About

Sticknpoke

Max

About Me

I’m Max — a fine-line, handpoke tattoo artist creating clean, timeless tattoos meant to feel personal and intentional. I care deeply about the experience just as much as the design itself.

The Sunroom

I work out of The Sunroom — a quiet, light-filled studio designed for connection and calm. Located on Main St in Santa Monica, it’s just a couple blocks from the beach and intentionally created to feel warm, welcoming, and peaceful.

My Approach

Each tattoo is done entirely by hand — every line placed slowly, intentionally, and with care. Handpoke tattoos tend to feel less painful and more meditative than machine tattoos, and the healing is soft and natural. I focus on minimalist designs, fine details, and work that holds beautifully over time.

A person lying on a medical examination table with a healthcareworker attending to them in a room with brick walls, artwork on the walls, and medical equipment.

Hello, World!

FAQs

  • I book through a scheduling app that can be found on the heading bar of my website under “Schedule” or by clicking the “Book Now” button on my Instagram page. Each day automatically opens to book 4 weeks in advance. If you have questions about how long to book, please message me on Instagram or email me your desired design(s), size, and preferred placement. Please be detailed and attach reference photos with your initial message to help me get back to you as fast as possible.

  • Gently exfoliate and moisturize the areas you plan to get your tattoo during the week leading up to your appointment. Avoid sunburn, rash, dry skin, and irritation, as this can affect the application process and how well your tattoo heals. Stay hydrated and get a good night’s sleep the night before your appointment. Additional instructions are provided in the appointment confirmation email.

  • I price my work based on complexity of design, size, and placement. My appointment minimum is currently $250 per person receiving a tattoo. I am happy to discuss a range you can expect to pay once I have more information about what you are looking for.

  • I have all my available flash designs in the story highlights of my Instagram page. Most themed and “Still Life” flash sheet designs are non-repeatable, but all “Cute and Small” designs are repeatable. I am happy to do flash variations and custom designs as long as they match my art style and you are not requesting an exact copy of another artists work. I prefer to work in black and grey ink, but offer white, brown, red, blue and green inks for certain designs as well.

  • No, I currently take clients on an appointment-only basis

  • I require an $80 deposit per person receiving a tattoo. You will receive an email with payment instructions immediately after booking your appointment.

    The deposit goes towards the final price of your tattoo. Deposits are non-refundable, but you can reschedule up to 48 hours before your appointment without forfeiting your deposit. Any reschedule within 48 hours of your appointment is subject to a partial or full forfeit of your deposit. If you cancel your appointment without a rescheduled date and are not in contact with me, you may also forfeit your full deposit.

  • Yes, I have tattooed at holiday parties, industry events, weddings, anniversaries and birthdays! Some brands and venues I have worked with include Victoria’s Secret, For Love and Lemons, Aviator Nation, Calamigos Ranch, Soho House, Flora Farms, Assistants vs. Agents, BEADS by Tara, Öugie Gold, and more. Please contact me for more information on pricing and how to book me for an event.

  • All tattoos fade and disperse in the skin over time. Fine-line, handpoked tattoos may appear lighter as they age due to delicate line-work and less ink saturation. How your tattoo heals will mostly depend on your commitment to after-care. I will provide recommendations for size and placement to ensure the best chance of long-term healing. I take a lot of pride in my work and I want you to love it forever! If I believe your design or expectations are best suited for another artist, I’m happy to give you some recommendations.

  • Of course! We love company.