MISS POKES TATTOO
HANDPOKED TATTOOS
✦ Frequently Asked Questions and Policies
Please check the FAQ and Policies before booking an appointment! 🙏 If you have any unanswered questions/concerns, feel free to send an email or fill out the inquiry form!
For booking policies (deposit, payment options, custom/flash designs, lateness/rescheduling, touch-ups), select the Policies tab!
Handpoked tattoos are done by manually pushing ink (I use vegan tattoo ink) into the skin with a sterilized tattoo needle, one dot at a time. 💪🏽✨
Just like machine tattoos, handpoked tattoos are permanent and can last a long time with good care, though tattoos on areas that move a lot (like fingers or elbows) may fade.
Pain depends on the placement, design size and detail, how long the tattoo will take, your pain tolerance, and other factors (please see FAQ #6). Everyone feels pain differently. Usually, spots with thinner skin, closer to the bone, or with more nerves can hurt more (like the fingers, ribs, stomach, lower back, and inner bicep).
Rates
My rates start at:
₱3000 (black and gray) / ₱3500 (colored)
I quote per piece depending on the design's complexity, size, placement, and how long it could take to complete. Base rates are usually for tattoos that take about an hour or less.
For info on deposits and payment options, please check the Policies section.
Time
The time depends on the design and placement. While I try to work as efficiently as possible, factors like pain tolerance, skin texture/elasticity, etc. (please see FAQ #6) can also affect how long the appointment will take. A lot of patience is needed!
Please try to not make any time-sensitive plans, like important dinners or flights, right after the appointment.
A 2x2-inch tattoo can take me ~2 hours to complete, but it can also take ~4 hours. It really depends on the design and placement. Small tattoos aren't always quicker; intricate details take time. 🙏🏽
Appointments are capped at 8-9 hours. For full-day or multi-session pieces, feel free to email me so we can plan ahead!
For a quote, please email me at misspokestattoo.inquiry@gmail.com with the following:
- Idea/Design (description and reference photos)
- Size (preferably in inches or centimeters, but any object with a universal size like a credit card works)
- Placement (example: left forearm, below the elbow crease)
I'll get back to you within a few days, at most a week 🙇🏽♀️ If you don’t hear from me by then, please feel free to follow up!
You can get multiple tattoos in one session. If you have a set budget, please let me know and we'll figure out what's possible!
I’m happy to work with designs from the internet as long as they’re public domain or we have the artist’s permission. For your own or another artist’s work, we can first check if I can do it! 🙏🏽
As tattoos age, ink spreads out a bit and the colors will fade due to sun exposure and the naturally occurring dispersion of pigment under our skin. Bright/light colors (yellow, orange, light pink, light blue, etc.) tend to look faded if there's no darker color outlining or surrounding them for contrast. Over time, our skin will change and so will our tattoos. <3
Yes! All tattoos in my portfolio are drawn by me unless I mention otherwise. 🫶🏽
If you'd like help finalizing your tattoo idea, please send the details from FAQ 3 via email. Including 1-3 examples of my work that you like is super helpful as it gives me a clearer sense of the style you're after. Feel free to add any sketches, doodles, or a bit of backstory (no pressure to share anything too personal). 🙌 For info on the sketches and revisions, please check the Policies section.
If the design is a bit tricky to describe or the placement is very specific (like filling gaps or covering an old tattoo/scar), we can set an in-person consultation. Just send an email so we can schedule a date and time.
Currently, I don't offer design commissions or sell designs to be tattooed by others. Thank you for understanding! 🙇🏽♀️
I do cover-ups on a case by case basis. With my current skill set, I can only cover-up small and very simple tattoos.
Please send a clear, straight-on photo of the tattoo or scar, along with its size. If you can place a 5-peso coin or ruler next to it for scale, that would be really helpful! Let me know if you already have a concept or theme in mind for the cover-up. If it's something I can't take on, I'd be happy to recommend other artists who can help.
For cover-ups, scars should be at least 1-2 years old and tattoos should be at least 3-4 months old.
Make sure you’re well-rested and have a good meal before our appointment! 💪🏽 Eating within 3 hours beforehand helps prevent dizziness and fainting. Feel free to bring snacks and drinks if you'd like! Being well-rested helps a ton with the physical stress of getting tattooed.
Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water and moisturize your skin consistently for at least a week before the appointment (especially if you're coming from the beach). Hydrated skin takes ink better! If the area that will be tattooed is sunburnt, bruised, blistered, or peeling, we can either change the placement or reschedule.
Avoid alcohol or any substances that could affect bleeding or swelling for at least 24 hours before the appointment, as these can lower pain tolerance and make it harder for the ink to settle. If you’re taking painkillers, go for Tylenol (acetaminophen), as ibuprofen is a blood thinner. Consult your doctor if unsure or allergic to NSAIDs. If you arrive hungover or under the influence, we’ll need to reschedule.
