Interview

Written By Editorial Team

Hetty

Christine “Hetty” Hettinger is a 30-year-old tattoo artist based in Hanau, Germany. Originally from Schwäbisch Hall, Hetty began her tattooing journey while serving in the military, where she developed a deep passion for the art. After connecting with artists at her local tattoo shop, she was given the opportunity to learn and pursue tattooing as a career. Hetty trained in Göppingen and has since won over 15 awards at tattoo conventions, gaining recognition for her versatile style and technical skill. She travels internationally for her work, continuously expanding her craft and offering unique tattoos to clients around the world. Hetty’s work has been featured in numerous tattoo magazines, including La Voyage. With a focus on custom tattoos and flash designs, Hetty combines creativity and precision in every piece, always striving to tell a unique story through her art. Tattooing is more than a profession for Hetty - it’s a lifelong passion that continues to grow with each new project.

What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?

“I grew up in Schwäbisch Hall and joined the military after school. I was really into tattoos back then and spent a lot of time at a local tattoo shop getting work done. I became good friends with the artists there, and one day they asked me what I’d want to do if I wasn’t in the military - just out of curiosity. At the time, I never actually thought I’d leave. I told them that if I ever did something else, I’d love to become a tattoo artist. I had already tried to get into the only other shop in my area, but they turned me down. But the artists I had become friends with - the ones who were tattooing me - believed in me. I showed them my portfolio, and they offered to teach me. That was the beginning of it all. We’re still friends today, and I’m incredibly thankful they gave me that opportunity.”

What does your work aim to say? Does it comment on any current social or political issues?

“It can definitely be political. My ‘wanna-do’ designs and flash tattoos are often a reflection of whatever’s going on in my mind at the time. So if you look at the designs I create and offer, you’re basically getting a glimpse into my thoughts and emotions. But of course, a lot of the tattoos I do are also based on what clients request - so it’s a mix of both.”

Do you plan your work in advance, or is it improvisation?

“A bit of both. If clients have appointments, I definitely plan ahead. But when I get an idea for a flash or a wanna-do piece, I either write it down or start working on it right away. And when it comes to walk-ins, things can be more spontaneous - that’s part of the fun.”

“Tattooing is now at the center of my life - everything revolves around it. I even travel to different countries for work, which shows just how much it means to me.”

Are there any art world trends you are following?

“I guess you could say I have to follow some trends, like posting funny videos or engaging content on Instagram. Since most of our clients find us through social media, we kind of have to keep our accounts active. So, does that mean we’re also expected to be part-time marketers now?”

What process, materials and techniques do you use to create your artwork?

“I always use my tablet to create designs, which helps me plan everything out digitally before transferring it to skin. For materials, I rely on sterilized equipment like tattoo needles, inks, and tattoo machines. Sometimes, I also look at pictures or other artworks for inspiration. As for techniques, there are so many - it really depends on the style and the specific design I’m working on.”

 What does your art mean to you?

“It’s become my whole world. Tattooing is now at the center of my life - everything revolves around it. I even travel to different countries for work, which shows just how much it means to me.”

What’s your favourite artwork and why?

“It’s probably The Persistence of Memory, the melting watch. Time can feel like it slips away so quickly, and that painting really captures that sense of how time sometimes seems to just disappear. Time flies - or melts, however you want to see it.”

Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?

“I have also been published in La Voyage and many other magazines. I’m proud of that.”

 
Editorial Team
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