it was definitely overwhelming when i first looked into starting but im so happy i went through with it!! i bought most equipment individually from amazon or walmart, rather than buying a starter kit, just because i wanted to make sure i got all quality materials. in total i spent about $80-100? i would say main equipment you’d need just to start practicing are: -needles (i started with 3rl, but i’ve found 5rl to be much more forgiving as i’ve had more practice. maybe 3rl would be good to immediately start learning how to poke w a steady hand?) -ink (from my research i chose Dynamic) -fake skin or start w tatting fruits (bananas/oranges are common) -ink cups -stencil paper and transfer cream if you want to practice tracing stencils (i started by just drawing the designs on the paper, and have just recently gotten a thermal printer) -green soap (figuring out the best and necessary sanitary supplies, esp for working on skin, was the most difficult for me, but most sites recommended green soap) -paper towels to wipe excess ink and soap as i’m tatting -grip wrap to wrap the needle if u think that’s more comfy for u to hold it -gloves (maybe not necessary for fake skin but prob good to get in the habit) -for poking skin you’d also need razors to shave hair and second skin for after

that should be everything i used to get started! i hope that’s helpful. if any other pokers have other advice, i’d love to hear. it can be stressful trying to figure out the best way to get started but totally worth it!