35 Incredible Stick-and-Poke Tattoo Ideas for Men & Women in 2024
Stick-and-Poke tattoos, also called hand-poked, are a style of tattooing done without a machine but rather as the name suggests, by hand using a tattoo needle. The designs associated with this style are often basic and minimalistic, although that isn’t always the case. Either way, Stick-and-Poke tattoos are worn with pride and are sometimes associated with a more intimate feel.
But before you go and get your own Stick-and-Poke tattoo, let us help guide you in choosing the perfect piece of ink. Below we’ll show you the most rad, most incredible, and best done Stick-and-Poke tattoo ideas for 2024. You’ll surely be inspired with the perfect idea of which tattoo style to get, as well as where to get tattooed on your body.
With that said, let’s begin.
Gorgeous Sak Yant Tiger Stick-and-Poke Thigh Tattoo
Welcome to another list of tattoo ideas for men and women. Today’s focus is Stick-and-Poke or hand-poked tattoos.
First up we have this gorgeous Sak Yant tiger tattoo. Sak Yant is a very popular style of tattooing in Thailand which is Buddhist in nature. Many of them include sacred geometry, animals, and deities accompanied by sacred mantras. The design is arranged beautifully and the positioning on the thigh suits it well.
IG: panumart_tattoo
Stick-and-Poke Mandala Elephant Thigh Tattoo
I cannot imagine how long this tattoo must have taken, Stick-and-Poke pieces are very intricate and take a lot longer than a machine. This one, in particular, is done perfectly, so perfect in fact you wouldn’t believe it’s a Stick-and-Poke, even the shading looks like it was done with a mag and machine. Amazing work.
IG: panumart_tattoo
Impressive Tiger Sak Yant Stick-and-Poke Upper Back Tattoo
The tiger is a powerful animal that represents strength and ferocity, complimented by the sacred mantras, this stunning Sak Yant, Stick-and-Poke (also known as a bamboo tattoo in Thailand) will bring its wearer luck and protection. I adore the way the artist brought the elements together in a very symmetrical way. Tattoos with good symmetry always look great.
IG: panumart_tattoo
Stunning Tiger Lillies Stick-and-Poke Tattoo On the Ankle
Dainty tattoos are always a great addition if you’re wanting to keep things more feminine. The only issue that could arise from this tattoo is fading, because of how light the artist went. Only time will tell, regardless, this is a very pretty tattoo and the placement is perfect.
IG: averykiyo
Tiger Sak Yant Stick-and-Poke Tattoo On Woman’s Shoulder
Here we have another tiger Sak Yant and wow does it look amazing on this client’s back with all her other existing tattoos! When adding to your collection, it’s important to try and mimic the style of the rest of them; this creates harmony and doesn’t break away from your theme, if you’re aiming for a theme that is.
IG: panumart_tattoo
Simple Micro Stick-and-Poke Dragonfly Over Woman’s Biceps
Simple tattoos are on the rise and for a good reason, they look really good. Who needs massive intricate tattoos when you could have something small and cute? Just kidding, but seriously, this tiny dragonfly is adorable and looks beautiful over the biceps. These tattoos are perfect for anyone who wants something dainty and not too noticeable.
IG: m_inspirada
Lovely Ornamental Stick-and-Poke Mandala Back Tattoo
The back is the best placement for the shape of this tattoo. It runs along the spine nicely and is simple enough that it’s not in your face, but will definitely catch your eye because of how pretty it is. There’s a lot of spiritual meaning behind this piece, hopefully, it brings the wearer everything she hopes for.
IG: panumart_tattoo
The Swan No.1-Inspired Stick-and-Poke Outer Forearm Tattoo
If you’re unfamiliar with this piece of art, I suggest Googling the name; the story behind it is really cool. The artwork is inspired by Hilma af Klint, an artist from the early 1900s. I love how accurately the Stick-and-Poke artist got the artwork, especially since it was based on a painting. Truly phenomenal work; I give all the credit to the artist.
IG: tattoosbytiger
Creepy Stick-and-Poke Spider Tattoo On Man’s Arm
How impressive is this spider tattoo? It’s amazing that it looks like it was done with a machine, but that just shows how good the artist is. Keeping the dots close together, he succeeds at creating smooth lines. I love the addition of the shadow under the spider, giving it a three-dimensional feel rather than leaving it flat. 10/10 for placement and execution!
IG: milky.matt
Adorable Kuchipatchi Stick-and-Poke Arm Tattoo
Here’s some 90s nostalgia for you; okay, Kuchipatchi isn’t from the 90s specifically, but Tamagotchi is. This is such a cute design and is done so well, especially the placement, acting as a gap filler between the other Stick-and-Poke tattoos on the client’s arm. I love the smooth dotwork shading; it gives this simple design a lot of depth.
