When it comes to the topic of tattoos, many of us are familiar with the loud buzzing sounds of traditional tattoo machines. But hand poke tattoos, aka stick ‘n poke, are another type of permanent tattoos that are done without a machine. The process is exactly as its name suggests — the artist uses a push needle and ink to manually create the tattoo by hand.
Hand poke tattoos are made up of lines and dots, so there’s a certain imperfection to them that makes them feel more special. Though the process takes longer than using a machine, the unique experience of getting them has become increasingly popular today.
If you’re looking to get a new hand poke tattoo in Singapore, look no further. We’ve sourced 21 hand poke tattoo artists from Instagram and their specialised style so you can show off new ink on your body.
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Head’s up to all cat lovers: @rainstains_ink ‘s endless variations of adorable cats will have you coming back for more. Just a quick glance at their Instagram page will reveal a full collection of cats drawn as food, cats dressed up in fancy clothing, or even cats designed as horoscope constellations.
Anna, the tattoo artist, also specialises in Chinese and Japanese calligraphy characters.
Instagram: @rainstains_ink
Address: 16 Jalan Kilang Timor, Redhill Forum Building, #07-01, Singapore 159308
Booking: Fill in the booking form on Linktree
For those looking to get elegant ornamental and stippling tattoos, @gentlegiant.pokes’s flash tattoos will look great on sternums, shoulders and forearms. The artist also offers a variety of wording and roman numeral tattoos, occasionally holding promotions at cheaper rates for these on their Instagram page.
Instagram: @gentlegiant.pokes
Address: 16 Jalan Kilang Timor, Redhill Forum Building, #07-01, Singapore 159308
Booking: Fill in the booking form on Tally
Fine lines and dainty tattoos are what @poki.xi knows best. Check out some of the artist’s signature designs on their Instagram page, centred around cute cartoon girls and delicate animals such as wolves, kittens and bunnies. Plus, you’ll be treated to gorgeous views of the sky while getting your tattoo done, as shared on @poki.xi’s Instagram highlights.
Instagram: @poki.xi
Address: North, full location details will be sent two to three days prior to the session
Booking: Fill in the booking form on Tally
@todayi.poke’s tattoos are literally every uwu girl’s dream. Expect vibrant colours and cutesy characters inspired by Kakao Friends and Studio Ghibli here. If you’re feeling a little bold, try out the studio’s occasional Gachapon Promo events where you can get a random adorable tattoo for a discounted price.
Instagram: @todayi.poke
Address: 25A Bali Lane, Singapore 189861
Booking: Private message the artist on Telegram
@soft__calm’s hand poked tattoos are the definition of gentle, calm and soothing. In contrast to bold and loud tattoos, these pieces focus on thin lines and faded shadows, making you feel at ease just from looking at them. The artist also draws inspiration from photographs and everyday objects.
Instagram: @soft__calm
Address: Full location details will be sent prior to the session
Booking: Fill in the booking form on Jotform
From Y2K-inspired tattoos of flip phones and cassette tapes to surrealism and spooky cute ghosts, @poker.phase can do them all. The studio also offers temporary tattoo sheets, so you can try out some of their fun designs on your skin first before committing to them permanently.
Instagram: @poker.phase
Address: 3 South Buona Vista Road, Viva Vista Shopping Mall, Singapore 118136
Booking: Fill in the booking form on Google Forms
@doodnll is a self-taught hand poke tattoo artist that enjoys creating unique cartoon doodles that remind us of storybook illustrations. The artist’s distinctive and fun flash character designs are brought to life on your skin, perfect for those who want to preserve the nostalgic joys of childhood.
Instagram: @doodnll
Address: 16 Jalan Kilang Timor, Redhill Forum Building, #07-01, Singapore 159308
Booking: Fill in the booking form on Carrd
Warning: @9999.00ttt’s tattoos are not for the faint-hearted. If you’re seeking thrills through dark and edgy tattoos, get esoteric flash designs of skulls, demons and spiders here. Bel, the tattoo artist, has also designed a horror manga-themed flash series that will leave you both in chills and in awe at the same time.
Instagram: @9999.00ttt
Address: 64 Syed Alwi Road, #02-01, Singapore 207643
Booking: DM the artist on Instagram
@5aucepokes is a home-based hand poke studio located in the Northeast, sporting cheeky and playful doodle-like tattoos. Most of the artist’s designs showcase distorted animals in funny poses and cheeky facial expressions that will make you giggle.
Instagram: @5aucepokes
Address: Northeast, full location details will be sent when the session is confirmed
Booking: DM the artist on Instagram
There’s just something about small and dainty tattoos that enhances femininity — @avepricks beautifully carries out this sentiment in her works. Some of her past designs include flowers, stars, swirls and nature-themed elements to make you and your skin feel extra pretty.
Instagram: @avepricks
Address: 100D Pasir Panjang Road, Meissa Building, #04-06, Singapore 118520
Booking: DM the artist on Instagram
Since hand poke tattoos take a longer time to complete as compared to traditional machine tattoos, it can be tough to sit through a full session for a big piece. But @noseypokey takes on the challenge of large and detailed pieces head on, complete with swirls, sparkles and stars.
