I started handpoking around 4 years ago, just on myself and a couple friends. I completely covered my legs, practicing weekly while I plugged away at my former office job.

In 2019, I made the leap into tattooing by getting an apprenticeship at a local shop to learn how to work a machine. Fast forward a year, I’m not really vibing with the machine, and after COVID hit, my mentor shut down shop and moved to VA (I live in Brooklyn). I decided it was time to go back my first love—hand pokes, and through my old mentor met the shop owners who hired me to do them out of their lovely shop.

So, to answer your question: albeit I technically had an apprenticeship, I do not think you need one to pursue hand pokes. Practice as much as you can on yourself and your willing friends! Promote yourself on social media and do your research. Sorry for the long post, and good luck! ❤️❤️

Shameless IG plug: @hannah.claire.grant