Meet Hannah Hanstein | Tattoo Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hannah Hanstein and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hannah, we’d love to start by asking you about lessons learned. Is there a lesson you can share with us?
Motivation outweighs skill. When I started my tattooing journey, I had no formal art background—just a deep desire to create. I made it a habit to practice consistently, exploring different styles and mediums until I discovered tattooing, and I was instantly hooked. Perfection isn’t always possible, but that inner drive is what pushes me to keep growing with every piece. Where I once might have given up easily, tattooing has taught me patience, presence, and the power of focusing on what’s right in front of me.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I got into tattooing very much on a whim. In the beginning, I never imagined it would turn into a full-time career—but every day, I’m thankful it did. I was incredibly lucky to land an apprenticeship at a well-known shop in my hometown, and over the three years I spent there, I gained more than just technical skills—I learned the value of grit. There will be slow weeks, when you’re relying on a single client to get by, but it’s the love for the craft that keeps you going. Clients come and go, but they’ll return—especially if you stay consistent and give yourself the chance to grow.

I also learned how important it is to explore. In the art world, there are so many styles and mediums to experiment with, and that freedom to try new things is what ultimately led me to tattooing. If I hadn’t spent time with pottery, fiber arts, oil paints, mixed media, etc, I may never have found the medium that truly felt like home.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Start your day with a cup of coffee from Black Dog Cafe, then stroll around Lake Ella—follow the geese or explore the charming cottages featuring handmade art, sustainable fashion, and work by local artists. Make it a full-day experience by getting a tattoo from one of Tallahassee’s many talented shops, each offering a unique style to match your vibe. In the evening, treat yourself to dinner at one of our standout local spots—go fancy at Black Radish or The Huntsman, or keep it casual at Bird’s Aphrodisiac Shack or The Bark. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a live local band and end your day on the perfect note.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My shoutout rightfully goes to my parents. In a family where I’m the only one with tattoos, it would have been easy for them to reject the path I chose—especially given how many I now have. But instead of turning away, they embraced my journey from the very beginning. They proudly share my artwork on Facebook, brag to coworkers as if I’ve cured a disease, and never miss a chance to show their support. While I’m lucky to be surrounded by an incredible art community here in Tallahassee, my parents remain the core of my inspiration and drive.

Website: https://www.luckybluetattoo.com/

Instagram: @pokeurbrainsout

Image Credits
Aria Rezaian