When it's time to get tattooed, most of us go straight to imagining being positioned in a reclining chair and hearing the steady buzz of a tattoo gun. Well, that's actually not the case for all tattoo styles. Enter the stick and poke tattoo. Like the name suggests, this tattoo style is the old-school way, being done through the process of being manually stuck and poked with a needle that's been dipped in ink. Sometimes the needle is attached to something like a pencil so it's easier to hold. This ancient method was once how jailbirds did their "prison tats," but now freestyle stick and poke tattoos are now hitting the mainstream for their unabashedly cool and organic vibe.
Does being poked by a needle dot by dot sound like a slow and painful experience? Turns out that this method of tattooing may actually be less painful than the machine tattoo because it's less invasive so the skin heals faster. Of course, everyone's pain tolerance differs and it can also depend on the tattoo location.
And although stick and poke tattoos derive from the DIY scene, it's best to seek out a professional for the safest and most sanitary tattoo session. A professional artist will also make sure there's no keloid scarring.
This back-to-basics tattoo style is going to look a little lighter and "less perfect" than a machine tattoo. The method is perfect for dotwork and other designs without definite outlines, tattoo artist Sarah March told Cosmopolitan. Sign us up.
Without further ado, we scoured the Internet for some of the most gorgeous stick and poke tattoos. Just try not to find a stick and poke tattoo artist after clicking through this slideshow.
Dragonfly Stick & Poke Tattoo
This dragonfly stick and poke tattoo is both bold and delicate at the same time! It may be small in size but it still makes a big statement.
Beach Scene Stick & Poke Tattoo
This beach scene stick and poke tattoo is so fun and still feminine! The imperfect dotwork adds more life to the ocean, right?
Pet Stick & Poke Tattoo
How adorable is this pet-inspired stick and poke tattoo? What a fun way to pay tribute to fur babies without going for a realistic portrait.
Classic Car Stick & Poke Tattoo
The strong lines of a stick and poke tattoo really make this classic car tattoo stick out (get it? Sorry.) We love the dotwork detail, making it even more custom.
Mountain Stick & Poke Tattoo
Can we all agree that mountains make amazing stick and poke tattoo subjects? The shading done in a dotwork style really make this tat top-notch.
Delicate Floral Stick & Poke Tattoo
Who says stick and poke tattoos have to be strong and bold? This fine line stick and poke tattoo is feminine and whimsical.
Constellation Stick & Poke Tattoo
This constellation stick and poke tattoo is out of this world. Having it hand-drawn really adds to its creativity.
Peach Stick & Poke Tattoo
How peachy is this peach stick and poke tattoo? Dimension is added with shading done in a dotwork style. The leaves are gorgeous, too.
Heart Stick & Poke Tattoo
Can't go wrong with a simple heart stick and poke tattoo. Having it done in a stick and poke style makes it more personal than if done with a machine.
Evergreen Stick & Poke Tattoo
Love nature and simplicity? Then this evergreen stick and poke tattoo is the perfect choice!
Monstera Stick & Poke Tattoo
This outline of two monstera leaves is absolutely adorable and still manages to be feminine without being overly delicate.
Dotwork Mandala Stick & Poke Tattoo
This mandala tattoo done in a dotwork style is absolutely gorgeous — and mesmerizing!
Landscape Stick & Poke Tattoo
This stick and poke tattoo is so distinctive because of the little details, such as the dotwork and the colorful lines in the background.
Coffee Stick & Poke Tattoo
Coffee-lovers, rejoice! This stick and poke coffee tattoo is cute and simple for those who are into their java.
Flamingo Stick & Poke Tattoo
Who says stick and poke tattoos can't be elaborate? This flamingo and traditional flower is so eye-catching.
Sun Stick & Poke Tattoo
We love this abstract sun stick and poke tattoo. It's subtle yet a lovely piece of ink.
Stylized Flower Stick & Poke Tattoo
From the curved stem to the simplicity of the linework, this flower stick and poke tattoo is so modern-looking.
Cherry Stick & Poke Tattoo
This tiny pair of cherries are so cute! We love the even tinier leaf that hangs on top.
Eye Stick & Poke Tattoo
This eye stick and poke tattoo is so mystical, we can't look away. We credit such mysticism to the dotwork and long framing eyelashes.
Skyline Stick & Poke Tattoo
This city skyline stick and poke tattoo is eye-catching without being overly detailed. We love the accents of the two stars and moon.
Geometric Stick & Poke Tattoo
The stick and poke style is perfect for geometric tattoos, like this fun hand one.
Stitch Stick & Poke Tattoo
This stick and poke tattoo is done in an interesting stitch-like pattern, perfect for anyone fond of embroidery.
Text Stick & Poke Tattoo
Stick and poke tattoos are great for words and phrases because of their strong and distinct lines.
Elephant Stick & Poke Tattoo
Tiny tattoos are great for the stick and poke method, such as this tiny trumpeting elephant. So adorable!
Dove Stick & Poke Tattoo
We love the free-spirited style of this dove holding an olive branch in its mouth. Its owner must be just as peaceful.
Dotted Tree Stick & Poke Tattoo
This dotwork tree stick and poke tattoo almost seems as if its in motion, with the dots traveling up and down it.
Cobra Stick & Poke Tattoo
For something a little more ferocious, we're digging this cobra stick and poke tattoo. We love how the spots were boldly inked!
Solar System Stick & Poke Tattoo
We adore this exploding stick and poke tattoo for many reasons, from the adorable galaxy motifs to the outlined head.
Camera Stick & Poke Tattoo
Those with an affinity for photography and capturing memories will be fond of this simple and straightforward camera stick and poke tattoo.
Tiny Flower Stick & Poke Tattoo
For something understated, we'd definitely choose this tiny behind-the-ear flower stick and poke tattoo.
Doodle Heart Stick & Poke Tattoo
There's definitely something doodle-ish about stick and poke tattoos and this flying heart totally takes advantage of that aspect.
Poppy Stick & Poke Tattoo
This poppy stick and poke tattoo was done totally free-handed! Now that's impressive.
Vintage Stick & Poke Tattoo
We are getting such vintage vibes from this red and black stick and poke tattoo! The detail on the woman's face is absolutely stunning.
Antler Stick & Poke Tattoo
This antler stick and poke tattoo was done with a single needle, yet the line looks clean and crisp.
Globe Stick & Poke Tattoo
For those with wanderlust, this stick and poke globe is a wonderful choice. We love the light dotwork that makes up the continents.
Pea Pod Stick & Poke Tattoo
Not all stick and poke tattoos have to be done in grayscale. We are obsessed with this cute little pea pod.
Great Wave Stick & Poke Tattoo
This Hokusai-inspired stick and poke tattoo gives off a woodblock vibe that we are absolutely loving.
Avocado Stick & Poke Tattoo
How fun are these avocado halves? We are getting serious Picasso vibes from the style these stick and poke tattoos are done in.
Cactus Stick & Poke Tattoo
The desert never looked so inviting! We love the red accents on this cactus and snake stick and poke tattoo.
Butterfly Stick & Poke Tattoo
Can't decide between a moon or a butterfly tattoo? Why not get both like this person! We are loving the hybrid of two popular tattoo motifs.