Wear comfy, loose clothing that gives easy access to the tattoo area and that you don’t mind getting stained. If you tend to get cold easily, bring a jacket. For tattoos on intimate areas (like ribs, sternum, or inner thighs), please consider bringing a blanket, button-down, or zip-up hoodie that we can use for cover. Nipple pasties are also available in the studio, but it's best to wear yours if you have them!
Feel free to bring things that can keep you entertained/distracted, like a book or phone. Some folks watch movies or work while getting tattooed! I’m also happy to chat, but if you prefer a quiet session, just let me know.
Healing usually takes about 2-4 weeks, but it's different for everyone! Before you leave the studio, I'll wrap your tattoo with a waterproof, transparent adhesive film dressing (like Tegaderm) to keep it clean and safe, and I'll also provide an aftercare guide.
To help your tattoo heal and prevent infection, please avoid these for 1-2 weeks:
- Direct sun exposure on your tattoo
- Tight clothing or fabrics that might rub/snag on the tattoo
- Scratching or picking at the tattoo
- Intense workouts and excessive sweating
- Soaking or submerging your tattoo in water (no pools, beaches, saunas, long hot showers, etc.)
A fresh tattoo is essentially a wound. It will be sore, may ooze excess ink and plasma, and will likely scab and itch as it heals. Please take care of it and plan for the next few weeks after your appointment! 🙌🏽
You're welcome to bring up to 2 companions! I appreciate getting a heads-up if you're bringing someone along. 🫶🏽
Yes! Please fill out the booking form individually, and mention each other's names in the Notes section. Write the same slot/s and submit your forms on the same day so I can block off the time for your group. 🙏 I usually send separate confirmation emails for your privacy, but let me know if you'd prefer to have one email thread for everyone!
I can take 2-6 folks in one day, depending on how long each tattoo takes. For example, I can do 3 tattoos that take around 4 hours each, or 6 tattoos that take about 2 hours each.
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or want to plan ahead!
Please consult your doctor first if you have any medical condition* or are taking medication** that could affect your skin or the tattooing and healing process. Some medications can make your skin extra sensitive or increase bleeding. Your relevant health information will be asked in the booking form.
* Heart disease, diabetes, anemia, hemophilia, epilepsy, STIs/STDs, eczema, psoriasis, vitiligo, moles or rashes on the area that will be tattooed, allergies (eg. anesthetics, adhesives, soaps), etc.
** Acne treatments, antibiotics, blood thinners, etc.
Creature Comfort Studio is located in Mandala Park, Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila. It's quite accessible by commute, and there's paid parking available for cars, motorcycles, and bicycles. For detailed directions, parking info, and the building map, please check www.creaturecomfortstudio.com/location.
The studio is my second home, and I'd be grateful if you could treat it with kindness! 🙇🏽♀️
When you're ready and sure about your tattoo idea, fill out the booking form. 🙌🏽 If you'd like a quote first, email the details listed in FAQs 3 and 4.
I open my books 1-2 months at a time, and the available dates are listed on the booking page. If you want to book an appointment further ahead, please keep an eye out for when I open up scheduling for that month.
For a smooth booking process, please take your time with the form. Try to avoid phrases like "see previous convo," "details to follow," "sent on IG," or anything similar. If the details are too vague or unspecified, I may ask you to fill out the form again.
The entire booking process will be done via email to keep track of everything in one place! After submitting the form, you'll receive an email from me within 3 days with payment details for the non-refundable deposit and other appointment info. Sometimes, my email ends up in spam. If you don't hear back from me, please follow up via email or Instagram DM. 🙏🏽
Once you’ve sent the deposit and attached the receipt in our email thread, I’ll confirm your payment within 3 days. I’ll also send over a copy of the consent form, notes and reminders (basically everything here in the FAQ, including booking policies), and a Google Calendar invite for your appointment. If I need to send any sketches, you'll get them within 48 hours before the appointment.
After that, we’re all set! Just check the prep guide (FAQ #6) and count down the days ‘til tattoo time! Hehe 💖
I understand my booking process can be quite tedious, but it really helps me prepare for you and your tattoo! 🙏🏽 I respond to messages/emails in between drawing, tattooing, admin work, and other tasks. I try my best to cater to as many folks as I can each day, but I also have to look after my well-being to give you my best work. Thank you for your patience and understanding, it means the world to me! 🙇🏽♀️💖
If you’ve read through all the FAQs and policies, I have a little thank-you gift! When booking, please write the not-so-hidden code in the Notes section of the form to get a free small flash tattoo (designs will be shown during the appointment, 0.5x0.5 to 1x1 inch, 15-30 minutes). This can only be redeemed once and can't be transferred to another person. Not available in pop-ups / outside Creature Comfort Studio. If the code isn’t in the form, it won’t apply! The code and it's location changes every month (or whenever I feel like it) 🫶🏽