The explosion of Stick + Poke / Handpoked Tattoo in the past few years is undeniable. Whether you're going into a professional shop to get your next tattoo or brave enough to try it yourself at home, we're here to inform you all about stick + poke in this very Bad workshop. Maybe you're just curious about the process? Maybe you are looking to pick up a new hobby? Maybe you need to stab something? We got you! Although you can go online and buy any number of kits to get started, we're all for some more informed guidance from your trusted local Bad School along with a kit to take home.
We're partnering up with local tattoo artist Alex Friesen (she/her) of @teenypokes to tell us all about the origins of handpoke tattooing, how she got started, and the process and technique of this fun but naughty art. In this 2-hour workshop you'll not only get hands-on guidance, but some much-needed practice (not on a human of course), and your own kit to take home! Woo! We will also, of course, be reviewing the importance of health and safety around tattooing*
Grab your ink-crazed friend and join us on October 22nd for this spooky, fun workshop!
NOTE: This workshop is meant to be informational only! In no way are we encouraging participants to begin tattooing with little to no experience... in fact, quite the opposite. Don't come for us plz ;)
Alex Friesen (she/her) is a self-taught tattoo artist who began stick & poke tattooing in 2018. She learned the basics with the help of some friends and youtube videos, but as with most artforms, she learned by doing. She had been embroidering intensely detailed pet portraits for years already, and so the act of taking her time with small movements to create a bigger picture was not a new concept to her. In this workshop, you will learn a little about the history and artform of handpoked tattoos, the supplies needed, basic methods and safety tips, as well as a live demo and in-person practice time with a grapefruit. This workshop is meant to be an overview of the art of handpoke tattooing, and not a comprehensive tutorial. The goal is to demystify the often gatekept world of tattooing and help empower women and gender non-conforming folks to begin their tattoo journey!