The artist often works on fairy-themed tattoos, specialising in huge fairy wings on the back to make you feel like an IRL Winx Club member.
Instagram: @noseypokey
Address: 45 Jalan Pemimpin, Foo Wah Industrial Building, #09-05A, Singapore 577197
Booking: Email noseypokey@gmail.com
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With over a whopping 37,000 followers on Instagram, a quick glance on @pigeonpokes_’s page will reveal why their designs are so well-loved. Clients can get inked with adorable designs inspired by Studio Ghibli, baby animals and even food.
Seriously, @pigeonpokes_ can transform anything under the sun into something so cute it’ll make you want to squish your skin after it’s done.
Instagram: @pigeonpokes_
Address: 150 Orchard Road, Orchard Plaza, #03-12, Singapore 238841
Booking: Private message the artist on Telegram
@sleekandpoke’s designs star bold and thick lines that are eye-catching and contrast the skin. The artist’s brighter pieces tend to be inspired by popular cartoon characters like Crayon Shin-chan and Pokémon.
As the artist Wei Ting is a lady of many talents, you can also book an appointment with her for eyebrow embroidery or lip blushing on her semi-permanent makeup account, @prettysleek.sg.
Instagram: @sleekandpoke
Address: Full location details will be sent when the session is confirmed
Booking: DM the artist on Instagram
It’s impossible to go wrong with floral-themed tattoos since they are so versatile and can suit anyone of any gender. @scarlettpokes evolves these floral tattoos with a crayon-like style that looks just like a drawing on a picture. The artist also works on colourful and cute designs, as seen from her 2023 Chinese New Year flashes.
Instagram: @scarlettpokes
Address: Full location details will be sent when the session is confirmed
Booking: Fill in the booking form on Google Forms or private message the artist on Telegram
Nat, the artist behind @pricking_peels, started as a self-taught artist at a young age of 20, and quickly specialised in her style of aesthetic flower and ornamental tattoos. Check out her concept highlights on her Instagram page that showcases designs with an ideal body placement for your next tattoo inspiration.
Instagram: @pricking_peels
Address: Full location details will be sent when the session is confirmed
Booking: Email pricking.peels@gmail.com
For whimsical designs and cute animals, @meepokes is your go-to. The artist often updates their Instagram page with new flash designs, so you’ll be spoiled for choice with exclusive animal-themed tattoos. @meepokes has also done stamp pieces featuring food, a concept that is rising in popularity among many Singaporeans.
Instagram: @meepokes
Address: Full location details will be sent when the session is confirmed
Booking: Fill in the booking form on Google Forms
@p0kezuwu’s studio combines creepy and cute together to form eccentric pieces that will stay with you forever. Anime lovers can also check out her anime-inspired flash tattoos, done by machine, featuring characters from Naruto, HunterxHunter and My Hero Academia.
Instagram: @p0kezuwu
Address: 408B Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427635
Booking: Private message the artist on Telegram
Don’t be afraid of @non.stoppoking’s signature “blob” design, as this black ball-like character is depicted as a harmless creature that is well-loved by clients. At @non.stoppoking’s studio, expect thick bold lines, dark shadings and big pieces that remind us of street graffiti. For those who can’t get enough, you can also purchase their artwork as prints and sticker sheets.
Instagram: @non.stoppoking
Address: Full location details will be sent when the session is confirmed
Booking: Fill in the booking form on Tally
Despite the dark themes surrounding @yung.kaby’s tattoos, the artist still manages to transform them into cute designs that are easy on the eyes. Some recurring themes from their tattoos include suicide, crying and feelings of lost and hopelessness — you can even find a design of poor Mickey Mouse drowning into the sea.
Instagram: @yung.kaby
Address: Full location details will be sent when the session is confirmed
Booking: DM the artist on Instagram or private message on Telegram
NGL, the first thought that came to my mind after seeing @crisis.mgt’s work is “beautiful chaos.” Take a peek into the artist’s creative mind by checking out her unique flash sheets, one of which includes a cute ghost character that, as quoted by her, is “a visual manifestation of my only two emotions, which are either sexy or distraught.”
One of my faves is her hilarious “cannibalism” tattoo, featuring a hamburger eating another smaller hamburger.
Instagram: @crisis.mgt
Address: Full location details will be sent when the session is confirmed
Booking: Email pokedbycrisis.mgt@gmail.com
@vanoha.ink’s work is filled with surrealistic art, so you can expect designs that will honestly blow your mind. Some of their flash designs showcase warped faces, magical mushrooms and funky eyeballs — a style that will suit those who want to add something quirky and fun to your skin.
Instagram: @vanoha.ink
Address: Full location details will be sent when the session is confirmed
Booking: Fill in the booking form on their Instagram link in bio
Hand poke tattoos may not be perfect, but their imperfections are what makes them all the more exclusive to each body. Plus, many have expressed that hand poke tattoos hurt less as compared to traditional machine tattoos. With this list of hand poke tattoo artists in Singapore, now you can get a head start into a new tattoo style.
For more tattoo inspiration, here are nine tattoo artists in Singapore whom we personally got inked by and recommend.
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