Here at nexus, we want to explore the world of young creatives in Aotearoa. From artists to dancers, musicians to writers, we want to hear all about the journey that led you to where you are now. 

To start the year off with the best vibes, we’ve been in contact with Wellington-based tattoo artist Hanne De Ridder. Originally from Belgium, Hanne moved to New Zealand with her family at just twelve years old. Now at twenty-five, Hanne has opened up her own private studio in Wellington CBD, and we’re keen to know how she did it.

Starting off with a bit of a hard-hitter, what exactly inspired you to become a tattoo artist? 

“I have always been very into art. Most of my chosen subjects at school were painting, printmaking, and art and design courses. I would skip my maths classes and lunchtimes to go and sit in the art room, and even after school I would often sit there for a few extra hours before going home. I honestly just loved it.

Despite all of this, I never really knew what career path my art and design would take me until one day my mum mentioned tattooing as a career; it just kinda stuck and I snowballed from there.”

Do you remember the first tattoo you did? If so, how did it feel to see your work for the first time?

“Yes! My very first tattoo was a silver fern on my mum’s foot. I think because I was so young, 17 at the time, I honestly just thought it was really cool! It was a private studio in Otaki where I had been watching for a few weeks and learning about all of the hygiene and equipment, so being able to do my first tattoo in a calm and peaceful environment was honestly just the best experience. I loved it. From that point onwards, I knew that was the pathway I would go down one day in my life.”

I saw on your Instagram that you graduated from university with a Bachelor of Design (majoring in industrial design). How much did your studies help you to become the artist that you are today?

“It’s so interesting that you ask this question because I was having this conversation with my family a few weeks ago. I believe Massey University, especially with a Bachelor of Design, is a very self-dependent study, so when it comes to running a small business, it has taught me how to be independent, to time manage and self-motivate. 

Group projects were a major part of my studies which has helped me massively in working on projects together with my clients, understanding how to work together on creative ideas, and how to communicate putting concepts onto paper and onto their skin. 

When it comes to my art, composition and creating simplicity in an object/design was an important aspect in our Industrial Design study. My lecturer would always say “simplify, simplify, simplify- simplicity is key”. Simplifying a design to its most simple and pure form was often the most aesthetic and appealing to the eye, so I would say it has definitely shaped the way I visualise art and design. Most of my tattoo designs are quite simple with often just a main element and maybe one or two additional accessories.”

How did you get started in the industry, and how has your journey been into the industry?

“As mentioned before, I did my first tattoo when I was 17, but then decided to go to university because getting a degree was also important to me at the time. When finishing university, tattooing was still very much at the forefront of my mind, so I worked as a barista/front-of-house at Mojo Coffee for a little while whilst trying to create a drawing portfolio to then hand into tattoo studios around Wellington in the hope of finding an apprenticeship. 

Finding an apprenticeship proved to be difficult. I ended up in a home studio in Titahi Bay for a few weeks, as well as in a studio in Wellington for a few months, however they were both not long-term positions. At this point, I definitely felt a little lost and unsure where to go next, so I thought “why not take a leap of faith and just start my own studio”. Truthfully, it did take me a little while to get into this mindset as I was quite unsure and questioning everything.I pressed on, and I renovated one of the spare rooms at my parents’ house into a small tattoo space and started tattooing friends and family for free or a small price. Word of mouth and Instagram started getting me clients who I took on in the evenings and weekends. I continued this for a few months until I moved to a tattoo studio up North. 

I was fortunate enough to land a junior artist position at Figure9 Studio in Cambridge where I learned most of the ins handouts of the industry. I was able to blossom into finding my art style, meet like-minded people, and learn how to be self-employed. Moving into a studio was honestly the best thing I could have done for myself. 

I would say it’s an industry where you definitely have to keep putting yourself out there. Do your research, continue drawing and upskilling yourself, don’t be afraid to ask questions and reach out to people, and go to as many tattoo conventions/events as you can as this is where you can watch people at work and meet other artists in the industry.”

