Hand Poke
Hand Poke Tattoos in Melbourne
Machine-free tattoos, placed by hand one dot at a time. Soft, textured linework and ornamental pieces by Georgia Mooney at our Fitzroy studio.
The work
Hand poke from the Umbra studio
Real tattoos, photographed in our Fitzroy studio.
Why Umbra
Why get hand poked at Umbra
01
Quiet and unhurried
No machine and no buzz, just a needle and a steady hand. Many clients find the slower pace calmer.
02
A softer, textured look
Every dot is placed by hand, giving a soft finish that suits fine linework, ornamental patterns and small pieces.
03
Designed around you
Every piece is custom, drawn from your ideas and fitted to the shape of your body.
04
Licensed and hygienic
Hand poke follows the same licensing and hygiene standards as every tattoo in our Fitzroy studio.
Your artist
Hand poke artist
Tap to see Georgia's full portfolio and booking details.
Reviews
What clients say
★★★★★
“I recently had my feet tattooed (hand poked) by Georgia… She was very patient and accommodation to my multiple design changes… 5 ⭐️’s to G and Umbra, highly recommend!”
★★★★★
“Not just a tattoo shop. This place is a standard. From the moment you walk in, you feel it. No ego, no bullshit. Just good people who care about what they do and who they do it for.”
★★★★★
“There’s a very nice welcoming environment in the studio, and all super nice artists… Many times I’ve seen artists help each other with designs, placement and sizing which makes everyone comfortable and happy about their next tat!”
The style
What is a hand poke tattoo?
Hand poke is tattooing without a machine. The artist places ink into the skin by hand, one dot at a time, using a single sterile needle. It is the oldest way of tattooing, and the pace is slower and quieter than machine work.
Because every dot is placed individually, hand poke has a soft, slightly textured look. It suits fine lines, dotwork, ornamental patterns and small, considered pieces.
What suits hand poke
Ornamental and geometric patterns, fine linework, small symbols, and hand, finger and foot pieces like the ones in Georgia's portfolio.
How it feels
Everyone feels it differently. There's no machine buzz, you can take breaks whenever you need, and we keep free lollies, soft drinks and barista coffee on hand.
Aftercare
Look after it like any new tattoo. Our aftercare guide covers everything you need.
How it works
Booking your tattoo is simple
Tell us your idea
Book a consult online or send an enquiry with a photo and rough size.
We design it
Your artist creates a custom piece and confirms placement, size and a fixed quote.
Secure your spot
A small deposit locks in your date (and comes off your final price).
Get tattooed
Turn up, relax, and leave with art you'll love forever.
Ready for your hand poke piece?
Book a consult online, or send us your idea and we'll get you a quote today.
FAQs
Does hand poke hurt less than a machine tattoo?
Everyone feels it differently. There's no machine buzz, you can take breaks whenever you need, and we keep free lollies, soft drinks and barista coffee on hand to keep you comfortable.
How long does a hand poke tattoo take?
Longer than the same design done by machine, because every dot is placed by hand. Your artist will give you a time estimate with your quote.
Will a hand poke tattoo last?
Yes. A well-applied hand poke tattoo lasts like any other tattoo. Follow your aftercare and protect it from the sun.
Can I get hand poke on my hands, fingers or feet?
Yes, and Georgia does plenty of them. Hands, fingers and feet can fade faster than other placements with any technique, so a touch-up may be needed down the track.
Do I need a deposit?
Yes. A small deposit confirms your booking and is deducted from your final price.
Where are you?
We're at 395-397 Gore Street, Fitzroy, a bright, two-floor studio near Johnston and Brunswick Streets.