TATTOO TRAINING
Why Train in the Hand Poke technique?
The history of handpoke or stick and poke tattooing spans all cultures over thousands of years. What was once seen as an outdated method, replaced by machine tattoo "guns" is now making a huge-come back in the tattoo world. The hand poked technique has a more holistic approach making it a technique more and more people are drawn as it hurts less, is less invasive, heals quicker and can create a more organic and natural tattoo aesthetic.
As someone who values deep connections and intentional living, I teach with a mindful approach to tattooing. This makes the whole journey of both receiving and giving a tattoo a more positive and therapeutic practice.
This training will be useful in learning how to tattoo yourself, friends and family for fun, or to make it into your own little side hustle that can turn into a full blown career path. Maybe you are feeling an itch to dive into a new skill or passion or you want to
What's included in your training
I want to provide more than just a training course on hand poked tattoos. I want to support others in their growth as a multi-dimensional human and as a creative. My whole philosophy is that every tattoo has a story. So, as you grow your understanding of hand poked tattoos, you will also be diving deeper into your own story too. In addition to this you will receive hands on guidance, step by step through the entire process from skin education, safety and sanitation to actually tattooing on real skin and everything in between!
LEVEL 1 - LEARNING THE ART OF SELF-TATTOOING (~60 hours)
- Beginner tattoo kit + workbook
- Learning the history of tattoos
- Equipment overview and set-up
- Sanitary and safety protocols
- Skin education
- The use of different needles, inks and techniques
- Design creation and stencils
- Anatomical guidelines
- Aftercare information
- Step by step, real-time guidance to self-tattooing
- Thoughtful and constructive feedback on your homework, and tattoos. You will be tattooing on fake skin, and on your own skin. for this training. Marni will be providing hands on support.
LEVEL 2- CREATING INTENTIONAL TATTOOS FOR OTHERS (~100 hours)
- Level 1 is required to proceed to this next level
- Mindful approach to client care and customer satisfaction
- Understanding AHS standards of care
- Deeper dive into anatomical placement of tattoos and troubleshooting areas
- Education on working with different skin types
- How to create custom tattoos for others and working alongside your client
- I will help to further push you in your own creative expression
- Developing your niche
- Requirements and guidance to take your new skill and tattoo others
- Thoughtful and constructive feedback on your homework and tattoos. You will be graduating from tattooing on yourself to tattooing on Marni for this training. Lots of feedback and support will be given throughout the tattoo.
- After completing Level 2, there will be scheduled check-ins to continue the conversations we began, to check your work and get feedback to continue to grow.
LEVEL 3 - MENTORSHIP
- This will be a personal invitation for those who have gone through Level 1 and Level 2 and have shown a high level of commitment, skill and desire to continue building upon your training.
- Marni will mentor you in-studio as you gain professional experience through apprenticeship.
- This will be tailored with the ultimate goal of you becoming a full on tattoo artist at Gratitude Tattoos!
Commitment & Cost
DATES: TBD (Winter/Spring of 2026)
Location: The Yurt, Cochrane AB
Cost:
Level 1: TBD
Level 2: TBD
What you will need:
LEVEL 1:
- Everything you need will be provided
LEVEL 2:
- An IPad and IPencil
- Download Procreate on your Ipad
Is it important to note that if you are endeavouring to design tattoos on yourself or others, you so need some artistic abilities.
I will announce further details when I am ready to launch!
For now, if you are interested in beginning your hand poked tattoo journey please fill out the form below.
How to apply
Please fill out the form below in detail (not jot notes, but full thoughtful answers).
I cannot wait to learn more about you, meet you and help launch you into this new adventure of hand poked tattoos!