Can you describe your artistic style?

“As of right now, I love practising micro-realism. I love tattooing micro-realism animals, especially marine and wildlife. I also love tattooing skulls. When it comes to design, keeping the design simple without adding too many additional elements if not needed.

However, your style is forever changing which I find one of the most exciting parts about this industry. As you evolve and grow, so does your style and ideas.”

What has been your favourite tattoo to design?

“Two skulls in a love heart. Compositionally it looks fun and pleasing to the eye, and it nicely translates into a tattoo.”

Who are your artistic influences or inspirations?

“There are many, many artists that I look up to. Instagram is definitely one of the best tools for finding artists. Everyday I find someone new that I look up to. Babyjakk.tattooer, Krapiva Tattoo, Goldy, Adri Reigada, and Deanna Art are only a few of the many brilliant tattoo artists that have inspired me. And, often not only for their art, but also the way they run their business and their social media platforms, and the new and innovative ways they find to up-skill themselves and create more interesting art. 

As well, the artists at Figure9 Studio massively inspire me. It is where I gained most of my knowledge, so I look up to them a lot.”

What would you say your favourite style is to get on yourself? 

“I would say, as of right now, I love illustrative fine line, micro-realism, and fine line floral designs. However, the beauty of tattoos is that you do not have to stick to just one style; as you move through life and get more tattoos, your style might change. My legs are fully bare right now, so I am loving the idea of getting old school traditional tattoos to create a patchwork sticker leg sleeve.”

How do you like to unwind after a long session?

“Truly, my favourite way to unwind is walking back to Wellington train station from the studio and catching the train home. I will often just sit there in silence for half an hour or listen to a podcast. When home, I love to do a workout or go for a walk and then cook a healthy meal.”

When designing tattoos, do you look at what is trending in the community, or do you solely stick to your own style? Is it perhaps a mix of both?

“Definitely a mix of both. I would say, with being pretty new into the industry, finding trending ideas is really helpful. It is a great way to find clients and build a  trusting client base. I do however love working with my own style. I love it when clients are open to me adding my own touch and creativity because it means I can continue to further explore my own artistic path. 

I am still very much in the process of exploring my own style. I am solely practising black and grey tattoos at the moment (sometimes add a little touch or red ink, but not often), but later on in my career, I would love to explore colour as well.”

You’ve recently opened up your own studio (so exciting!). How have you managed the adjustment from being an employee to being your own boss?

“You somewhat are self-employed as soon as you start into the industry. Even being in a studio, you find your own clients, run at your own time schedule, buy most of your equipment (apart from disposables), and create your own designs. But you no longer have a studio to advertise you, so you become responsible for all of your own advertisement and really have to put yourself and your work out there.

I think the biggest transition is that it is just me, myself, and I. I do not have the other artists to fall back on for advice or artist creativity. I miss the companionship, but it’s all about taking on small steps at a time when starting a small business- everything will come with time! I am definitely excited to work with other artists again in the future.”

Lastly, what advice would you give to someone who is getting their first tattoo? 

“Firstly, I would say go to an artist that you feel comfortable with. Do your research and find someone whose style is something that you like and align with, send them an email or set up an in-person consultation, and see if it is someone that you connect and feel comfortable with. From there. You will be able to feel a sense of trust. 

It’s also very important to trust the process. When both you and the artist are at ease, feel comfortable with each other, and can crack some jokes, you will create the best work together. 

Lastly, but also very important, don’t overthink it and don’t thrive for perfection. I think the most beautiful part of a tattoo is that it is so imperfectly perfect. That is the beauty of this art form, that absolute perfection doesn’t exist- it’s all handmade.”

We are so thrilled to be able to chat with Hanne about her journey in the tattoo industry and gain an insight into and appreciation of her work. It’s always inspiring to see young creatives taking on challenges like hers and being able to accomplish what they love. Best of luck to you, Hanne! Hopefully we can get the chance to chat again in the future.