How did you start tattooing?

I am self and community taught, which means I didn't do an apprenticeship but instead sourced information about tattooing from other artists and from the internet. I have been tattooing since June 2022. Feel free to ask me about this in person.

Are handpoke tattoos permanent?

Yes, just as permanent as machine made tattoos, as long as they're done well. The first tattoo machines were developed in the late 19th Century, so before this time only manual, 'non-electric' methods of tattooing existed. There is a general misconception that handpoke, or 'stick-and-poke', tattoos aren't permanent because they're often not done properly and are associated with forms like prison tattooing.

What should I do to prepare for my appointment?

Be well rested. Get a good sleep the night before. Drink lots of water in the days before the appointment. Hydrated skin is easier to tattoo. Bring a drink with you to the appointment too. Eat a substantial, full meal at least two hours before the appointment. Bring snacks to the appointment if you wish! It's good to keep your blood sugar stable. Having good general hygiene is a must when healing a tattoo, but it is also important to come to your appointment fresh and clean. There is no need to shave the area where the tattoo will be. Your artist has disposable razors for this purpose, so please don't feel embarrassed about this aspect of the process. Wear something comfortable that allows access to the area where the tattoo is going to be. If you are unsure what would be best, drop me a DM or email. Loose clothing is always recommended. Bring an extra layer, like a jumper, too. Sitting in one position for a while can make you cold. You can use it as a blanket, or roll it up like a pillow if you need.

Don't be hungover! I will refuse to tattoo you in this case and I will not refund your deposit. Moreover, please do not attend the tattoo appointment if you are unwell, haven't recently eaten, or have damaged skin in the area to be tattooed (e.g. bruised, sunburn, broken skin, cuts, peeling skin). I will not tattoo skin in this condition and I will advise that the tattoo be moved elsewhere. You are not under any obligation or pressure to agree with this direction.

*Check my Instagram highlights for more useful information from other artists about what to do before, during, and after a tattoo, as well as FAQs about tattoos.

How can I book a tattoo with you?

Check the Bookings page and the T&Cs page and read the information there. These will tell you about pricing, payment, boundaries, designs, and other useful stuff.

Why is the deposit non-refundable?

Taking a deposit for a booking discourages no-shows and cancellations. In the event of a cancellation more than 72 hours before your appointment, I am happy to reschedule and use the prepaid deposit for the new session. You are welcome to cancel your appointment at your discretion, and it is certainly understandable in emergency situations, however I will have still spent time doing admin for you, making flash, and have studio and material costs to cover. The deposit ensures I am still being paid for these services. Cancelling last minute makes my job more financially unstable, even with a deposit being paid, so please give me as much notice as you can.

Do you do custom designs?

Yes and no. I prioritise flash but I also offer for clients to bring their own designs for me to tattoo, whether this be something they have drawn themselves or something they have seen out in the world that they would like to make into a tattoo. Please keep in mind the style of tattoos I make when requesting a custom piece and try to imagine if the design aligns with my style. If I am not able to make a tattoo from these references I will do my best to direct you to an artist who will. In any case, please get in touch to discuss. I will not under any circumstances tattoo other artists work without their consent.

What should I do after my tattoo? How do I know when it's healed?

Please follow the aftercare instructions on the Aftercare page. Keep your tattoo dry and clean and avoid direct sun exposure and swimming for the first 2 weeks after getting a tattoo. A handpoke tattoo usually heals more quickly than a machine tattoo, as the skin is disrupted less. A handpoke tattoo will be fully healed after 2-4 weeks, depending on the style and placement.

I need a retouch/touch-up on my tattoo. Do you offer that?

Yes! Touch-ups are always free, so long as you have followed the aftercare instructions. You should wait at least 6 weeks after getting the tattoo to go for a touch up. If you have neglected aftercare, your tattoo needs heavy retouching, or you have already had at least 1 full retouch session, I will charge a flat fee of £75 to cover materials and studio rent for the touch up.

Do you offer apprenticeships?

No. I would like to mentor other artists in some way in the future, but at the moment I do not have the time to do so. You are always welcome to ask me questions about my process or equipment. The best way to ask me about my practice is to book a tattoo with me and ask about what I'm doing while it's happening.

What needles and ink do you use?

I use Lockdown needles mainly, but I also love Black Claw and Ink Claw needles. I use Dynamic Triple Black ink and for colours I prefer Intenze ink and World Famous Ink.

Why are you called elizatorta?

Great question. If you’ve read the About page of my website you can see that it’s sort of, almost, my name. After using more unconventional monikers in the past, I felt that it was time to change my handle to something more concise and memorable. A lot of artists I love use their real names for business purposes. A lot use abstract titles, too. It’s kind of a joke with myself to do both. Una torta è buona, no?