Article Written for Stickandpoketattookit.com   5/6/13

The facts about Self-Tattooing

Many ancient cultures used tattoo for decorative, protective and symbolic reasons. It could ward of evil for women during childbirth, signify a warrior and denote prestige in one’s tribe. Most recently, humans have been tattooing out of boredom, desire to adorn one’s body with something life affirming and significant. It’s also cool to have a best friend tattoo you (sometimes while intoxicated) in order to remember this crazy-awesome moment forever.

Whatever the complex reason, the tools are pretty simple and easy to get ahold of: a sharp object and some dark black liquid. Dip in the ink, poke, wipe and repeat. If one is hard up for these supplies, such as in a jail, the sharp object may be a paper clip, scraped along one of many cement walls to form more or less a point. Ink can be taken from a pen, or made from burned anything (carbon) mixed with a liquid. On the ‘outside,’ one can simply procure a sewing needle and some artist ink (India ink is quite common). Wrap the needle with thread in order to hold the ink, and Presto! - a permanent memory maker.

I explored the stick and poke tattoo right after opening a ‘new chapter’ in my life two years ago (that may or may not have involved a break up followed by early-life crisis ;-P ). Some cool new friends assured me that they have done it a ‘million times,’ and the evidence was all over them in the form of cute little symbols  that meant something to them. I liked the concept. I was in. I now have 3 stick and pokes and 2 gun tattoos. I love them! The story doesn’t end there….

There are just a few issues with poking deep into one’s skin repeatedly (as you can imagine). One: you possibly-may introduce pathogens (think STI’s, flesh eating bacteria). {Never share ink or needles, always sterilize!!!} Second: oh - what is the black stuff you are making stay between your skin tissue and having your body digest over time? Um yeah.

Artist ink, india ink, pen ink are all made for paper. Not even for the TOP of your skin, much less inside. Did you know that ink can contain toxic chemicals? Let old Wiki tell you about Ink:

“Ink can be a complex medium, composed of solvents, pigments, dyes, resins, lubricants, solubilizers, surfactants, particulate matter, fluorescers, and other materials. The components of inks serve many purposes; the ink’s carrier, colorants, and other additives control flow and thickness of the ink and its appearance when dry.” – Wikipedia page on Ink

One toxic chemical commonly found in pen ink is asp-Anisidine, to which Wiki exclaims, “Inappropriate contact can cause effects such as severe headaches, skin irritation, or nervous system damage.”

Sidenote: It is a little known fact that Professional Tattoo Ink is not regulated by the FDA. It can be made of almost anything. Think about the new black light and neon colors. Sound kosher to you?  I recently made an appointment to go get a tattoo and I asked my artist which ink she will be using. She replied “Talen’s.” Talen’s ink is a drawing ink made for artists to Do Art. On Paper. I told her I’d be bringing my own (sterile, vegan ink with 4 benign ingredients made just for my largest and most visible organ).

Thus a product is born. Stick and pokes are all around us – and why not. It is great. Adults are celebrating their independence, their personalities, their friends, and their beliefs by tattooing themselves and each other. Let’s do it in a more safe way.

I have painstakingly researched the best stuff to go into a ‘tattoo kit’ so that this process can be cleaner and with less risk of reaction, infection and with ink that is free from toxic chemicals.

My handmade in San Francisco kits include: sterile professional vegan tattoo ink, a sterile needle, sterile gloves, sterile alcohol wipes, sterile gauze, and a sterile bandage. I include a cute lil book with history, instructions, and tattoo ideas. If you plan on sticking and poking, I hope you consider your health and their health of those involved. Namaste bitches! Must be 18 to purchase. Bulk orders available.

Nicole L. produces Stick and Poke Tattoo Kits