For your first tattoo you'll want to keep it relatively small and simple. Remeber this is a tattoo so think it through!

It is very important that you clean and prep your skin using rubbing alcohol or antibacterial soap. If the area has a lot of hair you may need to shave.

Draw the image you have chosen directly onto the skin using a regular pen. Later, you will use this as a guide for your tattoo.

Wedge the non-pointy end of the needle into the pencil (between the eraser and the metal). Use fire to disinfect the tip. Once cool to the touch wrap the needle with string only leaving the end exposed (about 1.5cm).

Put ink into a jar lid. Dip the tip of the needle into the ink and make sure it is generously covered. String will act as a wick during the stick and poke as well. You may want paper towels handy also because the skin will bleed.

Take a deep breath. A stick and poke is essentially being prodded over and over with a small needle, it will hurt a bit! Before you dive in make sure the skin fully sanitized and taught. You will need to poke through the first couple of layers of skin and the needle should stick a little as you pull out. Wipe away blood and dip tip in ink repeatedly when necessary.

The tattoo may not be dark enough after just one pass, go over it again if you wish. The skin will swell a little while going over it the first time.

Get rid of excess ink from jar lid and dispose of needle and other supplies in a safe way. Never reuse a needle or other supplies.

Once your tattoo is finished be sure to clean the area once again and cover your skin (may use saran wrap or a bandage). After two hours remove the covering and apply non-scented lotion. Make sure you are using non-scented lotion that is safe for tattoos so as to preserve the ink as much as possible.