Today we’d like to introduce you to Hannah Nichols
Hi Hannah, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve been an artist for as long as I can remember! When I was a kid I was always creating something whether it was a drawing or an entire sculpture (made out of the most random household items of course haha). Fast forward to high school, the art room was my “safe space”. I had an awful high school experience as I was going through a lot at home as well as struggling socially at school, so the art room was where I spent most of my time. I would pour myself into each piece I created and used it as a way of coping with my difficult surroundings. I ended up graduating high school a year early and suddenly I was faced with the question “what now?”. I tried college many times, but it just didn’t feel like the right path for me. I cycled through many jobs, but none of them ever felt like the job for me. I continued to pour myself into my art but never thought I could do it for a living until one night I impulsively ordered a tattoo machine off of amazon. I had been getting tattoos since the moment I turned 18 and I was an artist, so I thought why not combine these two passions? The machine delivered the next day, along with a starter kit filled with what I now know to be absolutely terrible supplies. But it was a start! I started with fake skin for a while, then tried tattooing myself, then my friends. What started as a hobby suddenly became something I fell deeply in love with and I needed to know more. I eventually got an apprenticeship at a shop that taught me a lot, but unfortunately became an incredibly unhealthy environment for both learning and working long term. I ended up walking out to preserve my mental wellbeing. I wasn’t sure where to go from here. Tattooing was what I wanted to do with my life and I wasn’t going to stop now, however I needed a healthy and flexible work environment I could thrive in. I couldn’t see myself at a shop again. That’s when I decided it was time to fulfill my dream of owning a private studio. I worked day and night and spent every ounce of money I had to get this studio up and running. I can proudly say I built Baby Bear Tattoos from nothing and it has turned into more than I could have ever imagined. I am so thankful for where I am today.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The learning part was far from smooth. From my personal experience, many (not all) established people in the industry have a gatekeeping mindset which makes things harder for those of us wanting to learn. I’ve also experienced being treated differently just because I am a woman. Getting into this industry is not for the weak, but if you want it bad enough you can do it.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a tattoo artist specializing in black and grey fine line. I take a lot of my inspiration from paintings or religious art while also being inspired by oddities and curiosities. Really I can find inspiration almost anywhere! I am of course proud of my work, but I am most proud of making sure I have a welcoming space that is accessible and safe to all. All are welcome in my chair, however, hatred never is.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I see some huge changes happening in the industry already, so I have no idea where we will be in 5-10 years. I think it’s amazing how the younger generation is creating new styles, environments, and even the path itself to break into the industry. It’s important to not forget the history of tattooing, but also to keep moving forward and allowing it to grow and change.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
@aurasallaround took the red photo of me
