Stick n poke tattoos have come a long way from the musky basement of your sketchy friend.
With all due respect to unsanitary sewing needles and the charming memories they create, stick n pokes are emerging as a mainstream yet intimately artistic form of tattooing. With shops opening up around the world dedicated to the form and Instagram paving the way for shop-less artists to attract clients, stick n pokes are quickly on the rise - especially in Austin. Not sure where to begin? Don't worry - we made this handy little guide for our favorite Stick n Poke Artists in Austin.
Contributed by Chance Williams
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Photo via Instagram
Merrin is an Austin-based hand-poke and machine tattoo artist who works under the handle Mer Pokes. She has an experimental style of tattoos that she hand-draws herself, from psychedelic dancing flowers to simple animal designs. She opens her booking times a month in advance, so check out their flash sheets and book a slot today.
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Photo via @nogoodtattoo
Starting out as a homegrown DIY tattooist, Emily No Good recently started their own shop No Good Studios in Austin to host and curate a safe community space for artists and clients alike to explore the realms of tattooing. Emily’s personal style is just that - personal. Featuring simple but refined linework and stark imagery in their designs, it’s no wonder these tattoos have become so locally sought after. Their books are currently closed, but keep up with Emily on Instagram to inquire about bookings and be the first to see their new flash as it comes available.
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Photo via @natpowertat
With their own twist on a traditional style, Nat Power is making a name for themselves in the Austin tattoo scene. An apprentice at Royal Legion Tattoo, their work is mainly comprised of animal flash with a simple red and black color scheme. They combine the new age style of hand poking with traditional American tattooing. Reach out on Instagram to inquire about availability and book your appointment.
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Photo via @dopetoast
Dope Toast’s work consists of simple designs highlighting shapes and the different ways they interact. Abstracting everything from animals to plant life, their work creates a personal lens to each subject while keeping the essence of an object intact. Their books are currently closed, but keep up with them on Instagram to inquire about bookings and be the first to grab a slot as they come available.
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Photo via @birth.mark
Shara Crosby’s work consists of thin lines, dotted images, and personal subjects. Whether it’s inking sunsets or an almost Van Gogh like flower vase, their imagery feels intimate and close to home. Machine-free, Crosby is taking bookings today.
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Photo via @blue.child
Blue Child has a distinct style that meshes the lines between spooky, fun, and heartfelt. Heavily employing shadows and gradients, their subjects range from insects and plant life to skulls and stairwells. Their books are usually full so make sure to book in advance through their website. They just opened their booking for November and the rest of October!
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Photo via @bellytatty
These hand poked tattoos range from illustrative in nature to clean styles of lettering. Featuring a heavy amount of portraits on their Instagram page, anything from cats to anime cowgirls, these tattoos are a unique and fun way to mark your body. Booking out of No Good Studios, you can contact them through their Instagram. Their books are currently closed, but keep up with them on Instagram to inquire about bookings and be the first to grab a slot as they come available.
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Photo via @zaindalain
Zaine Vaun, tattooing under the handle @zaindalain, does single needle hand poked tattoos focusing on fine black linework. Using everything from space and nature to henna and more abstract styles as inspiration, Vaun has developed a truly unique style of poke. Reach out on Instagram for availability.
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Did we miss your favorite hand poking wizard in Austin?
