A makeshift device constructed using a standard writing instrument as its core, this tool employs the pen’s ink delivery system for skin pigmentation. Typically, a small motor, often scavenged from common electronics, drives the pen’s ballpoint mechanism, creating a reciprocating motion that deposits ink subdermally.
The accessibility of its components makes this type of device appealing to individuals seeking low-cost tattooing methods. This practice, however, carries significant risks. Lack of sterility, inconsistent ink depth, and difficulty in controlling the instrument can lead to infections, scarring, and aesthetically undesirable results. While historical precedents for improvised tattooing tools exist, utilizing modern writing instruments for this purpose is a relatively recent phenomenon, often associated with incarceration or other resource-limited environments. The rise of online tutorials and social media documentation has contributed to its increased visibility.
