How to Book
My books are always open, although I usually do not book further than one month in advance. I generally book through my Jotform, although return clients can book last minute spots that I post in my Instagram stories through DMing me (new clients are welcome to get a last minute spot as well, I will just ask for you to fill out my form). I like to book through a form so we’re both on the same page and I have all the info I need from you. Once I receive your form submission I will email you offering an appointment time (and maybe asking more questions if you’re getting a custom design). Once you reply with your deposit screenshot and confirm the date/time works you are booked in!
What is Handpoking?
‘Handpoking’ / ‘stick-n-poke’ / ‘machine-free tattooing’ all refer to modern manual tattooing. Throughout history there have been a variety of tools used for manual tattooing, including thorns and implements crafted from bamboo, bone, and other materials. In my hand poke practice I use bar needles, the same kind of needles used in traditional coil tattoo machines.
Hand poke tattooing is done dot by dot, so it is slower than machine tattooing. However, it is a gentler process on the skin so hand poke tattoos heal quicker and more easily without oozing and scabbing, and most people find them to be less painful than machine tattoos. If you have a hard time healing a machine tattoo without damage or infection, have paralysis or nerve damage in the area you want tattooed, or have a low pain tolerance, hand poke tattooing may be a better option for you.
Unlike machine tattoos, hand pokes usually look lighter when they are fresh and heal darker.
Location
I am working at Pink Possum Tattoo, 103 East Main Street, Richmond, VA 23219 in Monroe Ward across from the Main Library. Most of the parking around the block is free 2 hour parking, but I highly recommend checking out this interactive parking map to plan your visit to Pink Possum.
Available Designs
Please note, for the time being I am only working in black ink and graywash (I use Dynamic black ink and Dynamic graywash). I have two different categories of pre-drawn designs: repeatable and non-repeatable. Repeatable flash are done a handful of times before being retired (it’s not a strict number, it’s based on a gut feeling). If there’s a retired flash piece you want I am happy to draw an altered version for you. You can browse my available flash here on my website or in my Instagram highlights.
Pricing
The first hour of an appointment is $150, each additional hour is $100 (I round by the quarter hour when counting the time). My appointment minimum is $150. The first hour is a higher rate to cover the set-up, clean-up, materials, and administration work that goes into each appointment. If you’d like a price quote please submit a form and I’ll get back to you with a price range.
Deposit
Your appointment is booked when we confirm a date via email exchange and I receive a nonrefundable $50 deposit from you via Venmo or PayPal (for custom projects the design fee is due along with the deposit). Your deposit goes toward the final price of your tattoo. If your tattoo is a multi-session piece your deposit will be discounted from the final session. If you need to reschedule let me know at least 48 hours ahead of your appointment in order to keep your deposit when you reschedule. Appointments must be rescheduled for a date no later than one month after your original appointment in order to keep your deposit (you can reschedule further out but it will require a new deposit). You can reschedule ONE time with the same deposit. Canceling your appointment / no-showing forfeits your deposit.
No call no shows are blacklisted.
Customs
Custom projects require an additional nonrefundable $50 design fee to be paid along with your deposit. The design fee, unlike your deposit, is not counted toward the final price of your tattoo. You will receive a sketch/design 2-3 days ahead of your appointment so that I can get your feedback and make edits accordingly before you come in to get tattooed. My goal is always to have a final design you approve of before our appointment begins, and charging a design fee allows me to put the extra work into the custom design process.
I am especially interested in custom projects with the following themes: botanical, animal, fungi, medieval art, astrology, surrealism, alchemy, folk art, mythical creatures, Victorian illustration, vintage cartoons, spiritualism, art nouveau, scientific illustration
Payment
At your appointment you can pay via cash, Venmo, card, or PayPal but cash is preferred. Tips (monetary or not) are always appreciated but not expected.
Guest Policy
I often get asked if I will coordinate appointments to accommodate couples/family/friends who want to get tattooed together. I am happy to put your appointments back to back, just let me know in your booking form that you’re coordinating schedules. You’re welcome to bring a guest with you to your appointment, although we ask that you do not bring children or pets into Pink Possum.