IG: pocketgrubs
Stick-and-Poke Dancing Lady On Man’s Abdomen
This dancing lady is such a beautiful design, I love how flowy her dress is and how the artist captures the motion of her movement. The placement is quite unique, especially since the client doesn’t have any other tattoos in this area. What would really make this piece pop is some shading in the darker areas. Even though the artist uses lines to create shading, a bit of dotwork would really make a difference.
IG: astrodtattoes
Delicate Fineline Stick-and-Poke Candle Tattoo On Side of the Arm
Okay, the concept of the design is very cool, however, I feel it’s too light and will probably fade significantly over time. Another issue with this tattoo is its placement; I feel it’s too straight for the area. If the artist had included a rounded shape at the top of the candle it would have worked perfectly for the shape of the client’s arm.
IG: averykiyo
Beautiful Feminine Stick-and-Poke Ornamental Spine Tattoo
Okay, is this not one of the most gorgeous and intricate Stick-and-Poke tattoos you’ve seen? I love the varying line weights and contrasts. There’s a focal point created by the darker lotus which immediately draws your attention while allowing you to slowly take in the entire piece. Absolutely breathtaking.
IG: panumart_tattoo
Dainty Leaves Stick-and-Poke On Woman’s Thumbs
Matching symmetrical tattoos are always a great addition, especially because the human brain associates symmetry with perfection, meaning it’s more attractive to us. What’s cool about these two Stick-and-Poke tattoos is they’re symmetrical but not mirror images. That’s because one of them is facing downwards. Thumb tattoos always seem to add that extra dazzle to your hand, even when you didn’t know you needed them.
IG: slowpokes__
Funny Stick-and-Poke Alligator Tattoo
I love how smooth this tattoo is and the design is top-class funny. The design itself looks like something from a kid’s book which is adorable. Again, like a really well-done Stick-and-Poke, the dots are packed closely together giving the impression that it’s linework and not hand-poked. Nicely Done
Dotwork Stick-and-Poke Heart and Eye Biceps Tattoo
Great concept, unfortunately, not the best execution. There are no defining areas of the tattoo so the dots don’t come together in a uniform way. If the artist had focused on the eye a bit more, this tattoo could have been really good. Either way, the placement is excellent, and the shape of the design suits the biceps well.
IG: idlehandsph
Tiny Stick-and-Poke Flower Tattoo On Woman’s Arm
Isn’t this such a precious micro flower tattoo? Usually, Stick-and-Poke tattoos are in black ink, but here we have a cute colorful piece. I love the placement; even though the tattoo is small, it somehow just works. And of course it’s small enough to cover up add on to in the future.
3D Stick-and-Poke Dog Tattoo On the Forearm
This 3D dog is so cool, and while it’s a very juvenile design, it’s still such an awesome piece. I love how the artist uses two different colors that are almost similar to the red and blue you’d find on a pair of 3D glasses. The placement is great and suits the odd shape of the design. Great work!
Cute Colorful Stick-and-Poke Worm Tattoo On the Forearm
Okay this is possibly the cutest Stick-and-Poke tattoo I’ve ever seen. The worm is just too cute for words with its happy little face. I like the colors used and how the artist creates smooth lines rather than obvious dots. I wonder what the meaning behind this piece is?
Micro Flower Stick-and-Poke Tattoo On Woman’s Wrist
Here’s another dainty little colorful flower on the wrist and is it not the most precious little thing you’ve seen? The blue and green complement each other nicely. Usually, tattoos on the wrist are inked facing the opposite way, but the client obviously wanted to be able to look at it and admire it, always.
Gorgeous Stick-and-Poke Humming Birds and Script Biceps Tattoo
Everything about this tattoo is to die for, as simple as it is there’s a lot of detail which is quite impressive. The biceps is a lovely area to get tattooed for two reasons, it’s relatively painless and most designs look really cool here. I love how clean the script is, especially since it was done by hand.
Simple Stick-and-Poke Pigeon Tattoo On the Ankle
Pigeons are funny creatures and are often associated with not being the smartest of birds. Yet this pigeon looks quite impressive. The placement is awesome, but don’t get something inked here if you’re not prepared for how painful the ankle can be.
IG: fa_fli
Soft Stick-and-Poke Floral Tattoo Over Woman’s Biceps
It’s unfortunate that this tattoo is so light; it means it will fade significantly over time, but I do enjoy how the artist did this tattoo. It could definitely do with some more contrast, especially because there are no defining lines. Regardless, this is a beautiful dainty piece that works well as a feminine tattoo.
