / anything that won't be tight on the area we’re going to tattoo is the way to go! Make sure I can access the area that will be tattooed easily. If you're getting a tattoo on your torso (ribs, sternum, waist, etc.), I recommend wearing a button down shirt or bringing a jacket so we can use that to cover you. :)
Please avoid consuming alcohol/drugs at least 24 hours before your appointment. They thin out the blood and will make it harder for your skin to accept the ink. Your pain tolerance may also be lower than usual.
If you're going to take painkillers, opt for Tylenol (
acetaminophen, not ibuprofen - also a blood thinner). If you are unsure, please consult your doctor first!
As much as possible, the area we're going to tattoo shouldn't have sunburn, bruises, rashes, or pimples.
11. Non-refundable Deposit, Tardiness / Rescheduling, Tattoo Touch-up, Tattoo Party, Home Service.
Non-refundable Deposit
This is required to secure your tattoo appointment. The deposit is non-refundable, but can be transferable to reschedule our appointment (3 times max). The amount will be deducted from the total cost of your tattoo. The remaining balance will be paid preferably in cash during our appointment. You can also pay the remaining balance through Paymaya or online bank transfer.
Tardiness / Rescheduling
If you are more than 30 minutes late to our appointment and/or you haven't notified me ahead of time, the appointment is cancelled and the deposit is forfeited. To reschedule, please let me know at least 3 days before the appointment. If it's less than that, a new deposit will be required to re-book the appointment.
Tattoo Touch-up
There are a lot of reasons why some tattoos just don't hold up. It could be how it was taken care of while it was healing or how light the ink was poked. Sometimes, it's just the way the skin works. The first touch up is always free, but it can't be done until the tattoo is fully healed (after 2-3 weeks). This isn't mandatory and it's up to you when you want to get your tattoo done.
Tattoo Party
Due to the pandemic, this will not be possible until further notice. I can only cater 1-2 people per day to ensure that there's enough time to disinfect and sanitize the studio.
Home Service
Really sorry, but I am no longer doing this. I work by appointment only in the studio.
12. How do I book an appointment?
Please fill out the form
here.
The available schedule is uploaded in my Instagram Story Highlights ("schedule"). You can also check out the available flashes/designs there ("flashes").
After sending the form, you will receive an email from me within 5 days. Feel free to follow up via Instagram Direct Message if I don't respond within the time frame given.
The entire booking process will be done via email for proper record-keeping and tracking everything in one place.
