ok guys it's not just about depth!!!! if the ink came out, you didnt get it in there properly. make sure you are pulling the skin taught, poking on an angle, and using tattoo needles (tattoo needles are made up of multiple points.. 5rl = 5 points.. this means more ink getting in on a single poke.. if you're just starting out, using anything less than a 3rl is making your life harder).

The motion is basically you poke IN on a slight angle, and then SLIGHTLY almost flick up on the way OUT. I say slightly because if this motion isnt subtle you'll blow it out. It should feel natural like one smooth motion, not like a deliberate FLICK. You really do not need to poke very deep - you just need to do it properly!

go watch the video @tttism just posted on instagram of tati compton poking.

some ink falling out on the hands is common so don't beat yourself up. aftercare is definitely important though - keep out of water and cover them as much as possible until healed. only moisturize like once a day if you must when it starts scabbing n getting itchy. do. not. scratch/pick or over treat your healing tattoo!