IG: _z.e.b_
Micro Stick-and-Poke Lemonade Tattoo On Back of Ankle
I love this micro lemonade tattoo, and the placement is even better. There’s an almost sketchy element to it like the artist quickly drew it on the client’s skin. Another great Stick-and-Poke tattoo that’s so well inked, it looks like it was done with a machine. Also really nice placement for the shape of the design, 10/10!
IG: nia.dots
Unique Wild Beetroot Stick-and-Poke Forearm Tattoo
Anyone a fan of beetroot? Here’s the perfect tattoo to show your appreciation for this extremely healthy vegetable. I love how feminine the face is; it suits the elegance of the design, especially the thin linework. Another thing to comment on is the placement and how well it works for the composition of the design. Kudos to the artist for doing such an exceptional job with this Stick-and-Poke piece.
IG: birthdae
Adorable Tiny Stick-and-Poke Shell Wrist Tattoo
Tiny is the new big, especially when it comes to Stick-and-Poke tattoos. Bigger pieces often take hours upon hours, much longer than a machine tattoo. I love how dainty and fine this shell tattoo is; the placement on the wrist is unique as it’s not directly on the wrist but rather off to the side. Gorgeous work by Tess. Check out the rest of her hand-poked pieces on IG.
IG: tesspokes
Uniquely Positioned Tiny Fineline Stick-and-Poke Coffee Pot Tattoo
Coffee lovers unite! Here we have an adorable Stick-and-Poke coffee pot, placed in a very unique spot. It may look slightly warped but that’s because of how the client’s bending her arm; once it’s straightened the tattoo will also straighten out. This is a very cute piece, and as lovely as it looks where it is, it would look just as great on the wrist or ankle.
Stem Motif Stick-and-Poke Tattoo On the Arm
I’m not entirely sure what a stem motif is, but I assume it has something to do with spirituality and growth. Regardless of its meaning, the design itself is quite pretty and even though it’s simple, there’s something about it that makes you look twice. Really well done and placed; both artist and client can be proud of this one.
IG: corrieforeman
Cute Stick-and-Poke Pet Dog Portrait Tattoo
Isn’t this such a cute and precious happy doggo? I love that the artist uses the outline of the pooch to create a lovely Stick-and-Poke portrait. The one leg looks a bit weird and almost like a hoof, but that can be expected when using a picture to create an outline. Either way, I adore this tattoo and think it’s a lovely way to keep your pets close to you and in your memory forever.
IG: angiehandpokes
Stick-and-Poke Four-Legged Friend Forearm Tattoo
Here we have another little pooch, and boy is he a cutie. I love that even though there’s not much detail, the details that are there are all you need to identify him. The forearm is the perfect place for these kinds of tattoos; it’s close to your body, where you would want to keep those nearest and dearest to you.
IG: angiehandpokes
Tiny Horses Around the Elbow Stick-and-Poke Tattoo
I love the concept of this tattoo. The elbow is usually an area where people get flowers or spiderwebs because of the shape, but here the artist creates a fun Stick-and-Poke out of tiny horses and I’m living for it. At first glance, they all look the same but then you notice they’re all doing different things; what a lovely little surprise.
IG: neocorticalhoney
Three Uniquely Positioned Stick-and-Poke Acorn Tattoos
Isn’t this a uniquely placed piece? Or maybe it’s the shape of the design that’s unique, whatever it is, this piece is such a nice concept and reminds me of squirrels. What’s really impressive is how smooth the dotwork is, so smooth it creates perfect lines. Truly phenomenal work; give Plain Jane some love by checking out more of her Stick-and-Poke tattoos on Instagram.
Lovely Stick-and-Poke Flower Tattoo On the Back of the Ankle
The saturation in this hand-poked tattoo is stunning. There are no inconsistencies, which is something you’ll find only when the artist truly knows what they’re doing. I love how simple yet pretty this piece is. Another tattoo on this list that’s placed in the perfect spot for the composition and shape of the design. Absolutely gorgeous.
IG: fa_fli
Micro Stick-and-Poke Lighthouse Tattoo Over Woman’s Triceps
This tiny lighthouse tattoo is just the sweetest thing. I love the addition of the little birds and the simple waves. The placement over the triceps is perfect for this tiny tattoo. It’s smooth, it’s simple, and most importantly, it’s done really well.
IG: angiehandpokes
Feminine Sternum and Chest Stick-and-Poke Tattoo
We’ve reached the end of the list and our final tattoo is this simple yet elegant sternum piece. I love how it accentuates her body and isn’t in your face, yet still adds that extra little sparkle to her body.
IG: tetufka.handpoke
We hope you found what you were looking for and had as much fun looking at these tattoos as we had writing about them. Until next time, happy inking!
