Interview with Hannah Willison

Hannah Willison is a travelling artist who creates bright and bold gemetric tattoos featuring every aspect of nature. We chat to Hannah about her experimental style and what inspires her work… 

How long have you been tattooing? How did you get into it? Five years so far. I was offered an apprenticeship at a local studio in Exeter. After a year, the owner decided he didn’t want another tattoo artist. So, I left that studio and set up a market stall selling my own graphic t-shirts and hand painted converse. One day when I was working on the stall, the owner of another local studio approached me. She really liked the artwork I’d painted on the shoes, and asked if I’d ever considered becoming a tattoo artist. She offered me an apprenticeship on the spot. The opportunity was a gift from the universe, and I was grateful for the second chance. So, I closed my stall and the rest is history.

What were you doing before? I was working as a model in London and internationally.

Do you have a background in art? I attended an art foundation course and dropped out after a month. I didn’t pursue further education after that. I’m pretty much self taught. Drawing and painting has always been a form of self expression for me, something I’ve always enjoyed doing in my spare time.

How would you describe your style? It’s hard for me to pin-point a particular style. I like to mix and collage monotone illustrations with coloured graphic/geometric elements. My style of work is constantly evolving and changing. Each new design is a process of discovery.

What kinds of things do you like to tattoo and draw? Up until now I’ve mostly drawn, painted, and tattooed animal designs. As a vegan I like exploring themes related to our connection with nature, and concepts related to human and animal consciousness.

What inspires you? Nature. Everything related to the natural world interests me. Also travelling. I take inspiration from what I see, i.e. old architecture and street art.

I’ve recently joined The London Library, and feel like a child in a sweet shop when I’m there. I’ve fallen in love with their old collection of 18th century books. I enjoy looking through vintage natural history illustrations. Aside from this, I like the ‘Lowbrow’ art scene- Mark Ryden, Lori Earley, Tara Mcpherson are a few artists I admire.

Do you have any guest spots planned or conventions? Yes, I plan to travel a lot in 2016. I will continue to guest at The Family Business in London, I’ll also be working in Berlin, France, and New York.

Can you tell us about your own tattoos? I have a dotwork sleeve by Tomas at Into You.This was my first piece and it’s my only piece at the moment.