By Trinity Harrison, Online Editor
From ancient times to present day, tattooing has represented everything from a tribal initiation to a method of self-expression. One of the newest fads in tattooing is stick-and-poke, also known as “prison style.”
Stick-and-poke tattoos are achieved using a needle and any type of ink – typically India ink and even ink from pens. The process occurs by poking the ink-saturated needle into the skin repeatedly until the desired design is complete. Although the process seems simple to some, a number of worries have begun to arise as this practice gains popularity.
“(There are) many different risks, such as if you use the same needle with you and maybe a friend,” local tattoo artist AJ Herron said. “That is an instant cross-contamination of blood that can lead to a blood-borne pathogen such as AIDS, hepatitis A, B or C.”
For those who have this style of tattoo, most are not aware of the potential risks they expose themselves to.
“I would not really recommend it because it’s really not safe because of infections,” junior Jayne Walker said. “It is a big risk and a concern for me.”
Stick-and-pokes have become a major underground way to get tattooed in modern culture. Aside from the medical dangers, the technique behind stick-and-poke varies greatly from that of traditional tattoos.
“I have done both – give and receive stick-and-poke (tattoos),” Herron said. “Giving it, it is definitely a different technique when it comes to tattooing. Receiving, they are a lot more painful, typically.”
So why get a stick-and-poke tattoo? In most cases, people are too eager to get tattoos so they resort to the do-it-yourself form of tattooing instead.
“There are multiple reasons: some people really do have the real respect for the ancient art of tattooing that goes along with stick-and-poke,” Herron said. “But the way I see it, a lot of times it’s kids who aren’t listening to the rules.”
Since there are still people who respect the art of stick-and-poke tattooing, there are still safe options to having the unique ink. Herron is one of the few artists on the Outer Banks who chose to take part in the art.
“I personally (love stick-and-poke tattooing) for the ancient part of it and there are some images that are best to achieve that way,” Herron said. “I use a specific tool that hooks up to a regular modern-day tube and holds the needle, so it is completely sterile and there is nothing to worry about.”
And for those who choose to get these types of tattoos, sometimes there is something more than the eye can see.
“I have my zodiac sign, I have a heart and I have a wave representing the ocean because I feel like I am connected,” junior Kat Iwashchenko said. “I got the heart because I believe that everyone should love their body and love who they are. And I got my zodiac sign because I really love the stars and astrology.”
With all of the tempting reasons to get a stick-and-poke style tattoo, Herron stresses that the life-threatening risks will always be there.
“Do your research and decide if you really want to do it,” Herron said. “You could potentially be making a life-changing mistake, not just aesthetically.”
Junior Trinity Harrison can be reached at harrisontr0314@daretolearn.org.
