In Person Intro to Handpoke Workshop

• When: Sunday, November 30th, 2025 at 10:00am

• Schedule:
10:00am–12:00pm – Theory
12:00pm–1:00pm – Lunch break (BYOL)
1:00pm–6:00pm – Practice on fruit and optional self-handpoke tattoo

• Where: Tahanan Studio (310 E 5th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5T 1H4)

• Spots available: 10 participants

• Price: $200 (+GST)

• Something to take notes: a notebook and pen, or your phone.
• Lunch: bring your own, order in, or grab something nearby.
• Design(s): bring a simple design to practice on fruit and/or to tattoo on yourself — ideally no larger than 2 inches with clean, simple lines. I’ll also bring a selection of flash designs for anyone who’d like to use one.

About me

My name is Pifa Alarcón (@pifanida). I’m a queer handpoke tattoo artist based in Vancouver, BC, and I’ve been tattooing for over eight years. I love creating simple line tattoos, and realistic dot-work style designs. My favourite topics go from existentialism and space, to movies, art history and funny puns.

I love connecting with people and creating safe spaces to learn, heal, and grow together through creativity and presence. Teaching what I’ve learned over the past decade is one of my favourite ways to support others in exploring this craft safely and meaningfully.

Who is this workshop for?

This workshop was born from a desire to share a technique that can support both creative and personal processes. It’s open to anyone 18+, with no need for prior experience or artistic background.

It’s for those who want to learn something new, explore handpoke tattooing responsibly, and gain clear information in a safe, hygienic, and supportive environment — and, most importantly, to have a great time.

What you’ll learn

A mix of theory and hands-on practice — covering all the foundations you need to safely give yourself a handpoked tattoo (without a machine). I’ll demonstrate each step, and you’ll get to practice on fruit and, if you wish, on yourself. I’ll supervise and guide you throughout the process.

Theory:

• Introduction
• The skin
• Safety + hygiene
• The setup, Stencil
• Technique: Lines + Dotwork
• Supplies

Practice:

• How to set up
• Tattoo on fruit
• Optional self-tattoo

What’s Included

• All materials needed for the workshop
• Materials list with trusted suppliers
• Self-made tattoo (if you choose to handpoke yourself)

About handpoked tattoos

Tattooing began as a hand-made technique long before tattoo machines were invented. As it travelled west, it became associated with maritime and underground cultures, often carrying social stigma. In the 90s, the punk scene revived handpoke tattooing, though studios still weren’t always inclusive spaces.

Today, tattooing is undergoing a moment of openness and transformation. Handpoke is re-emerging as an accessible, intimate, and empowering form of self-expression. Learning this technique allows people to take ownership of their tattoo experience and connect with their bodies through care and intention.

Disclaimer

This Intro to Handpoke workshop does not certify you as a tattoo artist, just as attending a cooking class doesn’t make you a chef, or taking a photography workshop doesn’t make you a professional photographer.

This class is for anyone curious about tattooing themselves safely, or simply looking to learn something new in a creative and mindful environment.

Questions + contact

DM @pifanida or email pifacreates@gmail.com